Water Recreation and Paddle Sports are now closed for the season.
Water Recreation and Paddle Sports are now closed for the season.
Seasonal Update: For the safety of all who use Rueter-Hess, paddle sports will not be available after the overnight temperature sinks below 37 degrees. The lower temperatures will require us to winterize the rescue boat, so no one will be allowed on the water. Fishing from the shore will be allowed until ice begins to form on the reservoir.
With that in mind, we recommend booking just one day in advance and signing up for email updates.
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.
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 younger than 16, 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 the information below.)
Reservations: There is no cost to fish at the reservoir, but reservations are required to reserve your spot. 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.
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.)
