The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Carter Lake Reservoir
Larimer County, Colorado · about 1,030 acres (1.6 sq mi)
54°F water, calm this morning.
About Carter Lake Reservoir
Carter Lake Reservoir spreads over about 1,030 acres in Larimer County, Colorado.
It stretches about 2.7 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 6.8 miles. At about 5,750 ft above sea level, it is a high-country lake, cold for much of the year. Lyons is about 6.6 miles south.
- Size
- About 1,030 acres (1.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.8 miles
- End to end
- About 2.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 5,750 ft
- County
- Larimer County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Colorado, trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 54°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:44 am · sunset 4:45 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Carter Lake Reservoir
- Lyonsabout 6.6 mi south
- Campionabout 6.8 mi east
- Berthoudabout 7 mi east
- Lovelandabout 7.9 mi northeast
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Questions about Carter Lake Reservoir
What fish are in Carter Lake Reservoir?
Lakes like Carter Lake Reservoir usually hold trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Carter Lake Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Carter Lake Reservoir?
About 1,030 acres, with about 6.8 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Carter Lake Reservoir?
Lyons is about 6.6 miles south; Campion is about 6.8 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Carter Lake Reservoir today?
The surface was about 54°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Carter Lake Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
