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Chatfield Lake

Boat Ramps
3
Access Points
6
Species
14

Chatfield Lake, also known as Chatfield Reservoir, is a premier fishing destination located just southwest of Denver, Colorado. With over 1,500 surface acres of water and more than 25 miles of accessible shoreline, this versatile fishery offers excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The reservoir sits within Chatfield State Park, providing a scenic backdrop of the neighboring foothills and the South Platte River valley. A well-developed network of hiking paths around the lake ensures good access to multiple sections for bank fishing, while two boat ramps accommodate those who prefer to fish from watercraft. As one of the most popular recreational lakes in the Denver metro area, Chatfield supports a diverse fish population and provides year-round fishing opportunities.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Chatfield Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Chatfield Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Colorado licenses and regulations

Colorado Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Colorado Fishing License

Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). CPW provides a range of options for anglers from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license. ​Youth under age 16 fish for free.

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Colorado Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Colorado Parks & Wildlife State Park Pass

Annual passes provide a full 12 months of unlimited access to all state parks across Colorado.​​​ ​

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Colorado Stream Access Laws

With no clear test of navigability, no applicable statutes, and a tendency of courts to categorize all streams in Colorado as non-navigable, waterfront landowners' rights encompass the banks, beds, and waters of rivers. The public has no guaranteed recreation rights in non-navigable waters or their streambeds. CO Fishing Regulations: "It is illegal to go onto private land to fish without permission, including touching any part of private land by person or watercraft. Private land is not required to be posted or fenced. Trespassers may be suspended for up to 5 years."

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Take Chatfield Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Chatfield Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Chatfield Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Chatfield Lake and check the forecast before you go.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE CHATFIELD FISH HATCHERY

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