Fishing Report for June 25, 2013

Outdoor enthusiasts lead effort for new Colorado wildlife sporting license plate
The Colorado Wildlife Sporting License Plate will allow anglers to proudly display their identity as a community, while helping to increase access to angling and shooting opportunities across our state. A portion of the money raised from license plate fees will be used to help fund programs like Fishing is Fun, which provides matching grants to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, water districts, angling organizations and others for projects to improve angling opportunities in Colorado. To sign the petition, you must be a Colorado registered vehicle owner.Signing the petition does not obligate you to buy the plates; it just tells the state senate that you want the option. As part of getting the license plate through the legislative and administrative process, 3,000 signatures are required. To show your support for the license plate, please visit ipetitions.com.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife ready for “Operation Dry Water”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be participating in Operation Dry Water June 28-30, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence (BUI). The mission of Operation Dry Water also brings awareness and education to recreational boaters about the dangers of alcohol and drug use on the water. During the Operation Dry Water weekend enforcement campaign, CPW officers will be out in force looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .08.  This weekend will include increased patrols and checkpoints as well as boater education. Impaired boaters can expect to be arrested or face other serious penalties. In Colorado the consequences for BUI include fines, jail time and loss of boating privileges. Last year in Colorado, approximately 50 percent of fatal and 24 percent of non-fatal boat accidents involved alcohol and/or drugs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to remind all boaters to take a boating safety class, wear your life jacket and don’t booze and boat.

Get fishing tips at Ridgway State Park
Come join Ridgway State Park employees and local experts for an evening of fly fishing tips and instruction on Saturday, June 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. Anyone interested in participating should meet at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk bridge near the north entry of the park.

Women invited to Gypsum Ponds for “Cast ‘n Blast” clinic
Women interested in learning about fly fishing, lure fishing and the basics of shotguns and other firearms are invited to a women-only “Cast ‘N Blast” clinic at the Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area, 8:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13. The cost to reserve a space is $20, which will be refunded when participants arrive at the event. Designed for beginners, no experience or equipment is required. The National Rifle Association donated firearms and shooting supplies for the event. Participants may bring their own firearms but they must remain in their vehicle until a wildlife officer checks them. All shotgun ammunition will be provided. Anyone bringing their own firearm, other than a shotgun, must provide their own ammunition. Everyone is advised to dress for the elements and bring all necessary supplies, including water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.  Lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided. Space is limited and the seminar will fill quickly. Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Glenwood Springs office at 970-947-2920 to reserve your space. Participants are reminded that the class is not a Hunter Education course, which is required to purchase a hunting license.

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.

Fish with us on Twitter
Colorado anglers can get fishing updates directly from CPW on Twitter. Follow @CPWfish.