Fishing Report – April 21, 2013

Tiger muskies to Harvey Gap State Park
Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked nearly 150 tiger muskie at Harvey Gap State Park last week, providing anglers with a unique fishing opportunity. Because the tiger muskie is sterile, all of its energy goes toward growth, which means many fish exceed 30 pounds and some grow to up to 50 inches in length. The agency first brought tiger muskie to Harvey Gap in the late 1990s, but the stocking effort failed. Biologists believe that all were lost to predators. The reservoir at Harvey Gap currently has a thriving population of illegally stocked northern pike, but one benefit of introducing tiger muskie is that the larger fish will help keep pike populations under control while at the same time offering an attractive angling alternative.

Trout to be stocked at Paonia Reservoir
Catchable-sized trout are being stocked in Paonia Reservoir this week. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hatchery will stock 5,100 catchable-sized rainbow trout on May 23. Fishing at the reservoir will be improved this year following an operation last fall by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to eliminate northern pike from the reservoir. Anglers are encouraged to fish Paonia soon because the water level will be drawn down quickly when water is released for agricultural irrigation. That could start in early June this year.  On the southeast end of the reservoir, Paonia State Park is open for camping for the summer. The boat ramp is also open. The campground is popular, so campers are encouraged to make a reservation. To reserve a spot, call 1-800-678-2267, or go to http://coloradostateparks.reserveamerica.com. For more information about camping, boating or fishing, go to: cpw.state.co.us.

Lake Pueblo State Park hosts annual kid’s fishing derby June 2
Kids can get in on the fishing fun and even walk away with free fishing gear on Sunday, June 2, at Lake Pueblo State Park’s annual kid’s fishing derby at Anticline Pond in the Rock Canyon Day-Use area. Free poles and bait will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration begins at 7 a.m. followed by the fishing derby from 8 to 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. The derby is open to kids ages three to 12. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole day fishing after the derby is over. The derby is free but a valid park pass is required on every vehicle that enters the park. The first weekend in June is special for anglers across the state because it marks the annual “Free Fishing Weekend” when you don’t have to have license to go fishing in Colorado. All possession limits, fishing methods and bait rules apply.

Arvada Reservoir hosts 13^th annual Kids Fishing Contest
The 13th annual Kids Fishing Contest will kick off on Saturday, June 8, at 6 a.m. at the Arvada Reservoir. The tournament is open to kids ages 3-14, and they will be broken into four age groups: 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. The top three winners of each division will be awarded trophies at the conclusion of the tournament. Door prizes will also be awarded, but winners must be present to win. Boats are not allowed and anyone over the age of 14 is not allowed to fish during the contest. The lake will be closed to all public fishing in the morning, but it will be reopened at 1:30 p.m. Entry forms can be found at www.arvada.org/parks-and-recreation, at the reservoir, or at the Arvada City Hall. Participants may register the day of the contest. For more information, call 720-898-7410.

Stocking Report

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