St. Vrain State Park is a chain of ponds for fishing and birds

Out on the flat South Platte plains in Firestone, in southwestern Weld County, St. Vrain State Park is a different kind of outing than the canyons and peaks to the west. It is a cluster of ponds, once called Barbour Ponds, set among cottonwoods near the highway.

The draw here is water-side wildlife and fishing close to home. Colorado Parks and Wildlife calls it one of the better spots in the state for close-up birding, with pelicans, great blue herons, owls, osprey, and, in winter, bald eagles. Several of the ponds are stocked and hold a mix of species such as trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and panfish, and trout fishing is often best from fall through spring. Some of the ponds appear on the state’s Quality Waters list with public access. A Colorado fishing license is required, as everywhere in the state.

The park also has campgrounds along the ponds, with sites that range from tent spots to full hookups, which makes it an easy base for families or a quick overnight without a long mountain drive.

Stocking, pond rules, camping reservations, and which waters carry special designations all change over time. For current fishing rules, bird information, and camping, check the St. Vrain State Park pages from Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you visit.