Williams Fork Reservoir, Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado - Williams Fork Reservoir remains one of the best producing northern pike lakes and still holds the state record, a 30 lb pike caught in 1996.
Zebra Mussel Boating Restrictions: Only hand-powered, non-trailered boats are permitted until DOW is funded and staffed to provide boat inspections.
Williams Fork Reservoir provides a lot of opportunities for many game fish but most anglers come to this lake when the water begins to heat up in June and chase pike. Pike fishing along the banks of the Williams Fork can provide a memorable day for the fly fishing enthusiast. The facilities are not as plush as you might find at a state park, but there are several restrooms. Camping is available all around the lake and developed campgrounds are located near the southern shores. For a change of pace, the Williams Fork River running from the reservoir provides great stream fishing as it makes it way into the Colorado River. Nearby Hot Sulphur Springs has a great resort to soak sore muscles in a variety of hot tubs as well as a few stores and restaurants.
Getting there: From Denver take Interstate 70 to the Highway 40 (Empire) exit. Take Highway 40 past Empire, over Berthoud Pass, through Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, and Hot Sulphur Springs until you reach the town of Parshall. At Parshall turn left (south) on Rte 3. Follow the road to the Williams Fork entrance. Fees: No fee. Boating: Non Motorized Hand-Launch. Public boat ramp located at the east side campground.
The Reservoir is full at elevation 7811 feet. The boat ramps are unusable for most motorized craft when the water elevation is 7790' or less.
Boat inspections begin May 15 at the east boat ramp from 6 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week.
Ramps close half hour after sunset
Overnight beaching of watercrafts is prohibited.
PFDs (personal flotation devices) must be worn at all times by children 13 years and under
Toilet facilities on any vessel must be self-contained
It is unlawful to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is allowed
9/1/2010 - Williams Fork Reservoir - Rainbow and brown trout, lake trout, northern pike and Kokanee are available. Boat inspections and ramp access are from 6:00AM to 8:00PM seven days a week ramps are closed at night. Bank fishing is good at the inlet and by the east boat ramp. Rainbows have been plentiful and large. Bait fishing using bottom rigs, jigs, trolling worm harnesses are productive methods of catching fish as well as lures and fly fishing. Early morning and late evening remain the best times to fish. Some nice cloudy, rainy days can make fishing good throughout the day. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions. From buoy line at Williams Fork River inlet upstream to first CR bridge: Fishing and snagging prohibited Sept. 15-Nov. 30. 8/29/2010
Conditions History
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