ChatfieldState Park - Colorado |
Chatfield State Park is a state park located in Douglas and Jefferson counties of Colorado, United States. The park centers on Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,423 acre surface area lake fed by the South Platte River and two other creeks, including Plum Creek.
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Guide to Colorado State Parks. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Guide to Colorado State Recreation Lands. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Chatfield SP
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Chatfield
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatfield_State_Park
Chatfield State Park is a state park located in Douglas and Jefferson counties of Colorado, United States. The park centers on Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,423 acre surface area lake fed by the South Platte River and two other creeks, including Plum Creek.
Trails
Over 26 miles of hard surface and natural trails wind through
the Chatfield area and provide Park visitors with an abundance
of opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Trails are
available for hiking, biking, dog walking, horseback riding and
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Many trails
are mobility device friendly. Download a four-color Chatfield Trail
Use map at: http:///cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Chatfield
Picnicking
Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills are located
throughout the park. Individual sites are available on a first-come
first-served basis. Group Picnic sites are available by reservation
through the Park office 303-791-7275.
Passes, Permits
A Colorado State Park pass is required year-round on all
vehicles entering the park. Campers are required to have a
valid camping permit in addition to a park pass. Visitors
who use the Dog-Off-Leash Area are required to have a
DOLA pass in addition to the park pass.
Park passes are available at the entrance stations, park office
and the campground office. Self serve stations accepting
cash or check only are available when stations and offices
are not manned.
Camping
The Chatfield campground offers 197 individual campsites.
All sites have an electrical RV hook-up (20-30-50 amp) service,
a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. In addition, 146 sites are
considered full hook-up, and offer water and sewer connections,
seasonally. Shower and flush comfort stations are located
throughout the campground. A
sewage dump station is located
near the campground for use
by registered campers. A fee
is charged for non-registered
campers to use the facility. It
is illegal to dump wastewater,
including dishwater and sewage,
anywhere else.
A camping permit is required
in addition to a Parks pass for
persons using the campground.
Immediate occupancy of a site
is required. Campers may only stay a maximum of 14 days in a
45-day period. Quiet hours are observed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
and generators may not be operated during quiet hours.
Due to popularity, camping reservations are recommended.
Reservations can be made online at www.cpw.state.co.us or
by calling 1-800-244-5613. Reservations are available in D
Loop year round. Reservations for A and B Loops are typically
available mid-April through mid-October and C Loop is
typically available mid-April through the end of November.
Reservations can be made a maximum of 6 months and
minimum of three days in advance.
Group campsites are available for
reservation through our park office at
303-791-7275.
Wildlife
Chatfield’s acres of prairie and riparian
areas provide habitat to a multitude of
wildlife species. Over 345 species of
birds have been sighted at the park. A
Watchable Wildlife kiosk is located on
top of the dam and provides information on key places within
the Park to see wildlife. Beaver and muskrat are often seen in the
Park’s wetland and pond areas. Whitetail, mule deer, coyotes, fox
and bear live or feed in the area. Less developed, natural areas of
the park are located on the south side along the Plum Creek and
Platte River. Park programs and interpretive walks are offered
throughout the year. A schedule of activities can be found on the
website or by contacting the park office.
Fishing
In addition to a healthy population of trout and bass, Chatfield
has walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill,
sunfish, and carp. The reservoir is periodically stocked with
rainbow trout and other fish. Springtime presents superb walleye
and trout opportunities, while bass, perch, crappie and catfish are
most frequently caught during the summer. Ice fishing is usually
under-way by mid-December. Check the Park website and at the
entrance for current conditions.
An accessible fishing pier is located near the marina on the east
side of the lake. An accessible trail provides access to the South
Platte River.
Dog Off-Leash Area
The fenced Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) at the north end of
the park provides dog enthusiasts with 69-acres of space for
exercising their pets. The Chatfield
DOLA includes walking trails,
two small ponds, two parking lots
and restrooms. An annual DOLA
pass ($20) or a daily DOLA ($2) is
required, in addition to a park pass.
Pets must be under voice control
while inside the DOLA and on a
leash while walking between vehicles
and the entrance to the DOLA.
Leashed pets are allowed throughout
the park except at the swim beach. Owners are required to
clean up and dispose of pet waste throughout the park.
US Army Corps
of Engineers
©CPW
©DICK VOGEL
©CPW/JERRY NEAL
Horseback Riding
Horse trailer parking, corrals, unloading ramps and a trailhead
are located on the Park’s west side, south of the Deer Creek
entrance. Horses are available for rent at the Chatfield Stables,
located south west of the swim beach. Riders must stay on
designated trails. Horses are prohibited at picnic sites, campsite,
the swim beach and along the reservoir shoreline
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
Chatfield State Park
W I L D L I F E
FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Who we are
Chatfield State Park is truly one of Colorado’s full-service outdoor recreation areas. We offer traditional outdoor
activities such as picnicking, boating, swimming, bicycling, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and camping. We also
offer recreational pursuits that may be more unique to the area, such as open water swim practice, hot air ballooning, remote control model
airplane flying, and off-leash dog exercise. Nestled against the foothills southwest of Denver, the park is a “hot-spot” for all things recreation.
Visitors to Chatfield State Park spend over $48.9 million annually at local businesses.1
Top attractions
•
Campgrounds located near hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, with opportunities for wildlife viewing
•
Numerous water recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, paddle boarding and swimming
•
A unique chance to fly a model airplane or go for a ride in a hot air balloon
Our partners
•
Audubon Society of Greater Denver
•
Jeffco Aeromodelers
•
Centennial Water & Sanitation
District
•
Lockheed Martin
•
Chatfield Ballooning Association
•
South Suburban Parks & Recreation
•
Chatfield Marina
•
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
•
Chatfield Stables
•
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
•
Denver Water
•
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
•
Highlands Ranch Metro District
•
Sterling Ranch - Chatfield Community Association
Challenges we face
•
The Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project (CSRP), which will reallocate
20,600 acre feet of water storage (approximately 12 ft.) for municipal and
industrial water supply and other purposes (i.e., agriculture, environmental
restoration, recreation and fishery habitat protection and enhancement),
will have major impacts on the swim beach, marina and other park facilities
and infrastructure. It will also result in the loss of 587 acres of land due to
increased fluctuations in the levels of the reservoir.
•
Encroaching development is resulting in increased issues with trails, roads,
facilities and public safety. There is significant concern regarding impacts to
wildlife, development of social trails, light pollution and degradation of the
viewscape and natural areas.
Volunteer activities
•
Volunteer opportunities include serving as naturalists; campground hosts; trail hosts; natural resource, maintenance and office support;
and Dog-Off-Leash-Area ambassadors.
•
Annual volunteer recruitment open houses provide those interested with a chance to learn about all of the different opportunities available
at the park.
•
Other volunteer activities include Eagle Scout projects, large group projects and cooperative projects with the Audubon Society of
Greater Denver.
1Source:
Corona Research, Colorado State Parks Marketing Assessment, “Visitor Spending Analysis 2008-2009” (adjusted for inflation).
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
KEN PAPALEO//HIGH COUNTRY COLORING
•
11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-7275 • chatfield.park@state.co.us
Park Manager: Scott Roush
As of June 30, 2017
Manager’s message
Over the next several years, the way Chatfield looks may be changing, but not the recreational opportunities that we offer. As the area surrounding the park continues to change, protecting the resources of the park will become even more important. The Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project is currently underway, and it will benefit everyone along the Front Range by helping to meet the water demands of a growing
population. With the project’s planned recreational and environmental mitigation, Chatfield will remain a top destination for generations to
come. The Chatfield Staff invites you to come out and enjoy everything we have to offer.
Visitation
Annual: 1,708,113
Geography
Region: Northeast
County: Jefferson, Douglas
and Arapahoe
Year Acquired: 1975
Elevation: 5,430 ft
Miles From Denver: 15
Facilities
3 Boat Ramps
Boat Rental
Dump Station
4 Group Picnic Areas
Laundry
Marinas (seasonal)
Mooring/Docking
139 Picnic Sites
Showers (coin-operated)
Stables (year-round)
Acreage
Total Acres: 5,831
Governmental
US Cong Dist: 2nd & 4th
CO Senate: 16th, 26th & 30th
CO House: 22nd, 25th, 39th, & 43rd
Trails
Biking: 25.4 miles
Hiking: 26.7 miles
Horseback: 7.9 miles
Cross Country Skiing/
Snowshoeing: 26.7 miles
Total: 26.7 miles
Employees
Permanent: 16
Temporary: 57
Volunteers: 342
Volunteer Hours: 20,317
Roads
Paved: 33.3 miles
Unpaved: 1.6 miles
Recreation
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Ice Fishing
Jet Skiing
Ranger/Nature Programs
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Swimming
Walking
Water Skiing
Wildlife/Bird Viewing
Winter Camping
Camping
Campsites (electrical, seasonal): 51
Campsites (full-hookup, seasonal): 102
Campsites (full-hookup/electrical Nov-April): 44
Group Facilities (year-round): 10
Walden
Fort
Collins
Craig H
M
M
M
S
VESPER SPARROW
Lark Bunting
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper
Sparrow
SONG SPARROW
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated
Sparrow
Harris’s Sparrow
White-crowned
Sparrow
DARK-EYED JUNCO
Lapland Longspur
Brant
Trumpeter Swan
Greater White-fronted
Goose
Snow Goose
Y
Ross’ Goose
M
Eurasian Wigeon
W
Greater Scaup
M
Long-tailed Duck
(Oldsquaw)
W
Surf Scoter
W
Barrow’s Goldeneye
American Swallow-tailed
W
Kite
W
Mississippi Kite
Harris’s Hawk
Grosbeaks & Bunting
Red-shouldered Hawk
M Rose-breasted
Northern Bobwhite
Grosbeak
Dusky Grouse
S Black-headed Grosbeak Sandhill Crane
S Blue Grosbeak
Black-bellied Plover
S Lazuli Bunting
American Golden Plover
S Indigo Bunting
Snowy Plover
Piping Plover
Blackbirds & Orioles
Black-necked Stilt
Y RED-WINGED
Upland Sandpiper
BLACKBIRD
Whimbrel
Y WESTERN MEADOWLong-billed Curlew
LARK
Hudsonian Godwit
S Yellow-headed Blackbird Common Snipe
S Brewer’s Blackbird
Ruddy Turnstone
S COMMON GRACKLE
White-Rumped Sandpiper
S Brown-headed Cowbird
Red-necked Phalarope
S BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
Red Phalarope
Parasitic Jaeger
Finches
Black-legged Kittiwake
Y HOUSE FINCH
Long-tailed Jaeger
W Pine Siskin
Laughing Gull
S Lesser Goldfinch
Mew Gull
Y American Goldfinch
Iceland Gull
M Evening Grosbeak
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Oldworld Sparrow
Glaucous Gull
Y HOUSE SPARROW
Sabine’s Gull
Caspian Tern
INFREQUENTLY SEEN
Least Tern
SPECIES
Long-billed Murrelet
Red-throated Loon
Ancient Murrelet
Yellow-billed Loon
Band-tailed Pigeon
Clark’s Grebe
White-winged Dove
Brown Pelican
Black-billed Cuckoo
American Bittern
Barn Owl
Least Bittern
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Great Egret
Short-eared Owl
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Northern Saw-whet Owl
Burrowing Owl
Common Poorwill
Black Swift
Chimney Swift
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-naped Sapsucker
Williamson’s Sapsucker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
Gray Flycatcher
Vermilion Flycatcher
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Cassin’s Kingbird
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Thick-billed Kingbird
White-eyed Vireo
Cassin’s Vireo
Pinyon Jay
Clark’s Nutcracker
Chihuahuan Raven
Purple Martin
Bushtit
Bewick’s Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Long-billed Thrasher
Curve-billed Thrasher
Blue-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Black-throated Warbler
Black-throated Grey Warbler
Black-throated Green
Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
Canada Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Ovenbird
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Dickcissel
Cassin’s Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Black-throated Sparrow
Sage Sparrow
Baird’s Sparrow
LeConte’s Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
McCown’s Longspur
Chestnut-collared Longspur
Snow Bunting
Bobolink
Rusty Blackbird
Great-tailed Grackle
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
Cassin’s Finch
Red Crossbill
Common Redpoll
Birds of Chatfield
State Park and
Waterton Canyon
Information compiled by Hugh Kingery
and Frank & Jan Justice.
Updated by Joey Kellner
Drafted by Jennifer Steffen
2013
Date____________
Weather _____________
Locality____________________________________
Time ____________
Total Species __________
Observer(s)_________________________________
LEGEND
W - Winter
M - Migrant
S - Summer
Y– Year-round
Names of species frequently seen appear in all
capital letters
American Vultures
M Turkey Vulture
Eagles & Hawks
M Osprey
W Bald Eagle
W Northern Harrier
M Sharp-shinned Hawk
M Cooper’s Hawk
M Northern Goshawk
M Broad-winged Hawk
S Swainson’s Hawk
Y RED-TAILED HAWK
M Ferruginous Hawk
W Rough-legged Hawk
Y Golden Eagle
Falcons
Y AMERICAN KESTREL
W Merlin
M Peregrine Falcon
W Prairie Falcon
M Common Loon
Grebes
S Pied-billed Grebe
M Horned Grebe
M Eared Grebe
M WESTERN GREBE
Pelicans
M AMERICAN WHITE
PELICAN
Cormorants
S DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANT
Ibises
M White-faced Ibis
Swans, Geese, & Ducks
M Tundra Swan
M Greater Whitefronted Goose
Owls
Y CANADA GOOSE
Y Eastern Screech Owl
S Wood Duck
Y GREAT HORNED
W GREEN-WINGED
OWL
TEAL
Y Long-eared Owl
Y MALLARD
M White-winged Scoter
Bitterns & Herons
S Blue-winged Teal
S GREAT BLUE HERON M Northern Pintail
M Snowy Egret
S Cinnamon Teal
M Black-drowned Night
M Northern Shoveler
Heron
M Gadwall
M Green Heron
M American Widgeon
M Canvasback
Loons
M Redhead
M Pacific Loon
M Ring-necked Duck
M Lesser Scaup
W COMMON
GOLDENEYE
M Bufflehead
M Hooded Merganser
Y COMMON
MERGANSER
M Red-breasted
Merganser
M Ruddy Duck
Rails & Coots
Y Virginia Rail
S Sora
S AMERICAN COOT
Pheasants
Y Ring-necked Pheasant
Plovers
M Semipalmated Plover
Y KILLDEER
Avocets
M American Avocet
Sandpipers &
Phalaropes
M Greater Yellowlegs
M Lesser Yellowlegs
M Solitary Sandpiper
M Willet
S Spotted Sandpiper
M Marbled Godwit
M Sanderling
M Semipalm
COLORADO
PA R K S
&
WILDLIFE
Your Guide to
Colorado’s 41
State Parks
2018 Edition
cpw.state.co.us
CAMPING RESERVATIONS • 1-800-244-5613 • cpw.state.co.us
i
Welcome to Your State Parks!
Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s
Cheyenne Mountain
a state park waiting to welcome
State Park
you. Mountains or prairies, rivers or
forests, out in the country or next to
the city… Colorado’s 41 state parks are
as diverse as the state itself, and they
offer something for everyone. Take a
hair-raising whitewater river trip, or
kick back in a lawn chair and watch
the sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, cast
a line in the water, take a hike, ride a
horse, try snowshoeing or discover
geocaching. From Eastern Plains
parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain
parks at 9,500, the network of state
parks offers a wealth of activities
for busy people of all ages, or the
chance to do nothing at all. You can play on land or on water. On
a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring,
summer, winter or fall.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
State parks are great places for families. There are plenty of
activities for families to enjoy together such as boating, hiking or
picnicking, as well as organized nature walks, talks and events.
Junior Ranger programs, activity backpacks, kid-friendly hikes
and fishing ponds for kids are among the many offerings for
youth. From toddler to teen and adult to senior, every family
member can enjoy their activity of choice, then come together to
share a meal and stories around the campfire.
Whether you’re an active
outdoor recreationist
or prefer to spend time
watching clouds go by,
you’ll enjoy the special
moments waiting for you
in the state parks.
Rifle Gap State Park
Cover photos:
Large photo: State Forest State Park; lower left: Pearl Lake State Park; lower center: Elkhead State Park;
lower right: Lory State Park
Plan Your Visit
Colorado’s state parks are open every day of the year, weather
permitting. Day-use areas are generally open from 5 a.m. to
10 p.m., and some parks may have closed gates after hours.
Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Contact individual
parks for hours of operation. Check our website for seasonal or
maintenance closures: cpw.state.co.us
Entrance Passes
All Colorado state parks charge an entrance fee. Cost of a daily
pass may vary by park ($7–$9). A pass covers all occupants of a
vehicle and is valid until noon the day after purchase. Some parks
may charge a per-person fee for cyclists and walk-ins. Fees are used
to help pay operating costs. Cherry Creek State Park charges an
additional fee for the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority.
Annual Pass
Who doesn’t love a deal? And the state parks annual pass is a
great one. For just one low price, the annual pass lets you enjoy
all 41 state parks for unlimited visits for 12 months from date of
purchase. That’s all the parks. That’s
unlimited times. The annual pass
pays for itself in as few as 10 visits.
If you’re a Colorado resident who’s
64 years or older, there’s even a
further discounted Aspen Leaf
annual pass. There are also passes
for disabled and income-eligible
residents. For details and to purchase a pass,
visit a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office, state park or buy
online: cpw.state.co.us
Extend Your Stay
Make more of your state park visit
by staying overnight. Bring your
tent or RV, spend a cozy night in a
cabin, camp in a tipi or discover a
comfortable, year-round alternative
State Forest State Park
to traditional camping with a yurt.
All together, the state parks have
more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts. Almost 300
campsites are ADA accessible. Many parks offer campsites or cabins
for large groups. Heated cabins and yurts make a park getaway
suitable any season of the year.
Camping Reservations
Summer weekends fill up quickly so advance reservations for
overnight stays are recommended. Reservations can be made six
months to three days ahead of arrival.
Reserve online: cpw.state.co.us
Toll Free: 1-800-244-5613
A nonrefundable reservation fee applies to bookings, and visitors
must purchase a daily or annual entrance pass in addition to
paying camping and reservation fees. Unreserved sites are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
1
What Can I Do There?
Colorado’s state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and
re-create. Here are some park activities to help you do that:
Fishing
Top-notch fishing awaits anglers in 37 state parks across Colorado.
Think Gold Medal Waters and trophy fish. A valid fishing license
is required for all anglers 16 years and older. Licenses and our
annual Colorado Fishing regulations brochure are available online,
at most parks and at CPW authorized sales agents.
Water Sports
Many state parks are built around a lake or
Crawford
waterway, which means boating and other water
State Park
sports are among the headliners. Larger parks
offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Any
boat with a motor or sail operated in Col
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
2020 Colorado State
Recreation Lands
INSIDE: STATE FISH UNITS, STATE WILDLIFE AREAS, STATE TRUST LANDS, STATE PARKS
cpw.state.co.us
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Printed for free distribution by:
WHAT’S NEW: 2020................................................1
cpw.state.co.us
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192
RESERVATIONS......................................................1
OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife
resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable
and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and
future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.
■ Abbreviation key................................................................................1
STATE FISH UNITS (SFUs)........................................2
■ What is an SFU?..................................................................................2
■ SFU properties & regulations..............................................................2
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE DIRECTOR
Dan Prenzlow
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEMBERS, as of July 2020
STATE WILDLIFE AREAS (SWAs)......................... 3–29
Marvin McDaniel, Chair
Carrie Besnette Hauser, Vice-Chair
Marie Haskett, Secretary
Taishya Adams
Betsy Blecha
Charles Garcia
Dallas May
■ What is an SWA?.................................................................................3
■ SWA access rules................................................................................3
■ SWA properties & regulations..................................................... 4–29
STATE TRUST LANDS (STLs)
PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAM.............................. 30–51
■ What are trust lands? What is the STL public access program?.............30
■ State trust lands FAQs/access rules...................................................30
■ State trust lands public access properties & regulations............ 31–51
REGULATION BROCHURE EDITOR
Chelsea Harlan
PRINTED
STATE PARKS................................................. 52–59
The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) receives federal financial assistance
from multiple bureaus within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Under Title VI
of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S.
Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, gender, disability or age. In addition, CPW adheres to all
antidiscrimination laws of the state of Colorado. For more information on how to request
an accommodation or to file a grievance, please visit cpw.state.co.us/accessibility.
MAPS............................................................ 60–65
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Northeast ..........60
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Southeast ..........61
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Northwest .........62
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Southwest ........63
■ NEW State fish units, wildlife areas,
trust lands & parks — Central close-up.............................64
■ Game management units (GMUs)....................................................65
NOTICE: Laws and regulations in this brochure are paraphrased for easier understanding
and are intended only as a guide. Complete Colorado wildlife statutes and regulations are
available at CPW offices listed below and online: cpw.state.co.us/regulations
CPW REGIONAL AND AREA OFFICE LOCATIONS
ADMINISTRATION
1313 Sherman St., #618
Denver, 80203
303-297-1192 (M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MT)
LANDS INDEX BY COUNTY............................... 66–73
■ State fish units, state wildlife areas, state trust lands, state parks
GET THE BROCHURE ONLINE: cpw.state.co.us/rec-lands
Send us your outdoor photos and stories for a chance to
be featured on a brochure cover or CPW's online blog!
HUNTER.TESTIMONIALS@STATE.CO.US
COVER:
▶ Gone fishing at Sylvan Lake State Park. © Dustin Doskocil for CPW
OTHER PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT:
▶ Mountain biking at Trinidad Lake State Park.
© Thomas Kimmell for CPW
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
INSIDE: STATE FISH UNITS, STAT
WHAT'S NEW
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
LICENSES
W I L D L I F E
2021 Colorado
Fishing
SEASON: MARCH 1, 2021–MARCH 31, 2022
cpw.state.co.us
2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION
UPDATED: APRIL 19, 2021
Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information.
NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS.
PAGE(S)
CORRECTION
AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
PAGE 1
The qualifying age for applying
for a senior lifetime low-income
fishing license was incorrectly
listed as 65 and older at the
time of publication.
The correct information is:
Senior lifetime low-income
fishing licenses are available
for Colorado residents age 64
and older.
Go online for full eligibility
requirements: cpw.state.
co.us
The online version of the brochure
has been updated with this
correction.
page 1
2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION
UPDATED: MARCH 12, 2021
Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information.
NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS.
PAGE(S)
CORRECTION
AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE
BACK PAGE
BACK
COVER
The contest start date for Take a
Friend Fishing was incorrect at
the time of publication.
The correct information is:
The contest starts APRIL 1,
2021!
Go online for contest
rules and how to enter:
cpw.state.co.us/
takeafriend
The online version of the brochure
has been updated with this
correction.
back cover
ONLINE FEATURES
Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our
VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS
VIDEOS
FISHING FOR HIP HOP:
COLORADO STYLE
FISHING FUNDS CONSERVATION
101 PLACES
TO TAKE A KID FISHING
© CPW
GET THE CPW FISHING APPS:
The CPW Fishing app can help
you discover over 1,300 fishing
locations, check local conditions,
read up on regulations and more!
The CPW Match a Hatch app can
help you match your fly to the
same insects where you’re fishing!
CO OUTDOORS “QUICK TIP”:
SPINCAST REELS
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Printed for free distribution by:
WHAT’S NEW: 2021................................................ 1
cpw.state.co.us
LICENSE INFORMATION...................................... 1–2
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192
■ License & Habitat Stamp fees........................................................................1
■ What you need to buy a fishing license; license requirements......................1
■ Residency requirements; Habitat Stamps; anglers with disabilities..............2
OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife
resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable
and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and
future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.
GENERAL INFORMATION.................................... 3–7
Dan Prenzlow
■ Fishery programs: Gold Medal Waters; Wild Trout; stream surveys.................3
■ State records program: Records by Weight; Records by Length......................4
■ State Records by Weight award table.............................................................4
■ Master Angler program; award lengths.........................................................5
■ Help improve your fisheries............................................................................5
■ Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS).....................................................................6
■ Fishing terms glossary...................................................................................7
■ Online fishing information resources.............................................................7
FISHING LAWS................................................. 8–10
■ Legal fishing methods....................................................................................8
■ Special conditions & restrictions...............................................................8−9
■ Statewide bag & possession limits...............................................................10
■ MAP: Wiper/white bass & walleye/saugeye bag limits................................10
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: FISHING WATERS........11–39
■ MAP: Upper Arkansas River.........................................................................12
■ MAP: Blue River Basin.................................................................................13
■ MAP: Middle Colorado & Eagle Rivers..........................................................15
■ MAP: Upper Colorado River — Headwaters to Radium...............................16
■ MAP: Conejos & Alamosa River Drainages...................................................18
■ MAP: Upper Gunnison Basin — Taylor Park Res. to Blue Mesa Res..............19
■ MAP: NEW North Fork Gunnison Basin — Hotchkiss to McClure