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Park Conditions
Park Conditions

  • Boat Ramps

    The Rifle Gap boat ramp and inspection station are OPEN.​ They will CLOSE ​​for the season Nov 1, 2023

    ​All boats must be properly registered and equipped in accordance with the State Law. 

    All vessels are required to be inspected for Aquatic N​uisance Species (zebra mussel, et al.) prior to launching.​

    ​​ANS inspectors will be on duty  7am to 7pm. At which time the ramp will be locked to​ all inbound traffic with spike strips on the left side of the ramp.​​

    (Updated: 9/24/2023 10:24 AM)

  • Boating

    With the requirement of the ANS stamp on all registered boats, funding for the ANS program at RIfle Gap will allow the boat ramp to be opened. All boats must be inspected at the ANS inspection station.  

    Visitors with boats registered out-of-state must purchase a yearly ANS Stamp in order to launch in Colorado.  You may purchase one before you visit at CPWshop.com, or come by the Visitor Center to purchase.  These stamps expire on December 31.​

    Non-motorized hand launched kayaks,canoes,rafts,belly boats,float tubes, paddle boards, and foldable boats are exempt and do NOT need to be inspected.
     
    NEW THIS YEAR:  There will be no entry to the boat ramp after the inspection station closes.  The gate to the inbound lane will close each evening when the inspection station closes.  If you are wanting to night fish, please have your boat past the gate before the closure.  A one-way spike strip was installed in the outbound lane, allowing traffic to leave at any time of the night.

    If you have any questions about the inspection process, feel free to contact the park at any time.
     
    Thank you for your support in keeping our waters free of destructive aquatic wildlife!


    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:51 AM)

  • Cell Phone Coverage

    Coverage is spotty, you may get a signal near the boat ramp or on the dam. There is no public wi-fi available.
    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:51 AM)

  • Construction

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    (Updated: 9/24/2023 10:25 AM)

  • Fire Restrictions

     Find current fire restriction information by visiting https://www.ecemergency.org/2020/04/eagle-county-fire-restriction-info.html.
    Use permanent fire rings and NEVER leave a fire unattended ~ they must be extinguished before you leave! Your caution makes all the difference! NEVER collect firewood within the park! This includes fallen timber.​
    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:52 AM)

  • Fishing Report

    Fishing is good for Walleye Pike and Trout. No report on Bass

    Walleye:

    • Bag/possession limit=3 fish
    • Size= Must be at least 15" 
    • Only one can be  over 18".

    ​All other species:

    Same as statewide regulations.

    See the Rifle Gap Fishery Management Plan​ page for more information. ​

    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:53 AM)

  • Icing Conditions

    ​Always use caution when fishing on the ice and be sure to fish with a buddy. Ice fishing on the lake can be tricky here at Rifle Gap. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. ​​Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, ​a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy.​.​
    (Updated: 5/7/2023 8:40 AM)

  • Park Entrance

    The Park Office is open from 8am-4pm daily.​  Please feel free to call prior to visiting to make sure that someone will be available to assist you.  (970) 625-1607.
    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:53 AM)

  • Road Conditions

    The roads throughout the park are open.  Please adhere to the 10 mph speed limit in campgrounds and 20 mph speed limit on the remaining roads and be on the lookout for hikers and bicyclists.
    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:54 AM)

  • Swimming Conditions

    There is no designated area that is exclusive to swimming at Rifle Gap.  Instead, swimming is allowed within the wakeless zones of the lake. 

    ​
    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:54 AM)

  • Water Levels

    Rifle Gap is down about 5 feet.

    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:55 AM)

  • Water Temperature


    ​The water temperature is in the low 70s​​

    (Updated: 8/31/2023 11:56 AM)