Nice winter rainbow! An angler caught this 27-inch trout trolling a lure behind his kayak at Horsetooth Reservoir earlier this winter.

Don't Wait Until Spring to Hook a Huge Fish at Horsetooth

Winter can be a rewarding time to fish at Horsetooth Reservoir, especially from shore. Trout and walleye move from the deep, open water to the coves when the water is colder. We've received several photos and reports of anglers hooking huge trout this winter, like the one pictured above.

Please note that boat ramps remain closed, although you can hand-launch small water crafts as long as the reservoir is free of ice.

Horsetooth Reservoir offers camper cabins, tent and RV sites, and even a vintage Airstream trailer (pictured above). These amenities book quickly at this popular camping area.

Planning to Camp This Summer? Book Your Site Now

This recent warm weather may have you dreaming of campfires, s'mores and your cozy tent. If you've got camping on the brain, now is the time to book your site at one of Larimer County's parks or open spaces. You can book campsites up to 180 days in advance, and popular cabins and campsites are filling fast for summer weekends. Don't delay. Book your campsite before it's too late!

Make your reservations at www.larimercamping.com, or call (800) 397-7795.

Sunset at Devil's Backbone Open Space by David Clack, 2012 Visual Artist of the Year

Calling All Artists! Apply to Become Our Artist of the Year

Artists of all ages, grab your paintbrushes, pencils and cameras and inspire people's appreciation of nature through your artwork. Larimer County is seeking applicants for its 2017 Visual Artist of the Year. Applications due Feb. 17.

Reception on Feb. 15 for 2016 Artist Lyse Dzija

Celebrate the connection between nature and art at a free, public reception for Lyse Dzija, 2016 Artist of the Year, on Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. in the second floor lobby of the Larimer County courthouse, 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins.

Learn more and apply for the Visual Artist Program »

A pronghorn resides on the range at Red Mountain Open Space. The draw for special access hunting permits includes six doe pronghorn. Photo by Mark Yoder.

Apply by Feb. 28 for Permits to Hunt at Red Mountain

Larimer County is offering 19 special access hunting permits at Red Mountain Open Space for bull elk, cow elk, buck deer and doe pronghorn. Applications are due by the end of this month. Cost is $10 per application.

Get more info and apply for a special access hunting permit »

The herd is quite popular – nearly 7,000 people like its Facebook page!

Get the Latest News on the Laramie Foothills Bison Herd

Out on the prairie of northern Colorado, bison are on their smartphones taking cool photos and videos and posting them to their Facebook page. No, not really, but the staff who manages the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd are! Keep up to date on the herd by liking its Facebook page.

What critter left this track in the snow? Learn how to read scat, tracks and other signs of wildlife at a program on Feb. 18 at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Photo by Jonathan Rayeski.

Upcoming Guided Hikes and Programs

Stargazing with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society - Feb. 17 (Fri.), 7:30 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space (waiting list only)

CSI: Critter Scene Investigations - Feb. 18 (Sat.), 9 a.m., Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

New Moon Keyhole Hike - Feb. 27 (Mon.), 5:30 p.m., Devil's Backbone Open Space

Registration is required for all programs.

Information and registration: www.larimer.org/NRregistration/, or Heather Young at (970) 619-4489 or hyoung@larimer.org.

New Event Registration & Volunteer System Coming Soon!

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources will launch a new system for the public to register for events, called Offero, on March 1. Offero will also be the place where volunteers can track their hours, sign up for events and more! The new system will be accessible at offero.larimer.org. Stay tuned!

Nominations Open for Environmental Stewardship Awards

Do you know an individual, organization, business or public agency that does great work for the environment in Larimer County? Nominate them for one of Larimer County's annual Environmental Stewardship Awards! Apply and learn more about the awards at www.larimer.org/ESABAwards.