The boat ramp at Clear Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area will remain closed through the 2026 season as Pueblo Water conducts improvements on the dam, and the campground will close beginning April 6 for public safety during construction.

The reservoir in Chaffee County remains open to anglers fishing from shore and in hand-launched watercraft. Motorized boat launches are suspended during the 2026 season as Pueblo Water lowers reservoir levels for the dam work. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is using the closure period to extend the boat ramp for improved low-water access and to complete campground maintenance.

Heavy equipment will be present throughout the campground area, and with only one access road, the campground must close for safety. Limited runoff and poor snowpack in the Upper Arkansas Basin accelerated the repair timeline, prompting Pueblo Water to move forward with the project in 2026 rather than delay it. The boat ramp is expected to reopen for the full 2027 boating season.

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The accelerated repair timeline reflects broader concerns about water supply. In March 2026, forecasters reported that low snowpack and dry conditions continue across much of Colorado, affecting reservoir levels statewide.

Hand-launched watercraft are permitted from shore but must comply with aquatic nuisance species requirements and cannot have motors of any kind. Anglers should expect changing shoreline conditions as reservoir levels drop. Mud and silt may make access difficult at times.

"Clear Creek Reservoir is an important fishing destination in northern Chaffee County, and while dam improvements and low water conditions limit access this year, anglers still have opportunities to fish from shore or from hand-launched vessels," said Zachary Baker, Colorado Parks and Wildlife assistant area wildlife manager. "The remaining water will continue to support the fishery and more than 20,000 tiger trout fingerlings were stocked there on Thursday."

Signs will alert visitors to the boat ramp closure and ramp access gates are locked. The Colorado Trail remains open west of the campground and a vault toilet remains available.

The wildlife area remains closed to non-hunting and non-fishing activities. Visitors ages 16 and older must have a valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area pass.

Pueblo Water owns Clear Creek Reservoir and the dam infrastructure. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages recreation and the campground through a lease.