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.
Restrictions: No camping; no dogs
County: Chaffee
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.
Alternate Directions: From Hwy 291 just north of Salida: Turn west on County Road 154 just south of the bridge over the Arkansas River. Hatchery is on the right, about .5 miles from 291. Beyond the hatchery to the west is Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: 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.
Parking: Paved lot at hatchery, gravel lot at SWA
Lodging: Hotel in Salida
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 60 D2
ROC: 102 C3
Latitude: 38.54246
Longitude: -106.021846
Contact Information
Area CPW Office: Salida, (719) 530-5520
Visit the Website for Mount Shavano State Fish Hatchery and Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L280284