Horsetooth Reservoir Trip Guide: Permits, Fish, and Why There Is No Ice Fishing
Horsetooth Reservoir is just west of Fort Collins. Larimer County describes six and a half miles of water surrounded by about 1,900 acres of public land, at an elevation of 5,420 feet. It is not a state park, which surprises some visitors, so the permits and rules are a little different.
Who runs it
Larimer County says the reservoir is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which moves water from the Western Slope to the Front Range. That means county entrance and camping permits, not a state parks pass. The reservoir is open year-round.
What the county says you can catch
Larimer County's fishing information for Horsetooth covers walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout (rainbow, cutbow, and brown), white bass, striped bass, and wipers, and panfish including bluegill, crappie, and sunfish. The county posts specific regulations for these species at Horsetooth and also tells anglers to read the CPW regulations before fishing any water.
No ice fishing
This one is important. Larimer County says there is no ice fishing at Horsetooth because the ice is unsafe due to fluctuating water levels. Do not walk out, even if it looks solid.
How we would plan the day
- Buy the right Larimer County permit before you arrive, and check the county page for closures or events.
- Check the wind forecast from the National Weather Service before you launch anything small.
- Read the county's rules for each area. What is allowed varies by cove and bay, and some uses are weekdays only.
- Fish the morning, and plan to be off open water before the afternoon wind.
- Clean, drain, and dry everything before your next water.
What to pack
- A life jacket for every person on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
- Water, a hat and shade, and a hat.
- A warm layer for cool mornings and cold water.
- Your county permit and fishing license.
Before you leave the Western Slope
A trip to Horsetooth from Grand Junction means mountain passes and long stretches between towns. Check road conditions and closures on COtrip.org, the Colorado Department of Transportation's traveler site, the night before and again in the morning. Fill up before the long gaps, carry water, food, and a warm layer in the vehicle, and leave your route and return time with someone at home. If the weather turns on the drive, it is fine to change plans and fish closer to home.
Safety
- Wind. The county posts wind speed and direction on its Horsetooth page. Check it before launching a small craft.
- Life jackets. Colorado requires one per person on board, and kids 12 and under must wear one.
- Busy days. Swimmers, divers, climbers, and boats all share the reservoir. Know where swim and dive areas are and stay clear.
- Cold water. Spring and fall water is cold enough for cold shock. Dress for it.
- Events and closures. The county posts trailhead and parking closures and race notices. Check before you drive.
Verify regs
Read the Larimer County Horsetooth Reservoir page for permits, boating, and fishing rules, then the current CPW Colorado Fishing Brochure and CPW Fishing. Boat inspection rules apply. See CPW Boat Inspections. We do not print limits.
Shop related
Our ice rod is not for Horsetooth, since the county does not allow ice fishing there. For the drive, our VCO Tumbler is in our merch shop.
Plan with Trip Builder
Plan the stop in Trip Builder, then read the wind go/no-go and our Chatfield guide for another Front Range option.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ice fish at Horsetooth Reservoir?
No. Larimer County says there is no ice fishing at Horsetooth because ice is unsafe due to fluctuating water levels.
Do I need a state parks pass at Horsetooth?
Horsetooth recreation is managed by Larimer County, which requires its own entrance and camping permits.