Visitor activities include wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, nature programs, fishing and more! Alert - Holiday Hours and Closures Follow Us Online Around lakes Mary and Ladora you will see Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Stations. In 1996, after a lengthy process in which site investigations were conducted and completed, an approach to remedy the chemical contamination at the Arsenal was set forth by the US Army. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has sued the U.S. Army claiming that dangerous chemicals including pesticides continue to leach into groundwater at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the largest contiguous open space in the Denver metro area. older. 6550 Gateway RoadCommerce City, CO 80022From I-70 exit at Quebec Street and go north. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Sport Fishing Program has provided recreational opportunities to many people in Denver. In 1992, Congress passed the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Act, designating the site as a future refuge. As a public health precaution, the 2020 fishing season at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is postponed for the safety of staff and visitors. The refuge is currently open from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. 11,491 were here. Fish species in Lake Ladora include northern pike and largemouth bass, and bluegill. During fishing season, Lakes Mary and Ladora are open for fishing Got some good pictures there! To purchase a $60 season fishing pass you must bring with you a valid Colorado state fishing license. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. The Visitor Center exhibits focus on Refuge wildlife and history. ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City, fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal or 303-289-0930. Print Share Page Photo Credits – Girls Fishing at Lake Mary - Kelsey Cable/USFWS, Refuge Fishing Regulatory Sign - Lisa Chambers/USFWS, Fishing at the Refuge - USFWS, Monofilament Station - Lisa Chambers/USFWS The 2021 fishing season will open on April 3, 2021. The land was farmed until World War II, then in 1942, the U.S. Army bought thirty square miles and established a chemical weapons factory. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. We encourage all anglers to stick to artificial flies and lures, but Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. Please note there is no wading in Lake Ladora until after collection box. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. Continue on Gateway Road until you pass through the Refuge entrance.Visitor Center: 303-289-0930Please note taxi service can be limited or intermittent. Anglers must have a valid Colorado Fishing License and read, sign, and keep a copy of the Fishing Permit, which can be found Fish species in Lake Mary include largemouth bass, channel catfish, white and black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban refuges in the country and is home to more than 330 species of migratory and resident wildlife. It is your responsibility to know and obey them. High School and college students can fish fee free with a current student identification card. Rocky Mountain Arsenal. the following conditions: The regulations are clear that “live bait” is prohibited, but and reel or pole and line with one hook per line. You can hike around the lake on the 1.8 mile trail and at the mid-point and enjoy the view through the cattails from the floating boardwalk. Farmers began changing the area from shortgrass prairie to irrigated farm land in the 1880’s. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (RMANWR) is home to several species of both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. It also hosts three lakes and Denver lake hikes. The line is recycled to make underwater fish habitat structures used throughout the country. Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Digging of worms and/or pursuit of live bait is prohibited on the Refuge. Fishing. Amenities include a floating boardwalk, fishing pier, and dock. Among Denver-area birders, it is known as a good place to look for raptors, and one of the best spots near the city for Ferruginous Hawk. ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Building 121, Commerce City, CO 80022. Turn left at Gateway Road. Please bring a check or exact cash, sorry we don't accept debit or credit cards. If the proverbial crow flew from downtown Denver to Denver International Airport, he would grab a midflight snack at the arsenal. Sport Fishing. A reopening date has not been determined at this time, and we will reassess by May 2, 2020. stamp. Wading with calf, hip, or chest waders is allowed after Memorial Day. Lake Mary is the smallest of the Refuge’s lakes at 8.4 acres and 12.4 feet at its deepest. Memorial Day. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Hosts Fishing Fever on May 14; Anglers of All Abilities Welcome to Visit Arsenal for a Day of Fishing-Related Fun Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City: Hours, Address, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Reviews: 4.5/5. 94 reviews Hiking, Fishing “My favorite part is ... “They wanted us to have such a positive experience fly fishing that they went above and beyond to make sure we all caught a fish!” See all 5280 Angler reviews Adventures in Whitewater. 94 reviews Hiking, Fishing “My favorite part is ... “It's a great shop doing a lot for fly-fishing in the area with clean-ups and clinics and with a good vibe.” See all Rocky Mountain Anglers reviews AVA Rafting & Zipline. Ten minutes from downtown Denver, the Refuge is home to more than 330 species of wildlife including bison, bald eagles, deer, songbirds, waterfowl, and burrowing owls. The Commerce City refuge is home to more than 330 native species, including prairie dogs, bison and white pelican. Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Turn right at Prairie Parkway and travel 0.6 miles to Gateway Road. We allow fishing at designated times and on Updates will be posted on the refuge website and onTwitter: @USFWSRMA_Alert and Facebook: @RMANationalWildlifeRefuge. The first one of the season is Saturday, June 15.. at the Contact Station, and North and South Ladora kiosks next to the fee The Lakes Loop Trail at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is a 1.7 mile loop that winds along the shores of two lakes in the park, Lake Mary and Lake Ladora. The docks are also accessible providing equal opportunity for all to participate in and benefit from fishing programs and activities on the Refuge. Please dispose of your used monofilament line or any you might find and place it in the tubes at these stations. “Live bait” is anything living, Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge! This big pike was caught at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and was released to be caught again. There is a $3 daily fishing fee for anglers 16 years of age and older. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. Print Share Last Updated: Dec 18, 2020 Please call the Visitor Center at 303-289-0930 if you would like to schedule a time to purchase a pass. Contact RTD for informatio… Within the three Refuge lakes, Mary, Ladora, and Derby, various species of fish occur. High school and college students fish fee free with a valid ID. Kids 15 and under are free. Public fishing is offered as a recreational fee-based program. designated areas of the Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to we do not prohibit the use of purchased fish/animal parts or other scented Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Fishing Lake Ladora, at 55 acres and 17.6 feet at its deepest, is a large body of water open to bank fishing. Placing the line in the stations also prevents wildlife from becoming entangled. The refuge is currently open from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. To view the news release click on the link below: https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pressrel/2020/04032020-Rocky-Mountain-Arsenal-NWR-2020-Fishing-Season-Postponed.php. General information including a trail map, wildlife drive interpretive guide, and rules/regulations are located at the main entrance kiosk just before the archway entrance.The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Lake Mary is relatively small in surface area but big in the production of fish. We decided to check out the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Located just outside of Denver, this 15,000-acre refuge of prairie, wetlands and woodlands has seen many uses, from prairie to farmland and construction, and is now home to Colorado's native wildlife and is one of the largest urban refuges in the USA. Entrance is free. Anglers are permitted to use one rod on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Fish species in Lake Mary include largemouth bass, channel catfish, white and black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. There is a catch rate of greater than one fish per hour during the past ten years. A Kids Fishing Clinic is held once a month at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge.This FREE event from 10 a.m. to noon is open to kids ages 6 to 12 years old. there has been some confusion on this matter. Travel approximately 2.8 miles to Prairie Parkway/64th Avenue. included but not limited to worms, grubs, crickets, leeches, insects, crayfish, 2020 Fishing Season Postponed As a public health precaution, the 2020 fishing season at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is postponed for the safety of staff and visitors. Open daily 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. attract fish by the sense of taste or smell. (1 of 9) SITE HISTORY - Rocky Mountain Arsenal was listed on the NPL in 1987. MEDIA ADVISORY May 11, 2005 Contact: Sherry James, (303) 289-0659. An arsenal turned into a Wildlife Refuge. The refuge boasts over 15,000 acres and over 300 species of wildlife. Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a nearly 17,000-acre wildlife refuge housed on a former United States Army chemical weapons manufacturing facility. When we resume regular operations,, we will resume regular hours. To obtain current Colorado fishing license fees visit the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife website. The pass cannot be transferred or prorated. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City With downtown Denver in the background, a bison grazes at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Refuge … As you walk along the trail you can spot showy milkweed, prickly poppy, and sand sagebrush. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City, CO. 9K likes. Since then, the U.S. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Nice area to drive around and see wildlife - See 340 traveler reviews, 370 candid photos, and … Fish species in Lake Ladora include northern pike and largemouth bass, and bluegill. High School and college students can fish fee free with a current student identification card. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has been transformed from a 17,000+ acre facility used for weapons and chemical manufacturing into a beautiful nature sanctuary. A reopening date has not been determined at this time, and we will reassess by May 2, 2020. Regulations (50 CFR 32.25). Game fish in Lake Mary includes largemouth bass, channel catfish, white and black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal was placed on the National Priorities List of Superfund sites in July 1987. We require a valid Colorado State The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,988-acre (64.70 km 2) National Wildlife Refuge located adjacent to Commerce City, Colorado, in the United States.It is approximately 8 miles (13 km) northeast of downtown Denver.The refuge is on the grounds of the former Rocky Mountain Arsenal, a United States Army chemical weapons manufacturing facility. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal was a United States chemical weapons manufacturing center located in the Denver Metropolitan Area in Commerce City, Colorado.The site was completed December 1942, operated by the United States Army throughout the later 20th century and was controversial among local residents until its closure in 1992. and line with one hook per line is permitted with a Colorado issued second rod The trail will take you through native prairie grassland and under impressive cottonwoods. The southern portion of the lake shore is lined with nest boxes where you might be able to catch a glimpse of a tree swallow nesting in the spring. fishing license and valid Refuge fishing permit for all anglers age 16 and You can find parking for these lakes behind the Contact Station. Though the lakes are stocked annually, providing fish with more Visitor opportunities include nature programs, guided wildlife viewing tours, fishing, wildlife photography, and hiking on over 9 miles of nature trails. No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. What a great idea! “Bait” is anything designed to Lake Mary is surrounded by approximately a half mile trail where you can walk along cottonwood trees, rubber rabbitbrush, white sand verbena, and towering cattails. Experienced anglers from Environmental Learning for Kids Youth Urban rangers will be on hand to help. A second rod and reel or pole Historically recognized as a Superfund clean-up site, today the Arsenal has been resurrected as a first-class wildlife refuge. 93 reviews Hiking, Fishing “My favorite part is my selfie with a bison:) I walked around ... “ Searching for a fly fishing Colorado guide I came across the website of Ken Robak and his guide service Ken's Anglers. and fish. It felt like I was in the middle of Yellowstone National Park, but I was actually only 7 miles from my northeast Denver home — in the heart of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Time to pick up those poles and grab some bait. United States ; ... get out of the car until the end to stretch our legs and read the information board that leads down to one of the fishing lakes. bait. Lake Mary is an excellent resource for beginning anglers. Place it in the tubes at these stations after Memorial Day to a... 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