Rosemont Reservoir Is Open for Fishing Now — What Colorado Springs Families Should Know Before Going

Rosemont Reservoir has been in the Colorado Springs news cycle most of 2026 — first for the city council's approval of an expanded recreation agreement with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, then for the aspirational July 4 opening target for camping and boating. But amid all of that, something that's easy to overlook: the reservoir has been open for fishing since mid-May, and it's open right now.

If your family is looking for a high-altitude fishing spot close to Colorado Springs with a real sense of mountain solitude, this is one of the better options in the area. Here's what you need to know before you go.

What's Allowed

Fishing at Rosemont is permitted from mid-May through October, with access hours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The rules are specific: flies and lures only. Bait fishing is not allowed. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado hunting and fishing license or a State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass to enter.

Swimming, wading, and all water contact activities are strictly prohibited. Rosemont is a watershed managed by Colorado Springs Utilities, and water contact rules are enforced regardless of conditions. This is a fishing and walking destination — not a place to let kids wade in at the shoreline.

The Camping and Boating Expansion: What's Still Coming

Earlier in 2026, Colorado Springs City Council approved an agreement between Colorado Springs Utilities and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to add dry campsites, non-motorized boating, day-use parking, and ADA-accessible restrooms at Rosemont. CPW's stated target was to have the campground open around July 4, timed to the America's 250th and Colorado's 150th celebrations.

As of the most recent reporting, however, the campground was still in a Teller County land-use permitting process. The current status of camping and boating access at Rosemont is not confirmed — and it would be a significant inconvenience to drive out there expecting campsites or boat access if neither is available yet. Before loading up the car for an overnight, check cpw.state.co.us/state-wildlife-areas/rosemont-reservoir-swa or call CPW directly for current conditions.

Quick Reference

What's Next

Colorado fishing licenses can be purchased online at cpw.state.co.us or at any CPW office. A day license for adults runs around $26 for non-residents; residents pay less. The SWA pass is a lower-cost annual option for families who plan to visit multiple state wildlife areas.

If the camping expansion does open this summer, expect CPW to announce it through their website and social channels. It would represent a significant new option for COS families — a high-altitude tent camping site with fishing access, less than 30 minutes from town.