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Boulder Reservoir is a 700-acre water-storage facility, operated as a water supply by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The reservoir is owned and managed by the City of Boulder for drinking water, irrigation, and multi-use recreation. There are a variety of outdoor activities available to visitors including fishing, boating, swimming, sun bathing, water skiing, picnicking, walking, running, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Facilities at the reservoir include 13 picnic sites, boat moorings and rentals, a snack food concession, a seasonally-guarded swim beach, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and ramp access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. There is also a 5 mile trail around the reservoir.
Anglers can expect to catch several different species, such as rainbow trout, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and a variety of panfish. However, the reservoir is probably best known as a prime walleye fishery.
Anglers should bear in mind that the reservoir is only open during daylight hours and plan accordingly. Boaters, including hand launched craft and float tubes, need to be aware that launching is limited to the south shore and all craft are subject to inspection for invasive species.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forecast
Walleye –The 2008 gillnet survey indicates walleye fishing at Boulder Reservoir will be slow for legal size fish (>15”). Few walleye greater than 15” were caught using electricity however, some larger individuals, up to 23”, were sampled in the gillnets. Walleye in Boulder are abundant but relatively small.
Smallmouth Bass –Smallmouth bass (SMB) abundance slightly increased since the 2005 survey. During 2008, 111 fish were collected for 43 minutes of electrofishing. Six additional SMB were sampled using gill and trapnets. Incorporating all methods, SMB surveyed in 2008 averaged 8.1”. Anglers can expect plenty of action on smaller fish during 2009.
Channel Catfish –Catfish abundance at Boulder Reservoir is rather low but what is lacking in numbers is compensated by size. Huge cats were sampled in both 2007 and 2008. The largest individual sampled in 2008 measured 36.6 inches and weighed 14 pounds. Catfish less than 10” were not detected but be assured there are smaller fish moving into the bigger size classes. During 2008, 13,500 fingerlings were stocked in Boulder.
Getting there: Go two miles north on the Diagonal Highway (Highway 119) from Boulder. Turn west (left) at Jay Road, then north (right) on 51st St. Continue a couple of miles north on 51st St. to the reservoir on the right.
Fees: Adult (19-59) $6
Child (3-12) $3
Teen (13-18) $4
Senior (60+) $4
No fees during the off season.
Sept. 6 - Sept. 25 Monday - Friday
Sept. 28 - April 30 daily (7 days a week)
Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boat inspections began on April 4 from 8 - 10 a.m. and from 2 - 5 p.m. As of May 4, inspections will be offered near the front gate from 5:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Boaters must submit to either decontamination or a drying period prior to first launch. Also, boaters must have a City of Boulder Reservoir Permit to enter. No day use passes will be issued. Boulder only accepts green seals from the Denver DOW Office, Tommy’s Slalom Shop and Dillon Reservoir.
All watercraft require a valid Boulder Reservoir boating permit for use at the reservoir. All watercraft including canoes, kayaks, wind- and kite-surfers will require a boat permit to launch on the Boulder Reservoir. 2009 season use permits for human- and wind-powered watercraft will be available beginning April 3, 2009 at the boat house for $10 per craft. Boat permits are available at the reservoir during regular business hours. For more information on permit requirements, go to www.BoulderRez.org
2009 Boat Fees
Pass Resident Non Resident
Season over 50 hp $525 $660
Weekday over 50 hp $225 $315
Season under 50 hp $210 $265
Season Sail $210 $265
Weekday Sail $105 $130
No daily permits will be sold.
Float tube 2009 Protocol :
All crafts and equipment must be inspected at the front gate prior to entering water. Tube must be inflated to be inspected
Boat and all equipment must be cleaned, drained and dry to pass inspection.
Belly boats must have small craft permit, which must be carried on person as well as inspection receipt.
Must have throw able PFD with you at all times
All boats must be dual chambered.
All tubes must remain inside no wake zone at all times
Ice Fishing: Not permitted
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