Lakes, Boating and Fishing

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Prospect Lake and Quail Lake Rules

  • All watercraft use is by permit only
  • No swimming or wading allowed, unless in the designated beach area.
  • Dogs are allowed on a leash in the surrounding lake areas. 
  • No ice-related activities are permitted on the lake.
  • Due to the possibility of damage to the lake liner, no anchoring devices are allowed on or around the lake.

Boating and Watercraft

The information on this page is an overview and not intended to be comprehensive. 

Days and Hours

Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset *

  • Gas powered motorized watercraft are prohibited on Quail Lake. 
  • Gas powered motorized watercraft are allowed in Prospect Lake during motorized days. Motorized days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (non-motorized watercraft are prohibited during motorized days)
  • Non-motorized days at Prospect Lake are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

* Special events and organized open water swimming may be scheduled during boating times. These activities will pre-empt some or all boating hours for the duration of the event. 

Watercraft Rules

  • No person shall use any watercraft on Quail Lake or Prospect Lake in a careless or reckless manner or as to interfere with the reasonable use or enjoyment of the lake by any another person.
  • Adult supervision is required for all youth under the age of 18.
  • USCG-approved personal flotation devices must be available on a non-motorized vessel for every adult attendant, and youth (ages 12 and under) must have personal flotation devices on their person.
  • Swimming or diving from any watercraft is prohibited.
  • Operation of all watercraft is prohibited during an electrical storm.

Paddleboards and Kayaking Rentals

Paddleboard rentals are available through http://www.supcoloradosprings.com/.

Season Boating Permits

Prices for 2023 are as follows (Annual Permits 50% off after Labor Day):

Annual boat permits are valid from Jan 1, 2023– Dec 31, 2023. – Temporarily Unavailable

  • Motorboat - $125 ($62.50 after Labor Day)
  • Motorized Personal Watercraft - $80 ($40 after Labor Day)
  • Non-motorized Watercraft - $50 ($25 after Labor Day)

Daily Boating Permits (Available at the lakeside kiosks next to the boat ramps or at Sertich Ice Center)

  • Non-Motorized - $5
  • Motorized - $10 

Key Deposit (for the boat ramp)

A $10 key deposit will be assessed when purchasing a permit. The key deposit can be credited to the following year's account or a refund can be processed when the annual key is returned.

Where to purchase

Sertich Ice Center, 1705 East Pikes Peak Avenue 80909
Sunday - Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
719-385-5983

Non-motorized permits

  • Prospect Lake
    • Sertich: Sunday - Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Non-motorized day permit kiosk: 24 hours (located by the boat ramp)
    • Boathouse only during vendor's hours of operation.
  • Quail Lake
    • non-motorized day permit kiosk: daily, 24-hours

Fishing

Fishing at Memorial Park

  • License required.
  • Only fishing is allowed on the southeast side of the lake.
  • Fishing is never permitted from inside any fenced area around the lake.
  • Fishing is allowed on the northeast side of the lake, except during designated special events.
  • No ice-related fishing activities are allowed on the lake.

Violations and Conflicts

  • In the event of a conflict, please call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000
  • Emergencies call 911
  • Report Fishing license violations to Colorado Parks and Wildlife or call 719-227-5200