Fishing in Loveland

Loveland offers anglers a variety of locations for fishing, in lakes, ponds and waterways throughout the community.  Regardless of location, fishing is regulated by Colorado State Regulations and enforced by Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW).  All anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid Colorado fishing license to fish in Colorado.  Site-specific regulations apply, and bag and possession limits are enforced.  

All anglers are also required to pick up and remove all fishing line, tackle, nets, bait, and other fishing equipment, and properly dispose of all trash.  Fishing line and tackle left behind are a nuisance for other visitors, and can be deadly for birds and other wildlife.  Be a good steward and pack out all trash.  

Here's where you can fish in Loveland

Download the City of Loveland Public Fishing Locations brochure (PDF)

Big Thompson River

From Wilson Ave. to US Hwy 287 (Big Thompson River access from Cottonwood Run Natural Area, Centennial Park, River’s Edge Natural Area, Fairgrounds and Barnes Parks, and King’s Crossing Natural Area)

Boise Bend Natural Area

1225 S. Boise Ave. (Big Thompson River access)

Boyd Lake State Park

3720 N. County Rd. 11C (lake fishing)

Lake Loveland/South Shore Scenic Parkway

499 W. Eisenhower Blvd. (south shore, Lake Loveland)

Pond at Loveland Recycling Center 

400 N. Wilson Ave. (Wilson Ave. and Big Thompson River)

Morey Wildlife Reserve

5439 Cedar Valley Dr. (small section on Big Thompson River at north end only)

Namaqua Park & Natural Area

816 N. Namaqua Ave. (Big Thompson River access along park and natural area boundaries)

North Lake Park

Oxbow Natural Area

1135 & 1140 Rossum Dr. (Big Thompson River access)

River’s Edge Natural Area

960 W. 1st St. (5 ponds)

At River's Edge, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are catch and release ONLY. Belly boats are permitted. No kayak fishing or other boating of any kind.  River's Edge fishing regulations

Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park

1211 W. Hwy 34, Big Thompson Canyon (river access)

Willow Bend Natural Area

2538 W. 1st St. (3 ponds)

Other Area Fishing Locations 

Note - some areas may require entrance fees

• Big Thompson Canyon (Larimer County Areas: Glade, Narrows, Forks and Sleepy Hollow)
• Big Thompson Ponds State Wildlife Area (Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
• Boedecker Reservoir State Wildlife Area (Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
• Carter Lake (Larimer County)
• Flatiron Reservoir (Larimer County)
• Horsetooth Reservoir (Larimer County)
• Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area (Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
• Pinewood Reservoir (Larimer County)
• Simpson Ponds State Wildlife Area (Colorado Parks & Wildlife)

Kayak Fishing in and near Loveland

Kayak fishing is not allowed on any of Loveland’s open lands properties, but there are great local opportunities offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) at Boedecker Reservoir and Lon Hagler Reservoir State Wildlife Areas.  In addition, kayak fishing is allowed by Larimer County at Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir and Horsetooth Reservoir. Lastly, it is allowed at Boyd Lake State Park.

Belly boats and kayaks are treated differently. Only belly boats are allowed for fishing at River’s Edge Natural Area because they are foot propelled and designed solely for fishing. Kayak fishing and all other boating is prohibited at River's Edge. 

Fishing is regulated by Colorado State Regulations. Site-specific regulations apply.

All anglers age 16 and older are required to have a Colorado Fishing License.

General Statewide Bag Limits*

• Trout - 4 fish in aggregate
• Walleye - 5 fish
• Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass - 5 fish each species
• White Bass/Wiper - 10 fish in aggregate
• Crappie/Catfish/Bullhead - 10 fish each species
• Yellow Perch/Bluegill/Sunfish - 20 fish in aggregate
• Tiger Muskie - 1 fish, 36 inches or longer

*Additional bag & size limits may apply to individual waters.

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