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Antero Reservoir to open to boating on Sunday, May 1

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / [email protected] 
@CPW_NE
The south boat ramp at Antero Reservoir, taken Friday, April 22 (courtesy of CPW)

HARTSEL, Colo. - Antero Reservoir in Park County will open to boating on Sunday, May 1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Denver Water announced Tuesday.

The aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspection station at the south ramp will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning May 1 and running through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1-31, the ramp will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., so long as there is no ice on the reservoir.

The north boat ramp will not open until May 26 and stay in operation through Sept. 4. That ANS inspection station is open Thursday through Sunday, with its hours of operation being 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The reservoir had been covered with ice on the week of April 18, but the strong winds and mostly mild temperatures helped the ice recede rapidly.

CPW reminds all boaters that boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species is mandatory. All watercraft that are not hand-launched and human-powered will need to be inspected at the boat ramps. This includes any and all vessels utilizing electric trolling motors.

Zebra and quagga mussels, along with a variety of other ANS, 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.

The bag and possession limit for trout at Antero Reservoir is two, while the daily bag and possession limit on tiger muskie is one, and it must be at least 36 inches long. Fish caught and placed on a stringer, in a container or live well, or not returned to the water immediately count in the daily bag and possession limit. See our 2022 Fishing regulations brochure for more information.

For detailed fishing information, including species stocked at Antero Reservoir, please see the most recent fish survey and management data summary.

[WATCH] Spawning brown trout at Antero Reservoir

In order to keep water-based activities carefree and risks at a minimum, it is important to keep basic safety practices in mind. The Colorado Boating Safety Program promotes safe vessel operation while enhancing boating experiences.

Antero is Denver Water’s first collection reservoir on the South Platte River. Geologists believe Antero Reservoir occupies the site of a former lake-bed called Green Lake. While Green Lake lies submerged within the reservoir, an extinct volcano, Buffalo Peaks, looms above.

The north side area of the reservoir is a day-use area only (no camping allowed), but 38 first-come, first-served campsites are available at the south side campground and boat ramp.

To learn more about Antero Reservoir, please visit Denver Water’s website.

Photos below courtesy of Jason Clay/CPW.

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.