SOUTH FORK — Work was completed this past week on two new boat ramps at the Coller State Wildlife Area on the Rio Grande River between Creede and South Fork.

Previously, the Upper Coller and Middle Coller access points featured dirt ramps, and the upper ramp had a very steep grade that required four-wheel drive vehicles. With the old dirt ramps, wet weather conditions also led to difficult mud and ruts being formed that required regular maintenance.

The new concrete ramps will increase accessibility for all users and alleviate the higher pressure on the middle ramp that had been used more frequently.

“Both ramps receive quite a bit of use by the public during the summer based on the flows of the Rio Grande River,” said South Fork District Wildlife Manager Jeremy Gallegos. “The location of these ramps make them a common launching point or takeout for both anglers and recreational boaters.”

Though this stretch of the Rio Grande does not have Gold Medal waters designation, it is a quality fishery and a destination point for those seeking rainbow and brown trout fishing.

Construction of the new ramps took place in the fall to take advantage of lower flows and reduced use.

Coller SWA is a 579-acre property along the Rio Grande River. For more information, go to https://cpw.state.co.us/swa/Coller%20SWA.