Prospect Lake will be closed to all watercraft from March 25-28, 2025 for the installation of weighted aeration lines and diffusers as part of the Aeration Project. We appreciate your patience during this important improvement work.
Prospect Lake and Quail Lake Rules
- All watercraft use is by permit only
- No swimming or wading allowed, unless in the designated beach area.
- Dogs are allowed on a leash in the surrounding lake areas.
- No ice-related activities are permitted on the lake.
- Due to the possibility of damage to the lake liner, no anchoring devices are allowed on or around the lake.
Boating and Watercraft
The information on this page is an overview and not intended to be comprehensive.
Days and Hours
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset *
- Gas powered motorized watercraft are prohibited on Quail Lake.
- Gas powered motorized watercraft are allowed in Prospect Lake during motorized days. Motorized days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (non-motorized watercraft are prohibited during motorized days)
- Non-motorized days at Prospect Lake are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
* Special events and organized open water swimming may be scheduled during boating times. These activities will pre-empt some or all boating hours for the duration of the event.
Watercraft Rules
- No person shall use any watercraft on Quail Lake or Prospect Lake in a careless or reckless manner or as to interfere with the reasonable use or enjoyment of the lake by any another person.
- Adult supervision is required for all youth under the age of 18.
- USCG-approved personal flotation devices must be available on a non-motorized vessel for every adult attendant, and youth (ages 12 and under) must have personal flotation devices on their person.
- Swimming or diving from any watercraft is prohibited.
- Operation of all watercraft is prohibited during an electrical storm.
Season Boating Permits
Key Deposit (for the boat ramp)
A $10 key deposit will be assessed when purchasing a permit. The key deposit can be credited to the following year's account or a refund can be processed when the annual key is returned.
Where to purchase
Non-motorized permits
- Prospect Lake
- Sertich: Sunday - Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Non-motorized day permit kiosk: 24 hours (located by the boat ramp)
- Boathouse only during vendor's hours of operation.
- Quail Lake
- non-motorized day permit kiosk: daily, 24-hours
Annual Permit Fees
ANNUAL PERMIT FEES
| Permit Type | Fee |
Motorized Watercraft Annual Permit (Watercraft insurance coverage required showing bodily injury and property damage: combined single limit of at least $300,000) | $125 |
Motorized Personal Watercraft Annual Permit (Watercraft insurance coverage required showing bodily injury and property damage: combined single limit of at least $300,000) | $80 |
Non-motorized Watercraft Annual Permit (Sailboat, Float Tubes, Belly Boats, and other Hand-Propelled Watercraft) | $50 |
Motorized Watercraft Day Pass (Watercraft insurance coverage required showing bodily injury and property damage: combined single limit of at least $300,000. Photo ID required as collateral for 24-hour Boat Ramp key rental) | $10/vessel |
| Non-Motorized Watercraft Day Pass | $5/vessel |
Dealer (Any vessel/type includes 3 permits) | $225 |
**Annual Permits & Motorized Day Permits available at Sertich Ice Center
Fishing
Fishing at Memorial Park
- License required.
- Only fishing is allowed on the southeast side of the lake.
- Fishing is never permitted from inside any fenced area around the lake.
- Fishing is allowed on the northeast side of the lake, except during designated special events.
- No ice-related fishing activities are allowed on the lake.
Violations and Conflicts
- In the event of a conflict, please call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000
- Emergencies call 911
- Report Fishing license violations to Colorado Parks and Wildlife or call 719-227-5200