Conditions at Mancos | Colorado State Parks

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Conditions

Boat Ramps - 1/31/2012

The boat ramp and lake are closed to boating. The lake is frozen with approximately 10-12" thick ice. During the boating season a pre-launch boat inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is REQUIRED for all trailered boats to prevent the introduction of Zebra & Quagga mussels as well as other ANS into Colorado waters. To arrange a preinspection please call 970-882-2213 (Dolores Parks & Wildlife office) or 970-247-0855 (Durango Parks & Wildlife office). For important information on Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) and boating rules please visit our website: http://parks.state.co.us/Boating/NewBoatInspection or call our Dolores office: 970-882-2213.

Boating - 1/31/2012

The lake is now closed to boating for the season. The lake is frozen and averages 10-12" of ice. During boating season a pre-launch boat inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is REQUIRED for all trailered boats to prevent the introduction of ANS into Colorado waters. The ANS inspection station at the lake is closed for the season. A pre-inspection must be scheduled. Please call 970-882-2213 (our Dolores office) or 970-247-0855 (Durango Parks & Wildlife office) to schedule an inspection. Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat between uses to reduce the risk of transporting aquatic nuisance species that can ruin water recreation areas! For more information on the boating rules and ANS please visit: http://parks.state.co.us/Boating/NewBoatInspection/Pages/BoatInspection.aspx or follow the website link to "Boating". In the summer months we rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. For boat registration information, follow the links on the Parks homepage or call our Dolores office, 970-882-2213. Boat registrations can be completed at our Dolores office during staffed hours (8am-5pm Tuesday through Friday). Boat registrations are valid from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31.

Camping - 1/31/2012

The lower loop of the main campground and west campground are closed for the winter season. The upper loop of the main campground including 2 yurts remains open year round. There are no electrical or water hookups in any of the sites. Water hydrants are available in the main campground and vault toilets are located throughout the park. Two cabin-like yurts with a variety of amenities are also available year round(reservations required)! Yurt and campground reservations can be made online by following the state park website links, or by calling 800-678-2267. Yurt reservations are required year round. Campsite reservations are recommended for the summer months (May-Sept). The park entrance station is closed for the season. Please purchase your day-use pass and camping permit at the self-serve pay post. An annual pass or day-use pass is required on each vehicle. The RV dump station is open to campers. We are finally getting some winter weather. We received more snow last week with chance of snow this week and the lake is frozen. Night time temperatures are quite chilly (in the teens) so, be sure to bring warm clothing and camping gear. Dressing in layers is always a good plan for this time of year and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Showers are not available in the park. For information on nearby shower facilities, please call 970-533-7065 or 970-882-2213.

Construction - 1/31/2012

Work is underway on a new courtesy dock and associated grading (funded by a US Coast Guard grant). Solar lighting at the ANS inspection station is complete. Gravel and grading on various park roads was completed this fall.

Fire Restrictions - 1/31/2012

Fires are restricted to established rings and barbeque stands. Be sure your fires are DEAD OUT when you leave camp. As always, FIREWORKS ARE NOT PERMITTED in the park. Please be careful when smoking in the back country.

Fishing Report - 1/31/2012

Ice fishing is the activity now! The ice is averaging 10-12" thick. But, please use extreme caution in and around the lake. Ten inch rainbow trout were stocked monthly through the summer. Fishing has been excellent for rainbow trout around 10" and 4-6" yellow perch with an occasional large brown trout. Fishermen are catching trout using small icefishing jigs. The trout are hanging out in 5-20 ft water. Perch love nightcrawler, mealworm, or waxworm so a small jig tipped with nightcrawler works well when ice fishing. Perch are spending their time right down on the bottom of the lake. Perch are small, averaging about 4-6”, but anglers should keep them if they’ll eat them. There is no limit on the number of perch you can possess and they make great fish tacos! This also helps to work towards thinning the perch population in the lake. The daily limit for trout is 4. Fishing has been excellent with most fisherfolk catching their limit. An exciting addition to the lake was the stocking of 10,000 fingerling Saugeye in June.

Hunting - 1/31/2012

Hunting is not permitted in the park. But, Mancos State Park makes a great base camp for hunters accessing nearby US Forest Service lands. The upper loop of the main campground is kept open all year. Heated yurts are available that sleep six. For yurt reservations call 1-800-678-2267 or follow the links on our website.

Icing Conditions - 1/31/2012

Jackson Gulch Reservoir is now frozen. The average ice thickness is 10-12". Please use caution when on the ice and follow safety recommendations for ice fishing (posted at the lake and on the website).

Park Entrance - 1/31/2012

Mancos State Park is open year round. When the entrance station is not staffed be sure to stop at the self-service station, at the park entrance, to purchase your park pass and camping permit. An annual park pass or daily park pass is required on every vehicle, every day of the year. To purchase an annual pass in the off-season please call our Dolores office: 970-882-2213.

Road Conditions - 1/31/2012

The main road and upper loop of the main campground are kept open year round. The west road as well as the lower loop of the main campground are closed for the winter. Please be aware that road clearing may be delayed if a snow storm occurs.

Seasonal Closures - 1/31/2012

The entrance station, ANS boat inspection station, west road and campground and lower loop and campsites of the main campground are all closed for the season. The park is on a self-serve basis.

Trails - 1/31/2012

Several storms last week dumped about 20" of snow on the park. The west road and park trails are now snow-covered and make great snowshoeing and cross country skiing routes. Remember to be prepared for sudden changes in weather when utilizing the trails. Carry extra clothing & water. Please see the trails section for more details on our park trails.

Water Levels - 1/31/2012

The lake is now frozen. The lake level was quite low when the ice formed. During boating season the boat ramp allows for trailered boat launching. A pre-launch inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is REQUIRED for all trailered boats. To schedule an inspection please call 970-882-2213 or 970-247-0855.

Water Temperature - 1/31/2012

The water temperature is very cold. The lake is ice covered but please use extreme caution on and around the ice. Swimming is NOT allowed in the lake. Sorry, NO Polar Bear Clubs!

Last Updated: 1/31/2012

Last Modified Date: 1/3/2012 3:20 PM