Clark Lake is a small, 34-acre private irrigation reservoir located just southeast of the town of Ault in Weld County, Colorado. Managed by the North Poudre Irrigating Company out of Wellington, the lake serves an agricultural purpose first and foremost, storing water for farms across the South Platte River Basin. The surrounding land is posted with no trespassing signs, and reviewers are clear: this is a private lake used for irrigation, not a public recreation spot. If you are not associated with the irrigating company, do not attempt to access or fish the water.
Despite the access restrictions, Clark Lake has earned recognition as a notable birding location on the Colorado Birding Trail. The lake draws good numbers of geese during winter, along with various duck species that use the water as a resting stop during migration. In spring and summer, birders visiting the roadside can spot Bullock's Oriole in the cottonwood trees surrounding the lake and Yellow-headed Blackbird in the cattail margins. The mix of open water, wetland vegetation, and mature trees creates habitat that supports a surprising variety of bird life for such a small body of water on the plains.
Access for birding is limited to observation from the public road. The lake is open to view year-round during daylight hours, and there is no admission fee to watch birds from the roadside. Visitors should park carefully on the shoulder of County Road 80 1/2 and be mindful of agricultural traffic. There are no restrooms, trails, or other facilities at the site. To reach Clark Lake from Interstate 25 at Fort Collins, take Exit 269A and head east on Colorado Highway 14 through Ault for 16 miles to County Road 39, then south half a mile to County Road 80 1/2, where the lake sits a quarter mile to the west.
Fishing at Clark Lake is not a viable option for the public. One reviewer notes the lake contains mainly carp and is posted against trespassing. The value of Clark Lake lies in its birding, and for that purpose it delivers a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the eastern plains of Colorado with binoculars in hand.