Williams Fork Reservoir | |||||
Owned and Operated by Denver Water
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Reservations: Not Accepted Elevation: 7,814 feet (2,381m) Capacity: 96,822 acre feet* |
* 1 acre foot=325,851 gal. |
Completed in 1959, Williams Fork Dam & Power Plant sends water and electricity to the Western Slope when Denver diverts water to the city elsewhere. Standing 217 feet above the Williams Fork River streambed, the dam backs up a reservoir of nearly 97,000 acre feet of water, and the power plant contains a 3,158-kilovolt generator. Williams Fork Reservoir's surface area is 1,860 acres with a shoreline of 15.8 miles.
Getting There: From Denver take Interstate 70 to the Highway 40 (Empire) exit. Take Highway 40 past Empire, over Berthoud Pass, through Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, and Hot Sulphur Springs until you reach the town of Parshall. At Parshall turn left (south) on Rte 3. Follow the road to the Williams Fork entrance.
Seasonal Information |
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| Description | Start Date | End Date | Remarks |
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| Open year round | Services limited | ||
| Snagging kokanee | September 1 | December 31 | Check wildlife regulations for bag limits. |
| Drinking Water | No drinking water on site, bringing own water recommended. | ||
| Wood gathering | Fire wood is scarce, bringing fire wood recommended. | ||
| Special Events: | Permits must be obtained from Denver Water. | ||
Recreation Opportunities | |
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| Activity | Remarks |
 Fishing |
Reservoir stocked by Colorado Division of Wildlife (Stocking Reports). Northern pike 26-34 inches must be returned to water immediately. |
 Boating |
Two boat ramps are available, one at the Eastside campground, and one at Peninsula campground. |
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Boat Ramps |
The Reservoir is full at elevation 7811'. The boat ramps are unusable for most motorized craft when the water elevation is 7790' or less. |
 Camping |
The majority of camp sites are set-up for trailer or RV camping. The inlet and a few sites on the peninsula are conducive to tent camping. |
 Picnicking |
Several areas around the reservoir are marked for day use activities. Picnic tables are provided. |
 Parking |
Day Use Areas – Parking for fishing and reservoir access. Parking along south and west sides of reservoir. No overnight parking allowed. |
 Winter Sports |
Ice fishing when conditions permit. Seasonal information posted as needed for safety. |
 Hunting |
Big game hunting allowed in the surrounding area, but not within the posted "Safety Zone" on the northwest side of the reservoir. |
 Sailboarding |
Sailboarding permitted with full wet or dry suits. |
Phone Numbers: Colorado Division of Wildlife – 303-297-1192 |
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Replacement bridge at Williams Fork Dam and Reservoir, 1989. |