Dive-site story
The Saddle is the primary designated scuba training and recreational diving area at Carter Lake in northern Colorado. Sitting high above sea level in the foothills, this freshwater reservoir features a gradually sloping bottom composed of rock and silt, outfitted with training platforms, sunken features, and fish habitat structures. Divers frequent the area for open-water checkouts, altitude training, and navigation practice across changing bottom contours.
Dedicated dive area with underwater training platforms and navigation lines
Prime location for regional altitude diving certification and skill refreshers
Opportunity to encounter freshwater game fish sheltering around bottom structures and boulders
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn offers the warmest surface layers and ice-free entry, with early season usually granting better visibility before runoff and algae peaks.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykiss | Common | ||||||||||||
| WalleyeSander vitreus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoides | Common | ||||||||||||
| Signal CrayfishPacifastacus leniusculus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow PerchPerca flavescens | Common |
Marine forecast
