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Due to severe winter weather, all Douglas County Government offices will be CLOSED Friday, Nov. 8. Read more.

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Rueter-Hess Recreation

Fall Activities at Rueter-Hess

Through extensive public outreach, the Authority established a conceptual master plan (PDF) in 2016. Future recreational opportunities may include soft-surface trails and non-motorized watercraft. The reservoir will only be open for recreation Fridays through Mondays year round.

Click here for more information on recreational activities and facilities.

For rentals of the pavilion or observation deck send an email to [email protected]

Click here for submitting a special use or concession permit request.

Water Recreation Open Spring Through October

Spring, summer, and early fall water recreation at Rueter-Hess Reservoir will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Come out to paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or windsurf through the end of October. All watercraft will be inspected and should be clean and dry before entering. Make your reservations today!

Hours November through March are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. During the colder months land based activities are available and shoreline fishing will continue until ice forms on the reservoir.

Water Recreation/Fishing

Incline Challenge and Trail

The Incline features 132 steps and the Rosie Rueter Trail loop that leads to and from the parking lot is just over a mile long. This trail connects to the Coyote Run Loop trail that continues along and under Hess Road and loops down by the reservoir.

Incline Trail (Rueter-Hess)

Fishing

Catch and release fishing from shore or from the water at Rueter-Hess Reservoir will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the late fall through winter. Reservations for fishing are required for both adult and youth anglers. During the cooler months shoreline fishing continues until ice forms on the reservoir.



Fishing (Rueter-Hess)

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