Dept of Parks and Wildlife Opens North Gateway Park to Fishing Fun
Russ Baldwin | May 13, 2014 | Comments 0
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Close to 300 people and of those around 140 youngsters under 16 years came out to North Gateway Park this past Saturday, May 10, for a free kid’s fishing day, sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Youngsters under the 16 year old age limit didn’t need a fishing permit this past weekend to try their skill or luck catching a fish, perhaps for the very first time.
David Miller, Wildlife Technician from CPW, said the event at the park ran from 1 to 4pm and youngsters who caught a fish from the freshly stocked pond had it measured for the day long contest. Funding from a statewide program helped purchase a basic casting rod and reel, plus some bait and lures for kids who came out without any gear. The biggest catch of the day went to Timothy Ipock with a 13 inch rainbow trout, next was Robert Logston with a 12 ¾ inch rainbow trout and William Adams had the smallest catch of the day with a 6 ¾ inch bluegill. “We stocked the pond with about 260 extra rainbow trout the day before the event to help ensure most kids got a fish on the line,” said Mahan. He added, “Most of the trout were between 10 and 12 inches.”
Although most fishing has been done on the east bank by the parking lots since the park opened to the public, this day saw folks ringing the primary pond in an attempt to get a prime location with a chance to catch the longest fish. Miller added that he believed the May 6 presentation for a $70,000 grant for park improvements went over well. “We had all the facts we needed and actually, we were able to present all our information with ten minutes left to go after we were done. The committee appreciates that kind of planning,” he said. Miller said the results for the application will probably be delivered sometime in June. The funding will help pay the costs of a permanent restroom facility, and a handicapped accessible dock at the water’s edge. Mahan said there were seven members of the CPW who were on hand for the free fishing day and he thanked the numerous volunteers who turned to out assist.
By Russ Baldwin
Filed Under: community • Education • Entertainment • Events • Featured • Fishing Report • Lamar • Prowers County • Public Safety • Recreation • Sports • Tourism • Youth
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