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-$15
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-$15
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
Harvey Gap has one boat ramp located on the south side of the lake and accessed from County Road 237.
- Current hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Starting May 23: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Starting September 8: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Low water conditions may require the ramp to close before November 1. Normal spring season opening is March 31.
Boats are required to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species prior to launching. See Mandatory Boat Inspections lower on the page.
There will be no entry to the boat ramp after the inspection station closes at 7 p.m.
Swimming is permitted in the no-wake zones located on the southwest side of the lake and accessed from County Road 237.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Swimming and Drop Offs
The bottoms of lakes are inconsistent. “Drop offs” are spots in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers with sudden changes in depth. These abrupt changes can be risky and catch swimmers off guard.
Swimming and Water Depth
Most reservoirs average 40-100 feet deep, making them unsuitable for those with limited swimming abilities.
Swimming and Unmarked Hazards
Lower water levels this summer can expose unmarked hazards that swimmers would usually not expect. Hazards could include trees, rocks, etc.
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.
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.
Mandatory 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. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
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
Colorado’s chile crop could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Take action when you clean, drain and dry your water gear.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure