Elkhead Reservoir

Elkhead Reservoir SP https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleven_Mile_State_Park Elkhead State Park is located in Moffat and Routt counties in northwest Colorado, near Craig. The park surrounds and includes Elkhead Reservoir. The reservoir is stocked with smallmouth bass and trout, and northern pike are being transplanted from the Yampa River to the reservoir. Activities at the park include camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Passes and Permits All vehicles entering the park are required to display a current Colorado State Parks Pass on the windshield. A daily pass is valid from the day purchased until noon the following day. An annual pass is valid at any Colorado State Park 12 months from the date of purchase. For annual pass holders who own another car, a multiple pass is available for an additional fee. Daily passes are available at self-service dispensers. Annual Passes may be purchased at the Yampa River State Park office near Hayden. Colorado residents 64 or older qualify for a special Aspen Leaf annual pass, available at a discounted rate. Elkhead Reservoir State Park ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS In 1974, Elkhead Reservoir was constructed on the Elkhead Creek as part of a recreation and wildlife area and to serve as a backup water supply for the City of Craig and the Craig Power generating station. In 1996, the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund approved a Legacy Grant for preserving natural values within the Yampa River System and enhancing recreational use. Colorado State Parks was identified as the agency to provide recreation management in the river corridor, including Elkhead Reservoir. In January 1998, Colorado State Parks began management of recreational use and facilities at Elkhead Reservoir which is owned by the city of Craig. In addition to a parks pass, campers are required to purchase and display a camping permit at their campsite. Elkhead Reservoir State Park 135 County Road 28 Craig, Colorado 81625 • (970) 276-2061 E-mail: yampa.river @state.co.us cpw.state.co.us CPW_RMEH_5K_3/18 E lkhead Reservoir is located 10 miles northeast of Craig, on the high plains of northwest Colorado. The surrounding area consists of gently rolling hills of irrigated farmland, dry land wheat, and rangeland. Within the park, rolling sagebrush prairie combines with scenic cliff areas. Colorado disabled veterans displaying Colorado Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are admitted free without a pass, however, camping fees still apply. Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado through Colorado Lottery proceeds. Camping C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E cpw.state.co.us In 2009, the Colorado River Water Conservation District finished the expansion on the reservoir and phase one of the park re-development was complete. Elkhead Reservoir now offers 900 surface acres of water and 1,300 acres of land. Newly developed boat ramps, swim beaches, picnic sites and camping facilities are open for you to experience. Elkhead Reservoir’s Bears Ears campground is located on the south end of the reservoir near the east side of the dam. Bears Ears offers 16 campsites. Each site is developed with a hardened gravel pad, picnic table, shade shelter and fire pit. This campground does not have water, sewer or power available. Two restrooms are conveniently located at each end of the campground. A maximum stay at the campground is 14 days. Camping reservations can be made by calling 1-800-244-5613 online at www.cpw.state.co.us. Picnicking/Hiking Numerous picnic sites are located around the park; many have shade shelters, fire grills and picnic tables. There are approximately 10.5 miles of trails at Elkhead Reservoir for hiking and biking. More detailed trail maps are available. Take a picnic with you and hike along the reservoir, or go to the north end of the reservoir for a more remote experience. Wildlife Depending on the season, large herds of elk, deer and pronghorn can be seen in and around the park. Hawks, eagles and owls are regularly seen throughout the year. Also found in the area are bears, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions which are not seen daily, but pass through on a regular basis. Motorized Recreation Only snowmobiles and OHVs used for ice fishing are allowed. Registered OHVs are permitted on roads within Moffat County, but not permitted on Routt County roads or roads within the park. Winter Recreation Ice fishing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are popular during the winter months. This is a great time to view wildlife in the big herds known to northwest Colorado. Fishing and Hunting Elkhead Reservoir State Park Craig CR Elkhead Reservoir State Park 29 40 Park Office 1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly. 4. Leave what you find. 5. Minimize campfire impacts. 6. Respect wildlife. 7. Be considerate of other visitors. Hayden LEGEND Boat Ramp Boating/Water Sports Campground Greenwood Cove Boating, water-skiing, sailing and jet skiing are popular activities during the summer. Swimming is allowed at the swim-beach and from a boat in designated no-wake areas on the north end of the lake. A Personal Flotation Device must be worn while in the water except at the designated swim beach. Elkhead is under mandated “aquatic nuisance species” inspections on all craft. Dam Entrance Station Fishing Northeast Access (Handlaunch

C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Elkhead Reservoir State Park FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 Who we are Colorado Parks and Wildlife utilizes the principles of conservation - the wise use of natural resources - to effectively manage fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education for the citizens of Colorado and its visitors. Elkhead Reservoir State Park is a hidden gem in Northwest Colorado, offering over 900 acres of water for recreational boating and an excellent cool/warmwater fishery. Due to the warmer climate, Elkhead Reservoir State Park is an excellent destination for early and late season hiking and mountain biking, with over 10 miles of trails running throughout the park providing scenic views of the surrounding area. The 16-site Bear’s Ears campground at the south end of the reservoir is perfect for weekend getaways. Top attractions • • • • • Home to a variety of sportfish, including largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Plus, catch and keep all the northern pike and smallmouth bass you can. 900 acres of reservoir for water skiing, shore and boat fishing and swimming. Camping opportunities located in the “Elk Capital” of Colorado that serve as an excellent base camp for hunters. Great access to Routt National Forest and U.S. Bureau of Land Management public lands. Home of the annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic. • Yampa River Legacy partners: Routt County, Moffat County, Town of Hayden, City of Steamboat, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, Yampa Valley Land Trust. • Property Landowners: The City of Craig and the Colorado River Water Conservation District Challenges we face • • Currently, there are no data connections available at the park and customers must purchase passes at self-service stations or travel to nearby parks/offices. Due to a requirement to recover endangered native fish, Elkhead Reservoir is working with our partners, including local anglers, to convert the existing fishery consisting primarily of nonnative smallmouth bass and northern pike, to a fishery consisting of approved species, including largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill. Volunteer activities • Our campground host and work camper programs continue to provide much needed support to park staff in order to keep Elkhead Reservoir operating smoothly. • Elkhead Reservoir State Park partners with local groups such as the Parrotheads, Totally Kids and Hayden Public Schools to perform various projects around Elkhead Reservoir, such as tree planting and trail maintenance. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us VICK SCHENDEL/CPW Our partners 135 CR 28, Craig, CO 81625 (970) 276-2061 • Email: elkhead.park@state.co.us Park Manager: Jacob Brey As of June 30, 2017 Manager’s Message Our staff is excited to expand the recreation activities available at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Within the next year, we will construct a 30-site electric hook-up campground. We have completed work on the trail system, and recently added new trailhead signage and trail maps. Last year, we completed construction of a workshop with an office area. This will help us expand customer service to our visitors in the future while allowing dedicated resources to remain at Elkhead Reservoir. Park staff has been working to provide increased opportunities for hunting and fishing by extending hunt areas and the length of the boating season and stocking approved fish species, including largemouth bass. To prevent the escapement of nonnative predators, Elkhead Reservoir installed a large fish screen at the reservoir's spillway, a feature that gives the park time to transition to a fishery consisting of approved species. Annual Visitation 152,931 Geography Region: Northwest County: Routt and Moffat Year Acquired: 2006 Elevation: 6,365 ft Miles From Denver: 196 Facilities 2 Boat Ramps 20 Picnic Sites Governmental US Cong Dist: 3rd CO Senate: 8th CO House: 57th& 26th Trails Biking: 10.5 miles Hiking: 10.5 miles Horseback: 10 miles Cross Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing: 10.5 miles Total: 10.5 miles Employees Temporary: 9 Roads Unpaved: 3 miles Acreage Total Acres: 2,105 Recreation Boating Fishing Hunting Ice Fishing Jet Skiing Ranger/Nature Programs Sailboarding Swimming Water Skiing Wildlife/Bird Viewing Camping Campsites (basic, seasonal): 16 138 Walden Elkhead Reservoir Craig Hayden Steamboat Springs 40 Fort Collins 14 Estes Park 125 14 Loveland 6 Greeley 34 Oak Creek 36 131 134 Fort Brush Morgan 76 13 Meeker Sterling 14 85 Kremmling 40 34 Wray Brighton 287 Denver 93 Golden Avon Vail Rifle 385 Breckenridge Collbran Fruita 36 70 Frisco Glenwood Springs 85 Castle Rock 285 330 Leadville Aspen Grand Junction 82 24 86 Fairplay Limon Burlington 70 24 40 65 Paonia133 Hotchkiss Buena Vista Crawford Olathe Montrose

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 ONLINE FEATURES Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS LINKS TO MAPS MAKE CAMPING & HUNTING RESERVATIONS ONLINE! STATE WILDLIFE AREAS STATE FISHING WATERS STATE TRUST LANDS STATE PARKS Cherry Creek State Park © Nora Logue VIDEOS CHECK OUT THE 360 VIDEOS OF COLORADO’S STATE PARKS! 101 PLACES TO TAKE A KID FISHING #TAKEAKIDFISHING G.E.M. TRAIL NOW OPEN IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS! 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