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A comprehensive guide to area fishing, regulations, lake and stream fishing.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Fishing basics, quick Swift water prompts tips, resources and gear
river safety warning
BY LYNDSIE FERRELL SOUTH FORK— In light of a late May tragedy, local law enforcement and search and rescue officials along the Rio Grande would like to offer residents and guests of the area some safety reminders during the high runoff season. The Rio Grande is currently running at well over 2,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is very high for the river, but about average for this time of year. As snow begins to melt off of the high peaks above the headwaters of the river, water begins to rise and as a result the current intensifies, making the river a swiftly moving mass. Local officials warn people to be prepared if they choose to venture out on the flowing river and offer some advice to keep in mind while riding the waves. Due to a recent death on the river, it is now a good time to remind people about unseen dangers that lie along the river. Water moving along the stretch of river between Creede and South Fork can be very deceiving at times. The water looks smooth and mellow on the surface, but below the seemingly smooth top is a raging turmoil of currents that could easily pull a human being under, tossing them among rock, branches and submerged trees. As with many things in the Colorado wilderness, nothing is always as it seems and should be approached with caution and a touch of knowledge in order to enjoy a day of untethered fun. No matter how much experience a person has, it is always a safe bet to have proper, up to date equipment while out on any type of water. Whether in a boat on one of the many reservoirs in the area or riding the currents down the Rio Grande, people should have on a coast guard certified life jacket that fits properly. Law enforcement officials in both Mineral and Rio Grande counties would be pleased to help tell people the proper fitting techniques and whether or not the vest is up to date with coast guard standards. In addition to a vest, those who do not have experience and wish to be out on to river to catch that trophy fish, should consider a helmet. Though not the most fashionable device, it is one that could potentially save someone from head injury should they fall from the boat. Helmets,
Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell
The Rio Grande between Creede and South Fork is at full capacity and is a dangerous force during this time of year. Officials urge caution while enjoying the river. life vests and other useful equipment can be found at many sporting goods stores and rafting businesses in and around Creede and South Fork. Law enforcement officials also encourage people to call for conditions of the river. Both the South Fork and Creede search and rescue teams will have current conditions of the river on a regular basis. Another great location that will have up to date information on the river is 8200 Sports/Mountain Man Rafting or any of the other rafting companies in the area. With temperatures on the rise, snow melt will increase in the next several weeks until the mountain peaks are void of their winter spoils. Swift water conditions are expected to last well into July before CFS levels will taper off and the river will become shallower. Even after the run off is finished for the year, caution is always the best course of action while enjoying the great Colorado outdoors. Be safe and have an epic summer.
SAN LUIS VALLEY— When heading out for a day of fishing, it is always smart to check your fishing gear. Here are some basic tips for the beginner angler. • Pick you rod and reel: A closed-faced spincast rod and reel are great for learning how to fish. • Choose your bait: Different species of fish have different appetites. Choose your bait based on what kind of fish are in the lake or river and what you are trying to catch. Trout: powerbait, lures, flies, salmon eggs, worms and jigs; Sunfish and Crappie: jigs, worms and mealworms; Catfish: stinkbait and worms; Bass: jigs and worms • Get your gear on: You need just a few basic items to get started. The fun part is adding to your gear collection as you progress. You will need: fishing line, 4 to 8 lb. test, hemostats or needle-nose pliers (these help you dislodge hooks and grip line while tying knots), sinkers,
1/8 oz., bobbers, hookers #8 or #10 and swivels, # 10 (swivels keep your line from twisting). • Know your knot: There are lots of fishing knots. The improved clinch knot is a good, basic knot to get started. • Pick your spot: Where should you go? You can find your perfect fishing hole by using the Colorado Fishing Atlas, cpw.state.co.us/fish/fishingatlas. • Catch limits: To maintain good fishing, the state regulates the number of fish you can catch and have in your possession. Check the current fishing brochure for the regulations. • And finally license information: Anyone ages 16 and older will need a fishing license. One-day, additional-day and annual licenses are available. You can buy by going online to CPW.STATE.CO.US/FISH/BUYANDAPPLY or by phone at 1-800-244-5613 or at over 700 license agents statewide. Information provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
A family affair
Courtesy photo
“Fishing is not about the fish, it’s about the time spent together catching them.�
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Fishing in the San Luis Valley
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Fishing season dates, license fees outlined
Season dates Annual licenses went on sale mid-march. Licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 annually for fishing, combination fishing and hunting, small game and Colorado waterfowl stamps. These can be purchased at license agents, CPW offices, online or by phone at 1-800-2445613. License dates: April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017 Purchase of a $10 Habitat Stamp is also required with the purchase of the first hunting or fishing license of the season. Waters of Colorado are open to taking fish, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans both day and night, year-round, except as otherwise provided in the “Fishing Regulations Brochure.” The brochure is available at all CPW Offices and license agents statewide.
Free fishing days You can fish in Colorado without a license only on the first full weekend of June, each year. All 31 annually). This fee will be automatically included other rules and regulations apply. in the price of your first fishing or hunting license for the year if purchased online, through the 1-800-244Fees 5613 phone line, or in person at a Colorado Parks For individuals aged 18 through 64, a $10 Habitat and Wildlife area office or license agent. For more Stamp is required with the first license purchase information, call CPW at (303) 297-1192. for the year (April 1 - March 31 annually). For more information, read about the Habitat Stamp Protecting habitat and providing access (below). If you are disabled, you may not need a Habitat loss is one of the leading issues Habitat Stamp. See disability information online impacting the survival of fish and wildlife for at http://cpw.state.co.us/ future generations. Purchases of the Habitat Stamp provide the core funds for the Colorado License - Resident - Nonresident Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHPP). Annual (16 and older) - $26 - $56 The program provides a means for Colorado Parks Small Game & Fishing combo (If born after 1948, and Wildlife to work with private landowners, you must show hunter education card) - $41 N/A local governments, and conservation organizations Senior Annual (64 years and older) to protect important fish and wildlife habitat and Colorado residents only - $1 - N/A provide places for people to enjoy our wildlife Five-Day - N/A - $21 heritage. . The agency has leveraged a variety of One-Day - $9.00 - $9 other funds around this core – including Great 2nd Rod Stamp (Available to licensed residents, Outdoors Colorado and federal State Wildlife licensed nonresidents and youth under 16 years, Grants – to extend the program’s reach. These licensed or unlicensed.) - $5 - $5 combined funds have been focused on protecting Youth (Under 16 - second-rod charge still fish and wildlife habitat and opportunities for applies) - Free - Free hunting and fishing. Fees include a .25 cent search & rescue fee, and a .75 cent Wildlife Council fee. A $10 Habitat Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Stamp will be added to 1st license purchase of the Program year (April 1 to March 31). The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program is a statewide program that supports Options for purchasing licenses and a Habitat CPW’s mission by offering funding opportunities Stamp for private landowners who wish to voluntarily • Buy online at http://cpw.state.co.us/ protect important wildlife habitat, and/or, provide • Call 1-800-244-5613 sustainable wildlife-related recreational access to • Buy in person at a Colorado Parks and Wildlife the public. offices or license agent. The CWHPP is an incentive-based, voluntary program that utilizes Conservation Easements, Habitat Stamp updates Access Easements, and in some circumstances, The Habitat Stamp costs $10. fee title purchases to accomplish strategic wildlife Individuals only have to purchase ONE Habitat conservation goals and/or public access goals. Stamp for the entire season (April 1 – March Since 2007: 31 annually). The lifetime Habitat Stamp costs The CWHPP has invested $138,000,000 to $300.25. protect a total of 250,000 acres. Anyone aged 18 through 64 must buy a stamp in Of those 250,000 acres, public access has been order to buy or apply for a hunting or fishing license. secured on 117,000 acres. If you are disabled, you may not need a habitat Of those 250,000 acres, conservation easements stamp. have been secured on 230,000 acres. Hunters applying for a limited license must Of those 250,000 acres, fee title has been acquired purchase a stamp to apply for the drawing process. on 11,000 acres. Anyone buying a one-day or additional-day On average, CPW has spent $552/acre to secure license for fishing and/or small game is exempt and protect critical wildlife habitat (including water from purchasing the habitat stamp with the first two rights), public access, and fee title. of these licenses. The habitat fee will be assessed 95 percent of all acquisitions have been when a third one-day or additional-day license is conservation and public access easements. Only purchased for fishing or small game. 5% of acquisitions have been for acquiring fee Each individual wishing to buy or apply for a title (see pie chart above). fishing or hunting license must purchase a $10 The CWHPP has protected approximately 36 Habitat Stamp for the license year (April 1 - March miles around the state for fishing access.
Did you know? Gold Medal Waters... Gold Medal Waters are the highest quality cold-water habitats and have the capability to produce many quality size (14 inches or longer) trout. CPW has established criteria and management guidelines to support the public interest in angling, observing and protecting these significant cold-water fishery resources. Gold Medal Waters are defined as any river or lake which is producing a standing stock of at least 60 pounds per acre, and at least
12 trout that are 14 inches or longer per acre on a sustained basis. River segments designated as Gold Medal Trout Waters must be a minimum of two miles in length and lakes must be a minimum of 50 acres. In the Valley… RIO GRANDE: From Highway 149 bridge at South Fork downstream to Rio Grande canal diversion structure.
Courtesy photo
Anglers can keep all the fish they catch this summer at Trujillo Meadows Reservoir in Conejos County. The reservoir will be drawn down to accommodate dam repairs.
Anglers can keep all the fish they catch at Trujillo Meadows CONEJOS COUNTY— Colorado Parks and Wildlife has authorized an emergency fish salvage at Trujillo Meadows Reservoir located west of Antonito in Conejos County starting Saturday (May 27). The salvage order removes all size, possession and bag limits for all species of fish. The reservoir will be drawn down through the summer to accommodate dam repair. That work will start this fall. The reservoir is north of Cumbres Pass and Colo. Hwy 17 on U.S. Forest Service Road 118. As the reservoir is drawn down fish will
die, so anglers are encouraged to harvest and keep all the fish they can. Anglers must possess a 2017 Colorado fishing license and can only use legal methods of take. Anglers can continue to harvest all the fish they catch through Dec. 31. The reservoir contains plenty of trout and fishing should be good through July. The salvage order, however, does not apply to the Rio De Los Pinos River which supplies water to the reservoir. For more information about fishing in Colorado, go to cpw.state.co.us.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Fishing in the San Luis Valley
Page 3
Beaver Creek Reservoir finally filled
BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
SOUTH FORK— Beaver Creek Reservoir was finally filled in the spring after being out of commission for more than three years. The project has come a long way since 2010 when signs of damage were first noticed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials in the structure of the dam, which led to plans of reconstructing the main structure for the safety and life span of the reservoir. The water source is used for recreational, agricultural and drainage purposes that span the entire Valley and has been sorely missed. Officials began the project in early 2013 by draining a portion of the reservoir little by little. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced that same year that they would no longer stock the reservoir with native fish and would be opening the catch limit to the public in order to utilize as much of the aquatic life as possible. Once the fish were depleted in numbers, CPW drained the reservoir and commenced with the rehabilitation project. Originally, crews and officials hoped to have the reservoir filled and active by the fall of 2015, but several snags caused delays in the completion of the project. According to Joe Lewandowski, public information officer with CPW, crews began to fill the reservoir in the fall of 2015 as planned. Engineers with ASI Construction Inc. monitored the progress as water began to get deeper and noticed some issues in the structure. “In February, several small depressions appeared on the left side of the reservoir upstream of the dam. These depressions occurred in an area that was used during the construction and are an indication that the material at this location was not compacted as it was placed. Out of an abundance of caution, CPW engineers lowered the level of the water and found the spot that had not been properly compacted,” said Lewandowski. Beaver Creek Reservoir is home to several types of local fish, including, Kokanee salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout. Now that the reservoir is back in working order, officials plan
Photos by Lyndsie Ferrell
Beaver Creek Reservoir, just outside of South Fork, is filled and stocked full of fish for the coming summer season. to continue to stock it as usual. The entire project cost around $15 million to complete and was made possible by a joint effort through CPW engineers and staff as well as crews from ASI and officials with Colorado Division of Water Resources. The reservoir itself is owned and managed by CPW. According to Lewandowski the reservoir has been stocked with several thousands of fingerling fish that will need about two years to grow to a catchable size. In the meantime, several other fish have also been placed in the reservoir that are full grown and can be caught now. The reservoir follows basic Colorado fishing regulations and will allow salmon snagging later in the fall. Always be sure to know the regulations in the area. Visit www.wildlife. state.co.us for fishing regulations in Colorado.
Local residents and summer guests are pleased to have the reservoir back, which originally brought many people to the area for the fishing and boating opportunities. Now that the reservoir is back in good condition,
the Colorado Parks and Wildlife will focus on other area projects that include road and bridge repairs, as well as campground and picnic area rehabilitation in the area.
The project at Beaver Creek has taken more than three years to complete and millions of dollars.
Photo by Beth Tooker
The water level at Mountain Home Reservoir continues to rise as the snowpack melts.
Rising water at Mountain Home presents hazards FORT GARLAND— Anyone who is planning to boat, fish, hike or camp at Mountain Home State Wildlife Area is advised to use caution because of the high and rising water level of the lake, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has advised. Mountain Home State Wildlife Area is located about five miles southeast of Fort Garland in Costilla County on the east side of the San Luis Valley. Due to melting of the heavy snowpack in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the lake has been filling quickly and the water level is far above average. Areas around the edge of the lake could be especially hazardous because
stumps, rocks and other obstacles are covered with water. Also, the depth of the water next to the edge is unknown and the level will change as the reservoir is expected to continue rising. Boaters should be especially careful in areas near the shore. Campers should place their tents on high ground well away from the edge of the lake. If the water level continues to rise, the south entrance to the area could become inaccessible if water covers a nearby county road. For more information about the status of the lake, call the Monte Vista wildlife office at 587-6900.
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Fishing in the San Luis Valley
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Goin’ fishing? Head for the south end BY SYLVIA LOBATO
SAN LUIS VALLEY—Known to humans for centuries as a lush and abundant fishing area, the San Luis Valley retains its beauty, rain or shine. Valley lakes offer great opportunities for the sedentary angler or people who like to troll or anchor and fish from a boat. Belly boats also offer opportunities in some lakes and reservoirs, while persons recently fishing in high lakes accessible only by walking or on horseback report catching huge native trout. Numerous scenic small lakes above 10,000 feet in elevation provide excellent fishing for native cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout. Trout in these pristine waters can be temperamental when feeding conditions are favorable. Most lakes require uphill hiking from 1-12 miles. Some better high mountain lakes are: Macey, Stout Creek, Lily and Brush Creek lakes in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness. Here are a few of the southern/eastern Valley’s hot spots: Conejos River The Conejos River is offers great fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout, along with magnificent scenery. Prolific hatches of stone flies, caddis flies and may flies occur from May through July. Stop and ask a sporting goods salesman or guide about the latest hatch. Best fishing follows snow runoff in late June and July. Special regulations apply to the lower section, from Antonito 16 miles west on Highway 17 to Aspen Glade campground. Access is through fishing easements on private property, and the upper section. The same regulations apply to the upper section, from Antonito, 21 miles west on Highway 17 to USFS Road 250, then nine miles north to public land upstream of South Fork Conejos River confluence.
A trip to fly-fish in Conejos Canyon is one of the most popular fishing excursions and bait shops offer tips on the most recent insect hatch and most successful artificial flies. Platoro Reservoir Spanish for silver (plata) and gold (oro), Platoro Reservoir is one of the state’s highest man-made reservoirs. Fishing features brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. The 990-acre reservoir sits at an elevation of 9,993 and offers other recreation fun as well. Rio Grande Recreation Area This area features a meandering river flowing south to the Colorado-New Mexico border. Excellent fishing opportunities exist in this scenic canyon, and the shallow gradient of the Rio Grande is ideal for those who prefer flat water rafting. Though a roadside boat launch is available, visitors should be aware that a canyon hike is required to avoid challenging whitewater rapids where the river enters New Mexico. This is Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and includes a 33-mile segment of the mighty river. Activities include fishing, hiking, water recreation and wildlife viewing. From Alamosa, travel south on U.S. Highway 285 and turn left onto Highway 142 at Romeo, travel north and then turn left onto U Road and turn right at the fork, continuing onto County Road 28, then right onto Z Road and continue to the bridge put-in. Mountain Home Reservoir The reservoir is stocked throughout the summer with trout, offers a boat ramp, restroom facilities and a campground. Rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and northern pike are common catches. To reach Mountain Home Reservoir, drive 2.5 miles east on Highway 160 to Trinchera Ranch Road, from there go two miles south to Icehouse
Photo by Jennifer Alonzo
The Conejos River offers stunning scenery.
Quality sized walleye and trophy northern pike Road, then continue one mile west to the north entrance or continue one mile south to the south dominate the catch, with yellow perch also being caught. Fishing is best following ice melt in May entrance. (See other story). and June. Popular lures include plastic jigs and crank baits worked along the rocky shoreline. A Smith Reservoir To reach the coldwater lake in Costilla County, concrete boat ramp and camping sites are east of drive ½ miles west of Blanca on Highway 160 the boat ramp. From San Luis, drive three miles to Airport Road, then four miles south to the east on Highway 152 to Highway 242, then five reservoir. Rainbow trout and channel catfish are and two-tenths miles south. a popular catch. San Luis Lakes State Park Very near the Great Sand Dunes National Sanchez Reservoir This fishing hole in Costilla County remains Monument, the San Luis Lakes State Park offers fishing windsurfing and hand-launched boating. productive and popular.
Gold Medal waters are prime fishing this year BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
According to this year’s fishing forecast for the Rio Grande Basin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is expecting higher than normal water levels in both the Rio Grande as well as the area’s reservoirs. Earlier in the year officials from RWEACT, CPW and FEMA met in Monte Vista to discuss the potential for flooding in the area and where the water would be reverted to, in case of flooding conditions. CPW-owned reservoirs such as Big Meadows and Beaver Creek were two of several options when considering the additional runoff. With the reservoirs in the area at full capacity, CPW was able to stock several types of fish. Beaver Creek Reservoir is finally open after three years of being closed and is now home to more than 100,000 fish of all sizes. In this year’s forecast it states, “This popular fishing destination is located eight miles southwest of South Fork. Dam repairs were completed in 2016 and the reservoir has been refilled. Rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon will be stocked in the reservoir in 2017. The water levels in the lake will allow for boating access through most of the summer. Historically, traditional trout fishing techniques such as bait fishing with worms or power bait and spin fishing with Kastmasters, Panther Martins or Rapalas have worked well.” Big Meadows Reservoir is another popular destination for anglers, and this year’s forecast is looking prime. The report states, “This Photo by Ashli Adams popular fishing destination According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Rio Grande is located at the headwaters Basin is expecting higher than normal water levels in of the South Fork Rio both the Rio Grande as well as the area’s reservoirs. Grande, 13 miles west of
SOUTH FORK— The Rio Grande is on the rise and with it comes excellent fishing conditions. As June begins to slide by, anglers are flocking to the area to spend the summer on the upper Rio Grande and explore the wonders of local reservoirs. With snow pack higher this year, the rivers and reservoirs will be in top form, leaving the local fish in excellent condition as well. Local anglers who are familiar with the area around South Fork are expecting insect populations to be on the rise, which may make for bothersome camping, but will leave fishermen and women very pleased.
South Fork. Mountain scenery is outstanding at this high-country reservoir. Water level should be relatively normal throughout the summer.” The report continues, “Stocking level will be similar to past years with 25,000 catchable (10-inch) rainbow trout scheduled to be stocked from May through September. Although the majority of fish caught will likely be recently stocked rainbow trout, a 2015 survey of the reservoir showed that a good number of rainbow trout survive the winter in the reservoir which provides anglers an opportunity to catch these larger, over-wintered fish.” CPW staff stated in the report that, “When available from our hatcheries, Big Meadows is typically stocked with a small number of
‘broodfish’ rainbow trout (16-20 inch) to give anglers an opportunity to catch large fish. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent throughout the summer for rainbow trout (10-14 inch) and brook trout (10-12 inch). Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas). Fly fishing in the evening should produce good results for brook trout as well as rainbow trout.” No matter what is being used to fish the local waters, it is sure to be a wonderful year for fishermen near South Fork. For more information or to read the full forecast for the San Luis Valley, visit cpw.state.co.us and search 2017 fishing forecast.
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