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Horsetooth Reservoir Conditions

Current Conditions

For up-to-date information straight from the field:

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Park Elevation 5430'
Report Last Updated: 5/8/2012
These reports are updated only when conditions change

photo from Park
Deer above Horsetooth Reservoir
Park Situation

PLEASE NOTE: Boating access at Horsetooth Reservoir is dependant upon weather, ice conditions, and boat inspector staffing. If there is any ice on the reservoir, or there are no inspectors at the ramps it will be CLOSED for ALL BOATING ACCESS! .  

 
 
For the latest information about Horsetooth recreation access and closures, call the Horsetooth Hotline at (970) 679-4554.

 

 

 


Fishing Conditions

REMINDER: THE ANNUAL WALLEYE SPAN IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY IN THE INLET CHANNEL OF INLET BAY.  FISHING IN THE INLET OF HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM MARCH 15TH - MAY 31ST. THERE ARE SIGNS AS WELL AS A "NO FISHING" BUOY IN THE CLOSURE AREA DESIGNATING THE SPECIFIC AREA THAT IS CLOSED.

 

Effective January 2011, Horsetooth Reservoir has returned to statewide regulations and bag limits for walleye. What does this mean to you? There is no longer a minimum and/or maximum size for walleye, with the bag limit remaining at 5.

The minimum sizes for smallmouth remains at 12inches in length.  

For more current conditions and stocking reports please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/

 

Send and receive messages from fellow fishermen and gain precious fishing knowledge!  Join us at these fishing forums: www.fishexplorer.com and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fishlarimer

 

 

 


Water Level & Boat Ramp

THE BELOW HOURS REFLECT THE PLANNED BOATING HOURS FOR LARIMER COUNTY FOR THE 2012 SEASON. THESE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDANT UPON WEATHER, STAFFING, AND FUNDING.

Horsetooth Reservoir
March 31st – October 31st
South Bay Boat Ramps
6:00am – 10:00pm 7 days a week
March 31st – October 31st
Inlet Bay Boat Ramp
6:00am – 10:00pm 7 days a week
March 31st – October 31st
Satanka Boat Ramps
6:00am – 10:00pm 7 days a week

 ** PLEASE NOTE 

Currently, the reservoir's water levels are fluctuating significantly. PLEASE NOTE, WATER LEVELS MAY INCREASE / DECREASE OVER A FOOT OR MORE IN A 24HR PERIOD. 

 

 


Water Elevation

Maximum water elevation = 5,430  ft. above sea level.
Current water elevation = 5,421 ft. feet above sea level.

Percent Full = 88.7%

Current Water Temperature = 49 Degrees on the south end of the reservoir, 50 Degrees on the north end of the reservoir


Camping

 

Both the South Bay Campground and the Inlet Bay Campground are open and available for use. You may reserve a campsite or Cabin in South Bay or Inlet Bay by calling 1-800-397-7795 or by visiting www.larimercamping.com. If you do not have a reservation, nightly camping is available directly from rangers in the field.

Effective April 1st, 2012, camping prices have returned to the normal amount. Please see the below pricing for camping at Horsetooth Reservoir:

Non-Electric Campsites: $15.00
Electic Campsites: $25.00
Full Hookup Campsite: $30.00
Camper Cabins: $60.00
Boat-in Campsites: $20.00

 

All campsites and cabins in South Bay, Inlet Bay, and boat-in campsites are available on our reservation system - (800)397-7795 or www.larimercamping.com.  


Wildlife

This time of year we have many deer, foxes, and coyotes in the area.  Please use caution while driving. 


Park Events

See the Event Calander for additional activities: http://larimer.org/naturalresources/parks_calendar.cfm


Activities
See the Parks and Open Lands Event Calendar