By Mike McKibbin / NewsBreak Denver / Aug. 2, 2023
[DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLO.] — A limited number of people will be allowed to fish at Rueter-Hess Reservoir starting Friday, Aug. 4. But don’t plan to catch your dinner, as the fishing is catch and release only.
Douglas County took over management of the 75,000-acre-foot reservoir from the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority earlier this year. Fishing was one of the top priorities to add to the recreational activities allowed in the reservoir, which is owned and operated by the Parker Water and Sanitation District.
According to a county news release, catch-and-release fishing will be allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays through October.
To maintain the vitality of the fish, up to 25 adults with valid Colorado fishing licenses will be allowed to fish on the four days the reservoir is open. No-cost reservations are required and can be made online.
Anglers younger than 16 are not required to have a license and do not have to register but may still fish. Fishing is allowed from shore or a paddleboard, kayak or canoe. Motorized or belly boats are not allowed.
Rueter-Hess has been stocked with walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, wiper (striped hybrid bass), channel catfish, black crappie and blue gill. Artificial lures and flies are allowed, but bait is prohibited. Barbless single hooks must be used. Tackle boxes and licenses will be checked upon arrival.
For more on catch-and-release fishing, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s web page.
The reservoir remains open for non-motorized water activities, including paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. Paddle boards and kayaks (single and double) are available for rent (1-hour, 2-hour or half-day) and life vests.
Park rangers will be onsite while the reservoir is open for recreation. However, no lifeguards are on duty.
Daytime parking passes cost $10, and every vehicle must have a pass, which can be purchased online with reservations. Due to limited parking space, trailer parking is not available.
The Rueter-Hess entrance is at 9343 Double Angel Road, about 4.75 miles east of Interstate 25.
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