Long Pond is a private members-only lake tucked into the northern edge of Fort Collins in Larimer County, Colorado. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods yet remarkably scenic, this small body of water has earned a devoted following among the anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts lucky enough to hold a membership. With a multi-year waitlist for access, Long Pond operates as one of the most exclusive small lakes along the northern Front Range.
Fishing is the headline activity at Long Pond, and for good reason. The lake holds a healthy population of northern pike that draws serious anglers looking for consistent action without the competition found at public waters. Members report strong pike fishing year-round, with spring and fall producing the most aggressive bites. The controlled access means the fishery stays well-managed and far less pressured than comparable public lakes in the Fort Collins area.
Beyond fishing, Long Pond functions as a genuine four-season destination for its members. Summer brings kayaking, swimming, and waterside relaxation along the shoreline, while winter transforms the frozen surface into a popular spot for cross-country skiing and ice skating. The seasonal transitions here are striking. Locals who live nearby describe watching the pond shift from open water to solid ice and back again as one of the quiet pleasures of the neighborhood.
The scenery at Long Pond consistently draws praise, with several visitors calling it one of the prettiest spots in Colorado. Dusk is the standout time to visit, when the light settles across the water and the surrounding landscape takes on a golden quality that makes photographers reach for their cameras. The relatively small footprint of the pond keeps the atmosphere intimate and peaceful, a sharp contrast to the larger reservoirs in Larimer County that can feel crowded on summer weekends.
Because Long Pond is privately managed, facilities and rules are set by the membership association. Access requires an active membership, and the current waitlist spans multiple years. There is no public entry, no day-use option, and the lake does not appear on most public recreation guides. If you are considering joining, reaching out to the management association directly is the only path to getting on the list. For those who do gain access, Long Pond delivers a rare combination of proximity to Fort Collins, year-round recreation, and the kind of quiet beauty that keeps members coming back season after season.