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Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the largest contiguous open space in the Denver metro area. Farmers began changing the area from shortgrass prairie to irrigated farm land in the 1880’s. The land was farmed until World War II, then in 1942, the U.S. Army bought thirty square miles and established a chemical weapons factory. After the war, lands were leased land to private companies for commercial pesticide production. During the early Cold War chemical weapons were again produced to counter the Soviet threat. In the 1980's clean up of the area began. The Refuge was subsequently authorized in 1992. Today the National Wildlife Refuge’s wildlife habitat ranges from areas native prairie, to woodlots and wetlands brought into being by settlers and farmers.
The Arsenal’s fishing program provides recreational opportunities to residents of Denver and the surrounding areas. Lakes Mary and Ladora are the only lakes open to fishing. Catch rates greater than one fish per hour are typical. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, white and black crappie, bluegill, common carp, and yellow perch. Grass carp are present in Lake Mary. All fishing is catch and release, fly and lure only, barbless hooks and multiple lures/flies per line are prohibited. All anglers 16 and older are required to pay a $3.00 fishing fee, have a valid Colorado Fishing License, a valid ID, and carry a signed copy of the Arsenal’s Fishing Rules and Regulations brochure.
Getting there: Anglers must enter through the South Gate (56th and Havana). Take I-70 east from Denver to exit 280 (Havana) street. Travel north to South Gate.
Fees: A $3.00 recreational fishing fee (cash or check) for anglers 16 years of age and older. The fee covers fishing for one full day.
The lake is open on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The hours of operations are 6am-5:30pm.
Boating: None. No boats allowed. Wading with calf, hip, or chest waders is permissible at Lake Ladora. Wading is prohibited at Lake Mary.
Ice Fishing: Not permited
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