The Timnath Reservoir is an open space unique to Timnath – the use of the reservoir property is available to properly permitted residents, future Timnath residents, and Colorado Anglers. The property is owned by the New Cache La Poudre Reservoir Company and is leased by the Town of Timnath for recreational purposes.
The reservoir is a man-made water body used by the New Cache La Poudre Reservoir Company for irrigation purposes. The reservoir water levels will fluctuate seasonally in response to irrigation demands.
Daily shore-use permits and non-motorized boat permits are also available for purchase on a first come, first served basis at the Timnath Reservoir (card only).
Permits
To visit the Timnath Reservoir and enjoy all the amenities, you must have a permit. There are multiple types of permits available, and price levels depend on what type of permit holder you are.
Please note that all users of the Timnath Reservoir must obtain an Annual Shore Permit, in addition to any motorized or non-motorized boat permits.
All permits are non-transferable and nonrefundable and, where limited permits are applicable, all permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis.
I am a Timnath Resident
A resident is defined as anyone who resides within current Town limits, including owners, renters, and business owners.
I live in Timnath’s GMA
This is applicable to any person that resides within the current Town of Timnath Growth Management Area (GMA), outside of current Town limits. This includes property owners and renters. If you are unsure if you live within the Timnath GMA, click the button below.
I am a Colorado Angler
A Colorado Angler is any non-Timnath resident or non-GMA resident that has a valid/current Colorado Parks & Wildlife Fishing License.
The Timnath Reservoir is private but available to Colorado Anglers for both shore fishing and non-motorized boat fishing. Limit of one (1) permit tag per valid/current Colorado Parks & Wildlife Fishing License. Up to two (2) individuals under the age of sixteen (16) may accompany an angler, free of charge, once the angler has acquired the appropriate permits.
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Reservoir Details
Reservoir Fees
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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.
