Marys Lake, Estes Park Colorado - Located just south of Estes Park this small put and take fishery offers visitors easy access to the water making the area ideal for a quick family outing.
Mary's Lake is a natural basin that was enlarged to regulate the flow of water to the Estes Park Power Plant. It also acts as emergency storage if flows to Estes Lake must be stopped. There is no natural inflow, with water coming from Grand Lake though the Alav B. Adams Tunnel into the East Portal Reservoir. From there it is routed Marys Lake Power plant producing power for periods of peak demand.
Its small size, coupled with the power operations, results in the water levels changing constantly. Additionally, the waters from Grand Lake are relatively clean. As a result Mary’s Lake is not conducive to fish production. Thus, CDOW manages the fishery primarily as a put-an-take trout fishery, stocking approximately 8,000 rainbows annually. Although, occasionally brown and lake trout are reportedly caught, likely the result of being transported through the tunnel system from the Grand Lake. Due to the water fluctuations, Mary’s rarely freezes over, offering open water fishing nearly all winter.
Getting there: From downtown Estes Park take US 36 west approximate 1.7 miles to Mary’s Lake Road. Turn left on Mary’s Lake Road (Cty. Rd. 66) travel approximately 1.5 mile to the Lake. Fees: No fees Boating: None. No watercraft of any type permitted Ice Fishing: Not permitted
There is a privately managed campground located just below Mary’s Lake. A variety of sites, ranging from tent to full hookups are available. Sites are closely spaced and privacy is minimal, but a variety of amenities are present, including picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with hot showers, a swimming pool, ATM, convenience store, and a play ground.
Fees run from $28 to $43 per night during peak season, with lower rates for longer stays or off-season visitations.
