Ralph Price Reservoir Fishing Program

2025 Ralph Price Fishing Permits Sale Starts April 1

Annual fishing permits and single-day permits go on sale at 8 am on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Ralph Price Reservoir is Longmont’s primary drinking water supply. The reservoir is accessible via a two-mile hike into Button Rock Preserve outside Lyons, CO. A Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing license is required at all City of Longmont fishing areas. An additional, special permit from the City of Longmont is required to fish at Ralph Price Reservoir inside Button Rock Preserve. Ralph Price Reservoir is open to fishing by annual and single-day permit holders from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2025.

Purchase your permit beginning April 1. For more information call 303-651-8416.

License & Permit Required

A Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing license is required at all City of Longmont fishing areas. An additional, special permit from the City of Longmont is required at Ralph Price Reservoir inside Button Rock Preserve. See details below on cost and purchase options.

Annual Permit

• Available for purchase Tuesday, April 1 – October 31, 2025, or until sold out
• Fishing season: May 1 – Oct. 31, 2025
• Cost per permit:
  • $20 Longmont/Lyons water utility customer
  • $30 non-Longmont/Lyons water utility customer
• Quantity available: 600

Annual permits can be purchased in person at the St. Vrain Memorial Building, 700 Longs Peak Ave. in Longmont, or online. Please keep a printed copy of your receipt with you as proof of purchase. Button Rock Preserve has no cellphone reception and you may not be able to access a digital copy of your permit. Permits are not transferrable. Rangers inspect permits and strictly enforce fishing regulations.

Youth 15 years or younger may fish at Ralph Price Reservoir without a City of Longmont permit provided they are accompanied by a valid Ralph Price Reservoir permit holder. As part of the purchase process, individuals are required to enter in their Fishing License CID number. Lost permits can be replaced only at the Button Rock Preserve Ranger Office at 303-774-3783.

Single-Day Permit

• Available for purchase Tuesday, April 1 – October 31, 2025, or until sold out
• Fishing season: May 1 – Oct. 31
• Cost per permit: $10

The single-day permit is valid only on the date selected at the time of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase for the single-day permit. Youth 15 years or under may fish at Ralph Price Reservoir without a City of Longmont permit provided they are accompanied by a valid Ralph Price Reservoir permit holder. As part of the purchase process, individuals are required to enter in their Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing license CID number.

Special Notes

Anglers may purchase up to four Ralph Price Reservoir fishing permits (annual or daily), but must present a current, valid Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing license for each permit purchased; no photocopies or online receipts will be accepted.

Youth 15 years or younger may fish at Ralph Price Reservoir without a City of Longmont permit provided they are accompanied by a valid Ralph Price Reservoir fishing permit holder.

Parking Information

All visitors, including permit holders, must park in the main lot. The walk to the reservoir from the main lot is approximately two miles.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Regulations for Ralph Price Reservoir

1. Possession and bag limit for trout shall be two trout
2. Tackle is restricted to artificial flies and lures only
3. Fishing is prohibited from Nov. 1 through April 30
4. Boating and all floating devices are prohibited
5. Bowfishing and spearfishing are prohibited.
6. Fishing shall be prohibited on the dam and around the reservoir as posted
7. All Tiger Muskies less than 36 inches must be returned to the water immediately

Visit the Button Rock Preserve webpage to see general preserve rules and regulations.

If you have additional questions, please contact Parks, Open Space & Trails.