COLORADO
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE'S WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
OCTOBER
20, 2009
This will be the final report of the year. The weekly fishing report is projected to return on April 13th, 2010.
We hope you have found the report helpful and enjoyed it. We are looking forward to next year!!!
Seasonal Report
On Colder Ponds
The leaves have changed, the days are shorter and frost has
returned to greet us in the mornings. Big changes are on the
way as Colorado begins its yearly transformation into a winter wonderland. As
temperature plummet, the high-country’s lakes, ponds and
streams will soon make way for different types of fishing experiences.
One of the best things about fishing in Colorado is the year-round
opportunities and challenges that it presents. The spring;
its caddis and mayfly hatches can both exhilarate an angler and
test their skills. Summer brings alpine fishing possibilities,
full reservoirs and the barbequed catch of the day. The majestic
mountain colors of autumn signal cooler waters, a surge in fish
aggressiveness and the inevitability of winter.
Winter
doesn’t mean that fishing has to come to an end. On
the contrary; winter brings with it the promise of hard water,
and ice fishing. Ice fishing presents anglers with an opportunity
to fish parts of lakes and reservoirs that may have been unavailable
to them during any other time of the year. It also brings
with it different fishing conditions and settings, as well as the
ability to try other ways of experiencing the outdoors, such as
snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. You don’t necessarily
have to travel to the high-country to enjoy ice fishing. Aurora,
Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Evergreen & Gross Reservoirs, to
name a few, are all places to try your hand at ice fishing within
the Front Range and Denver metro areas. Always keep in mind,
whether you’re on 3ft of ice or 1ft of ice, your safety and
the safety of those with you is paramount. Ice conditions
change frequently, even from day to day. Be sure you know
what the conditions are for the body of water you’re planning
on fishing prior to setting foot on the ice. Also be sure
that you are properly equipped. For more information on ice
fishing and equipment, see this week’s “Fishing Tip
of the Week” listed below.
So, if you haven’t fished this year, now is the time. Many
anglers’ favorite time of year to fish is just around the
corner when the ice sets in. If you haven’t tried ice
fishing, you will discover that fishing in Colorado can be enjoyed
all year long.
This
will be the final report of the year. The weekly fishing
report is projected to return on April 13th, 2010.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!
In June, the Communication Center in Denver took over the responsibility
of putting together and publishing the weekly fishing report. In
an effort to bring you the highest level of service, we would
like to hear your feedback on the product we have been providing
for you.
Please take a moment to email us at http://wildlife.state.co.us/about/faq/ (go
to the bottom of the page and click on the “Ask a question” box)
and tell us what you think. Your input is appreciated and
will assist us in meeting your needs in the future. Thank
you!
Become a Contributor
The DOW is constantly looking to improve the fishing report. If
you’re an angler or a business owner (bait shop, marina,
etc.) and would like to contribute to the fishing report for
next year, please contact us at 303.297.1192 or by email: fish.reporter@state.co.us
Fishing Tip of the Week
Ice Fishing
Although this is our final fishing report for the year,
this is not a sign that the fishing season is over, in fact some
of Colorado ’s most productive fishing, is ice fishing aka “hard
water fishing”. Once you try ice fishing you will
discover another dimension of fishing enjoyment.
Many
of you are probably thinking, “You have to
be kidding, that sounds miserable!” Yet ice
fishing can be very enjoyable and rewarding, if you go prepared.
Here is some information that will explain in detail what equipment
is needed, and proven techniques for success.
Equipment: You will probably be surprised to learn
that you already have the majority of equipment needed for ice
fishing.
- Snow
Sled - A sled will make transporting your
equipment to the lake and to your favorite spot much easier.
There are dozens of sleds on the market to choose from. A children’s
plastic snow sled will work great. They are lightweight and
pull easily. Wooden sleds or toboggans work equally as well.
Some manufactured sleds serve as “Double Duty”. Not
only can they haul your equipment, but they can also provide
shelter from the elements. For those who wish to build their
own snow sled, a light weight wooden box with a rope attached,
and a pair of used snow skies, will work well.
- 5
Gallon plastic buckets - For ice fishing, 5
gallon buckets have become a standard piece of equipment. They
hold virtually all of your tackle and are easily transported.
Many ice anglers only use buckets to transport their gear instead
of a sled. They will fit on most sleds, and are secured in
place with “Bungee Cords ®” or
rope. Padded seat lids are commercially available for 5 gallon
buckets, turning your bucket into a seat.
- Fishing
Rods - Most fishing rods can be used
for ice fishing, although standard ice fishing rods are preferred.
Ice fishing rods are typically between 2 feet and 3 feet in
length and provide more control when bringing in a fish “through
the ice”. Shorter rods are also more practical
when fishing in a shelter.
- Reels -
Open face reels are preferred for ice fishing, but closed face
will also work. The only potential problem with closed face
reels is they may “ice up” internally
if subjected to extreme wind or blowing snow.
- Ice
Fishing Cleats - Ice cleats are recommended
for lakes with little or no snow cover. They will make walking
easier and safer.
- Pick-of-
Life® - The Pick-of-Life® is
a life saving tool for anyone venturing out onto the ice. The
Pick-Of-Life provides solid hand holds enabling a victim to
climb out of a hole in the ice. The Pick-of-Life is a registered
Trademark and is patented. *Don’t leave home without
it.
- Tackle -
Standard fishing lures, spoons, and conventional bait will
all work for ice fishing. There is also a wide variety of jigs
and spoons specifically designed for ice fishing.
- Ice
Auger - An
ice auger is used to bore or cut a hole thru the ice. There
is a wide variety of ice augers on the market. Ice augers
are available in 4, 6, 8, and 10, and 12 inch diameters.
Recommended are 8 or 10 inch diameter, with 10 inch being
the most popular. (Ice fishing
holes cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter or 10 inches on any
side.)
- Manual -
these augers are powered by hand, (much the same as a “Hand
Drill”). They are light weight
and most can be dismantled to conserve space.
- Electric
- electric augers require a 12 volt car battery for power.
They have several inherent problems, one of which is the need
to carry a heavy battery with you. Electric augers are not
recommended.
- Gas - gas
augers are generally 2 cycle engines which require a mixture
of gas and oil as fuel. They are very efficient, reliable
and should be serviced much like a weed eater or lawnmower.
- Chipping
Bar - a chipping bar is a 5 to 6 foot
section of ½ or ¾ inch diameter Pipe with a steel
plate ¼ inch thick, 2” wide, and 3 to 4 inches
long that is welded to the end of the pipe. This plate is sharpened
at an angel to produce a cutting Edge. A rope should be attached
to prevent the “Chipping Bar” from falling thru
the ice.
- Ice
Fishing Shelters - The popularity of ice
Fishing has brought about state of the art Ice Fishing Shelters.
Some shelters incorporate a sled into their design and will
also haul your equipment. Portable shelters range from tents
to elaborate huts which are pulled behind a snowmobile. A simple
but effective shelter is a camping tent that is tall enough
to stand in. Remove the floor or cut out sections for fishing
holes. Stake the tent to the ice using existing loops and 12
inch landscaping spikes. Drive spikes into the ice at a sharp
angle so that the head of the spike is pointed away from the
tent. All snow must be removed in the area of the stakes to
insure a solid surface.
- Heat
Source - there are a variety of portable
heaters on the market that use propane as fuel. Some
of which are heaters /cookers.
NOTE: Always have adequate ventilation when using any
heater. Propane fumes may cause carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting
in death.
- Ice Fishing Techniques - there are as many techniques
for ice fishing as there are anglers. All anglers who ice fish
have their own strategy, and preferred methods. One method
which has proven effective is as follows.
- Once
at the desired location drill 2 holes approximately 3 feet
apart. Lower the line from one fishing rod to the desired
depth and secure rod in a pole holder. Lower line from the
second rod to the desired depth, and begin “Jigging” this
line. Jigging should be done by lifting the rod tip approximately
3 to 6 inches and briefly pausing, repeat jigging technique
until you are 2 feet above the desired depth. Begin jigging
downward hesitating at 3 to 6 inch intervals. Keep an eye on
the stationary pole while jigging; many times fish will hit
your offering on this pole.
NOTE: You
can use a second rod, handline or tip up if you buy a second
rod stamp. You can buy only 1 second rod stamp per calendar
year,” Second
Rod Stamp”…$5.00.
A second rod stamp is available to licensed residents,
licensed nonresidents and people under16 years, licensed or unlicensed.
- Lures and
Jigs-Kastmaster
lures® in Silver and Blue or Gold 1/8 to 3/8 oz. Rat
Finkee Glow Brite jigs®, size # 6 and Rapala® jigging
lures are a few choices available.
ICE FISHING: Some waters may be restricted by
local laws. Unless otherwise stated, waters
Open to ice fishing have these restrictions:
(a) Ice fishing holes cannot exceed 10 inches in
diameter or 10 inches on any side.
(b) Fires on ice must be enclosed.
(c) No littering allowed on ice.
(d) Portable ice shelters (where permitted) must be removed
at end of day.
Looking for a Great Bargain?
Within
the State of Colorado there
are over 4000 lakes reservoirs and ponds, along with 8,984 stream
segments which total over 54,459 miles of streams. These numbers
only reflect “Public Water” not private.
This year the Colorado Division
of Wildlife will stock 3.2 million catchable trout statewide.
In addition we will stock 388 “High Mountain Lakes” by
aircraft and packhorse, with 500,000 cutthroats.
When you consider the cost of a resident annual
fishing license $26.00 a Habitat stamp $5.00 (if required) and
a second Rod Stamp (if desired) $5.00 the total is $36.00 a year,
that’s less than 10¢ a day.
Quote of the Week
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather
to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."-J.B.
Martin
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the Latest DOW Information
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here: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/DOWInsider/
Recent
Stocking October 20, 2009
| Body
of Water |
Location |
| Akron
City Lake |
Akron |
| Black
Hole Pond at Two Buttes |
South
of Lamar |
| Boyd Lake |
Loveland |
| Clay Creek
Pond |
East of
Lamar |
| Doty Park
Pond |
Brush |
| Fort Morgan
Ponds |
Fort Morgan |
| Hasty
Lake |
East of
Las Animas |
| Haxtun
City Lake |
Haxtun |
| Holyoke
City Lake |
Holyoke |
| Jackson's
Pond |
Town of
Eads |
| Midwestern
Farms Pond |
East of
Lamar |
| Monument
Lake |
Monument |
| Monument
Lake |
West of
Trinidad |
| Palmer
Lake |
Palmer
Lake |
| Pike View
Reservoir |
Colorado
Springs |
| Pioneer
Lake |
Yuma |
| Prospect
Lake |
Colorado
Springs |
| Quail
Lake |
Colorado
Springs |
| Shalberg
Pond |
Northeast
of Lamar |
| Sheridan
Lake |
Northeast
of Lamar |
| St Vrain
State Park (Mallard Pond) |
Longmont |
| St Vrain
State Park (Redtail Pond) |
Longmont |
| Thornton
Gravel Lake #2 |
City of
Thornton |
| Turks
Pond |
East of
Springfield |
| Twin Lake
#2 |
Grand
Mesa |
| West Wacker
Pond |
Snyder |
| Willow
Creek Pond #1 |
Fountain |
| Willow
Creek Pond #2 |
Fountain |
For
more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us
