The Brush Hollow State Wildlife Area is a popular 461-acre outdoor destination for boating and fishing located west of Pueblo, Colorado. It’s centered around the Brush Hollow Reservoir, which was constructed to supply Fremont County, Colorado with water from the Brush Hollow Creek.
Water levels vary throughout the season as the 88-acre lake remains the primary water source for the town of Penrose.
Activities
All visitors that are eighteen years of age or older must possess a valid state fishing, hunting, or public land license to enter the Brush Hollow State Wildlife Area. Aside from this, there are no fees to use the bathrooms, parking areas, or boat ramps maintained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Birding & Wildlife: As a protected wildlife area, the Brush Hollow SWA is an excellent destination for viewing native animal species. Visitors may encounter prairie dogs, pronghorn, deer, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals as well as jays, tits, waterfowl, and shorebirds.
Boating: The Brush Hollow Reservoir boat ramp is located on the eastern shore of the lake. Boating is permitted with wake-less travel and the water is popular for fishing from kayaks and canoes.
Camping: Camping is prohibited within the Brush Hollow State Wildlife Area.
Fishing: Licensed anglers typically find good warm water fishing conditions in the Brush Hollow Reservoir. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake with a large variety of fish including trout, bass, catfish, walleye, perch, bluegill. However, mercury levels in the area are high, so harvesting is discouraged.
Swimming: Swimming, wading, and water contact sports are prohibited in the Brush Hollow Reservoir.
Trails: The Brush Hollow Reservoir is circumnavigated by a loosely defined 2-3 mile trail that is primarily used for walking and fishing access. Hikers on this trail should keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in the desert brush. From the reservoir, visitors can also access a large network of trails open for hiking, mountain biking, OHVs, and horseback riding.
Details
Address: Brush Hollow Reservoir, Penrose, CO 81240
Phone: 719-530-5520
Season: Year-round
Hours: Daylight hours
Fees: State hunting or fishing license required
Website: cpw.state.co.us/state-wildlife-areas/brush-hollow-swa
