All County offices will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 28, for normal business. Join us in honoring those who gave all.
All County offices will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 28, for normal business. Join us in honoring those who gave all.
Fishing opens Aug. 4. Reservations open at 9 a.m. Aug. 2
Posted on August 1, 2023 2023DC Outdoors
Reel ‘em in! Catch and release fishing at Rueter-Hess Reservoir will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, starting Friday, Aug. 4, and running through October.
To maintain the vitality of the fish, a limited number of fishing opportunities will be available each day the reservoir is open. Reservations are required and open online at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2.
Here’s what you need to know:
Availability: 25 adult anglers with valid state fishing licenses will be allowed to fish each day the reservoir is open to the public – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through October. (Anglers 15 or younger, who are not required by the state to have a license, are not required to register but may still fish.) You can fish from the shore or a paddleboard, kayak or canoe. (Motorized or belly boats are not allowed. Please see information below.)
Reservations: There is no cost to fish at the reservoir, but please reserve your spot ahead of time. Online reservations open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2. If you plan to drive into the reservoir, you will need a daytime parking pass. The cost of a parking pass is $10. One parking pass per car is required. You can register for fishing and a parking pass at the same time, starting Aug. 2.
The fish: The reservoir has been stocked with Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Wiper (Striped Hybrid Bass), Channel Catfish, Black Crappie and Blue Gill. Only artificial lures and flies are allowed. No bait. Barbless, single hooks only. (Tackle boxes and licenses will be checked.)
For more on catch-and-release fishing, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s webpage.
The entrance to the Reservoir is off Hess Road in Parker, about 4.75 miles east of Interstate 25. (Please note that construction to add a new pipeline near the reservoir is ongoing, so you may see construction traffic at the entrance.)
Other Recreation
The reservoir remains open for non-motorized water activities including paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays into late October.
Access to the reservoir is free. If you want to drive and park at the reservoir, the cost of a one-day parking pass is $10 per vehicle.
A new registration system will launch at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2. For a link to registration, and to ensure the best experience possible, visit our website for all of the details to plan your day. Stay updated by signing up for Rueter-Hess emails.
Be among the first to receive news as it happens. Subscribe to our online news push, and select your specific news focus and delivery preferences. Visit the Live Town Hall page and register for Town Hall notifications to ensure you are contacted to participate in future community conversations about topics important to you. Both services are free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. And don’t forget to follow Douglas County on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Sign Up Now!