Standley Lake is a 1,063-acre reservoir in Westminster, Colorado — the Denver metro area’s third-largest reservoir — surrounded by 3,000 acres of parkland and open space. The lake serves as the primary drinking water supply for over 300,000 people in Westminster, Northglenn, and Thornton, which means recreational access comes with strict rules that don’t apply at most Colorado fishing spots. If you’re planning a fishing trip here, the regulations matter as much as knowing what’s biting.
Fish Species
Standley Lake holds a solid variety of warm- and cold-water species. According to the City of Westminster, the most commonly caught fish are rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, wiper (hybrid striped bass), and carp. The lake also supports channel catfish, brown trout, yellow perch, bluegill, and sunfish. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake with rainbow trout throughout the summer months, so catch rates for trout tend to peak during stocking season.
The fishing pier on the south side of the lake is the most accessible and productive spot during summer, particularly for stocked trout. Shore fishing is permitted anywhere around the lake except in posted restricted areas. The east shoreline near the former boat ramp area and the dam on the south side are also popular spots — the dam area offers deeper water that attracts walleye and wiper. For walleye specifically, trolling along lake contours and fishing deeper structure tends to be more effective than shore casting.
Fishing Regulations
Standley Lake has several regulations that differ from standard Colorado fishing rules, all tied to its status as a drinking water reservoir. These are enforced and carry fines up to $1,000:
Aquatic bait is prohibited. You cannot use minnows, leeches, crayfish, frogs, salamanders, or any other live aquatic bait. This is part of Westminster’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) protection program to prevent the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels. Artificial lures, PowerBait, worms (non-aquatic), and other non-aquatic baits are allowed.
Night fishing is prohibited. Fishing is not allowed from sunset to sunrise. The park closes at sunset for all visitors except registered campers.
No swimming or wading. This is a drinking water supply — entering the water on foot is prohibited at all times. This includes wading to fish. All fishing must be done from shore or from an approved paddle craft.
No ice fishing. Entering onto the ice is prohibited. The lake is not open for ice fishing during winter months.
Colorado fishing license required. All anglers 18 and older must carry a valid Colorado fishing license. State fishing regulations on bag limits and size limits apply and are strictly enforced. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before your trip, as limits can change annually.
Fish cleaning is only permitted at the designated fish cleaning station. All fish entrails must be disposed of in proper trash receptacles.
Boats and Paddle Craft
Since December 2019, all trailered and motorized boats have been permanently banned from Standley Lake due to the risk of invasive mussel contamination. You cannot launch a motorboat, jet ski, or any trailered vessel. This ban is permanent under the current intergovernmental agreement between Westminster, Thornton, and Northglenn.
Paddle craft — kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inflatable rafts, and tubes — are allowed from May 1 through September 30 with a permit. Options include a daily paddle pass ($10) or an annual paddle permit ($200), which covers one craft per permit. All paddle craft must enter through the main park gate at 100th Avenue and Simms Street and be decontaminated (sprayed with hot water, no chemicals) at the gatehouse before launching. Inflatable craft must be inflated before the spray. You’ll receive a wristband confirming ANS compliance — this must be worn while on the water. A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) must be available for each person; renters of park equipment must wear a PFD at all times on the water.
Park Access and Fees
Standley Lake Regional Park is open year-round, but lake access (paddling, fishing from the water) is only available May 1 through September 30. Shore fishing is available during all park hours, year-round.
Summer hours (May 1–September 30): sunrise to sunset for walk-in access; 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for drive-in access.
Winter hours (October 1–April 30): sunrise to sunset for walk-in access; 7:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset for drive-in access.
There is no fee to walk, run, or bike into the park. Free parking lots are available at 86th Parkway and Simms Street and at 100th Avenue and Owens Street (these lots lock at sunset). Driving into the park costs $7. Colorado State Park passes are not valid here — Standley Lake is operated by the City of Westminster, not the state.
Camping
The park offers 66 campsites and 6 deluxe bell tent rentals, available by reservation only from May 1 through September 30. Reservations open online starting January 1 each year and fill quickly for peak weekends. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, and each includes a picnic table and fire ring. Campers have access to two restroom facilities, potable water, and free outdoor showers. Some sites and the Deer Bell Tent are ADA-accessible. Pets are allowed at campsites but must remain on a leash and are never permitted in the water. No alcohol is allowed anywhere in the park.
Trails and Wildlife
A trail system circles much of the lake and connects to the Big Dry Creek Trail, a 9.5-mile paved national recreation trail that runs from the park east to I-25 through Westminster. Walking, running, and biking on the trails is free — no park pass needed if you enter on foot from the free parking lots.
The 2,000 acres of open space surrounding the lake support a surprising amount of wildlife for a suburban park. Standley Lake is home to a nesting pair of bald eagles — the park has a bird island camera that streams during nesting season. Other raptors seen regularly include Swainson’s hawks, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls. Large prairie dog colonies support coyotes, red foxes, and burrowing owls. Bullsnakes (the largest snake in Colorado, often reaching 6 feet) are common on the trails, and occasional prairie rattlesnakes have been spotted — give any snake space. A Nature Center on the north side of the park offers wildlife displays, free binoculars, exploration packs, and park information.
What to Know Before You Go
Standley Lake is a rewarding fishing spot in the Denver metro, but it operates differently from most Colorado reservoirs because of its drinking water status. The key things that catch first-time visitors off guard: no swimming or wading (at all), no motorized boats, no live aquatic bait, no night fishing, and no ice fishing. Plan accordingly, bring your Colorado fishing license, and check the current regulations before heading out. For more Colorado outdoor adventures, the Front Range offers dozens of fishable reservoirs and mountain lakes within a short drive.
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