Fishing Permit and Regulations

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Rocky Mountain Arsenal 

National Wildlife Refuge

General Information

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National 

Wildlife Refuge (NWR) fishing season is 

open from the third Saturday in April and 

ends on the second Sunday in October. 

Fishing is permitted on Tuesdays, 

Saturdays, and Sundays from legal 

sunrise to sunset.

For the protection of wildlife, habitat, 

and other visitors, please observe the 

following regulations:

■ Park vehicles in designated parking

areas.

■ Stay on designated trails and observe

all posted signs.

■ Dispose of all trash in waste cans.

■ Discard used fishing line in recycling

stations at Lake Mary, Lake Ladora, or

the Contact Station information kiosk.

■ Service animals are permitted and

must be under leash control.

License Requirements

■ A Colorado fishing or small game

combination license is required for all

persons 16 years of age or older who

are fishing.

■ Anglers 16 years of age and older must

have this signed Fishing Permit, and a

$3.00 daily fishing fee receipt or annual

fishing pass while fishing on the

Refuge.

■ All anglers are permitted to use one

rod and reel or pole and line with one

hook per line. A second rod is

permitted with a Colorado second rod

stamp.

■ Fishing permits are available at the

Visitor Center, fishing fee stations, and 

Refuge website. 

■ Payments can be made at self-serve

fishing fee stations located at the

Contact Station and South Ladora

kiosks. If paying by check, please write

your driver’s license number on the

check and make your check payable to

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You can

also purchase a $50.00 season pass at

the Visitor Center Wednesday through

Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm.

General Fishing Regulations

■ Lake Mary and Lake Ladora are open

only to catch and release fishing. All

anglers must use a rod and reel or

fly-fishing rod.

■ Anglers must use only barbless hooks

(all barbs must be clipped, filed off, or

pressed flat).

■ Live bait is prohibited on all Refuge

waters.

■ Anglers with physical impairments

may use special casting aids and

fishing devices.

Lake Mary is the smallest lake on the 

Refuge and is 8.4 acres in size and 12.4 

feet deep. Fish species in this lake are 

largemouth bass, channel catfish, white and 

black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.

Lake Mary Fishing Regulations

■ All cattail peninsulas are closed to

protect wildlife habitat.

■ Bank fishing only, wading is

prohibited. Artificial lures, flies, and

bait; also cut bait and food products

are permitted on Lake Mary.

Lake Ladora is the largest lake on the 

Refuge and is 54.9 acres in size and 17.6 feet 

deep. Fish species in this lake are northern 

pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

Lake Ladora Fishing Regulations

■ Bank fishing only; Wade fishing only

with calf, hip, or chest waders is

permitted after Memorial Day until the

end of fishing season.

■ Fishing is prohibited east of and from

the floating boardwalk.

■ Only artificial lures and flies are

permitted on Lake Ladora.

Prohibited activities include, but are not 

limited to:

■ Chumming, gigging, snagging, seining

and netting of non-hooked fish.

■ Use of boats, canoes, kayaks, float

tubes, paddle boards, and other

floatation devices.

■ Possession or consumption of alcoholi

beverages.

■ Possession or consumption of

marijuana and any controlled substan

and associated paraphernalia.

■ Camping or overnight parking on the

Refuge.

■ Swimming and bathing in all Refuge

waters.

■ Abandonment of property (littering

and dumping).

■ Disturbance to wildlife or their habita

■ Collecting, removing, or disturbing an

animal, plant, or historic object.

■ Pets, and other domestic animals (dog

cats, horses, etc.).

Accessibility 

Equal opportunity to participate in and 

benefit from programs and activities of th

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available 

to all individuals regardless of physical or 

mental ability. Dial 711 for a free 

connection to the State transfer relay 

service for TTY and voice calls to and fro

people with hearing and speech disabilitie

For more information or to address 

accessibility needs, please contact the 

Refuge staff at 303 / 289 0930, or the U.S. 

Department of the Interior, Office of Equ

Opportunity, 1849 C Street, NW, 

Washington, D.C. 20240.

This goose, designed by 

J.N. “Ding” Darling, is 

the symbol of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge 

General Fishing Permit

I have read and understand these Refuge fishing regulations. I understand that this 

permit and regulations must be carried at all times when fishing on the Refuge. 

Name: ____________________________________ Date: _______________________
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Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge 6550 Gateway RoadCommerce City, CO 80022-1748303 / 289 0930303 / 289 0579 fax

rockymountainarsenal@fws.govhttp://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky_mountain_arsenalFor State relay service: TTY / Voice: 711U.S. Fish & Wildlife Servicehttp://www.fws.gov

For Refuge Information

1 800 / 344 WILD

April 2017