How deep is Chatfield Reservoir?

Chatfield Reservoir ranges from 3 to 21.3 metres deep (10–70 feet). It is a freshwater site. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Chatfield Reservoir a shore dive or a boat dive?

Chatfield Reservoir is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The entry area is recorded as sheltered from surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

When is the best time to dive Chatfield Reservoir?

Late spring and early summer mornings before boat traffic and algae peak. Dived primarily April-October; winter diving possible but cold (water low 50s F at depth most of the year). Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Chatfield Reservoir?

Divers at Chatfield Reservoir in United States commonly report sightings of Walleye, Crayfish, Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish, and Black crappie. Crayfish and Smallmouth bass are recorded as common sightings, while Walleye, Channel catfish, and Black crappie are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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Shore entry

Chatfield Reservoir

Colorado, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested3–21 m depthShore entry

Chatfield Reservoir at a glance

Chatfield Reservoir is a shore dive site in Colorado, United States with depths of 3–21.3 m (10–70 ft). Typically most favorable Dec · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Walleye, Crayfish, and Smallmouth bass. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 13h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Poor visibility over soft silt (easy silt-out); heavy recreational boat traffic on the main lake; cold thermoclines; altitude (~5,400 ft).

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Tue

Fri7:00–20:00

Sat7:00–18:00

Sun7:00–14:00

Mon7:00–20:00

Tue7:00–20:00

Wed7:00–20:00

Thu—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:11 · Sunrise 6:38 · Sunset 19:15

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 13h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Crayfish, Smallmouth bass

Best time: Late spring and early summer mornings before boat traffic and algae peak.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan97% 8 kn
Feb98% 9 kn
Mar86% 10 kn
Apr84% 10 kn
May85% 11 kn
Jun88% 10 kn
Jul89% 10 kn
Aug91% 10 kn
Sep93% 9 kn
Oct92% 9 kn
Nov98% 8 kn
Dec98% 8 kn

December hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

A state-park reservoir southwest of Denver used regularly for scuba training, with a designated dive area featuring a sunken sailboat on its trailer, a fire hydrant and a toilet connected by rope lines. Old flooded gravel quarries in the 30-50 ft range dot the lake, which reaches about 70 feet at its deepest; the soft silt bottom usually keeps visibility under 5-15 feet. The main lake may be dived with a flag, but boat traffic is heavy in summer.

muckshore

Poor visibility over soft silt (easy silt-out); heavy recreational boat traffic on the main lake; cold thermoclines; altitude (~5,400 ft).

Reviews

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