Colorado Fishing Report for July 16, 2013

Prewitt Reservoir boat ramp closed for season
Due to falling water levels at Prewitt Reservoir, the boat ramp is unusable for the remainder of the boating season. Wakeless boating is permitted, however only very small, hand-launched craft are able to access the water.  Due to the low water levels, trailered watercraft or pleasure boats are not able to physically launch and the boat ramp will be locked. Boat inspections will not be available for the remainder of the season.

Kremmling Women’s Cast ‘N Blast.
Women interested in learning the basics of fly fishing, shotguns and proper firearm handling are invited to a women-only ‘Cast ‘N Blast’ clinic on Saturday, July 20. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. into the afternoon. No experience or equipment is required. Participants are advised to dress for the elements and bring all necessary supplies, including water, insect repellent and sunscreen. Lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided. The class costs $20 and pre-registration is required. To register and for directions, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200. Space is limited and the seminar is expected to fill quickly. Participants are reminded that the class is not a Hunter Education course, which is required to purchase a hunting license. To find a Hunter Education course, go to www.bit.ly/huntereducation.

Wounded Warriors hosts first Top Water Fishing Tournament
Wounded Warriors USA held its first Top Water Fishing Tournament this past Saturday, July 13, at Monument Lake. With nice public turnout and help from volunteers, and despite the afternoon storm, organizers declared the event a success! For a short story about the tournament, and some great photos, visit the Wounded Warriors website.

Evergreen Lake State Park hosts Outdoor Skills Day
Evergreen families are invited to join Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its partners for a day of fishing, shooting and wildlife recreation on July 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is an opportunity to get outside with the kids and learn the basics of safe and ethical wildlife recreation. This skills day will feature hands-on, safe instruction in multiple wildlife recreation activities. Participants will be paired with seasoned instructors and experts in the various skills. Opportunities at the event include: fly fishing and spin casting in Bear Creek and bait fishing in Evergreen Lake with Evergreen Trout Unlimited, earning a Junior Wildlife Officer badge, shooting .22s and BB guns, elk bugling with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a nature walk with Evergreen Audubon, the Bear Aware and Lion Aware education booth, and free lunch from the Evergreen Elks Lodge. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. To RSVP, visit the Colorado Outreach upcoming events page or call 303-291-7804.

Voluntary Flow Program in full swing on the Arkansas River
Outdoor enthusiasts looking to beat the heat of the summer season can enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping and other outdoor recreation activities at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The AHRA will have more than 10,000 acre-feet of water available for the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) this summer as a result of a joint effort between the Bureau of Reclamation, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the Pueblo Board of Water Works. The VFMP is a cooperative program crafted in the 1990’s with help from Trout Unlimited and the Arkansas Rivers Outfitters Association. The VFMP 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.

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.