Southwest Colorado Water Recreation

Prior to fishing at these lakes, make sure that you have the appropriate licenses and are familiar with the governing agency's fishing regulations for that particular lake.

Lake Nighthorse was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Animas La Plata (ALP) Project. The lake is full and the surface area is approximately 1,500 acres. The lake is located two miles from Durango and is poised to provide a significant recreational amenity to the area. The recreation plan and lease agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and City of Durango was approved and signed January 2017.

City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department
949 E. 2nd Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 375-7321
➠ www.durangogov.org/LakeNighthorse
➠ Directions (Google Map)

Activities

Boating (with open-air-exhaust), fishing, other water recreation.

Facilities

The lake is only open for day use. A boat ramp is available for motorized and non-motorized boats, however there are time and wake restrictions.

Fees

All day use passes may be purchased during hours of operation at the Entrance Station.
Fishing license is required from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Fishing

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Kokanee Salmon have been stocked since 2011. Other species in the lake include White and Flannelmouth suckers, Fathead Minnows, Johnny Darters, and Crayfish. Fishing restrictions are enforced.

Fishing License

Colorado Parks and Wildlife
(800) 244-5613
➠ cpw.state.co.us

Water Recreation

No boats with open-air-exhaust are permitted. A boat permit is required for use of motorized crafts in compliance with the State of Colorado Department of Natural Resources regulations for aquatic nuisance species boat inspections of all nonexempt watercraft. Please familiarize yourself with the Boater's Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections brochure prior to boating at Lake Nighthorse. Windsurfing, tubing, and sailboarding is allowed.