· Headwaters

Mount Shavano State Fish Hatchery and Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area

Aliases: Frantz Lake

Frantz Lake can sometimes be good for waterfowl, and in migration you may see Ospreys from the boardwalk or along the nearby Arkansas River. In spring and fall, look for migrants in the trees on the lake’s south side.  White-Faced Ibis can be seen duirng migration in adjacent drainage fields; and lots of Kingfishers and Great Blue Heron year-round.

The adjacent Mount Shavano State Fish Hatchery is open to the public, and grants access to the river.

County: Chaffee

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt

Directions: From Hwy 291 just north of Salida: Turn west on CR 154 just south of the bridge over the Arkansas River. Hatchery is on the right, about 0.5 miles from 291. Raceways are best viewed from the road; there are parking spots just east of the fence. Beyond the hatchery to the west is Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area.

Delorme: 60 D2
Roads of Colorado: 102 C3

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: Free at the hatchery. A valid Hunting license, Fishing license, OR State Wildlife Area Pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land.

Restrictions: No camping; no dogs

Parking: Paved lot at hatchery, gravel lot at SWA
Lodging: Hotel in Salida

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 38.542460
Longitude: -106.021846

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Contact Info:

Area CPW Office: Salida, (719) 530-5520