Green Mountain Reservoir - Heeney, CO

Green Mountain Reservoir is a beautiful lake with lots to do, including boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in the White River National Forest. It stretches for several miles on Highway 9, north of Silverthorne and south of Kremmling.

Blue River passes through this long alpine lake, offering additional places for fly fishing. All the campgrounds have beautiful views of the lake. Be sure to pick up supplies in Silverthorne or Kremmling, as there’s only one bait shop/general store around the lake in Heeney.

Activities

Green Mountain Reservoir Heeney CO December Panorama — Panorama of Green Mountain Reservoir in December. Photo: Scott Ingram

Boating: Open to boating of all types, jet skis, and water skis. The Heeney Marina rents out boats on the lake. They also have snacks, drinks, and ice cream. 151 County Rd 1798, Heeney, heeneymarina.com

Camping: There are several fairly primitive national forest campgrounds around the lake. Each has vault toilets; nightly fee + an additional fee for each vehicle for more than two vehicles. There are no hookups or water. Sites begin opening around May. Reservations

Cataract Creek – 5 sites with tables, first-come, first-serve
Prairie Point – 33 sites, first-come, first-serve
McDonald Flats – 13 sites, first-come, first-serve
Cow Creek North – 15 sites, first-come, first-serve
Cow Creek South – 40 sites, reservable
Elliot Creek – 15 sites, first-come, first-serve
Willows – 35 sites, first-come, first-serve
Read about the camping near Green Mountain Reservoir and Summit County.
Read about the camping near Kremmling, Parshall and Hot Sulphur Springs.

Fishing: Lake is open to boat and shore fishing. In winter there’s ice fishing.

The Blue River can be accessed below the dam for catch-and-release fishing; artificial flies and lures are only in this section. It’s open until 8 pm.
Lower Cataract Lake is a 5-minute drive west on Co Rd 1725, which is off Heeney Rd.
The Black Creek Reservoir is known for largemouth bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout. From Heeney Rd, take Black Creek Rd on the south end of the lake.
Master Bait & Tackle is a local bait shop/snack/liquor store on the west side of the lake. 6875 Heeney Rd

Hiking: Trails around the lake and in the wilderness west of Green Mountain Reservoir. Lower Cataract Lake has a nice 2-mile hike, relatively flat, to Cataract Falls.

OHV: There are several county roads next to the lake that permit off-highway vehicles: Williams Peak Rd, Elliott Ridge, Brush Creek Rd.

Rafting: Rafts and kayaks use the Blue River below the dam.