Banner Lakes SWA
Weld County
Access Requirements:
Activities & Amenities:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Camping
- Guides Available
Contact:
Area CPW Office: Fort Collins, 970-472-4300
Banner Lakes SWA
Weld County
Access Requirements:
A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing this state wildlife area.
Activities & Amenities:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Camping
- Guides Available
Contact:
Area CPW Office: Fort Collins, 970-472-4300
Banner Lakes Emergency Fish Salvage
Due to the imminent loss of the fishery from drought conditions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is issuing an emergency public salvage order for Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area in Weld County, effective immediately.
About This State Wildlife Area
State Wildlife Areas are critical habitat areas for Colorado’s wildlife. Sportspeople’s license and recreational user pass fees pay for these parcels of land, which are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife employees for the benefit of our wildlife. A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older to visit most SWAs, and visitors should check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit a State Wildlife Area.
Emergency Fish Salvage
Due to the imminent loss of the fishery from drought conditions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is issuing an emergency public salvage order for Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area in Weld County, effective immediately. All bag and possession limits have been lifted. The order only applies to the ponds open to angling. Anglers may use all legal methods, as well as cast nets, dip nets, hand-catching and bowfishing.
Anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license. Commercial fishing will not be allowed. Hand-launched vessels are allowed only as an aid for fishing, and shoreline angling only. No motorized boating is permitted.
CPW has stocked black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish at Banner Lakes SWA.
An updated list of closures and fishing restrictions due to drought can be found on the CPW website. The Fishing Atlas also provides anglers with information on closures and new angling opportunities.
Colorado Fishing Atlas
934 acres.
min. 4,936 ft - max 5,067 ft
Hunting, Fishing, Nature Viewing, Hiking and Walking
Restrooms
a. Access by foot only, and only through designated parking area. Closed N of Hwy. 52 April 1–July 15.
b. Parking and access only from designated areas.
c. Closed first day of regular waterfowl season to day before first day of pheasant season, except for waterfowl hunting on Sat., Sun., Mon. and state and federal holidays. During this period, waterfowl reservations available but not required. See “Reservations: Hunting” (page 1) for details. Reservations valid throughout reserved day until hunter with reserva- tion checks out. Hunters may check in on first-come, first-served basis after a hunter with reservation checks out, or if no reservation exists for a hunt area after midnight immediately preceding the hunt, or if re- served area isn’t claimed by legal sunrise. Hunters can hunt only the area reserved. Maximum 4 hunters per reser- vation. Waterfowl hunters must check in and check out at designated station.
d. Discharging firearms or bows prohibited except when hunting, training hunting dogs or bowfishing.
e. Fishing prohibited from Oct. 1–end of Feb.
f. Vessels prohibited except for hand- launched, hand-propelled vessels used as aid for fishing, hunting or training dogs.
g. Horse use and bicycles prohibited.
h. Dog training allowed N of Hwy. 52 during Feb., March, July 16–Aug. 31 only. Dog training allowed S of Hwy. 52, Feb. 1–Aug. 31 only.
i. Field trials may be authorized Feb., March and Aug. No more than 4 per year. Group training events not limited.
j. Domestic, feral or privately owned game birds may be released with permit for field trials and dog training S of Hwy. Birds taken must be removed fromSWA and privately owned game birds prepared for human consumption.
k. CPW may implement a dog training reservation system to manage over- crowding.
You can help!
Leave No Trace
When visiting state lands, remember to practice the seven Leave No Trace principles. Travel and park on durable surfaces, including established parking spots and campsites, and stay on areas of rock, gravel, and dry grasses or snow. Remember to pack out what you packed in. When shooting is permitted on a property, pick up your spent shells, target remnants, clays and carry our trash or anything else you brought with you.