Harvey Gap State Park is a favorite spot for anglers in the winter and summer.
Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike at Harvey Gap. Boats with motors 20 hp or less and canoes are welcome. Ice Fishing draws anglers to Harvey Gap in the winter. Before heading to the park, check the current fishing and ice conditions. The reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full.
Boating
In the summer, the crystal clear water of Harvey Gap Reservoir is a haven for water enthusiasts. The long, narrow reservoir is inviting to boating ( 20 H.P. or less), kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and often has great conditions for sailing.
Cross-country Skiing
During the winter months, cross country skiing is a popular activity.
Fishing
Fishing at Harvey Gap is good during the summer and the winter. You can take catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout, northern pike and muskie. Check Conditions for current fishing conditions.
Special Regulations:
1. Minimum size for largemouth bass is 15 inches.
2. Bag possession limit for channel catfish is 2.
3. Use of spearfishing, archery, and gigs for take of northern pike is prohibited.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed 100 yards from any building or Day Use Area and 50 feet from the centerline of a roadway. Waterfowl hunting is available on the north side of the reservoir, and dogs are allowed at the park only in that area and only during that time.
Ice Fishing
Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, a life jacket and a fishing buddy.
Picnicking
Take in the beautiful views while you eat close to the water at Harvey Gap. The park has 30 picnic sites with grills. Many sites are in the shade. Please remember that fires are permitted only in the grills. The picnic areas have trash cans and restrooms. The picnic sites are available on first come, first serve basis. A group picnic site is available nearby at Rifle Gap State Park, which is six miles west of Harvey Gap. The park closes at 10 p.m. Please see the Harvey Gap map for locations.
Snowshoeing
Harvey Gap offers a great opportunity to make your own trails. There is no designated trail system so use your imagination.
Swimming
In the summer, the Harvey Gap Swim Beach is a great place to beat the heat. Swimming is allowed in the wakeless zones located along the eastern shore. There are shaded picnic tables with grills, trash cans and restrooms.
Winter Activities
Ice fishing is popular at Harvey Gap. Check the Conditions page for ice thickness. Conditions can change the opening and closing dates from year to year. Cold weather buffs can also cross-country ski, snowshoe and snowmobile near the park.
