CPW Fishing Report – May 28, 2013

“Free Fishing Weekend” is June 1 and 2
The fish are starting to bite all around the state. To give everyone an opportunity to get out and get some hits, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting anglers of all ages to participate in the annual “Free Fishing Weekend” June 1 and 2.

Each year, the agency designates the first weekend in June as the only two-day period that anglers all around the state are not required to have a valid fishing license. For the rest of the year, everyone over 16 is required to have a fishing license. While no fishing license is required during free fishing weekend, all other regulations remain in effect, including bag and possession limits, and restrictions on bait in certain waters. Anglers should consult the 2013 Colorado Fishing brochure for regulations and restrictions. Fishing licenses can be purchased at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or from one of the more than 600 license agents across the state. Licenses can also be purchased online. Anglers may also purchase a fishing license over the phone and receive a temporary authorization number allowing them to fish immediately by calling 800-244-5613.

Free Fishing Poles for kids at park northeast of Colorado Springs
El Paso County Parks and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are co-sponsoring a special event to celebrate the re-opening of Homestead Ranch Regional Park, near Peyton, on June 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first 150 kids will receive a free fishing pole, and the pond is stocked with small bass and bluegills. Activities include educational stations for casting, fishing ethics, fish anatomy, knot tying archery and a .22 caliber shooting station. Trail and Open Spaces will teach “Share the Trail” ethics, and Matt Morgan, of the Colorado Geological Survey, will lead a hike to the rim and talk about rocks and unique formations at the park. Admission is free.

Kids fishing derby at Lake John near Walden
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting kids and their families to head to Lake John State Wildlife Area, Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m. for a day of fun, fishing and prizes at the “2013 Lake John Kids Fishing Derby.” Kids 16 and under can register for the derby at the North Park Chamber of Commerce or at the walk-in registration booth the day of the event. There is no registration deadline; however, the agency recommends everyone pre-register. Participants will be divided into several age classes, including 7-10, 11-14, and 15-16 year olds. The first weekend of June is “Free Fishing Days” and parents and guardians can assist young children with casting within the designated derby area only. In addition, parents and families of registered participants may fish anywhere on the lake other than the designated area. Only registered participants and their assistants may fish within the designated derby area. Everyone is encouraged to bring his or her own fishing gear; however, bait and tackle will be available to borrow. Successful anglers will win prizes for the “Largest Fish Overall,” or Smallest Fish Overall” and everyone can win door prizes for each age group throughout the day.

Elkhead State Park opens to boating
The reservoir at Elkhead State Park is now open to boaters. Boating enthusiast can head to the “oasis in the high desert” for some of the best boating opportunities in northwest Colorado. Before getting out on the water, make sure to give the craft a thorough inspection and check to make sure the required safety equipment is on board. The required equipment may vary depending on the watercraft. At a minimum, boats must have one Personal Flotation Device per person on board and an approved sound producing device. Fire extinguishers are required on certain motorboats. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stresses the importance of knowing which gear is required for your craft. For a detailed list of required equipment, go through the check sheet.

Kids invited to fishing clinic in Granby
Kids 12 and under are invited to Kaibab Park Fishing Pond in Granby, Saturday, June 1, for a free fishing clinic sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The event begins at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to wrap up around 12 p.m. The clinic will be taught by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and volunteers and is a fun way for kids to learn the basics of casting, lures, bait and how to handle a fish. In addition, the role angling plays in managing Colorado’s fisheries will be included in the lessons. The class is limited to the first 30 kids that register. All fishing equipment will be provided, however water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a sack lunch, hats and other personal items are recommended. To reserve a spot, parents should call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200.

Fishing Clinic June 1 at Quail Lake in Colorado Springs
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will host a kids’ fishing clinic from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Quail Lake in Colorado Springs. Free fishing rods and reels will be distributed to the first 500 children accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license in Colorado, but the first weekend in June is “Free Fishing Weekend,” and the requirement to purchase a fishing license is waived for adults as well. Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers will teach fishing basics, casting techniques, knot tying, fish identification and fishing ethics.

Stocking Report
The following waters were recently stocked with catchable (approximately 10″) trout:

Join our new CPW Fishing community on Facebook
Colorado anglers can “like” the new CPW Fishing Facebook page to get tips, share stories and more. If you love fishing, this is the place to be. Before you head out fishing, head for facebook.com/cpwfishing.

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