Horsetooth Resovoir

[Mckoz]

Any of you Colorado guys know anything about this place? I've got relatives (non-fishing) that live on either side. Is there much fishing, ice fishing in these parts? Any walleyes?? I thought I read something about it being a fantastic place.

Last time I was there it was pretty low. Our nephew got to do some fishing with us here in WI this past summer and keeps asking to come back for more - just wondered if there was anything for him in Horsetooth.

Thanks Mike

[Rick-Wy.]

I'm fairly certain, prior to winter this year, it has been drained for dam repairs. Yes, drained.

Believe the repairs are to go on for 4 years or so.

[Mckoz]

No wonder the kid wants to come back here! Was there much fishing and if so what happened to the fish?

[Kevin/CO]

Horsetooth Res. is regarded as a very good place to fish, or atleast it was. The dam repairs that are taking place have unfortunately shut the resivoir essentially down. In about 5-10 years the resivoir should be back to being a great place to fish.

[Mckoz]

Are there any places near Fort Collins for the kids to try out some ice fishing? Keep in mind their parents are not into fishing so I have to try and make this easy.

Mike

[Corky V]

Try Lake Dowdey up by Red Feathers. We've been there 3 time so far this season and had a ball every time. (the fishing was excellant) It's about 50 miles north west of Ft. Collins. It's an easy and fun drive. Try it you'll like it.

Corky

[Steve(CO)]

Horsetooth was one of the premier trophy walleye fisheries (and my "home water") in Colorado until the rainbow smelt population crashed a couple of years ago causing real forage problems. Now, because of leakage problems with the dams the reservoir has been pulled down to low (dead) pool. It has NOT been drained, however. There is enough water that large pools remain at each of the dam areas and they are connected by channels, so the entire reservoir will be accessible by boats this summer. In fact, new, low water boat ramps are being completed for access over the next several years. That said, no one knows how the fish populations will weather the draw-down. They seem to be okay for now, but with the onset of summer temperatures, that could change.
As far as ice-fishing is concerned, DO NOT attempt Horsetooth. This is being discouraged by the Parks people because of unsafe ice. Red Feather is probably the best bet as mentioned above. Good luck.