Jackson Lake State Park will open to boating on Saturday, March 17, at 8 a.m. The reservoir is free of ice and the lake is full. To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), including zebra and quagga mussels, all trailered vessels and all vessels with gas powered motors must be inspected prior to launch and must launch and load at the boat ramps.

Boaters are asked to take the necessary precautions before launching their vessel. Boats should be checked before leaving home for all safety equipment, that the motor is running properly, the boat has fuel and that there is no standing water inside the boat. This will allow for a faster inspection and a safer and more relaxing day on the water.

The inspection hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Jackson Lake State Park Visitor Center and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the inspection station. Beginning May 1, the hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. All vessels need to be inspected or follow the pre-inspection process before launching.

The fishing has been good for trout from the dam, inlet and the west shore. Anglers can expect that there will not be a wiper run in the inlet canal this year. The lake was filled in February and will not be taking in any more water. The fishing should continue to improve as the water temperature rises. For more information, please call the park office at (970) 645-2551.

Jackson Lake is participating in the effort to curb the spread of aquatic nuisance species, including zebra and quagga mussels, in the state’s reservoirs and waterways. All vessels entering and leaving Jackson Lake will be inspected for ANS. If ANS are detected on any of the watercraft, decontamination is required. To speed up the inspection process, boaters are encouraged to clean, drain and dry their vessel, including removing the plug to drain the water, prior to entering the park and as soon as the watercraft has left the water. For more information about the state’s aquatic nuisance species program, visit www.parks.state.co.us/Boating.