Smith Reservoir has seasonal shore and boat-inspection rules

Smith Reservoir sits in the northern part of Costilla County, near the small town of Blanca. Like Sanchez and Mountain Home, it is a State Wildlife Area run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with the area office in Monte Vista. To be on the property, anyone 16 or older needs a hunting or fishing license or an SWA pass.

If you bring a motorboat or sailboat, it needs an aquatic nuisance species, or ANS, stamp and a state-certified inspection before launch. Registration is a separate rule. Colorado residents register motorized and sail-powered boats with CPW each year. Nonresidents may use a current home-state registration for up to 60 days, but they still need Colorado’s ANS stamp.

Smith Reservoir has local access rules too. Under CPW’s current property rules, the north and east shores are open from July 16 through February 14. From November 1 through the end of waterfowl season, the area within 200 yards of the dam is for fishing only. Motor vehicles must stay at least 50 feet from the water.

For a day trip, that means planning ahead: have your registration and stamp in order, know how inspection works at the site, and make sure your boat, trailer, and gear arrive clean, drained, and dry.

Check Smith Reservoir’s current property rules and CPW’s inspection hours before towing a boat to the lake.