John Martin Reservoir State Park
State Park in Hasty, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
30703 Co. Rd. 24
Hasty, CO 81044
United States
John Martin Reservoir State Park
State Park in Hasty, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
30703 Co. Rd. 24
Hasty, CO 81044
United States
Navigate to:
Park Highlight
Explore the Water
The reservoir provides uncrowded boating, waterskiing and spectacular conditions for a wide variety of wind water sports. The mild Southeastern Colorado weather provides plenty of great days throughout the year.
John Martin Reservoir
John Martin Reservoir is open to all types of boating. Anglers may catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch and catfish.
Lake Hasty
Only hand-launched, hand powered and electric-motorized vessels are allowed on Lake Hasty. Just below the dam, the lake is stocked with trout, bluegill, bass, saugeye and wiper.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
The boat ramps are open annually from March 15 until October 31, and closed annually on November 1 until March 14 for waterfowl resting.
During the open season March 15 thru October 31 there may be additional closures based on the current water levels at the reservoir.
East Boat Ramp
The east boat ramp is located closest to the dam on the northeast side of the reservoir. It is a low water ramp with a low grade slope.
West Boat Ramp
The west boat ramp is located on the northeast side of the reservoir approximately 500 yards west of the east ramp. It is a high water ramp with a high grade slope.
Rules and Regulations
- Please do not park vehicles on the boat ramps.
- Trailered launching from any other location on the lake is prohibited.
- Swimming and fishing are also prohibited on or near the ramps.
- See the "Mandatory Boat Inspections for Aquatic Nuisance Species" information lower on the page.
The accessible fishing pier is located on the west side of Lake Hasty.
A fish cleaning station is located near the Lake Hasty Campground. Please be courteous to other visitors and do not clean fish in the laundry room or restrooms.
The swim beach is located on Lake Hasty, a 0.25-mile walk from the campground. It is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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 on John Martin Reservoir
- Be on the lookout for areas that are temporarily closed to all public access to protect threatened and endangered bird nesting and brooding areas.
- The water level at John Martin Reservoir can fluctuate.
- Boaters are warned to be especially alert to floating debris, submerged hazards and shallow areas that may not be marked.
Boating on Lake Hasty
Only hand-launched, non-motorized vessels are allowed on Lake Hasty.
Fishing
John Martin Reservoir offers many types of warmwater fish. Late spring to early summer is popular for crappie and saugeye fishing. Anglers from all over the country come to John Martin Reservoir mid-summer to fish for bass and wiper. Late-night anglers will find channel catfish and walleye all summer long. Fishing is permitted anywhere on the park, except from the boat docks and areas closed to public access. Ice fishing is discouraged as the lake rarely freezes over completely.
Lake Hasty is stocked with trout, bluegill, bass, crappie, saugeye and wiper.
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
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is allowed on John Martin Reservoir during the regular boating season from March 15 to October 31. Jet skiing is not allowed on Lake Hasty.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Lake Hasty and John Martin Reservoir from sunset to sunrise and anywhere at least 150 feet from any: boat ramp, marina, breakwater, dock, buoy-designated hazard or keep-out, any dam inlet or outlet structure, and where posted as prohibited. The Lake Hasty swim beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Any child under the age of 13 unless accompanied by an adult.
Water Skiing
Water Skiing is allowed on John Martin Reservoir, but not on Lake Hasty. Remember to ski counter-clockwise.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at John Martin Reservoir
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the visitor center 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.
Inspection Hours
During the open season, boat inspections are provided at the Visitor Center. Normal hours are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., but hours can vary, depending on staff availability. Please check John Martin Reservoir State Park's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/johnmartinreservoirsp/, for the most up-to-date hours.
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.
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