According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a popular boat ramp at Chaffee County’s Clear Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area is set to remain closed throughout the 2026 season with a nearby campground to be closed as of April 6, as well, amid construction.

Improvements are being made to the dam, with heavy equipment expected to be present in the campground area. While the reservoir will remain open to anglers on the shore and hand-launched watercraft that don’t have a motor, only one access road remains open. It’s also worth noting that the portion of the Colorado Trail found west of the campground remains open, as do vault toilets. Per norm, this wildlife area is only accessible by those with a valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area pass. The wildlife area is closed to non-hunting and non-fishing activities.

In addition to dam improvements, the extended closure period will also be used to improve low-water access from the boat ramp and to complete campground maintenance and improvements, too.

While the dry winter has been cause for concern when it comes to many aspects of Colorado’s landscape and outdoor recreation, the limited runoff and poor snowpack in the area has actually helped accelerate the repair timeline for the project. It’s anticipated that the boat ramp will reopen for the full 2027 boating season.

While hand-launched watercraft are still allowed, those partaking in this form of recreation should be sure to comply with aquatic nuisance species requirements. Also, it will be important for these water users and shoreline anglers to be prepared for changing shorelines, with mud and silt expected to impact access at times.

“Clear Creek Reservoir is an important fishing destination in northern Chaffee County, and while dam improvements and low water conditions limit access this year, anglers still have opportunities to fish from shore or from hand-launched vessels,” said Zachary Baker, CPW assistant area wildlife manager. “The remaining water will continue to support the fishery and more than 20,000 tiger trout fingerlings were stocked there on Thursday.”

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