The canyon was scheduled to reopen at the end of 2011. Project demobilization, however, is still underway. In the interest of public safety, Waterton Canyon will reopen March 1, 2012, weather-permitting, after the majority of heavy machinery and equipment is demobilized. The 75-ton dredge will remain in the reservoir until the ice melts, so the canyon will need to be closed for three weeks in the spring for the contractor to remove the dredge. Further information about the three-week closure will be provided once the ice has melted.
OK, so it's not really "Wilderness". But the lack of access for the last several months helped the fish population. Especially in the flies and lures section above the Marston Diversion dam.
It is a nice canyon to bike (NO DOGS ALLOWED). Watch for rattlers too. I once caught a lift up to the dam on a Denver Water truck, bike and all. Some of the best fishing this close to Denver and very little pressure the farther up you go.
