Alert

In observance of the Independence Day national holiday, all Douglas County Government offices will be closed Friday, July 4. Offices will reopen on Monday, July 7, for normal business. Many County services are available 24/7 by visiting online services. License plate renewal is available online or at kiosks located throughout the County and state.

Your County
Menu ☰
Rueter-Hess Recreation
Looking for something specific?
Service Finder
×

01.

Help Me With...

Select from list
My Residential Property
My Driver's License or Vehicle Registration
Requesting Assistance
Elections
Health Department

02.

Select from list
My Property Valuation
Understanding My Valuation
Paying My Property Tax
Neighborhood Sales
Building Permits
Vehicle Registration - New Stickers
Vehicle Registration - New Vehicle
Drivers License - New or Renew
New Resident Vehicle Registration
Adult Protection
Child Welfare
Child Support
Child Care
Financial Assistance
Medical Assistance
Food Assistance
Register to Vote / Update Voter Registration
Upcoming Election Information
Ballot Drop Box Locations
Voter Service and Polling Centers
Birth/Death Records
Restaurant Inspections
Community Health
Child Care Center Inspections
Septic System Inspections
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Disease Surveillance
Mental and Behavioral Health Education
Community Health and Clinical Services
Women, Infants and Children

03.

×
× Close
Rueter-Hess Recreation

All-Day Parking Pass for Rueter-Hess

Reserve your day pass: 

Come to experience the tranquility at Rueter-Hess!

Located at 9343 Double Angel Road Parker, CO

Park Rangers will be onsite while the reservoir is open for recreation to ensure fun and safety. However, no lifeguards are on duty, and all activities are at your own risk.  View the Release and Waiver of Liability Here.
Bring your own Paddle boards, kayaks (single and double), canoes, or windsurfing gear to the reservoir.  All watercraft will be inspected upon entering.
RENTALS- There are limited number of watercraft  and life vests available for rent from Surf’SUP Colorado.

Please note – due to limited parking space no trailer or oversized vehicle parking available.  

Fishing

Fishing at Rueter-Hess Reservoir will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. To maintain the vitality of the fish, a limited number of fishing opportunities will be available each day the reservoir is open. Fishing is allowed from shore or on watercraft during paddle season. Reservations are required for parking as well as adult or youth fishing.

Visitors may participate in catch-and-keep fishing for Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch, while all other species—including Black Crappies, Bluegills, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnows, Wipers, Triploid Grass Carp, and White Suckers—must be released. Barbed treble hooks are now allowed, and all anglers must have a state fishing license and obtain a free daily fishing permit to support fishery management.

Fishing (Rueter-Hess)

Reserve the Pavilion

The view from Rueter-Hess Pavilion is breathtaking and is available for your next gathering, weddings, or picnic. Up to 60 people can enjoy a day of tranquility. The Newlin's Gold Trail begins here and offers great views of the front range.
The pavilion comes with 5 parking spaces for your attendees to use. The Observation deck may also be reserved for a nominal fee and has an additional 5 parking spaces. Fill out a Special Event request or contact [email protected] to make a reservation.

Special Event Request

Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and windsurfing only

Because Rueter-Hess is a drinking water storage facility, only these watercrafts are allowed. All watercraft must pass an invasive species (ANS) inspection before accessing the water. Windsurfing will be allowed in 2024.

The limited use of electric trolling motors is now permitted for fishing, but only on approved watercraft such as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, river pontoons, and johnboats. Motors must be hand-operated, detachable, and not exceed 55 pounds of thrust, a 24-inch shaft, or be used on boats longer than 14 feet.

Rueter-Hess Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement

It’s a rugged experience

Plans are in the works to modernize the shoreline; however, we aren’t there yet. As work continues, please expect the shoreline to be muddy in places. We recommend bringing chairs and shade for a day of fun and relaxation.

Life jackets are required

You will not be allowed on the water without a life jacket. No inflated floating devices - with the exception of Stand-up Paddle Boards and multi-chambered kayaks.
Water shoes are recommended.

Plan to walk a bit

Parking closest to the water is a five-minute walk. Additional parking is up to 10 minutes away. You will be able to drop off gear near the shoreline and return to the parking lot(s).

Please note - due to limited parking space there will be no oversized vehicle or trailer parking available.

Bringing your dog?

Dogs on a leash are allowed on trails only. They are not allowed in the water or on the shoreline.

What’s for lunch?

Please be prepared to “Pack it in and pack it out.” There are limited picnic tables available for use. We recommend bringing chairs and shade.
No alcoholic beverages, drugs, or glass bottles are allowed.

Rules and Regulations

The Reservoir serves as a primary drinking water source. No bodily contact is allowed with the water at the Reservoir unless authorized and permitted by PWSD and the Authority. Programs and Special Use events must be approved through the established special use application and permitting process with the County. Access to the Property is allowed only at the times provided by the Rueter-Hess Recreation for general access.

Rules and regulations.