Peach Lake Boat Launch

The bottom near the ramp is covered in zebra mussels — barnacle-like shells that'll slice up bare feet in a heartbeat. Keep shoes on if you're wading to guide the trailer.

Being inside the Rifle River Recreation Area keeps the crowds manageable. Weekends in July you might wait a bit with that single lane, but midweek you'll practically have the lake to yourself. It's the kind of place where you can hear loons.

This is a clean, well-maintained ramp for what it is — 15 trailer spots, one lane, and a nice little parking area. Perfect for 16-footers, kayaks, and canoes. Don't plan on launching anything much bigger; the lot and ramp weren't built for it.

Walleye and perch are the main draw, plus loads of small crappie. There's talk of muskie in here too. The lake drops off enough that you really want a boat — shore fishing is limited and the good structure is out toward the middle.

You'll need a Recreation Passport on your plate to get through the Rifle River State Recreation Area gate. Easy to forget if you're just popping in for a quick launch, and there's no way around it.