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PrintColorado's Park County waters open to boaters
DENVER - With boating season underway, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding all boaters that boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are mandatory at most boatable waters in the state, including state parks and state wildlife areas. Hand-launched, non-motorized, boats such as canoes or kayaks are allowed on the water and are not subject to inspection.
"Park County has some of the best fishing in the state," said Reid DeWalt, area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "We are pleased that so many anglers and boaters realize the value in protecting our water and our fishing opportunities by complying with inspections."
Zebra and quagga mussels are a serious threat to Colorado waters. Invasive species such as the zebra mussel negatively influence the food chain for native fish. The mussels reproduce prolifically, consume phytoplankton and devastate fisheries. The small mollusks also grow on engines and boats, and can clog water pipes and dam mechanisms.
Boat owners are urged to clean, drain, and dry their boats thoroughly before they launch for the first time this season. After that, owners should do so every time they leave the water.
Boat inspections begin on May 3 at the following waters:
Antero Reservoir
The reservoir will open to boating on May 3 at the North and South boat ramps. Both ramps are open from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. The North Ramp is open seven days a week while the South Ramp is only open Friday through Monday and is closed Tuesday through Thursday. Both ramps close for the season on Oct. 31. Overnight beaching of boats is prohibited.
Tarryall Reservoir State Wildlife Area (Park County)
Quagga mussel veligers have been found in Tarryall Reservoir and therefore it is considered a positive water body. An inspection of all trailered watercraft is mandatory both entering and exiting Tarryall Reservoir.
The boat ramps open on May 3 at the north boat ramp Thursdays through Mondays and will continue till Oct. 29. The reservoir is open from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. Tarryall is closed to trailered motorized watercraft Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight beaching of boats is prohibited.
Inspection stations are already in operation at:
Eleven Mile Reservoir State Park (Park County)
New Zealand mudsnails and Eurasian watermilfoil, two invasive species, are present in Eleven Mile Reservoir. An inspection of all trailered watercraft is mandatory both entering and exiting.
Opening and closing dates are dependent upon weather and water level; see the "Conditions" section for this park at the State Parks website www.parks.state.co.us for updated information. Unless otherwise stated on the webpage, the boating season is from April 1 (ice dependent) to Oct. 31. Hours are from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset at both open ramps. Outside of inspection hours, the lake is closed to boating. Beaching or mooring is allowed. The park is closed to trailered watercraft from Nov. 1 to March 31.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir State Park (Park County)
Opening and closing dates are dependent upon weather and water level; see the "Conditions" section for this park at the State Parks website www.parks.state.co.us for updated information. Unless otherwise stated on the webpage, the entire boating season is from April 1 (ice dependent) to Oct. 31. Hours are from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset at the north and south boat ramps. Outside of inspection hours, the lake is closed to boating. Beaching or mooring is allowed. The park is closed to trailered watercraft from Nov. 1to March 31.
Boaters can also have their vessels decontaminated at the following locations:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Denver Office
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
Ph: 303-291-7833
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available at no charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round. The station is closed on state holidays. Services are not available Saturday and Sunday, unless an appointment is made in advance.
Privately operated inspection and decontamination services operators listed below are fee-based, and prices may vary among providers. Contact vendors for pricing and details.
Colorado Boat Center
3850 Southeast Frontage Road, Loveland, CO 80534
Ph: 970-663-6473
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Inspections will not be available on Sunday and Monday.
Harris Sports
5887 SW Frontage Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80528
Ph: 970-225-6666
Watercraft inspection services are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inspections will not be available on Sunday.
S&W Performance
2450 W 63rd court, Denver, CO
Ph: 303- 429-1895
Watercraft inspection services are available from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. No decontamination services are available. Inspections will not be available Sunday or Monday. The fee for inspection is $20.00.
Tommy's Slalom Shop
3740 N. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80231
Ph: 303- 455-3091
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inspections will not be available on weekends. Call for an appointment.
For more information about fishing in the boat inspection program, see:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife was created by the merger of Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, two nationally recognized leaders in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs.
To learn more about Colorado's state parks, please see: http://www.parks.state.co.us
To learn more about Colorado's wildlife programs, please see: http://wildlife.state.co.us
