Conditions at Highline Lake | Colorado State Parks

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Conditions

Boat Ramps - 5/14/2012

Highline Lake is open to boating! The WEST boat ramp is open and ANS inspections are available 8 am to 7:00 pm. The east ramp IS NOT open, due to shallow water and ANS staffing restrictions. A reminder that all watercraft must be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species before entering the water. 2012 Boat Registrations & Renewals are available at the Visitor Center.

Boating - 5/14/2012

Highline Lake is open to boating!! The WEST ramp is open for launching. Required Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections are available at the west ramp from 8 am to 7:00 pm. ONLY. Due to shallow water and staffing restrictions, the EAST ramp IS NOT open. Highline Lake State Park is part of the effort to curb the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), including zebra and quagga mussels, in the state's reservoirs and waterways. All vessels are required to be inspected and, if necessary, decontaminated. For more information about the ANS program and boating in Colorado, choose the Boating link at the top of this page. Mack Mesa Lake is open to hand- or electric motor-powered watercraft only. 2012 Boat Registrations & Renewals are available at the Visitor Center.

Camping - 5/14/2012

The campground and Camper Services Building are open year round, with hot showers and laundry facilities. Make your reservations NOW, especially for a weekend stay! RESERVATONS ARE A MUST for weekends and holidays March through October, and may be made up to six months in advance. Make reservations online at www.parks.state.co.us or call 1-800-678-2267 (call 303-470-1144 in Denver metro area). Reservations MUST be made a MINIMUM of three days before your arrival date, and may be made a maximum of six months ahead. For a great spur-of-the-moment camping trip, head to Highline Lake during the week!

Fire Restrictions - 5/14/2012

Fires must ALWAYS be in designated fire grills, fire pits, or personal grills ONLY. There are NO fireworks allowed. Firewood is available from a camphost or a Ranger.

Fishing Report - 5/14/2012

Trout are still biting at both Mack Mesa and Highline Lakes - some nice sized trout have been taken from both lakes recently, along with the stockers. Some very nice catfish were caught over the weekend! Bass and crappie are biting near the dam at Highline Lake, from the bank or from a boat. Power Bait is now available in the Visitor Center, along with nightcrawlers and fishing licenses. Get ready to be "Gone Fishin" at Highline or Mack Mesa Lake! For those who prefer to troll Highline Lake, ANS boat inspections are available at the WEST ramp, from 8 am to 7:00 pm ONLY. As always, ". . . the worst day fishing is better than any day at work!" If you catch or see a Northern Pike at either lake, please remove it from the water if possible, AND TURN IT OVER TO PARK STAFF! Thank you.

Park Entrance - 5/14/2012

ALWAYS STOP at the Visitor Center window, for passes and information! As a rule, the visitor center is open 8 am to 4 pm seven days per week. Both the east Visitor Center entrance and west park entrance are manned when staffing allows. The automated dispensers (to the right of the Visitor Center and near the west park entrance) both accept Visa/MasterCards and cash (NOT new, colored bills!). Manned entrances accept cash, check, gift certificate and Visa/MasterCard for all passes and registrations. The manned Visitor Center at the east entrance has hunting and fishing licenses, as well as a variety of items in the retail store! The west entrance automated machine dispenses daily and regular Annual passes; the east machine dispenses daily, camping, Aspen camping, and Annual passes. 2012 Boat Registrations & Renewals are available at the Visitor Center!

Swimming Conditions - 5/14/2012

The swim beach is open for the 2012 season! The water is only about 64 degrees though, so bring some towels to dry off with.

Trails - 5/14/2012

The weather forecast for the next few days is nuthin' but sunny skies and warm temperatures - perfect for mountain biking and hiking! Highline Lake has several trails, loops and lots of gorgeous views. Wear sunscreen and bring a camera! We appreciate your continuing efforts to keep the trails clean by leashing and picking up after your pet. A reminder that pets must on a leash 6' or less AT ALL TIMES - the trails included! There are free trash bags available at the visitor center, or from any park staff member. Thanks!

Water Temperature - 5/14/2012

Highline Lake is about 64 degrees!

Last Updated: 5/14/2012

Last Modified Date: 3/10/2011 11:04 AM