About halfway between Longmont and Lyons, McCall Lake is a 35-acre reservoir that sits at 5,177 feet above sea level in Boulder County. Backed by tremendous views of the Rocky Mountains, the lake is the centerpiece and namesake of the McCall Lake Nature Area, which is managed by the City of Longmont.
Lacking a plethora of recreational amenities, the McCall Lake Nature Area is primarily used for fishing. Water within the reservoir is managed by the Longmont Supply Ditch Company and supplements irrigation in nearby city parks.
McCall Lake Accessibility
About 15 minutes from the center of Longmont, McCall Lake is easily accessible with any passenger vehicle. The nature area is found just off of State Highway 66, 3 miles east of Lyons, and is generally uncrowded.
From an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset, visitors are welcome to park in the designated lots available on the north and west sides of the lake. Primitive bathrooms are available, but there are no drinking water or trash facilities located on-site.
Activities in McCall Lake Nature Area
The McCall Lake Nature Area is free and open to the public year-round. In the winter, access to the pond is closed when the water has frozen over. For visitor safety, Ice fishing and ice skating are strictly prohibited.
Bird watching: Between Longmont and Lyons, McCall Lake is one of many bodies of water found near the St. Vrain River, which is home to a wide variety of bird and wildlife species. Visiting birds may be spotted in the shrubby vegetation around the lake, and the surface and shores of McCall Lake are often dotted with gulls, grebes, and other common waterbirds.
Boating: Boating rules are very strict within the McCall Lake Nature Area to protect the delicacy of the pond. Typically used for fishing, the only type of watercraft permitted on the pond is a multi-chambered belly boat. As such, kayaks, motorized boats, and inner tubes are all prohibited.
From the parking areas, boating access is easy. While there is no dock or pier, there is plenty of flat shore space around the lake with drive-up spots available for loading and unloading.
Fishing: Stocked annually by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife, McCall Lake has remained a fishing favorite amongst local anglers for decades. With plenty of surface area and access for boat and shore fishing, licensed participants can cast their rods in peace while attempting to catch a wide variety of fish species.
Beyond the daily limit of four bagged trout, anglers should also be on the lookout for bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and wiper. To comply with best fishing practices, visitors should consider staying up-to-date with CPW regulations for McCall Lake before enjoying the open water.
Hiking: To enjoy the nature area’s scenery from various angles, there is a walking trail that circumnavigates McCall Lake approximately ¾ of the way around its perimeter. While it is not a complete circuit, the path is unofficially referred to as the McCall Lake loop trail and provides easy access to additional fishing spots and viewpoints.
Swimming: Swimming is not permitted in McCall Lake.
Details
Address: N 66th St & Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80501
Coordinates: 40°12’15.0″N 105°12’12.9″W
Phone: 303-776-6050
County: Boulder County
Season: Year-round
Hours: 1 hour prior to sunrise to 1 hour after sunset
Fees: None
Website: longmontcolorado.gov/…
