Flatiron Reservoir
Spring, 2011, Construction Project to Improve Shoreline Fishing Access: Fishing access to Flatiron Reservoir is currently restricted to the southern side of the reservoir. Over use of the southwest portion of this popular area led to eroding banks and steep slopes. Access became increasingly difficult and even dangerous. This project provides 4 safe access points for anglers, which allows banks to stabilize and re-vegetation to occur. Made possible by “Fishing is Fun” grant (CDOW) and The Loveland Fishing Club.
This quiet, 47-acre reservoir is surrounded by 200 acres of public lands. It’s a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and family camping. Swimming and boating are not allowed here, but nearby Carter Lake offers both!
As part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation, the reservoir is jointly operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District who manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use. Larimer County manages recreation.
Flatiron Reservoir requires entrance and camping permits, and is open year round. At 5,470 feet in elevation, it is a few miles northwest of Carter Lake, southwest of Loveland, Colorado, and northwest of Berthoud, Colorado.
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the
Regulations Brochure.
- No boating allowed.
- Swimming is prohibited except at the swim beach at Carter Lake at Dam 2.
- No access to the southeast side, or the dam, due to Homeland Security restrictions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
- Collection of firewood, including cutting of trees and branches is not allowed.
- Firearms or fireworks are prohibited.
- Glass containers are not allowed.
- Public consumption of alcohol above 3.2% is prohibited (no kegs allowed).
- Dogs must be on leashes not longer than 10 feet at all times. Dogs are not allowed at the swim beach.
- Electrical, tent, camper cabins.
- Campground host on duty during the summer.
- April - October, you can reserve sites at Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, and Pinewood Lake. November - March most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A permit to camp is required for each campsite for each night (in addition to Park Entrance Permits).
- Maximum of 14 nights in any 30-day period.
- Required of all visitors.
- Valid at Blue Sky Trailhead, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (including Soderberg Open Space), Horsetooth Reservoir, Pinewood Reservoir, Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, and Estes Park Campgrounds at Mary's Lake and East Portal.
- Annual Park Entrance Permits (valid for the calendar year) are available at The Bison Visitor Center, at entrance stations prior to entering the park, at the Citizen Information Center, at nearby retail outlets, and online.
- Daily Park Entrance Permits (valid from day of purchase until noon the next day) are available at The Bison Visitor Center and at entrance stations and self-serve stations prior to entering the parks and open lands.
- No ice fishing - ice is UNSAFE due to water fluctuations.
- Stocked with rainbow trout several times during the spring and fall months. Anglers have luck fishing from the shoreline with baits and spinners.
- Flatiron is the afterbay of power plants. Water goes up and down daily depending on the power and water demands that day.
- Pay attention to the posted high water signs.
- Stay off the spillway!
- Weekdays during the summer - plenty of room for camping.
- Weekends during the summer - capacity is usually reached.