Quincy Reservoir is a quiet, flies-and-lures-only fishing lake

Quincy Reservoir is a smaller, calmer cousin to Aurora Reservoir, tucked into Aurora in Arapahoe County. It is a City of Aurora lake, and it is managed for quiet, quality fishing rather than busy boating.

The rule that surprises people most is the fishing method. Quincy is an artificial-flies-and-lures-only water. Bait of any kind, including worms, minnows, and dough baits, is not allowed, even to have in your possession at the lake. Rules like this exist to protect the size and quality of the fish, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the reservoir. You still need a Colorado fishing license once you are old enough.

Boating is low-key here. The city allows non-motorized boats and electric motors only, with no gas motors. Under the city’s aquatic nuisance species rules, vessels with a compartment that can hold water must pass an inspection before launching. Beyond fishing, Quincy is a pleasant spot for walking and bird watching.

Specific hours, season dates, bag limits, fees, and boating rules change, so check the City of Aurora’s Quincy Reservoir pages, including its fishing and boating pages, before you go.