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Park Conditions
Park Conditions

  • Boat Ramps

     The Rifle Gap boat ramp and inspection station are CLOSED​ for the season.​ 

    We will have ANS inspectors on duty and the ramp opens April 1.​

    (Updated: 3/16/2023 3:18 PM)

  • 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 April 1thru Sept 30,2022. 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.
     
    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: 12/7/2022 1:51 PM)

  • 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: 11/2/2022 10:22 AM)

  • Construction

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    (Updated: 9/7/2022 11:48 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: 11/2/2022 10:26 AM)

  • Fishing Report

    With the ice conditions around the shoreline deteriorating, there have been no current fishing reports.

    Keep in mind that there are a couple of fishing regulations that are specific to Rifle Gap:

    Walleye:

    • Bag/possession limit= 1 fish
    • Size= Must be 18" or greater

    ​All other species:

    Same as statewide regulations.

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

    (Updated: 3/16/2023 3:16 PM)

  • Icing Conditions

    Rifle Gap has 10-12" of ice in most areas. There is 10-15 feet of open water around the shoreline​.​
    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: 3/16/2023 3:14 PM)

  • 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: 11/2/2022 10:31 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: 9/29/2022 10:30 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: 9/7/2022 11:57 AM)

  • Water Levels

    The water level is about 30 ft below capacity and holding steady.

    (Updated: 2/23/2023 2:40 PM)

  • Water Temperature

    Iced over​
    (Updated: 12/26/2022 3:25 PM)