Water Recreation Now Open
Nestled in the sandstone-rimmed bluffs and Gamble Oak valleys of northeastern Douglas County, Rueter-Hess Reservoir beckons history buffs, day hikers, water-sport enthusiasts, and local anthropologists alike.
With that in mind, we recommend booking a reservation and signing up for email updates.
All watercraft will be subject to ANS inspections and should be clean and dry.
Fishing
Fishing Rules and Regulations :
- A valid colorado fishing license is required
- No live bait
- Beginning in July 2025, visitors will be allowed to participate in catch-and-keep fishing of Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. Other fish, such as Black Crappies, Bluegills, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnows, Wipers, Triploid Grass Carps, and White Suckers still need to be released.
- Single pole fishing only (regardless of stamp)
- Artificial flies & lures only
- Only one artificial lure or fly per line with up to three (3) hooks per line
- Barbed hooks are acceptable
- Fishing is allowed in authorized areas only
- All tackle boxes and fishing licenses will be checked
The limited use of electric trolling motors for fishing purposes will now be permitted. Here are the rules:
- Only approved watercraft, such as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, river pontoons, and johnboats, may use an electric trolling motor.
- The electric trolling motor cannot exceed a thrust of 55 pounds or shaft of 24 inches and the boat cannot exceed 14 feet in length.
- Electric trolling motor must be hand operated.
- Electric trolling motor must be detachable.
- The use of electric trolling motors for non-fishing activities is prohibited.