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Boyd Lake which is open year-round is one of the busiest recreation lakes in Northern Colorado. Besides offering just about every amenity you could think of for recreational users, the lake is a haven for many warmwater fish species.
Families will enjoy the numerous picnic and day-use areas, the large swim beach and its pavilion with showers and concessions, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, and playground. Bikers, runners, and walkers take advantage of the extensive paved trail system around the lake that connects with the Loveland trail system. These trails may be used in the winter for cross country skiing as well.
The lake is divided east/west across the middle; the entire lake is open to boating and sailing with the southern half designated for water skiing. With close proximity to Loveland and other northern Front Range populations, the lake is popular with campers, boaters, water skiers, jet skiers, and other water recreation enthusiasts. Nearly 150 campsites are offered in the park each with a grill, picnic table, and electrical hookup, and cater to tents, campers, trailers, and RV’s. Fishing is good for white bass, panfish and perch and walleye. Trout are also routinely taken in the 3-5 pound range.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forecast
Walleye –The 2008 gillnet survey indicates walleye fishing at Boyd Lake will be fair for legal fish (>15”). The abundance of walleye greater than 15” in 2008 suggests fishing should be good, however smaller walleye were infrequently sampled indicating poor survival of stocked walleye fry/fingerlings. The largest walleye sampled in 2008 measured 21”. Boyd will be stocked in 2009 and these fish should grow quite rapidly provided the gizzard shad population in Boyd remains strong.
White Bass –White bass (WBA) abundance has erratically changed in Boyd over recent years. Although the timing of the net sample and the behavior of this species causes some fluctuation in the annual sample, the best information available suggests catches of WBA may decline in 2009. To circumvent this problem the DOW plans to supplement natural production by stocking WBA fry in 2009. This species will NOT be stocked in any other water in NE Colorado.
Channel Catfish –Because of the sedentary nature of catfish sampling this species can be difficult. Accordingly anglers should take catfish abundance at Boyd with a grain of salt. Although abundance is low, catfish size in Boyd is quite large. Big cats were sampled during each year of netting (2006-2008). The average channel cat sampled in 2008 measured 24 inches and weighed 7 pounds. Catfish less than 10” were not detected but be assured there are smaller fish moving into the bigger size classes. During 2008, 50,000 fingerlings were stocked in Boyd.
Getting there: Take I-25 to US 34 and exit west to Loveland. Go north on Madison Street 1 mile to East 37th St. Go east 0.5 mile on Larimer County Road 11C, turn north and drive to the entrance.
Fees: Colorado State Parks Pass
Daily vehicle passes are $7 from May 1 through September 30. They are $6 from October 1 through April 30
Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boating is restricted in certain sections of the lake. Observe counter clockwise flow of traffic.
Boat launch times are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. due to boat inspections for invasive species.
Ice Fishing: Ice fishing allowed
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