Popular fishing spot reopens after five years of drought

FAIRPLAY - Five years ago drought and the Hayman fire dried up one of Colorado's most popular fishing spots but Tuesday marked the grand re-opening.

Hundreds of people gathered at Antero Reservoir Tuesday for the occasion. The reservoir is about 100 miles southwest of Denver along highway 24 in Fairplay.

Antero is derived from the Spanish word 'first' and since it was the first dam on the South Platte River near the river's origin, the name is quite fitting.

The dam was built in 1909 and geologists believe the reservoir occupies the site of a former lakebed roughly 300 years old.

The reservoir is now open seven days a week from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.

To get there take Highway 285 to Fairplay. About a mile south of Fairplay veer southeast on Highway 9 toward Hartsel. After about 15 miles you will reach a stop sign at the intersection with Highway 24. Turn right (west) on Highway 24. The entrances to Antero Reservoir will be on your right. The entrance to the north access will be first and the entrance to the south access next.

Click here for details on Antero regulations.