Meeker Office Closure
The Meeker office is closed until further notice due to the Lee Fire. Please view the news release for additional details and alternative office information.
State Forest State Park
State Park in Walden, CO
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $12
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
56750 Highway 14
Walden, CO 80480
United States
State Forest State Park
State Park in Walden, CO
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $12
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
56750 Highway 14
Walden, CO 80480
United States
Park Highlight
Explore Lakes and North Michigan Reservoir
Our high-altitude alpine lakes are a wonderful hot-weather destination. Come fish in the lakes and boat on the reservoir.
North Michigan Reservoir
Wakeless boating and fishing are allowed.
Ranger Lakes
Fishing is allowed at the lakes, but boating and swimming is not. See specific fishing regulations by lake below.
Alpine Lakes
Fishing is allowed at the lakes, but boating and swimming is not.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
There are two boat ramps at the North Michigan Reservoir, each with a floating boat dock. Please don't jump off the boat docks.
There are two floating docks for fishing at the North Michigan Reservoir. Or check out the beautiful accessible fishing pier at Ranger Lakes.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Wakeless boats are allowed in the North Michigan Reservoir. No watercraft or swimming is allowed on Ranger Lakes or any of our high alpine lakes (Clear, Kelly, Jewel, Agnes).
Fishing
State Forest State Park features brook, brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. North Park Anglers and Red Feather Guides & Outfitters offer fishing trips.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing in State Forest is excellent during the winter months. In the winter, ice fishing is allowed on our lakes, reservoirs and streams. Please use caution and check the ice thickness carefully. We do not check ice levels on a regular basis here at the park.
Hotspots
- Lower Big Creek
- Upper Big Creek
- North Delaney
- East Delaney
- South Delaney
- Lake John
- Honholz Lake #2
- Honholz Lake #3
- Joe Wright Reservoir
- Cowdrey Lake
- North Michigan Reservoir
- Ranger Lakes
- Seymour Lake
- Barnes Meadow Reservoir
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.
Lake Fishing
In the alpine lakes (Clear, Kelly, Jewel, Agnes), only artificial fly and lure fishing is permitted. Bag and possession limit for trout is two fish. Ranger Lakes is open to bait use. In the winter, ice fishing is allowed on the lakes. Please use caution and check the ice thickness carefully.
North Michigan Reservoir Fishing
North Michigan Reservoir is open to bait use. Fly fishing is accessible and abundant along the Canadian River, and the North and Middle forks of the Michigan River. In the winter, ice fishing is allowed on the reservoir. Please use caution and check the ice thickness carefully.
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 State Forest
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.
Inspection Hours
Contact the park for inspection hours at 970-723-8366.
Mandatory Inspections and SealsAquatic 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
We can keep Colorado’s peaches sweet, juicy and thriving by preventing the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Clean, drain and dry all paddling, fishing and boating gear after each use and Be a Pain in the ANS!
ANS are non-native species that can harm bodies of water, ecosystems and even industries. Several kinds of invasive species can cause clogs in irrigation pipes — this could interrupt water delivery for agricultural producers. Clogs could be formed by non-native zebra, quagga and golden mussels, which can attach themselves to the insides of pipes.
Water Activities
Canoeing
Canoeing is only allowed on North Michigan Reservoir.
Kayaking
Kayaking is only allowed on North Michigan Reservoir.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is only allowed on North Michigan Reservoir. Don't forget to bring your life jacket and dress for cold waters.
Sailing
Come sail and enjoy the water at North Michigan Reservoir.