Conditions

Boat Ramps - 6/13/2013 The lake level is still below the boat ramp at Jackson Gulch Reservoir. Small/lightweight trailers can launch but be aware that you will be driving down gravel beyond the cement ramp. Snow is almost completely melted in the high country so inflow is slowing down. Outflow for domestic uses continues to draw on the lake so water levels may remain about the same or drop further. During boating season a pre-launch boat inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is REQUIRED for all trailered and motorized boats to prevent the introduction of Zebra & Quagga mussels as well as other ANS into Colorado waters. The inspection station at Jackson Gulch reservoir is now open 8am - 8pm Fridays & Saturdays and 8am - 4:30 pm Sunday - Thursday. Staff may not be present at the inspection station but are available in the park so please call the park cell phone for assistance: 970-903-7286 at the park or 970-882-2213 (Dolores Parks & Wildlife office) to arrange a pre-inspection and seal for your boat. For important information on Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) and boating rules please click on the "Boating" link or call our Dolores office: 970-882-2213. Boating - 6/13/2013 The lake is open to boating. HOWEVER, the water level is still below the cement boat ramp. Lightweight trailers could launch but be aware you will be driving over gravel to reach the lake. Hand launching of smaller boats is an option but it is a long walk to the water at this time. A pre-launch inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is REQUIRED for all trailered or motorized boats to prevent the introduction of ANS into Colorado waters. ANS inspections can be done at Mancos 8am - 8pm Fridays and Saturdays and 8 am - 4:30 pm Sunday - Thursday. You may have to call 970-903-7286 to have staff meet you at the ramp. The cell phone number is posted at the lake. For a boat inspection during non-staff hours please call 970-903-7286 or 970-882-2213 (our Dolores office) or 970-247-0855 (Durango Parks & Wildlife office) to schedule an inspection. Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat between uses to reduce the risk of transporting aquatic nuisance species that can ruin water recreation areas! For more information on the boating rules and ANS please follow the website link to "Boating". For boat registration information, follow the links on the Parks homepage or call our Dolores office, 970-882-2213. When the entrance gate is staffed at Mancos boats can be registered at the park. Boat registrations can also be completed at our Dolores office during staffed hours (8am-5pm Tuesday through Friday). Boat registrations are valid from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. Please visit our website for important Boating Safety information and regulations. Camping - 6/13/2013 Mancos State Park has 32 campsites and 2 yurts. There are no electrical or water hookups in any of the sites. Water hydrants are available in the main campground and vault toilets are located throughout the park. Two cabin-like yurts with a variety of amenities are also available year round(reservations required)! Yurt and campground reservations can be made online by following the state park website links, or by calling 800-678-2267 or if you are in the Denver metro area please call 303-470-1144. Yurt reservations are required year round. Campsite reservations are recommended for the summer months (May-Sept). The entrance station is open on weekends and limited hours during the week. When the entrance station is not staffed please purchase your park pass and camping permit at the self-serve station. An annual pass or day-use pass is required on each vehicle. The RV dump station is open to campers. Cell Phone Coverage - 6/13/2013 Most cell phone service companies can receive and send calls from the park. There may be some areas where no service is available (on some of the trails outside of the park). Construction - 6/13/2013 There are no construction projects in the park at this time. Fire Restrictions - 6/13/2013 There are no fire restrictions in Mancos State Park at this time. As always you are required to keep fires contained in designated fire rings. It has been extremely dry and we have had an exceptional number of "red flag" windy days this spring and early summer so please burn responsibly! Please use local firewood to prevent the introduction of wood boring pests. See www.dontmovefirewood.org for more information. Firewood is available for $5/bundle at the entrance station or from our camphost. Fishing Report - 6/13/2013 Jackson Gulch reservoir continues to have some inflow. However, outflow for domestic uses continues so, the lake is still quite low. The water level has been fluctuating about 6" either direction depending on inflow and domestic demands on the outflow. In spite of the low lake level fishing has been excellent for 10-12" rainbow trout and 6-7" yellow perch with an occasional large brown trout. 10,000 rainbow trout will be stocked early each month throughout the summer. When the inlet is flowing this is a favorite area for the trout to hang. Trout enjoy various powerbaits, worms, and salmon eggs. Some inline spinners such as panther martins, crocodiles, and castmasters have seen some success. Fly fisherfolk have had luck with small dry flies such as irresistibles, especially in the early morning and late evening hours along the dam, in the west side coves, and near the inlet. Perch love nightcrawler, mealworm, or waxworm. Perch are small, averaging about 6-7”, but anglers should keep them if they’ll eat them. There is no limit on the number of perch you keep; the daily limit for trout is 4. A park pass is required when utilizing the park. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay post at the park entrance. Park passes and fishing licenses are on sale at the Mancos entrance station during staff hours. For fishing rules/regulations and information please click on the "Fishing" link on our website. Hunting - 6/13/2013 NO HUNTING in Mancos State Park. This includes waterfowl. But, Mancos State Park makes a great base camp for hunters accessing nearby US Forest Service lands. The upper loop of the main campground is kept open all year. Heated yurts are available that sleep six. For yurt reservations call 1-800-678-2267 or follow the links on our website. If you are interested in a limited access hunting experience you can put in for a special use permit drawing to hunt in nearby Lone Mesa State Park. Please visit the Lone Mesa State Park link and click on "Hunting" or call our Dolores office: 970-882-2213. Park Entrance - 6/13/2013 Mancos State Park is open year round. The entrance station is staffed during summer months (mid-May - Sept). Regular hours: Friday & Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am - 4:30 pm. Monday - Thursday entrance station hours will vary. When the entrance station is not staffed our camp hosts can assist you or call the park cell phone: 970-903-7286 to arrange assistance. When the entrance station is not staffed be sure to stop at the self-service station, at the park entrance, to purchase your park pass and camping permit. An annual park pass or daily park pass is required on every vehicle, every day of the year. To purchase an annual pass in the off-season please call our Dolores office: 970-882-2213. Road Conditions - 6/13/2013 Roads are all dry and open. Please be aware that summer rains can make roads muddy at times. Seasonal Closures - 6/13/2013 The entrance station will generally be open Friday & Saturdays 8am-8pm and 8am - 4:30pm on Sundays & Thursdays. When the entrance station is closed please purchase your daily park pass and camping permit at the park entrance pay post. Please call 970-903-7286 for assistance or visit our wonderful camphosts. All roads and campgrounds are now open. Summer Colors - 6/13/2013 Summer has arrived at Mancos! It has been hot and dry for about a week. Violet vetch, snowberry, green gentian, mule's ear daisy, and mountain parsley are blooming now. Trails - 6/13/2013 Recent warm dry weather has helped keep the trails dry. But, we also have had a few rain storms that can cause wet or muddy trail conditions. Remember to be prepared for sudden changes in weather when utilizing the trails. Carry extra clothing & water. Please see the trails section for more details on our park trails. Water Levels - 6/13/2013 Spring run-off continues but the high mountain snow is mostly melted. Domestic demands on the reservoir are also pulling out of the lake. The lake level will likely remain low throughout the summer. Levels are fluctuating about 6" over the weeks as inflow and outflow change. Because of these flucuations you may find the shoreline muddy in places. Please use caution around the lake. Water Temperature - 6/13/2013 Water temperatures have risen with recent warm weather. Please use extreme caution around the lake. Swimming is NOT allowed in the lake.