High Plains Environmental Center
Fishing
Students from Front Range Community College conducted a fish sampling lab at Houts Reservoir in April 2017. This is just a snapshot as the sample was by no means representative of the lake since they used only two types of sampling gear, with only one sample each, both near the same location.
Species |
Trap Type |
Length (in) |
Weight (lbs) |
Walleye | Gill Net | 20.4 | 3 |
Walleye | Gill Net | 24 | 5 |
Walleye | Gill Net | 20.5 | 2 |
Walleye | Gill Net | 20.2 | 3 |
Walleye | Gill Net | 19.8 | 3 |
Large Mouth Bass | Gill Net | 12.5 | 1 |
Walleye | Gill Net | 19.5 | 2.5 |
Gizarde Shad | Gill Net | 12.5 | 0.5 |
Walleye | Gill Net | 21.2 | 3.5 |
White Sucker | Gill Net | 16.5 | 1.5 |
Gizarde Shad | Gill Net | 12.1 | 0.5 |
Yellow Pirch | Gill Net | 10.5 | 0.25 |
White Sucker | Gill Net | 17.1 | 1.75 |
Yellow Pirch | Gill Net | 12.2 | 0.5 |
Cat fish | Trap Net | 2 | - |
Yellow Pirch | Gill Net | 6 | - |
Green Sunfish | Trap Net | 3.4 | - |

Fish Species
The following species have been identified in Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake by the Colorado Dept. of Wildlife:
Black Bullhead • Black Crappie • Bluegill • Channel Catfish • Common Carp • Gizzard Shad • Largemouth Bass • Walleye • White Bass • Yellow Perch
Fishing Rules and Regulations
Houts Reservoir
- From the shoreline along the southwestern edge, from the pump houses to where the land bridge begins
Equalizer Lake
- From the fishing pier located west of Old Canal Park
- From the rip-rap/shoreline stabilization along the southeastern edge
- From the dam rip-rap along the southern edge
Rules and Regulations
- All Colorado State Fishing Regulations Apply
- No Ice Fishing
- No Boats or Flotation Devices
- No Bow Fishing
- No Swimming
- Dogs on leash at all times and pick up after your dog
- Fish only in designated areas
- No Alcohol
- Pack your trash
