Water Recreation

As the home of the headwaters of the Colorado River and to Colorado's largest natural lake, no other place can offer more splash-worthy adventures than Grand County, Colorado.  Swimming, boating, fishing—the list of ways to enjoy our waterways is endless.  For more information on the abundance of water recreation check out the Grand County Tourism Board.

Fishing in Grand County

Be a responsible angler and be aware of stream temperatures. Check current conditions:

• Subscribe to the USGS WaterAlert feature to receive an email or text message alert for any USGS real-time stream or raingage, water-quality, or groundwater monitoring site.
  
• Subscribe to the USGS WaterNow feature which allows you to send a text message or email containing USGS site number(s) and quickly receive a reply with the most recent observations and current conditions for water data.

Aquatic Nuisance Species

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams. Examples of ANS include:

• Zebra mussel
• Quagga mussel
• New Zealand mudsnail
• Asian carp
• Rusty crayfish
• Eurasian watermilfoil. 

Colorado is a Mandatory Boat Inspection State

All trailered and/or motorized (gas or electric) watercraft are required to be professionally inspected for ANS by state-certified personnel: 

• prior to launching in any water of the state after boating in a different state, 
• upon exiting any water in the state which is positive for an invasive species, and 
• any time an inspection is requested prior to entering or exiting a water body in Colorado.

Every boater is required in regulation to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, trailer and equipment every time you enter or exit any waters. Please see CPW's Boater's Guide to ANS Inspections.