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Jackson Lake State Park to open to boating on April 1

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / [email protected] 
@CPW_NE
The four-lane boat ramp on the west shore of the reservoir

ORCHARD, Colo. - Jackson Lake State Park, a popular fishing and water-sport destination in Morgan County, will open its reservoir to boating on Friday, April 1.

The four-lane boat ramp is located on the west shore of the reservoir. The Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections will take place at the park's visitor center during weekdays. For weekends, those will be out at the regular ANS station. Hours of operation for all ANS inspections will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in April and most of May.

For weekends after Memorial Day through Labor Day, the ANS station will be in operation from 7 a.m. to sunset.

All boats must comply with current Colorado boating rules and regulations, which are also available at the park’s entrance stations and visitor center.

Things to know about boating at Jackson Lake: 

  • Boats are allowed in designated areas only. 

  • Weather changes can have boaters rushing to get off the lake, creating lines for the dock. If the weather looks like it’s going to turn, start early to dock your boat. 

  • The Shoreline Marina is located on the west side of the lake​.

  • Both an observer and an operator must be on any vessel that is towing a skier. Ski counter-clockwise, and please spread out across the reservoir to avoid dangerous congestion. 

  • Since Jackson Lake was built for irrigation purposes, please check conditions on the main page for up-to-date information regarding water levels, boating conditions, etc.​

 

Jackson Reservoir is a 2,967 acre water body (at full capacity) and anglers can expect quality fishing for walleye, saugeye, wiper and channel catfish. Crappie and trout can also be caught, and yellow perch were also stocked into the reservoir last year. WATCH video of the yellow perch stocking.

For more detailed information on fishing and the fishery management of Jackson Reservoir, please see our fish survey summary.

You can learn more about Jackson Lake and its many offerings by visiting the park’s website.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.