Additional Resources
Fishing Atlas Interactive Map
Looking for more places to fish? Check out the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Fishing Atlas.
Brochures
Amended fire restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions in western Boulder County. Fire restrictions rescinded in eastern Boulder County.
Fishing at Lagerman Reservoir is not recommended at this time.
There was a complete fish die-off in late 2018 due to poor oxygen levels. Staff are investigating ways to improve water quality and restore fishing to Lagerman Reservoir.
Fishing Atlas Interactive Map
Looking for more places to fish? Check out the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Fishing Atlas.
Brochures
If you are 16 years or older, you need a Colorado Fishing License to fish. You can purchase one online or in person at a retailer.
Colorado has a Free Fishing Weekend the first full weekend of June every year. Anglers of all ages can fish without a license anywhere in the state that weekend.
Live bait is anything that is organic, moldable, or scented. Power bait/Gulp, dough balls, live/dead fish/minnows, shrimp, crayfish, grasshoppers, cheese, chicken livers, scented lures, salmon eggs, fireballs, worms, corn and stink bait are all considered live bait. Generally, live bait is permitted in locations that are stocked by the Division of Wildlife. Self-sustaining populations (not stocked) require the use of artificial flies and lures only to better ensure a healthy, reproducing population.
Catch-and-release is a method of conservation. Unless you are absolutely sure you are going to eat your fish, you should release it. By practicing catch-and-release, you are allowing the fish to grow and reproduce.
Yes. Whether you are a fish or a human, stress can have negative impacts. A stressed fish has a smaller chance of survival if returned to the water. Follow these tips to ensure a fish has a greater chance of surviving and getting caught another day:
Large and Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Tiger Muskie, Walleye, Bluegill, and Rainbow Trout.
Float tubes, belly boats, and kick boats are all more or less the same thing. Some have two pontoons with a harness-like seat in-between, others are doughnut shaped, while others are U or V shaped. What they all have in common is that they are single-occupancy, non-motorized flotation devices.
Any watercraft that is not intended for fishing is prohibited on all open space properties except for Lagerman Reservoir. There, motorized boats up to 7.5 hp at wakeless speeds are permitted.
Swimming is prohibited at all open space properties.
The Cattail Pond at the Fairgrounds is a great place to learn. It is open exclusively to kids 15 and under. No fishing license is needed until they turn 16. Both artificial and live bait are permitted.
If you are a senior and want to take a grandchild fishing, Wally Toevs Pond at Walden Ponds is stocked with rainbow trout. Wally Toevs is open exclusively to people 64 years and older and their youth companions who are 15 years and under. Artificial and live bait are permitted.
Several Kids Fishing Clinics are held throughout the summer. Check the Hikes & Events Calendar for details.
South Boulder Creek at Walker Ranch has great fly fishing, as does Boulder Creek at Rogers Park.
Ice fishing is not permitted at any open space property.