> Departments > Natural Resources > Park Areas > Horsetooth Reservoir > Conditions

Horsetooth Reservoir Conditions

Current Conditions

Park Elevation 5430'
Report Last Updated: 1/30/2012
These reports are updated only when conditions change

Deer above Horsetooth Reservoir

Park Situation

***ALL BOAT RAMPS AT HORSETOOTH WILL BE CLOSED BOTH FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WINTER MONTHS DUE TO STAFFING AND WEATHER RELATED ISSUES. THE BOAT RAMPS WILL OPEN AGAIN IN THE SPRING ON A DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED***

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

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

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.

Horsetooth Reservoir: Inlet Bay, and South Bay Boat Ramps
April 1 - September 30, 2011:	6 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
October 1 - October 31, 2011:	South Bay 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days a week, weather permitting. Inlet Bay boat ramp CLOSED for the season starting 10/17/11

* November 1 - March 31, 2011:	South Bay boat ramp only 8 a.m. to1 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays as weather and ice conditions allow.
Horsetooth Reservoir: Satanka Boat Ramp
April 1 - September 18, 2011:	6 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7 days a week
September 19 - October 30, 2011: OCTOBER 31st until next Spring:	6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday; Closed Monday thru Thursday CLOSED FOR SEASON

** PLEASE NOTE The changes to the inspection hours at the Satanka boat ramp **

Water Elevation

Maximum water elevation = 5,430 ft. above sea level.
Current water elevation = 5,414.6 ft. feet above sea level.

Percent Full = 81%

Current Water Temperature = 32 Degrees

Camping

Inlet Bay Campground is closed for the season. South Bay will be open for camping through the winter. You may reserve a campsite 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 October 1st, 2011 until April 1st, 2012, camping will be at off-peak prices. This means that off peak camping prices are now available. Please see the below pricing for camping at Horsetooth Reservoir:

Non-Electric Campsites: $15.00

Electic Campsites: $15.00

Full Hookup Campsite: $20.00

Camper Cabins: $30.00

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