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Timnath Reservoir

Water Sports in Your Backyard

Mark your calendars! Based on the following schedule, the 2024 Reservoir Use Permits will be available here, on the Town’s website. In the meantime, all current 2023 permits will remain valid through April 1, 2024 to access the reservoir.

  • Monday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m. : Motorized Boat Permits (Timnath Residents Only)
  • Monday, April 1 at 9:00 a.m.Annual Shore Permits and Non-Motorized Boat Permits (Timnath Residents only)
  • Monday, April 8 at 9:00 a.m. Annual Shore Permits and Non-Motorized Boat Permits (GMA Residents) (Colorado Anglers)

On January 9, 2024, Town Council amended the Timnath Reservoir Use Policy. Please read the Use Policy before making permit applications.

Timnath Reservoir is an exciting open space unique to Timnath. The use of the reservoir property is available to properly permitted residents, future Timnath residents, Colorado anglers, and their guests. The property is owned by the New Cache La Poudre Reservoir Company and is leased by the Town of Timnath for recreational purposes.

Timnath Reservoir has a surface area of approximately 580-600 acres with a 6-mile perimeter with a scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to the west. The reservoir and open space are utilized for aquatic activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

The reservoir is a man-made water body used by the reservoir company for irrigation purposes. The reservoir water levels will fluctuate seasonally in response to irrigation demands.

Address: 5824 County Rd. 40

Phone: (970) 231-7268

Hours:
April 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or as posted on-site)
Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day (including Labor Day)
6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or dusk, whichever is earlier
Tuesday following Labor Day until March 31
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or dusk, whichever is earlier (or as posted on-site)

Motorized boats – Thursday through Sunday (April 1 through October 1)
7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or to reservoir close, whichever is earlier

Motorized boating may be available on Holidays

Permits: All visitors to the Timnath Reservoir requires a permit. Please proceed to the Timnath Reservoir Permits page. If you have applied, but have not yet received your permits, please show reservoir attendants the confirmation email if you wish to use the reservoir.

Reservoir Details

Reservoir Features

  • Timnath Reservoir
  • Motorized Boat Ramps
  • Fishing (Colorado fishing license required)
  • Hike and Bike Trails
  • Picnic Areas
  • Swim Area
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Open Space
  • Large Turf Area
  • Restrooms

Reservoir Rules

  • Permits are required for all access to the reservoir property and water, permits must be displayed on your vehicle at all times. Shore use includes fishing from the shore or piers, picnicking, and general recreation on the shore and adjacent reservoir property.
  • Boating is allowed for permit holders only.  Permits can be obtained online only. Alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs are prohibited anywhere on-premises or on boats.
  • Visitors must not enter any private or restricted areas. Playing on or entering irrigation ditches or mechanical buildings is prohibited.
  • Motorized boat operations are limited to Thursday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m or to reservoir close, whichever is earlier.
  • Motorized boating is allowed on Mondays that are designated national holidays and limited to the same hours as listed above.
  • No boating is allowed before dawn or after sunset. 
  • Shore access is allowed as listed above.
  • No littering.
  • Dogs on leashes are permitted.  Owners must clean up dog waste.
  • No four-wheel or other recreational vehicles (other than bicycles) are permitted.
  • No motor vehicles are permitted outside of the designated parking area.
  • No camping.
  • No fires unless otherwise permitted by the Town.
  • The Town reserves the right to alter these rules, ban individuals or groups or revoke privileges if there are problems, repeat violations, or other issues. 
  • Natural Swimming Areas Compliance and Sampling Guidelines

Reservoir Fees

SHORE USE PERMIT

  • Timnath Resident:
    • Annual Household Permit: FREE
    • Single-Day Use Guest Vehicle Pass: $8.00
  • GMA Resident:
    • Annual Household Permit: $65.00
    • Senior Annual Household Permit: $45.00
    • Single-Day Use Household Permit: $10.00
    • Senior Single-Day Use Household Permit: $8.00
    • Single-Day Use Guest Vehicle Pass: $10.00
  • Colorado Angler:
    • Annual Individual Permit: $65.00
    • Senior Annual Individual Permit: $45.00
    • Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $10.00
    • Senior Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $8.00

NON-MOTORIZED BOAT PERMIT

  • Timnath Resident:
    • Annual Individual Permit: $30.00
    • Senior Annual Individual Permit: $20.00
    • Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $10.00
    • Senior Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $8.00
    • Guest Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $10.00
    • Senior Guest Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $8.00
  • GMA Resident (must purchase Shore Use Permit as well):
    • Annual Individual Permit: $35.00
    • Senior Annual Individual Permit: $25.00
    • Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $15.00
    • Senior Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $7.00
    • Guest Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $10.00
    • Senior Guest Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $8.00
  • Colorado Angler (must purchase Shore Use Permit as well):
    • Annual Individual Permit: $35.00
    • Senior Annual Individual Permit: $25.00
    • Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $15.00
    • Senior Single-Day Use Individual Permit: $7.00

MOTORIZED BOAT PERMIT

  • Timnath Resident:
    • Annual Permit: $300.00
    • Single-Day Use Permit: $75.00

Lease Info & Summary

The Cache La Poudre Reservoir Company and The Town of Timnath have a lease agreement to allow Timnath permitted individuals use of the reservoir and open space land. The agreement went into effect in 2016 and has a 15-year term.  Information about the resolution can be found HERE.

Rentable Motorized Boats

Want access to a motorized boat on the Timnath Reservoir, but you’re not ready to commit to purchasing, storing, and maintaining a motorized boat? Try renting one with Buddy Boating, LLC instead! Council has just approved the ability to rent motorized boats for Timnath Residents to use at the Timnath Reservoir. Buddy Boating is a membership-based boating group that allows approved members access to well-maintained and late-model boats.

In becoming a member of the Buddy Boating program, you will be required to take a training class on safety and boat operations. All reservations will be made directly with Buddy Boating, LLC ahead of the day for usage. Buddy Boating, LLC will deliver and unload the boat at the Timnath Reservoir, and then retrieve the boat on the same day of the Reservation.

Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)

At certain times of the year blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, is present in the reservoir. The algae comprise of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant – especially in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight. When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolor the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water’s surface. It may be a harmful blue-green algae bloom if the water is blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red, has a paint-like appearance, or if there is scum on the water surface. In previous years, blue-green algae has been confirmed in the Timnath reservoir – typically towards the end of summer and into early fall. Because direct contact can cause health issues in humans and animals, it is recommended that people and their pets avoid contact with the algae. The Town does not actively treat the algae.


How to spot blue-green algae

  • A cyanobacteria bloom can turn water turquoise, bright green, pea green, brown or other unusual shades. Rafts of froth or foam sometimes appear.
  • At times blooms appear along shorelines and in bays and other areas shielded from wind and waves, and often follow periods of hot, calm weather and can persist into the fall.
  • Experts advise against wading or swimming in water with this appearance, and keeping dogs and livestock away.

To protect yourself and your pets

  • Avoid contact with blue-green algae blooms
  • Keep children away from algae and scum in the water along the shoreline
  • Do not swim or wade in water where blue-green algae is visible
  • Do not allow pets or livestock to enter or drink the water
  • Do not drink or cook with water from this reservoir
  • Clean fish well and discard guts – avoid eating fish that look unhealthy
  • If contact occurs, wash with clean water as soon as possible
  • If you or your animals have sudden or unexplained sickness after being in the reservoir, call your doctor or veterinarian

If, after being in the reservoir, you or your animals have sudden or unexplained sickness call your doctor or veterinarian.