Dillon Reservoir
Boating & Water Rules and Regulations

May 21, 2008: Zebra mussel update

• Boaters must observe the Colorado (Watercraft) Vessel Code and the Colorado Boating Regulations. Go to http://parks.state.co.us/Boating/ for more information.
• 30 mph speed limit: It is unlawful for any boat or vessel to travel at speeds in excess of 30 mph at any time under any circumstance, excluding law enforcement and emergency response operations.
• Boat operators are required by State law to carry safety equipment specified for the size and type of boat, which includes Person Flotation Devices (PFDs), navigation lights, backfire flame control, fire extinguishers, audible devices such as whistles, and muffler and ventilation systems.
• PFDs and fire extinguishers must be readily accessible: fire extinguishers should be kept in a location away from the engine and fuel tanks.
• PFDs must be worn at all times by children 13 years and under.
• Boat registration – All vessels on the water's surface must be properly registered through the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation–Registration Unit (303.791.1920) and must display the registration number in the proper location on the vessel.
• All boats except inflatable, canvas boats, canoes and other portable craft must be launched from one of the boat ramps. Vehicles are not allowed to park on the boat ramps, except during loading and unloading.
• Due to the cold temperatures and water quality concerns, water contact sports, including swimming, scuba diving, water skiing and other water contact related activities, are prohibited at the Dillon Recreation Area. Windsurfing with a full body wet or dry suit is permissible
• Watercraft Prohibited – Hovercraft, seaplanes, amphibious craft and personal watercraft are prohibited on the reservoir.
• Vessels equipped with an above-transom exhaust are not allowed.
• Activities Prohibited – Wakeboarding, waterskiing, paraskiing, paragliding, and parasailing, and other forms of recreational towing are prohibited within the Recreation Area.
• Boaters can store their trailers for the day at the lot on Lodgepole Street in Dillon and in the designated areas at the Frisco Bay Marina and Pine Cove Campground.
• Always operate your boat defensively, watch out for the other boats and use courtesy on the water. If you are in doubt as to a safe operating speed, or who has the right-of-way, slow down or yield to the other boater.
• Dillon Reservoir's water level fluctuates depending upon the availability and demand for water by the Denver Water Board. While boating, you may encounter unmarked shallow areas and submerged obstacles. Please be observant and use caution while boating.

Land Rules and Regulations

• All campfires of any nature on any lands including all shoreline areas of the Reservoir are prohibited except where fireplace grills and fire rings have been provided.
• Never leave a campfire unattended, and always comply with the U.S. Forest Service and local fire bans.
• It is unlawful to use, light, or ignite fireworks or explosives of any type, except by permit from the management committee.
• Please dispose of all litter, wastewater and fish entrails in proper trash containers.
• Motorized vehicles, including automobiles and motorcycles must remain on designated roadways and must be licensed.
• Self-propelled wheelchairs used for the transportation of mobility impaired individuals are allowed on ramps, paths and roadways.
• Keep pets under control at all times, clean up after your pets and keep them on a leash.
• Trespassing is not allowed on any dam structure, spillway, facility building or other closed area.
• Campgrounds are operated by concessionaires and require U.S. Forest Service permits.
• Camping on islands is not allowed
• Fishing – Any person fifteen years of age or older is required to have a valid fishing license. The Colorado Division of Wildlife enforces all fishing regulations.
• It is unlawful to fish from the dam structure, closed areas, bridges or boat ramps.
• Winter Sports – Motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are not allowed on Dillon Reservoir ice surface. Non-motorized users may proceed on the ice surface at their own risk.
• Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the DRRA boundaries strictly in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Firearms or weapons are not permitted within the DRRA boundaries. Shotguns used exclusively for waterfowl hunting are exempt from this prohibition only during hunting season.

Phone Numbers:

Dillon Marina – 970-468-5100
Frisco Bay Marina – 970-668-4334
Camping Reservation Number – 1-877-444-6777
U.S. Forest Service – 970-468-5400
Colorado Division of Wildlife – 970-468-3601
Summit Co. Sheriff – 970-453-2232
Summit County – 970-668-4213