Harvey Gap State Park
State Park in Rifle, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO 81650
United States
Harvey Gap State Park
State Park in Rifle, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO 81650
United States
A serene view of the lake
Park Highlight
Explore Harvey Gap Reservoir
190-surface-acre Harvey Gap is a popular fishing destination and also offers shaded picnic tables by the water, boating with small boats (20 horsepower max) and a swim beach. Harvey Gap is a day-use area, but overnight camping is available nearby at Rifle Falls State Park and Rifle Gap State Park.
Water skiing is not allowed.
Facilities
One boat ramp is located on the south side of the lake and accessed from County Road 237. Boats must be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species prior to launch. There will be no entry to the boat ramp after the inspection station closes at 7 p.m.
The boat ramp is closed November 1 to March 31, annually.
Swimming is permitted in the no-wake zones located on the southwest side of the lake and accessed from County Road 237.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to boating ( 20 horsepower or less motors), kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing, and often has great conditions for sailing. Boating is closed seasonally from November 1 to March 31.
Fishing
Harvey Gap is a favorite spot for anglers. Trout and pike fishing at Harvey Gap is some of the best around during the summer. The 160-acre lake is stocked with a variety of cold- and warmwater fish.
Ice Fishing
Wintertime offers rainbow trout and northern pike for the avid ice fishers. The reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full. 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 and a fishing buddy.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Chatfield
Colorado Parks and Wildlife awards anglers who catch big fish. Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the BrochureLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureMandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Harvey Gap
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species, as well as clean, drain, dry and decontaminations.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, Asian carp, rusty crayfish and more.
Stop the Spread of ANSOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species(ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species. Take Action: Clean, drain and dry your watercraft and gear.
Water Activities
Canoeing
Canoeing is popular at Harvey Gap.
Swimming
In the summer, the Harvey Gap Swim Beach is a great place to beat the heat. Swimming is allowed at the south east end of the lake. There are shaded picnic tables with grills, trash cans and restrooms.
Paddle Boarding
The lake is ideal for paddle boarding. Life jackets required.
Sailing
Come sail and enjoy the picturesque lake. Winds are often favorable.
Fishing
Fishing at Harvey Gap is good during the summer and the winter. You can take catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout, northern pike and muskie.
Kayaking
The long, narrow water of the lake is inviting to kayakers.