Loveland is home to a vast array of lakes, which is a surprising discovery in a state not known for its large bodies of water. Summer is the best time to explore the Sweetheart City’s water riches. Find out where to rent or purchase motorized and non-motorized watercraft in and near Loveland, and where to launch said craft based upon your favorite water-oriented activities.
Where to rent a pontoon, speedboat, canoe, kayak or SUP
Boyd Lake Marina – Open during the summer months, Boyd Lake Marina is in Boyd Lake State Park, and rents pontoon boats, fishing boats, Waverunners, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats. The marina also features a full-service gas dock, snacks, beverages, fishing and camping supplies, live bait and boating supplies and more. Boyd Lake Marina is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Buckhorn Ridge Outfitters – A local fly-fishing outfitter with years of experience and hands-on knowledge of the area (including intel about where the big fish hide), Buckhorn Ridge Outfitters also rents boats for fishing, cruising the lake or just cooling off for an afternoon. Options include 27-foot pontoons, a single person pontoon, and standup paddleboards.
Carter Lake Marina – Family owned and operated since 1989, Carter Lake Marina is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer months. The full-service marina rents a variety of pontoon boats, from 20 to 24 feet, and a 14-foot fishing boat. Boats are available for half-day or all-day rental. The marina also includes a small store.
Jax Outdoor Gear Farm & Ranch – This Northern Colorado-based, employee-owned outdoor specialty store now operates nine locations, including two options in Loveland. Jax Loveland – East rents canoes, kayaks, and SUPs; Jax Loveland – West rents SUPs. Both locations also rent other outdoor gear during the summer and winter months.
The Extra Mile Outdoor Gear & Bike – This gear and bike consignment shop in Downtown Loveland also has rental options available. Try their Loon Paddleboards for a half-day, 24-hour or three-day rental and enjoy a peaceful paddle on your favorite lake. At 10 feet 8 inches they’re easy to carry and paddle. Rentals include the board and fin, paddle, PFD, whistle, board leash, pump and bag. The Extra Mile also rents e-bikes and hybrid bikes during the warmer months and winter gear when the snow flies.
Wave Rentals – A family-owned business located in Loveland, Wave Rentals is open from June 1 through October, and rents iRocker-brand standup paddleboards and Sea Eagle, Pelican and Lifetime kayaks (including options for kids ages five and up). Rent for a day or longer. Pick up and drop off is convenient at this centrally located shop.
What’s SUP – This Loveland-based outfitter delivers everything you need for a weekend paddle around Carter Lake. From mid-May through mid-September, What’s SUP will meet you at Carter Lake’s South Shore with a standup paddleboard (SUP), paddle, safety whistle and PFD. Reserve 24 hours in advance, or walk up to rent on-site (based upon availability).
Where to purchase a pontoon, speedboat, canoe, kayak or SUP
Colorado Boat Center – Located in neighboring Johnstown, Colorado Boat Center (CBC) is the state’s first Marine Industry Certified Dealership and a second-generation family-owned business. CBC sells new and pre-owned boats, including pontoons and speedboats, as well as boating accessories.
Jax Outdoor Gear Farm & Ranch – Both Jax locations in Loveland sell canoes, kayaks, SUPs and a variety of accessories, plus so much more (coolers, clothing, hunting and fishing gear, farm and ranch supplies and almost anything else you might need to enjoy the outdoors).
What’s SUP – In addition to rental delivery options, Loveland-based What’s SUP is an authorized Atoll Board Co retailer. They sell new and used boards, accessories, apparel and more
Where to canoe, kayak, SUP and relax minus the motor
Boedecker Lake – A state wildlife area, Boedecker is popular for canoeing, kayaking and SUPing. Boedecker – also known as Mariano Reservoir – is located west of Loveland and is a rebounding fishery.
Lon Hagler Reservoir – Located southwest of downtown Loveland, Lon Hagler is a great spot for fishing, birdwatching and wakeless watercraft use. The 150-acre reservoir is part of Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area and offers excellent shore and drift fishing for a diverse mix of species. Non-motorized watercraft are allowed, including kayaks, SUPs and belly boats. The area also features an archery range and the 2.4-mile Lon Hagler Reservoir Trail that loops the lake.
Pinewood Reservoir – This idyllic 100-acre reservoir is encircled by 327 acres of public lands and only allows hand-launched watercraft, including rafts, kayaks, belly boats, canoes, windsurfers, sailboards and SUPs. The calm, quiet waters make it ideal for fishing and peaceful for camping.
Where to cast a line
Flatiron Reservoir – This quiet, 47-acre reservoir surrounded by 200 acres of public lands is a popular spot for anglers, as swimming and boating are not allowed.
Houts Reservoir & Equalizer Lake – Part of the High Plains Environmental Center, Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake sit side-by-side, separated by a land bridge. With a no-watercraft designation (including flotation devices), anglers will find excellent fishing conditions from the shoreline at either location or the fishing pier at Equalizer Lake.
Lake Loveland – The city’s namesake lake conveniently sits in the center of town and features public-access fishing on its South Shore.
River’s Edge Natural Area – The five ponds at River’s Edge Natural Area are ideal for fishing, and two of the ponds – Bass and Dragonfly – feature ADA-accessible fishing docks. This 163-acre Natural Area situated alongside the Big Thompson River also includes 3.8 miles of natural-surface trails for walking, bicycling, fishing access and wildlife viewing.
Where to launch a speedboat (and more)
Boyd Lake – Located within Boyd Lake State Park, Boyd Lake allows all types of watercraft – ski boats, fishing boats, jet skis, sailboats, canoes, SUPs – on its 1,700 surface-acres of water. Visitors will also find a marina (for vessel rentals, gas and supplies), a sandy beach and pavilion, fishing piers and boat ramps, picnic areas and showers. Boyd Lake State Park is home to one campground with 148 sites perfect for RV rigs up to 60 feet long, including 20-, 30- and 50-amp hookups.
Carter Lake – Three miles long and about one-mile wide, this spectacular 1,100-acre reservoir is surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands and loads of spectacular camping spots overlooking the lake. Fish (for walleye, trout, largemouth bass), sail, water ski, picnic, SUP, swim, scuba dive and rock climb; Carter Lake has it all. Carter Lake Marina boasts a restaurant, supply shop and rental outfit for hiring skis, boats and more. Carter Lake’s five campgrounds – Big Thompson, South Shore, North Pines, Eagle and Carter Knolls – include electric and non-electric sites and reservations are recommended. Most sites are first-come, first-served from November – March. Entrance permit required.
Tips for enjoying Loveland’s abundant water riches
- Some of Loveland’s lakes require a day pass to visit; be prepared to purchase a pass on-site.
- Make sure you have a personal flotation device (PFD) readily accessible for everyone on your boat; anyone under age 13 must wear a PFD at all times while boating.
- In lakes where swimming is allowed, consider swimming with a buddy, and if doing so near boats or people who are fishing, be extra vigilant.
- A few other items to have on-board: sunscreen, a sound producing device, fire extinguisher, navigation lights and current boat registration with visible numbers on the craft.
- Always maintain a 150-foot distance from other boaters and anglers on shore.
- Planning on fishing? Regardless of location, a fishing license is required for anglers ages 16 and older. Purchase online or at a local retail outlet.
Media Contacts:
Caramie Petrowsky, caramiepetrowsky@gmail.com, 970-376-5317
Emily McCormack, emily@hulacommunications.com, 970-331-6145
