Boating in Colorado? (Denver, Fort Collins, Pueblo: camping, club, activities)

[MountainViews]

I have read on several posts that some lakes in Colorado do not allow gas powered boats. I believe I read that the lake in Evergreen is one of them.

Would anyone happen to know where the nearest lakes to Denver are that do allow motorized boats, have sport fishing, and lake recreation areas in the summer months? Are there are lakes near Evergreen or Nederland that offer that type of recreation?

Thanks!

[sunsprit]

Closest to Denver boating lakes would be Cherry Creek and Chatfield reservoirs. They both have "beach" areas, and are large enough to power around on a bit, although have speed restrictions and restricted areas for other activities.

You can water ski on both, and Chatfield has fishing areas to the Southwest portion of the lake.

There's several lakes out East ... Bonny reservoir has fishing, camping, water skiing, but that's a couple hours away. Boulder has the Boulder reservoir, and Fort Collins area has Carter and Horsetooth res's. Up in the mountains, Dillon res has power boating, camping, and fishing opportunities, but you cannot water ski there due to regulations (plus it's a very poor lake due to wind conditions to water ski, and the water is hypothermia inducing cold).

No lakes that I know of by Nederland or Evergreen for your boating ....

[DOUBLE H]

Or if you are willing to travel a bit further is Blue Mesa Reservoir, a little over 4 hours southwest of Denver just west of Gunnison. One of the top recreation reservoirs in the state; lots of boats on it!

[MountainViews]

Would any of those lakes be good spots to go fishing? I'm familiar with the fly fishing in the rivers and streams, but what is the lake fishing like? I know only about Eleven Mile Reservoir, but not any others.

Thanks!

[tao]

I've seen motorboats and waterskiing at Standley Lake in Westminster.

[McGowdog]

When it comes to fishing, this Colorado Fishing Network site seems like a good start; or 101 places to take a kid fishing from the Colorado Division of Wildlife site.

Where to go Hot Spots on the DOW site may be helpful too.

Then here's a Colorado Fishing Map which isn't too bad.

I have yet to see a site that lists some of my favs, but that's ok too.

Boating on Stanley Lake? I don't think so. Come down to Pueblo Reservoir if you want to have a bit of room. I'd agree with HH about Blue Mesa as far as size and best fishing.

[jpenta]

For great fishing and recreational boating, I have to recommend Grand County. There are three lakes that you can fish, waterski, wakeboard and tube on. There is Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Lake Granby, all within a 10-minute drive of each other (Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir are connected by a boatable canal). Grand Lake is also the best place to view fireworks on the 4th of July with one of the best fireworks shows in Colorado, viewable right from your boat!

We also have gold-medal fly-fishing waters if you prefer fly-fishing.

Be careful though, if you head up to Grand County, you're probably going to want to stay.

[Minx]

Couldn't agree more. Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby all within 10 minutes. There is also fireworks on Grand Lake on New Years Eve. That's definitely where I'm going to be. In winter you can ice fish on the lake and there are many streams in the area for fly fishing.
Power boats are allowed on all 3 lakes. There is also Grand Lake Sailing Club if you want to try something different.

[tao]

Originally Posted by McGowdog

Boating on Stanley Lake? I don't think so. Come down to Pueblo Reservoir if you want to have a bit of room. I'd agree with HH about Blue Mesa as far as size and best fishing.

It might not be as big as the others mentioned but it's close to Denver and it's a beautiful place. Here are pictures I took at Standley Lake:

[Minx]

Here are some photos of Grand Lake, and this is the smallest of the 3 lakes all within 10 minutes of each other.
















Ice fishing on the lake during winter