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Carter Lake Conditions

Current Conditions

Park Elevation 5760'
Report Last Updated: 11/7/2009
These reports are updated only when conditions change
photo from Park
Peregrine Falcon at Carter Lake
Park Situation

No hunting allowed at any time.  No weapons of any kind are allowed including BB guns, Air Soft guns, and Paint Ball guns.

The swim beach  is now closed for the season.  The water temperature is dropping rapidily so please use caution when on the water.  Starting November 1st the boat ramps will only be open on Saturday and Sunday.   Please observe all signs and Park Regulations for your safety and enjoyment. 

The Sundance Trail is about three miles long and transverses the west side of the reservoir running north and south from the Southshore campground to the North Pines campground.  Terrain is rocky. Trails may be muddy at times.    It has  been a busy bear season and several have been spotted in the Chimney Hollow area west of Carter Lake.  BE BEAR AWARE!

Current Fire Danger Level - LOW 
Call the hotline at (970)679-4554 for immediate changes.


Fishing Conditions

The Kokanee Salmon have not shown their presence of a spawn yet.  Stay tuned here as we will notify if they are running.  There have not been very many fisher's with the recent cold weather so no new reports are in.   The best bet for Rainbow Trout is still power bait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers.  Spinners have been reported as working well lately on the trout.   The best  walleye reports are from boat fisher's who advise that the best times are early morning and just before sunset.   The daily limit on walleye is one per day, between 16 and 20 inches.   Larger or smaller fish must be returned to the water immediately.  No new reports on bass fishing.  
THERE IS NO ICE FISHING AT CARTER LAKE, FLATIRON, OR PINEWOOD.   

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Water Level & Boat Ramps

The reservoir is about 44 feet below maximum now and is holding steady for now.   For your safety please follow all regulations.

The state Zebra Mussle inspection hours of operation will change on Nov. 1 st.  The boat ramps will only be open on Saturday and Sunday  depending on weather and ice conditions.    All boats that are transported on trailors must be inspected before launching. This includes PWC's (jetskis).

The hours of operation for November 1st thru February 28th 2010 will be:

Monday thru Friday :  All ramps closed (Boats cannot be launched without an inspection)

Saturday and Sunday :  8 am to 9 am and 12 pm to 1 pm  (depending on weather and ice conditions) -  North ramp only will be open.


Water Elevation

Maximum Elevation - 5,759 ft.
Current Elevation - 5,714.4 ft.
Temperature -checks for winter season are done.


Carter Lake Marina

The Marina Store is now closed for the season.  Please call 970-667-1062 for questions.


Camping

The dump station at Gate 1, on County Road 8E, and is the only one in the Carter, Flatiron, Pinewood area and is now closed for the season.    All  Camp Hosts have left for the season.  The reservation system will still be used until November 1st.  After that time sites will be on a first come basis, except upper Eagle Campground may be reserved.  Starting October 1st the winter rates take effect.  All electric sites will drop to $15.00, making ALL campsites the same rate.  The two cabins at Flatiron will drop from $60.00 to $30.00 for the winter.  Self-serve permits are available as usual for vehicles. Gate 1 and Gate 2 are closed for the season.  Self serve vehicle permits will be available at the kiosk's next to the gatehouse. Camping fees will be collected by a Ranger.

Carter Knolls campground, lower Eagle campground, and Windy Pines campground are closed for the season.

The swim beach is now closed for the season.  Observe the signs and follow Parks regulations for your safety.    Be safe and please observe all posted signs and Park regulations.
 

AS THE RESERVOIR'S FREEZE FOR THE WINTER PLEASE REMEMBER TO STAY OFF THE ICE.  THE WATER LEVEL'S FLUCTUATE IN THE WINTER CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITIONS.   NO ICE RECREATION OR ICE FISHING IS ALLOWED FOR YOUR SAFETY.


Wildlife

A Bald Eagle has been seen often over Flatiron Reservoir and over the Bison Visitor Center leading us to believe there is a nest somewhere in the Chimney Hollow area.    There are also a lot of  deer in the area so be careful when driving thru the Park as they are often close to the road.   There have been recent sightings of Black Bears in the Pinewood area and off CR 18E.  Please keep a safe distance if you spot one and notify Park officials. When camping keep food items secure and your camp cleaned up.

 


Park Events

See our Upcoming Events section at www.larimer.org/naturalresources/


Activities
See the Parks and Open Lands Event Calendar