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
Where to purchase
In-person, motorized & non-motorized annual permits & day passes
Sertich Ice Center
1705 E. Pikes Peak Ave. 80909
Sunday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (holiday closures and hours may vary)
Non-motorized day passes ONLY
- May be purchased online through Sertich’s registration system, FinnlySport, found here.
- Select the date(s), then click “Next – Register”, then “Log in or create an account” or “Add a Guest” (please keep in mind that checking out as a guest still requires a first and last name, and an email address), then click “Next – Review”, and finally “Add to Cart”.
- In-person, Prospect Lake kiosk (located near the boat ramp), open 24 hours
- In-person, Quail Lake kiosk, open 24 hours
For additional information, please call Sertich Ice Center at (719) 385-5983.
Watercraft Types
Motorized Watercraft & Motorized Personal Watercraft
Motorized watercraft means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion including “personal watercraft (i.e. jet skis) and vessels with trolling motors”.
All motorized watercraft permits and day passes require proof of current watercraft insurance showing bodily injury and property damage: combined single limit of at least $300,000.
Non-motorized Watercraft
Sailboats, Float Tubes, Belly Boats, and other hand propelled watercraft.
Permits & Day Pass 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
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.
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 & 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