[epic]

Hey I just bought a new jeep and with any new jeep you must test out the 4 wheel drive. So I headed upto garden of the gods there is a dirt road there (rampart road) that goes all the way to woodland park up above snowline and everything what better place to test the jeep. Anyways after a couple hours of driving threw water puddles up and down some big campsite trails I got to a road that was closed but the sign said rampart reservoir.
Is the fishing there any good? I saw a couple cars parked there but it looked like you had to trek atleast 1/2 mile to the lake so I didnt walk down there. What type of fish are there? Just thought I'd ask maybe next time I'll bring poles along and go test out the water.

 

[TroutFishingBear]

I believe it is illegal to fish because of liabilty and water contamination fears. People can go on the shores of it I believe but cannot even picnic. Who knows though, I may be thinking of another reservoir.

 

[Zman]

You can fish there...I havent before...but I found this post on it from last year...

Date:2/23/04 Place:Rampart Reservoir Report By: [email protected]
The fishing at Rampart is really hot right now, last weekend me and my boys caught several rainbows between 16-19". You have to park at the Rainbow Trail parking lot and walk about a mile in to the reservoir, but it's worth it. Right where the stream comes into the lake is where we have been killing them. The lake is froze over except for about 100 yards where the stream comes into the lake. I floated a whole nightcrawler with no weight and got broke off by a 5lb laker. There is hardly any fishing pressure, I guess most folks think it is completely frozen over. We have been going all winter long and catch big fish every time, good luck and tight lines.

 

[epic]

How about a Lake up there called Eagle Lake? I seen a Eagle Lake campground Private sign, then a little farther down the road saw another sign that said Eagle Lake. Is there a lake there? Anyone fished it? Is the lake private? hehe millions of questions. Maybe I'll take that road next time I go threw there.

 

[wmccree]

Fishing is pretty good at Rampart. Go early because the winds pick up and makes it miserable later in the day. Lots of trout and Mackinaw.

Great place to mtn bike also, 12 mile single track loop.

 

[iron chef]

Rampart was closed for a little while because of security concerns and also a little forrest fire they called Hayman. Rampart is a pretty decent lake for macs and bows, pretty dangerous on a boat when the water is high because of some rock pillars on the west side, when they are out of the water, you can see plenty of white scars on the rocks from props and hulls, when it gets windy, trailer the boat and walk down the trail to Nichols lake, plenty of nice competative trout down there.

 

[wmccree]

I agee with IC, Rampart is one of those lakes that doesn't really have an advantage of taking the boat out on. I took our boat out there twice and didn't catch any more/or bigger fish than I did from shore. We have had some killer days just casting right from the points.

Walt

 

[kirbydog]

Rampart can be a good lake for lakers and browns, especially in spring. The state has leased the rights to fish and camp on the lake to a "for profit" company. They charge $5 to drive into the lake and also have a charge to camp there starting late May. Gate to the road that leads to the lake opens May 4. You can hike in on the Rainbow trail down to the inlet-its an easy 1.4 mile hike. You can put a boat on the lake but it must be hand carried down to the water-the boat ramp is closed due to security concerns. This is one of the prettiest lakes on CO-great views. It sits at 9200 ft so bring some warm clothes. No ice fishing allowed. It sits at 9200 ft. so probably won't ice out until May 1- weather there changes hourly so bring warm clothes. Ed

 

[kirbydog]

Forgot to add-if you hike in on the Rainbow trail to the inlet you don't have to pay the $5 charge BUT if you pay the charge and drive in you can access alot more fishing water. Ed

 

[iron chef]

no more boat ramp access???

 

[kirbydog]

Not since 9/11. Ed

 

[IceInTheVeins]

I have never fished Rampart, but I know it well. The Good ol boys at the Colorado Springs Public Utilities do not allow ice fishing or access to our own property during the winter for fear of liabilities. Again, most cities are immune from such lawsuits. It is what I was taught in college and my research shows this. Even more, not a single suit of the type has ever been successful in this state. Because it is owned by the public, we have a right to fish it however we want.
Even worse was when they closed it totally, again without any public input, to supposedly "protect" the water source from terrorism. How stupid is this? By keeping people out, many of whom keep close watch, that makes the lake less secure than before. They only use national security as an excuse because if the water utility goons had their way, all water supply reservoirs in Colorado would be closed to all public access.
Again, the CO Springs Utilities should have to be held accountable. If people would recall these members or the councilmen who appointed them, it could be done. Also, since the lake is public property owned by the people of colorado springs, placing a measure on the ballot via petition would be the way to get the job done.
Think it doesn't work? Believe me it does and it is your right as a citizen. If you have enough signatures, it's on the ballot. There is nothing they can do to stop you. And if it passes, unless it's unconstitutional or in conflict with higher state or federal statutes, which it is not, there is nothing they can do about it. Then Rampart would be unrestricted.

 

[kirbydog]

IITVeins-I feel your pain. This lake has always had way too many rules and regulations and restrictions. Sometimes it seems like they want to take the fun out of it so you won't come. As you say, it belongs to us. Ed

 

[Guest]

I grew up in Woodland PArk, Colorado and have fished Rampart at least 50 times.

Trout fishing there can be wonderful.

Iceintheveins is on the money here....the damn beaurocrats have struck again.

Too bad fishermen are one of the lziest groups in the world when it comes to defendiong our RIGHTS.

It woul dnot take an act of Congress to get that lake back open to all types of fishing, and there IS NO THREAT to national security..that is all BS.

THE REAL TRUTH is that 'national security" is the biigest politician's exceuse for STRIPPING us of ALL KINDS of our FREEDOMS and RIGHTS.

I HATE ALL POLITICIANS....EVEN BATTERED, AND FRIED....TASTE WORSE THAN CARP!

 

[IceInTheVeins]

Yeah it would not take an act of congress to open these lakes. It would simply take a measure on the ballot.
I think you guys should send me a message and I will give you the link to my website. My website is about protecting our rights and expanding our access to our own reservoirs, like Rampart.
Anyway I say it's time for us to strike. Who's with me?

 

[kirbydog]

Ice IN The Veins-Count me in. Along these lines, while they have opened up N. & S. Catamount and Crystal on Pikes Peak there are other lakes up there that remain off limits-Bison is one, I think and there are others. Guess the mucky mucks and the local politicos don't want to share it with the "great unwashed" (thats us ). We should all be INSULTED by the attitude they have. Ed

 

[OURAY]

Ed, you hit it on the head. They don?t want to have to share it! I have personally witnessed Colorado Springs City Utilities Employees fishing and hunting parts of the Pikes Peak watershed that are off limits to the general public. It?s a good ol boy system that has been going on forever!

 

[IceInTheVeins]

Colorado Springs has 27 reservoirs with only 13 open to the public. They just arbitrarly decide reservoir access regulations. Every lake is public and therefor has to be open to all fishing, including ice fishing and non motorized or electric motor boating.
Ouray and others, I hope to see you all on my site. It's time we get these guys out of here.

 

[Guest]

WITH YOU ICE! Send me a link, please!

 

[DHotRod]

I HATE ALL POLITICIANS....EVEN BATTERED, AND FRIED....TASTE WORSE THAN CARP!
;D I tHINK THE BEST REPORT ON THIS SITE IS YOU eYE gUY! YOUR KILLING ME ;D

PLEASE KEEP IT UP!