Whether you’re a fishing pro or looking to introduce your family to a new hobby, spend more time reeling and less time driving by enjoying a day of fishing at Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Reservations for shoreline fishing are now open! Available slots are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday through October.
Here’s what you need to know before booking your day of fishing:
- Rueter-Hess Reservoir is located off Hess Road in Parker, less than 5 miles from I-25.
- You must have a valid Colorado state fishing license to fish at Rueter-Hess. Fishing licenses and requirements can be found through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- The reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Wiper, Catfish, Black Crappie and Blue Gill.
- No live or scented bait is currently allowed, and only single barbless hooks are allowed.
- There is no cost to fish at the reservoir, but reservations are required to reserve a spot. If you plan to drive, you will need to purchase a $10 parking pass.
- Improvements to the inspection area are expected in early spring. The reservoir may be closed for a few days for these improvements.
- Online reservations can be made on the Rueter-Hess webpage.
Trails at Rueter-Hess are open year-round. Water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing will be available later this year when the weather allows.
About Rueter-Hess Reservoir
Rueter-Hess is foremost a drinking water storage facility, but Douglas County and its Rueter-Hess Recreation Advisory Board partners know the community values the water for its recreation opportunities, too.
Partner agencies include the City of Castle Pines, the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County, the City of Lone Tree, the Town of Parker, and Parker Water and Sanitation District. Each agency has a representative on the Rueter-Hess Recreation Advisory Board, which will continue to implement the Recreation Master Plan.
The reservoir began storing water in 2012. In 2015, partner entities began planning for recreation at the reservoir. In 2016, your input drove the creation of the Recreation Master Plan, and in 2017, public access began with limited paddle days and guided hikes. By 2020, the 132-step Incline Challenge with Rosie Rueter Trail loop opened, and by 2022, a total of 6.5 miles of soft surface trails were completed. In 2023, the reservoir opened for regular weekend recreation.
Learn more about recreation at Rueter-Hess on our website. Learn more about the reservoir’s role in providing drinking water on Parker Water and Sanitation’s website.