Fishing Report for June 4, 2013

Emergency public fish salvage at Henry Lake
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has authorized a public fish salvage beginning June 1 at Henry Lake, northeast of Ordway in Crowley County. The salvage was authorized because the lake is being drained and loss of fish is imminent. The public salvage will continue until the lake is dry or conditions are unsuitable for public access.  The shoreline around the lake is soft and muddy so anglers should use extreme caution. The public salvage is being announced in order to optimize use of the fishery resource as outlined: Anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license; fishing is restricted to daylight hours only; fish may be taken by any method other than electricity, poisons, firearms or explosives; bag and possession limits have been suspended. Signs will be posted at the entrance to the reservoir to alert the public during the time of emergency salvage.  The end date of the public salvage will be announced by area wildlife manager.

Family “Cast, Blast and Twang” to be held at Craig’s Wyman Museum
The Northwest Colorado Outfitters Chapter, Yampa Valley Chapter of Safari Club International and the Wyman Museum, in conjunction with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will host a free “Cast, Blast and Twang” for the entire family, Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wyman Museum in Craig. Anyone interested in learning the basics of shooting, archery and fishing from Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and volunteers is encouraged to sign up for the fun, family event. All angling equipment will be available free of charge; however, participants can bring their own if they prefer. Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks everyone to leave their own firearms and archery gear at home and use the equipment provided at the event. A free barbecue lunch will be served, and for protection from the elements, everyone is reminded to bring layers of clothing and sunscreen. Anglers 16 and older must have a current fishing license to participate in any fishing event. To purchase a fishing or hunting license online, please visit the licensing instruction page. The event is first-come first-served, and the public is reminded that space will be limited.

Good flows anticipated in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Outdoor enthusiasts looking to beat the heat of the summer season can enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping and other outdoor recreation activities in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Anglers have reported great fishing in the area now that temperatures are climbing. Due to late spring snow storms, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District informed AHRA they will have 10,000 acre-feet of water available for the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) this summer, which means the Upper Arkansas will have good flows for rafting, kayaking and fishing. The VFMP is a cooperative program crafted in the 1990s with help from Trout Unlimited and the Arkansas Rivers Outfitters Association. It provides water management guidelines that provide for whitewater flows in the Arkansas River for recreation users in the summer months, while also protecting and enhancing the fishery by establishing minimum flow guidelines throughout the rest of the year.

Navajo State Park open for boating, camping
Navajo State Park is open and ready for campers, boaters and summer fun. The lake level is low, but the boat ramp is open and there’s plenty of water for power boats and small pontoon boats. The marina store is open and gasoline is available. The boat dock, however, is closed for repairs. Navajo State Park is located in southwest Colorado about 40 miles southeast of Durango.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir Opens to Boating
Spinney Mountain State Park officials opened the North Shore Boat Ramp to trailered boats on May 29, after water levels rose sufficiently over the past month to allow boats to launch and load safely at that boat ramp.  The park only allowed hand-carried boats on the reservoir until now, but water levels have been rising, and enough water now covers the North Boat Ramp to allow boaters to safely launch and load there.  The South Boat Ramp is much shorter and will remain closed until the water level rises significantly, making it usable again. The North Boat Ramp at Spinney will be open daily as long as water conditions allow.  All boats must be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) when entering and exiting the park.  Inspectors will look for invasive plants and animals on boats and trailers that could threaten Colorado’s waters.  The park is open daily from one-half hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset.  A valid daily or annual parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park.  For more information, call the park office at (719) 748-3401 or access information at www.cpw.state.co.us.

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

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