Fishing & Boating

A person in a canoe in a river in St. Vrain State Park

Scottish Politician John Buchan once said, “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” If you are looking for a little bit of hope at the end of your rod and reel, look no further than right here in Weld County.

Or perhaps you long to do more than work the water from the bank. Rather, you long to peacefully float along the surface of a lake or pond. It's hard to resist the draw of the water, and in Weld County we have several unique areas designed to bring people and nature together through water. Whether you like to fish, boat or tube, we've got just the spot for you!

Firestone - St. Vrain State Park

Located just west of I-25 at Highway 119, is one of Weld County’s true gems: St. Vrain State Park. This little slice of nature nestled in along the bustling Front Range of northern Colorado encompasses 604 acres of land and 152 acres of water split among several ponds.

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the park as anglers of all ages have the chance to hook Bluegill, Black Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Bass and Walleye.

Non-motorized boating is also allowed on the ponds. Gas-powered motors are only permitted on Blue Heron Reservoir and must be operated at wakeless speeds.

To learn more about fishing and boating at St. Vrain State Park, please visit their website at cpw.state.co.us.

Frederick - Milavec Reservoir at Frederick Recreation Area

Visitors to this site will enjoy 129 acres of parkland, which includes basketball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, trails and, of course, fishing. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the water or you can cast your line right from the shore. And don’t forget to stop by the old pumphouse where you can enjoy a tile mural by artist Mario Miguel Echevarria titled “Hooked on Frederick”, which captures a playful fishing scene. For more information about the Frederick Recreation Area, please visit frederickco.gov.

Greeley - Poudre Ponds

Located in Greeley, the Poudre Ponds Recreational Fishery is a great place to relax, fish and catch a beautiful sunset along the Rocky Mountains. There is plenty of parking as you enter the area at 35th Ave. just south of O St. (north of F St.) or you can ride bike you along the Poudre River Trail to reach your favorite spot and cast your line. Picnic areas and ADA piers invite all guests to enjoy the ponds. Gas-free boats under 17 feet in length are allowed but a permit is required. To learn more about Greeley’s Poudre Ponds, please visit the poudretrail.org website.

Windsor Lake

One of the things Windsor is best known for is beautiful Windsor Lake – home to swimming, sailing, fishing, concerts and all-around family fun. For the anglers, the lake is stocked with Yellow Perch Fingerling, Blue Gill, Channel Catfish and Trout. Year-round fishing is allowed when ice isn’t present, but please know that fishing off the dock or on the swim beach is prohibited.

Looking to get on the water? Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but must be permitted and are only allowed on the water at certain times. Be sure you know the policies before heading out. Visit their webpage at recreationliveshere.org.

Windsor - Eastman Park River Experience

Located off of 7th St. and Eastman Park Drive, the Eastman Park River Experience features a river-mile devoted to local kayaking, canoeing, tubing and water play.

This outdoor experience features a dedicated float launch and take out area, a scenic river plaza that provides river access for general water enjoyment, picturesque views of the Cache la Poudre River and Longs Peak and an amazing new hangout spot.

Be sure to follow all the safety rules when it comes to enjoying the water! Learn more about this exciting location by visiting the Town of Windsor website at recreationliveshere.com.