Colorado Fishing Report for July 23, 2013

Pueblo West High School champions young anglers
Pueblo West’s Cyclone Anglers, led by teacher Steve Spock, is the state’s only high school fishing team. What started as a small group of dedicated, young anglers has blossomed into a 20 member team. Jerry Neal, editor of Colorado Outdoors Magazine for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, put together a great, short documentary about the team.

Fishing closures for Henry Lake, Meredith Reservoir announced
Due to low water conditions, the agency has implemented an immediate fishing closure on Henry Lake and Meredith Reservoir in Crowley County. In June, the agency authorized a public fish salvage at Henry Lake due to impending lake drainage, and in early July, a complete fish kill occurred at Meredith Reservoir. As conditions continued to deteriorate in and around both lakes, public safety and access became a concern, leading to the decision to implement the fishing closure. The administrative closure closes public access to Henry Lake and Meredith Reservoir for fishing, hunting and all other wildlife-related recreation, and it ends immediately all public fish salvage operations at Lake Henry.

Colorado ranks number 11 for lightning deaths on the United States.
Great spring and summer fishing is also the time for possible severe thunderstorms, complete with lightning and heavy rain. When thunderheads are building up: 1) If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN! 2) Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people. 3) Avoid being the highest object in any area. 4) If you are swimming, fishing or boating and there are clouds, dark skies and distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning, get to land immediately and seek shelter. 5) If you are in a boat and cannot get to shore, crouch down in the middle of the boat. Go below the deck if possible. 6) If you are on land, find a low spot away from trees, metal fences, pipes, tall or long objects. 7) If you are in the woods, look for an area of shorter trees. Crouch down away from tree trunks. 8) Lightning poses some special hazards to fishermen, especially if they are on or near large bodies of water, on exposed hillsides. Don’t carry graphite rods or aluminum rod cases; leave them on the ground, find shelter and return for them later.

Rocky Mountain Flycasters host youth fly-fishing camp
This event is for youth ages 14-18 and no previous fly fishing experience is required. Join the Rocky Mountain Flycasters for six fast-paced days of fly fishing, instruction, and fun. Learn the fly fishing basics alongside best responsibility practices for watersheds, riparian habitat, river ecology, and trout. Additional topics include: fly fishing equipment, knots, regulations, water safety, local and regional conservation issues, invasive species, and more! Only 15 slots are available, so contact the RMF today to reserve yours. Equipment and transportation between activity venues provided, but campers should bring bag lunches, rain gear and appropriate clothing. To register or for more information, visit the Rocky Mountain Flycasters’ website, call 970-689-1753, or see the event flyer. July 29 to Aug. 3, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Steamboat “Women’s Cast, Blast and Twang”
Join Steamboat Springs parks and wildlife staff for a women-only beginner fly or spin fishing, shotgun, .22 and archery seminar in the Steamboat Springs Area on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event has been opened to women statewide. This clinic is perfect for women who are interested in learning safe firearm handling, shooting and fishing skills. No experience or equipment required. There is a $15 fee for the clinic that will cover lunch. The clinic is expected to fill quickly; call as soon as possible to take part in this great opportunity! To register, visit the event registration page or call 970-255-6181.

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.