Due to falling water levels at Prewitt Reservoir, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is announcing that the boat ramp is unusable for the remainder of the boating season.

Prewitt Reservoir is a 2,431 acre reservoir at full capacity. Anglers can expect quality fishing for walleye, saugeye, channel catfish, and black crappie. Wiper, northern pike, and rainbow trout can also be caught. Water levels at the reservoir are expected to maintain the fishery throughout the season, although survival for young fish is more challenging. This is because there is less habitat for them to hide from predators when the water level is lower. At its lowest water levels, Prewitt’s six foot depth is substantial enough to support many of the older, larger fish until the reservoir refills.

Wakeless boating is permitted, however only very small, hand-launched craft are able to access the water.  Due to the low water levels, trailered watercraft or pleasure boats are not able to physically launch and the boat ramp will be locked. Boat inspections will not be available for the remainder of the season.

Prewitt Reservoir was constructed in 1908. During a typical year, Prewitt Reservoir is drawn down to approximately one-half of its maximum volume and supplies much needed irrigation water to the farms along the South Platte River.  The reservoir has a maximum depth of 25 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet. With exception of the willows, cottonwoods, and smartweed that grow near the inlet, the reservoir is virtually devoid of structure.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife was created by the merger of Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, two nationally recognized leaders in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado’s wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs.

Image courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife