2015 Colorado Fishing - COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE SEASON: APRIL 1, 2015 - MARCH 31, 2016
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C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E
2015 Colorado
Fishing
SEASON: APRIL 1, 2015 - MARCH 31, 2016
online brochure
cpw.state.co.us
2015 Colorado Fishing REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Licenses and Information.............................. 1
CPW OFFICE LOCATIONS cpw.state.co.us
• What’s New, license fees, season dates, Habitat Stamp
See the CPW website for a complete list of our 42 parks locations that can also sell fishing
Reference.................................................... 2-9
and hunting licenses, issue duplicate licenses and accept licenses for refunds. Only the offic-
• Gear: What you need to start fishing .............................2
es below can assist hunters with animal checks and samples related to hunting activities.
• Bag and possession limits.................................................3
• State records.........................................................................4 BRUSH GRAND JUNCTION MONTROSE
• How to measure your catch..............................................4 122 E. Edison 711 Independent Ave. 2300 S. Townsend Ave.
• Illegal stocking.....................................................................5 Brush, 80723 Grand Junction, 81505 Montrose, 81401
• License, residency and disability requirements...........5 (970) 842-6300 (970) 255-6100 (970) 252-6000
• Special conditions and restrictions.................................6 COLORADO SPRINGS GUNNISON PUEBLO
• Legal fishing methods, glossary of fishing terms........7 4255 Sinton Road 300 W. New York Ave. 600 Reservoir Road
• Fishery programs................................................................8 Colorado Springs, 80907 Gunnison, 81230 Pueblo, 81005
(719) 227-5200 (970) 641-7060 (719) 561-5300
• Aquatic nuisance species, information
for boaters, how to clean waders and gear .................9 DENVER HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS SALIDA
6060 Broadway 346 Grand County Rd. 362 7405 Hwy. 50
Regulations............................................. 10-35 Denver, 80216 Hot Sulphur Springs, 80451 Salida, 81201
(303) 291-7227 (970) 725-6200 (719) 530-5520
Good Places To.... LAMAR STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
DURANGO
• Take kids fishing.................................................................13 151 E. 16th St. 2500 S. Main St. 925 Weiss Dr.
• Fish for kokanee.................................................................21 Durango, 81301 Lamar, 81052 Steamboat Springs, 80487
• Ice fish in January..............................................................23 (970) 247-0855 (719) 336-6600 (970) 870-2197
Maps FORT COLLINS MEEKER
• Wiper/white bass & walleye/saugeye limits.................3 317 W. Prospect Road 73485 Hwy. 64
Fort Collins, 80526 Meeker, 81641
• Upper Arkansas River.......................................................11 (970) 472-4300 (970) 878-6090
• Blue River Basin.................................................................12 ADMINISTRATION
• Middle Colorado and Eagle rivers................................14 GLENWOOD SPRINGS MONTE VISTA
0722 S. Road 1 E. 1313 Sherman St., #618
• Upper Colorado River: Headwaters to Radium.........15 0088 Wildlife Way
Monte Vista, 81144 Denver, 80203
Glenwood Springs, 81601
• Conejos and Alamosa rivers..........................................17 (719) 587-6900 (303) 297-1192
(970) 947-2920
• Lower Colorado River and Grand Mesa......................19
• Upper Poudre River Drainage........................................24
• Upper Rio Grande Basin..................................................26
• Middle Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers...................27 LIFE HACK: BOOKMARK THIS BROCHURE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE.
• South Platte River: Cheesman to Chatfield................28 bit.ly/coloradofishing
• South Platte River: South Park.......................................29
• White River: Headwaters to Meeker.............................32
• White River: Meeker to Utah state line.........................33
• Yampa River: Headwaters to Craig..............................35 Printed for free distribution by
Fish Identification ................................... 36-37 COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 297-1192
cpw.state.co.us
FISHING INFORMATION & CONDITIONS:
Editor: Amy Bulger | Cover photo by © Timothy Miller.
NOTE: Drought conditions are affecting the Eastern Plains. These
Printed March 2015 by Publication Printers, Denver. 320,000 copies.
recorded updates and the CPW website have current conditions
Printing paid for with hunting and fishing license fees.
for waters in the following areas of the state:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director: Robert Broscheid
Statewide...................................... (303) 291-7534
Metro Denver/Foothills............ (303) 291-7535 The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission sets fishing regulations in November. Commis-
Northeast Colorado................... (303) 291-7536 sion members are (as of February 2015): Robert Bray, chairman • Christopher Castilian, vice
Northwest Colorado.................. (303) 291-7537 chairman • Jeanne Horne, secretary • John Howard, member • Bill Kane, member • Dale Pizel,
Southeast Colorado.................. (303) 291-7538 member • James Pribyl, member • James Vigil, member • Dean Wingfield, member • Michelle
Southwest Colorado................. (303) 291-7539 Zimmerman, member • Alexander Zipp, member • Mike King, ex officio member
Fish Stocking Reports............... (303) 291-7531 CPW receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In accordance
with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
BOAT REGISTRATION: II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus
Information can be found online at: cpw.state.co.us/
buyapply/Pages/BoatingRegistrations.aspx prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
REPORT OIL SPILLS: NOTE: Laws and regulations in this brochure are paraphrased for easier understanding and are
intended only as a guide. Complete Colorado wildlife statutes and regulations are available at
To report an oil or chemical spill in the water, call the CPW offices listed above and online at cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Regulations.aspx.
24-hour hotline at Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment, 1-877-518-5608.
REFERENCE 2015 Colorado Fishing
LICENSE FEES
ANNUAL LICENSES ARE VALID
APRIL 1, 2015-MARCH 31, 2016
WHAT’S NEW2015
GET YOUR LICENSE » CHATFIELD AND CHERRY CREEK...
» Online: cpw.state.co.us/fish/buyapply Spawning closures have been modified at
» By phone: 1-800-244-5613 both of these reservoirs. See page 13.
» In person: CPW offices, state parks
or license agents » LAKE TROUT AT GRAND LAKE... Rules
Arctic char by © Joe Tomelleri
FEE for lake trout fishing at Grand Lake have
been simplified by removing seasonal
» Habitat Stamp.............................................$10 » ARCTIC CHAR... New bag and possession
restrictions. See page 20.
Required for residents and nonresidents, limits are in place for Arctic char at Dil-
ages 18-64. Add this to license fees below if lon Reservoir. Regulations will encourage
you have not yet purchased a 2015 Habitat Stamp. » SMALLMOUTH BASS AT RIDGWAY...
the population of these desirable sport
Bag and possession limits for small-
fish to grow both in size and numbers.
RESIDENTS mouth bass have been removed.
See page 16.
» Adult annual (ages 16-63)......................................$26 Smallmouth bass were introduced to
Ridgway Reservoir illegally. In 2013, the
» Senior annual (64 and older)................................... $1 » ANTERO RESERVOIR... Antero is sched- population had grown to 15 percent of
For senior lifetime low-income licenses, see page 5 uled to be drained during the summer the fish sampled by CPW. These fish have
» Small Game & Fishing combo.............................$41 of 2015. Check the CPW website for the potential to threaten endangered fish
updates, cpw.state.co.us. species and native species in the Upper
NONRESIDENTS ] Colorado River Basin. Regulations will
limit their numbers and help Western
»
HOW TO
» Annual .........................................................................$56
GET ST
E
GEAR,
ARTED
REFERENC
» BEGINNER’S GUIDE
KNOTS,
TIPS FOR
FISHIN
BEGINNE
Getting Fishing is a
GRS OF ALL
AGES
] waterways remain safe for other fish
started grea
isn’t com t lifetime activ
» Five-day.......................................................................$21 1. ROPICDK&YOREUREL
plicated. ity
Follow and a fun way
TO FISHING...
our basi for fami
c equipme lies
nt guid to spend time
»
e, and you’ toge
ll be hoo ther outdoors
species. See page 29.
ked befo .
A closed re you
rod and -face spincast know it!
Ready to try but
for learnireel are great
ng how
2. YOCHUROOBASEIT
to fish.
TROUT
YOUTH
» Powe
rbait
» Flies » Salmo
don’t know where
» Lures n eggs
» Jigs
CATFISH
» Worm
s BASS
Different » Stinkb
have differspecies of fish » Worm ait » Jigs
» YELLOW PERCH AT RIFLE GAP... A
s SUNFISH
ent appet » Worm & CRAP
ites. s » Jigs PIE
Choose
on what your bait based
» Resident and nonresident younger
» Worm
s
to start? Check out
in the lakekind of fish are » Salmo
n eggs
are trying and what you
at the list to catch. Look
brochure of waters in
bag and possession limit of 20 has been
for any this
al bait restric addition-
3. GEGEARTYOONUR
tions.
than age 16 (second-rod charge still applies).........FREE our five steps to
placed on yellow perch at Rifle Gap
You need
Swivels
items to just a few basic keep
get started! See
The fun get started fishin
your line
part g. from
your gear is adding These help
to twisting. you
progress! collection as dislodg
4. YOKNUROWKNOT
you e hooks
and grip
line
Reservoir. New limits will help effectively
» Fishin while tying
g line,
4- to 8-lb. » Bobb knots.
test ers
RESIDENTS & NONRESIDENTS
» Hook
page 2.
s,
There are #8 or #10 » Swive
ls, » Sinke
The Improlots of fishing #10
5. YOPICURK SPOT
rs,
knots. 1/8 oz. » Hemo
a good, ved Clinch Knot stats
basic knot is or needl
manage the perch population and protect
started. to get you e-nose
pliers
» Threa
d PUTTING
» Second-rod stamp..................................................... $5
the hook.the line throu
Double gh eye TOGETHERIT
five or back and of :
more turns Clinch
around make knot Where
shoul
the line. your perfec d you go?
Swivel
the species from overfishing. See page 29.
You
the Colora t fishing hole can find
Sinker do Fishin by
» Bring
the end Snelled g Atlas. using
the first of line back
eye. Thenloop formed behin through and hookline
One second-rod stamp per year is available
go throu combo
gh the d the
big loop.
or... use
» Wet knot clinch
» POUDRE
to tighte and pull the knots to
2 n down tag end line to tie
tight again the swivel
st the eye, coils. Slide it and the
hook
clip exces to
to anyone who has purchased a fishing
s. end the other
of the line.
cpw.sta
PONDS... This
te.co.us
» KOKANEE TRAPS AT WOLFORD MOUN-
/fish/fish
ingatla
s
license and any youth under 16. (See page 5)
70-acre gravel quarry in Weld TAIN RESERVOIR... There is a 150-foot
» One-day fishing.......................................................... $9 County has been open to fishing since public-access closure around the kokanee
» Additional-day fishing.............................................. $5 2011. The bass population is growing and salmon traps and nets at all times, wher-
Customers buying a one-day or additional-day new regulations are in place. See page 26. ever portable traps are set. See page 34.
license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee
with the first two of these licenses. The habitat
HABITAT STAMP INFORMATION
»
fee will be assessed when a third license of this
type is purchased.
1. Anyone 18-64 MUST purchase a stamp 3. EXEMPTIONS: Anyone
Prices include 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and 75-cent in order to buy or apply for a hunting or with a free lifetime fishing
surcharge for the Wildlife Management Education Fund. fishing license (including preference points). license, a veteran’s lifetime
combination small-game hunting and fish-
2. Stamps are $10 and are nonrefundable. ing license, or those approved for the Big-
WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY A LICENSE Only one is required per person per year, Game Mobility Impaired Hunting Program
1. Current and valid photo ID valid April 1-March 31. A lifetime stamp is are exempt. See cpw.state.co.us/fish/access-
2. For residents, proof of residency (see page 5) $300.25. ibility for details about those programs.
3. Habitat Stamp (see at right)
4. A Social Security Number is required for new custom-
ON THE COVER
»
ers ages 16 and older (age 12 for a second-rod stamp)
Licenses are nontransferable. False statements made MAIN: A veteran walks to a fishing hole
while buying a license render it void. Lost or destroyed with his daughter. Last June, wounded
licenses can be replaced by filling out an affidavit and and disabled veterans gathered to fish for
paying a fee. See “License Requirements” on page 5. bass and walleye with Freedom Hunters
and other organizations. Freedom Hunters
supports troops by taking select active
SEASON DATES duty and combat veterans on outdoor
Colorado waters are open to taking fish, amphibians adventures. © Timothy Miller.
and crustaceans day and night, year round, except if
otherwise stated in the regulation section of this bro- INSET PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT:
chure. See pages 10-35. 1. Landing a monster trout.
© Santino Castellanos.
2. Banked bluegills. ©Wayne Lewis, CPW.
FREE FISHING DAYS 3. Fly fishing near Deckers.
Residents and nonresidents can fish without a license ©Wayne Lewis, CPW.
or Habitat Stamp on June 6-7, 2015. All other rules and 4. Evan Pohl shows off his Mesa Lakes
regulations apply. catch. Photo for CPW.
1
]
] HOW TO GET STARTED FISHING
» GEAR, KNOTS, TIPS FOR BEGINNERS OF ALL AGES
REFERENCE
Fishing is a great lifetime activity and a fun way for families to spend time together outdoors.
Getting started isn’t complicated. Follow our basic equipment guide and you’ll be hooked before you know it!
1. PICK YOUR
ROD & REEL
A closed-face spincast
rod and reel are great
for learning how to fish.
TROUT
2.
» Powerbait » Salmon eggs CATFISH BASS SUNFISH & CRAPPIE
CHOOSE » Flies
» Lures
» Jigs
» Worms » Stinkbait
» Worms
» Jigs
» Worms
» Jigs
» Worms
YOUR BAIT » Salmon eggs
Different species of fish
have different appetites.
Choose your bait based
on what kind of fish are
in the lake and what you
are trying to catch. Look
at the list of waters in this
brochure for any addition-
al bait restrictions.
3. GET YOUR
Swivels keep These help you
your line dislodge hooks
GEAR ON
from and grip line
twisting. while tying
knots.
You need just a few basic
items to get started fishing.
The fun part is adding to
your gear collection as you
» Fishing line, » Bobbers » Hooks, » Swivels, » Sinkers, » Hemostats
progress!
4- to 8-lb. test #8 or #10 #10 1/8 oz. or needle-nose pliers
4. KNOW
YOUR KNOT
There are lots of fishing knots.
The Improved Clinch Knot is
a good, basic knot to get you
started.
PUTTING IT
5. PICK
YOUR SPOT
Where should you go? You can find
your perfect fishing hole by using
TOGETHER:
the Colorado Fishing Atlas.
» Thread the line through eye of Clinch knot
the hook. Double back and make
Swivel
five or more turns around the line.
Sinker
Snelled line
and hook
» Bring the end of line back through combo
the first loop formed behind the
eye. Then go through the big loop. or... use clinch
knots to tie
line to swivel
» Wet knot and pull the tag end and the hook
to tighten down the coils. Slide it to the other
tight against the eye, clip excess. end of the line. cpw.state.co.us/fish/fishingatlas
2
REFERENCE 2015 Colorado Fishing
STATEWIDE BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS
»
REFERENCE
READING THE LIMITS CHART There, you will need a CPW fishing license
STATEWIDE LIMITS
»
Statewide limits for species are listed in but restrictions will be specific to the park.
the chart to the right. Species not on this Before you plan your trip, check regulations
chart have no bag or possession limits or online at: www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/
Type Daily mit Possession
are restricted or illegal to take. See “Special fishing.htm.
of fish bag li limit
Conditions and Restrictions,” page 6.
Some waters have more restrictive limits TROUT, ARCTIC CHAR,
than what is listed on the chart. See “Special
DAILY BAG LIMIT GRAYLING, SALMON
Maximum number of fish you can take in 4 8
Regulations for Fishing Waters,” page 10, for a day, regardless of what you do with them (except kokanee)
the area you plan to fish to learn more about that day. in aggregate*
specific waters. If a water is not on the list » Fish caught and placed on a stringer, in
or no bag limit is specified, these statewide Trout include brook, brown, cutbow,
SEE “SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR FISHING WATERS” SECTION FOR WATERS WITH MORE RESTRICTIVE LIMITS. PAGES 10-35.
a container or live well, or not returned cutthroat, golden, lake, rainbow, splake and tiger trout
limits apply. to the same water immediately count in
your daily bag or possession limit. BROOK TROUT
FISHING IN STATE PARKS » Fish released immediately are not part of 8 inches long or less 10 10
(in addition to trout limit above)
AND NATIONAL PARKS the limit.
Fishing is available at 38 of Colorado’s 42 KOKANEE SALMON
10 10
state parks. If you plan a fishing trip to these POSSESSION LIMIT angling, snagging or archery
waters, check the CPW Park Finder for any Maximum number of fish allowed at any WALLEYE, SAUGEYE,
additional entrance fees and restrictions that time, including in the field, transporting, at SAUGER 5 5
may apply where you’re going: cpw.state. home or in storage. Transporting live fish
Statewide, in aggregate*
co.us/fish/parkfinder. without proper permits is prohibited.
National parks also offer fishing opportu- » Fish taken and later smoked, canned, On Arkansas and South Fork of
nities around the state, but may have differ- frozen or preserved for consumption Republican River drainages, in 10 10
ent bag limits and regulations. One example are part of the possession limit until aggregate*
of this is at Rocky Mountain National Park. consumed.
BASS: LARGEMOUTH,
SMALLMOUTH, SPOTTED 5 5
in aggregate*
MAP: WIPER/WHITE BASS AND WALLEYE/SAUGEYE BAG LIMITS BASS:
The map below outlines the general areas of the Arkansas and South Republican River drain- WHITE, STRIPED, WIPER 10 10
ages (green) and the South Platte and North Republican drainages (yellow). If you are fishing Statewide, in aggregate*
for wiper, white bass, walleye or saugeye in these areas, the daily bag and possession limits On Arkansas and South Fork
are different for the two areas on the map. See the “Statewide Limits” chart at right for details. of Republican River drainages, 20 20
in aggregate*
CATFISH:
CHANNEL, FLATHEAD, BLUE 10 10
in aggregate*
CRAPPIE: WHITE, BLACK
20 20
in aggregate*
BLUEGILL, HYBRID BLUEGILL,
GREEN SUNFISH,
REDEAR SUNFISH, 20 20
PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH
in aggregate*
YELLOW PERCH
unlimited unlimited
West of Continental Divide
East of Continental Divide 20 20
TIGER MUSKIE
1 1
at least 36 inches long
NORTHERN PIKE, WHITEFISH,
unlimited unlimited
BULLHEAD
SPECKLED DACE, SCULPIN
West of Continental Divide 20 20
in aggregate*
East of Continental Divide unlimited unlimited
CRAYFISH (crawdads),
unlimited unlimited
BULLFROGS
AQUATIC TIGER
SALAMANDER LARVAE 50 50
(gilled and less than 5 inches long)
* in aggregate means the limit may consist of one species or a
mixed bag of more than one species.
3
2015 Colorado Fishing REFERENCE
STATE RECORDS BY WEIGHT
»
REFERENCE
STATE RECORDS PROGRAM
»
LOCATION WEIGHT LENGTH
SPECIES YEAR ANGLER
and county lbs. - ozs. in inches
Colorado’s original fishing record program,
Rainbow 2003 Morrow Point Res., Gunnison 19-10 34 Lee Cox records by weight are tracked in 45 different
Brook 1947 Upper Cataract Lake, Summit 7-10 n/a George Knorr species.
Potential record holders must have a valid
Brown 1988 Roaring Judy Ponds, Gunnison 30-8 36.4 Alan Schneider Colorado fishing license or be younger than
Cutthroat (Native) 1964 Twin Lakes, Lake 16-0 n/a George Hranchak 16.
The fish must be weighed on a state-certi-
Cutthroat (Snake River) 2005 Blue River, Summit 17-2.6 33 Rob Peckham fied scale and a weight receipt must be signed
by a person who witnessed the weighing. The
TROUT
Lake Trout (Mackinaw) 2007 Blue Mesa Res., Gunnison 50-3.5 44.25 Donald Walker
fish, not frozen, gutted or altered in any way,
Splake 1976 Island Lake, Delta 18-15 32 Robin Perkins must be examined and identified by a CPW
biologist or wildlife manager, who will submit
Tiger 2005 Private pond, Park 4-15 21.5 Gene Hacker
an application to the Sportfish Program Man-
Golden 1979 Kelly Lake, Jackson 3-12 22.5 Donald O’Leary ager in Denver.
Records for the longest and heaviest fish
Grayling 2002 Lower Big Creek Lake, Jackson 1-10 17.25 Derik Drinnen caught can change any time. Current statistics
Arctic Char 1994 Dillon Res., Summit 3-12 20.5 Marshall Brenner can be found on the CPW website at
cpw.state.co.us/fish/records.
Cutbow 2007 Antero Res., Park 18-8 28.5 Frank Stack An award program is also offered for
Whitefish 1982 Roaring Fork River, Eagle 5-2 18.75 Richard Sals catch-and-release anglers. Go to:
cpw.state.co.us/fish/lengthrecords.
Chinook 1989 Williams Fork Res., Grand 11-0 28.5 Helen Eaton
SALMON
Kokanee (angling) 1986 Spinney Mountain Res., Park 6-13 27.5 Will Arduino
MEASURE YOUR CATCH
»
Kokanee (snagging) 2002 Blue Mesa Res., Gunnison 7-5 27 Lee Cox
Channel 2010 Aurora Res., Arapahoe 43-6 40.5 Jessica Walton Measure your fish from the tip of the snout to
the end of the tail. You may squeeze the tail-
CATFISH
Black Bullhead 1993 Farm pond, Delta 5-1 23 Uldene Kuretich
fin together as shown in the bass (illustrated
Blue 1976 Private lake, Lincoln 20-1 32.75 Joe Poss in the first picture below) to obtain a maxi-
mum length or you may tilt the tail down
Flathead 2011 Pueblo Res., Pueblo 15-6 32.25 David Parker (as seen in the lake trout at bottom).
Tench 1998 Home Lake, Rio Grande 5-6 20 Craig Curtis
Northern 2006 Stagecoach Res., Routt 30-11 46.5 Tim Bone
PIKE
Tiger Muskie 1994 Quincy Res., Arapahoe 40-2 53 Jason Potter
Walleye 1997 Standley Lake, Jefferson 18-13 34 Scott Regan
Sacramento 1974 Banner Lakes, Weld 1-14 13.25 Dana Wilfong
PERCH
Yellow 2007 Seaman Res., Larimer 2-9 13.63 Justin Allbrandt
Sauger 2011 Horseshoe Res., Heurfano 3-6 21.5 Jeff Riddle
Saugeye 2001 John Martin Res., Bent 10-14 28.5 Rocklyn Beise
Smallmouth 2011 Aurora Res., Arapahoe 6-11 21.5 Raymond Ong
Largemouth 1997 Echo Canyon Res., Archuleta 11-6 22.5 Jarrett Edwards
White 1963 Blue Lake, Bent/Kiowa 4-7 18 Pedro Martinez
BASS
Striped 2009 C.F.&I. Res. No. 2, Pueblo 15-11 34.25 Manuel Aguilar
Rock AWARD-QUALIFYING LENGTHS
»
1979 Ramah Res., El Paso 1-1.25 10.6 Timothy Fisk
Wiper 2004 Pueblo Res., Pueblo 26-15 37.5 Kevin Treanor FOR CATCH & RELEASE
Spotted 2005 Valco Ponds, Pueblo 4-7.875 17.75 Michael Hardin Species length Species length
2001 Gravel pit, Larimer 1-5 11.6 Joshua Robinson (inches) (inches)
Green Arctic char.................... 18 Lake trout..................... 32
& 1997 Big Thompson Pond, Weld 1-5 11.2 Justin Evans
SUNFISH
Black bullhead............ 14 Largemouth bass...... 18
NEW! Redear 2015 Stalker Lake, Yuma 6.8 oz. 7.25 Jason Edmonds Blue catfish.................. 30 Northern pike............. 36
Hybrid 1986 Gravel pit, Larimer 1-8.5 10.75 Jeff Robinson Bluegill.......................... 10 Pumpkinseed.............. 8
Brook trout................... 16 Rainbow trout............ 24
Bluegill 2014 Comanche Power Plant (private), Pueblo 2-5 11.5 Robert Castro
Brown trout................. 22 Redear sunfish............ 12
White Daryel Thompson Channel catfish.......... 30 Saugeye........................ 26
CRAPPIE
1975 Northglenn Lake, Adams 4-3.75 17
Common carp............. 30 Smallmouth bass....... 17
Black 1990 Private pond, La Plata 3-4 17 Clint Couch
Crappie.......................... 15 Splake............................ 20
Grass Carp 2013 Cottonwood Park Lake, Jefferson 57-13 47 Brian Husmann
CARP & SUCKERS
Cutbow trout.............. 22 Striped bass................. 28
Common 2001 Glenmere Park, Weld 35-5 38.75 Adam Wickam Cutthroat trout........... 20 Tiger muskie................ 40
Golden trout............... 16 Walleye.......................... 26
Drum 1978 Lonetree Res., Larimer 17-3 32 Faye Lancamp
Grass carp..................... 30 White bass.................... 17
Sucker 2011 Aurora Res., Arapahoe 5-6.65 23.375 Jay Grupp Grayling........................ 15 Wiper.............................. 25
Kokanee........................ 20 Yellow perch................ 12
American Eel 1996 Flagler Res., Kit Carson 3-1 35 n/a
4
REFERENCE 2015 Colorado Fishing
!
PROTECT YOUR FISHERIES AGAINST ILLEGAL STOCKING
»
REFERENCE
Illegally moving fish from one river for anglers like you.
or lake to another can wipe out REPORT IT! • Illegally moving fish from one
fisheries, take away fishing oppor- If you have information water to another can spread
tunities and waste angler dollars. about illegal stocking disease. Some of these, such as
Anyone caught moving fish illegally activity, contact whirling disease, can cost mil-
may be fined up to $5,000, can lose OPERATION GAME THIEF. lions of dollars to combat.
hunting and fishing privileges and You can remain
may be held liable for the costs of anonymous and may WHAT YOU CAN DO
eradication or removal. CPW of- be eligible for a reward. • Do not move fish from one body
ficials are taking additional steps to game.thief@state.co.us of water to another. Collection
combat this destructive activity. or call 1-877-265-6648 and transportation of wild-caught
WHY ILLEGAL STOCKING live bait is restricted in most of the
state. Know these rules and follow
IS A PROBLEM the system and lessen the quality
them if you use live bait.
• Biologists have stopped stock- of fishing overall. • On waters that have no bag
ing fish in some lakes because • Once an illegally stocked fish and possession limits on certain
illegally introduced fish eat most population has become estab- species, you are encouraged to
or all of the stocked fish. This lished, the only recourse is to start keep those fish. “No-bag” limits
wastes your license dollars. over by treating the lake to kill are often established to aid in the
© CPW • Illegally stocked fish compete for ALL the fish. Treatments can cost management of species that were
Stocking waters with fish, unwanted food and space with the fish that millions of dollars. It also requires illegally stocked or are not desired.
aquatic pets or other species is illegal belong in lakes and streams. This money that could be spent on • Report illegal stocking activity
and can damage a water system. can change the whole ecology of improving fishing opportunities to Operation Game Thief.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
»
1. ADULTS — People 16 and older are required to buy state can fish free without a license while here on tempo- 6. If you have a home in Colorado and another state,
and carry with them a fishing license to fish or take fish, rary leave, maximum of 30 days a year. You must carry call (303) 297-1192 to make sure you comply with
amphibians and crustaceans, except as prohibited. official leave papers while fishing. Colorado residency requirements before obtaining a
hunting or fishing license.
2. YOUTH — Those under 16 can take a full bag and 7. Except as in No. 3 and No. 4 above, you lose your
possession limit without a license. However, they must RESIDENCY QUALIFICATIONS Colorado residency if you apply for, buy or accept
have a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line. These are the requirements to qualify as a Colorado a hunting or fishing license as a resident of another
resident to buy a fishing or hunting license: state or country; register to vote outside Colorado or
3. SENIORS — Colorado residents 64 and older can
obtain an annual fishing license from a CPW location 1. You must live in Colorado at least six consecutive get a driver’s license using an address in another state.
or license agent for $1, which is the 25-cent search and months immediately before applying for or buying
rescue fee and 75-cent Wildlife Management Education a license, and must intend to make Colorado home DISABILITY LICENSES
Fund surcharge. License must be carried while fishing. (except No. 3 and No. 4 below). The residence ad- You can obtain applications for disabled licenses on the
a. Free lifetime low-income fishing licenses also dress you give to buy or apply for a license must be CPW website or at CPW locations. Send them to 6060
are available for Colorado residents 64 or older. For the same as on your Colorado income tax return. Broadway, Denver, CO, 80216. Licenses are valid only
information and eligibility requirements, contact any Licenses are valid only during Colorado residency. during Colorado residency.
CPW location. 2. A valid Colorado driver’s license or secure and verifi-
Those eligible for free licenses are:
able ID is proof of residency if it was issued at least
4. SECOND-ROD STAMP — Anglers can use a second six months prior to buying a fishing license. If your 1. U.S. armed forces members, active or retired, who
rod, hand line or tip-up by purchasing a second-rod ID or driver’s license was issued or renewed less than are resident patients of a U.S. armed forces hospital or
stamp. One stamp is allowed per season and is nontrans- six months prior to purchasing a fishing license, you convalescent facility in Colorado.
ferable. A second-rod stamp does not entitle an angler must provide documentation that proves you have 2. Resident patients of a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital
to an additional bag limit nor can it be used for another been a resident for the required six-month period. or state mental institution or mental health institution.
person to fish. (cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/
a. Those with disability licenses must purchase a 3. Colorado residents who are totally and permanently
Brochure/SecureAndVerifiableIdentity.pdf)
stamp if fishing with a second line. disabled must provide either:
3. U.S. military personnel and military personnel of
b. A second-rod stamp is not required when only a. Documented proof that shows an entitlement date
U.S. allies on active duty in Colorado under per-
using trotlines or jugs. for Social Security disability benefits that began
manent orders and their dependents. This includes
c. Youths under 16 must have and carry with them a seven years ago or longer.
people who were Colorado residents when they en-
second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line. tered the military and keep Colorado as their home b. Or, a physician’s statement attesting that the ap-
of record, and their dependents (with Colorado as plicant is “totally and permanently disabled.” All
5. COMMERCIAL LICENSE — $40; required to four words need to be stated on the letter from the
take or possess bait fish, amphibians or crustaceans for their home of record). Also included are personnel
of the U.S. Diplomatic Service or diplomatic services physician on the physician’s letterhead.
commercial purposes. Applications are available at CPW
of nations recognized by the U.S. assigned here on c. Or, a Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation
locations. License holders must submit an annual report
permanent active duty orders and their dependents. Final Admission of Liability form indicating total
to CPW within 30 days of the license expiration date.
Active duty does not include reserve status, National and permanent disability.
Holders are required to provide live-fish buyers with a
receipt stating the seller’s name, date of sale, species and Guard or government contractors. 4. Colorado residents who are disabled veterans or
number sold. 4. Full-time students enrolled and attending an accredit- Purple Heart recipients can obtain a Lifetime Fishing/
ed Colorado college, university or trade school at least Small Game VA Combo License. To qualify, the follow-
6. CHILD SUPPORT DELINQUENCY — State law six months immediately before applying for or buying ing documentation must be provided:
requires a Social Security number to buy a license. It is a license. This includes students who are temporar- a. Proof of a service-connected disability of 60 percent
provided, if requested, to Child Support Enforcement ily absent from Colorado but still enrolled. Colorado or more, as rated by the VA. An eligibility letter can
authorities. Licenses are not issued to those suspended for residents who attend school full time, out of state and be obtained from the VA by calling 1-800-827-1000.
noncompliance with child support. Current licenses are in- pay nonresident tuition qualify for a resident license.
valid if held by a person noncompliant with child support.
b. Proof of hunter education if born on or after Jan.
5. Children under 18 have the same residency status 1, 1949.
7. ARMED FORCES EXEMPTION — Colorado as their parent, legal guardian or person with whom c. Purple Heart recipients who can provide document-
residents on active duty with U.S. armed forces out of they live most of the time per court order. ed proof are also eligible for a VA Combo License.
5
2015 Colorado Fishing REFERENCE
SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
»
REFERENCE
1. CATCH AND RELEASE — Any fish released upon
catch must be released alive and into the same THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND NONGAME SPECIES
body of water from which it was taken. If caught, these species must be returned to the water immediately. Except, taking greenback cutthroat
2. PROHIBITED FISHING METHODS INCLUDE — trout is permitted in specific waters and with restrictions as listed in this brochure.
Chumming, using toxicants or poisons, stupefying IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAKE OR USE THE FOLLOWING: Arkansas darter, bluehead sucker, bonytail chub,
substances, electrofishing. boreal toad, brassy minnow, Colorado pikeminnow, common shiner, flannelmouth sucker, flathead
3. PROHIBITED SPECIES — These species and their chub, greenback cutthroat trout, humpback chub, Iowa darter, lake chub, mollusks, mountain sucker,
viable eggs are detrimental to other fish and habitat northern leopard frog, northern redbelly dace, plains leopard frog, plains minnow, plains topmin-
in Colorado. Unless authorized in writing by CPW now, plains orangethroat darter, razorback sucker, Rio Grande chub, Rio Grande sucker, river shiner,
for controlled and experimental purposes, it is roundtail chub, southern redbelly dace, stonecat, suckermouth minnow, and wood frog.
illegal to export, import, transport, stock, sell, or
release: burbot, piranha, trahira, gar (all species), Gilpin, Elbert, Jefferson and Park counties, and shipped by common carrier must be accompanied
snakeheads or murrels, stickleback, walking catfish, all public standing waters in Rio Grande, Sagua- by license or photocopy of license and donation
tilapia, bowfin, rudd, zebra mussels, quagga mus- che, Conejos, Costilla, Alamosa, Mineral and certificate, if needed.
sels, New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian ruffe, white Hinsdale counties in the Rio Grande drainage. 9. ILLEGAL TAKE AND TRANSFER OF FISH — Only
perch, rusty crayfish, carp (silver, catla, Indian, This does not apply to fish handled or produced people designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
bighead, giant barb, mrigal, largescale sliver, rohu, at commercially licensed aquaculture facilities. Service may take fish, amphibians, mollusks or
black and mahseers), Asian swamp eel, green frog g. BULLFROGS AND SALAMANDERS — Bullfrogs crustaceans within the boundaries of any Federal
and gobies, fish hook fleas and spiny water fleas. and the aquatic gilled form of the tiger salaman- fish hatchery or rearing unit.
Any person who takes fish species listed above der for private and commercial use are permit- a. Molesting, disturbing or damaging gill nets,
may possess them in unlimited number for ted. Statewide bag limits apply. Bullfrogs can be traps or seines set by CPW is prohibited.
personal use, as long as the fish are killed prior to taken by fishing, archery, hand, gigs and nets.
Artificial light is allowed. Salamander larvae can 10. EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF FISHING
transporting from the point where they were taken.
be taken by fishing, hand, traps, seines or nets. WATERS — Emergency closure of waters may be
4. USE AND COLLECTION OF BAIT FISH — h. CRUSTACEANS — Take methods include by authorized for up to nine months when environ-
a. Except as otherwise noted in this brochure, in hand, baited lines, traps, pots, nets or seines for mental conditions in these waters warrant and
waters east of the Continental Divide and below food or bait. Taking crustaceans, crayfish, with fishing could result in unacceptable levels of fish
7,000 feet elevation, live fish collected for use as a commercial fishing license is allowed with the mortality. Public notice will be given if waters are
bait may only be used in the same body of water following restrictions: The minimum size is 3 closed and notice will be posted at the site. Closures
from which they were collected. In addition, inches for commercial food (measured from the may occur when any of these criteria are met:
collection and use is allowed in any man-made tip of the acumen (bony spike between the eye) a. Daily max. water temperatures exceed 74º F,
ditches and canals within one-half of a mile to the telson (last bony plate in the tail)); cray- or the daily average temperature exceeds 72º F.
of the adjoining lake or reservoir. Use of any fish with eggs attached must be returned to the b. Measured stream flows are 25 percent or less
baitfish collected in those ditches and canals is water immediately; all set pots and traps must of the historical average low flow for the period.
restricted to only the water from which it was c. Fungus and other visible signs of deterioration
be labeled with the licensee’s name, address and
collected and the adjoining lake or reservoir. license number. may be present.
Baitfish collected under this provision may not d. Daily minimum dissolved oxygen levels are
In all waters west of the Continental Divide all below five parts per million (ppm).
be otherwise transported or stored for later use. crayfish must be returned to the water of origin
b. The collection, use or possession of live fish for e. When environmental events such as wildfires,
immediately or killed by separating the abdomen mudslides, oil spills or similar events have oc-
use as bait is prohibited in all waters east of the from the cephalothorax (tail from body) and
Continental Divide above 7,000 feet elevation curred, resulting in the need for recovery time
taken into possession immediately upon catch. or remedial action for a fish population.
and all waters west of the Continental Divide, i. MOLLUSKS — Taking mollusks for personal or
except in Navajo Reservoir; collection, use or commercial use as bait is prohibited. 11. PROTECTED WATERS — Fishing may be pro-
possession of live fish for bait is also prohib- hibited as posted to protect: threatened or endan-
ited in the Arkansas River above Parkdale (in 5. ICE FISHING — The following rules apply to
waters open for ice fishing: gered species, spawning areas, waters used in CPW
Fremont and Chaffee counties) and in Watson research projects, newly acquired access to fishing
Lake in Larimer County. a. Ice-fishing holes cannot exceed 10 inches in
diameter, or 10 inches on any side. waters, and the integrity of aquatic wildlife.
c. In Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers
counties, live fish collected for personal use as b. All fires on the ice must be enclosed in a 12. EMERGENCY PUBLIC SALVAGE — If substantial
bait may be transported, stored or used any- container. numbers of fish are in imminent danger of being
where within these counties. Transportation to, c. No litter allowed on the ice. lost, CPW can allow licensed anglers to take fish
or use of, any such baitfish in any other county d. Portable ice-fishing shelters (where permit- during daylight hours. Public notice will be given
is prohibited. ted) must be removed at the end of the day. and notice will be posted at the site regarding the
d. The only fish allowed to be taken for commer- e. Permanent ice-fishing shelters (where per- catch limit and approved fishing methods.
cial use are minnows, gizzard shad, white and mitted) must display the name and CID number 13. FISHING CONTESTS — Fishing contests cannot
longnose suckers and carp. All live baitfish from of the owner or user on the outside of the shelter be advertised, promoted or conducted without
a commercial source and transported by anglers facing the shore. Writing must be in legible, CPW approval if the purpose is to take marked or
must at all times be accompanied by a receipt contrasting color letters at least 2 inches high. tagged fish released in waters open to public fishing.
from the source. It is illegal to import any 6. RELEASING TAGGED FISH — It is illegal to re Applications and a $40 nonrefundable fee must
live native or non-native aquatic wildlife into lease tagged or marked fish, except for approved be made 60 days before the contest. Written ap-
Colorado without authorization from CPW or contests, into public waters. Tagged or marked proval must be obtained from landowners or agen-
as stated in regulations. fish can be released in public waters for scientific cies before applying. Contests are not permitted on
e. The only species allowed to be taken and used research with written application and approval by streams, rivers, other flowing water or Gold Medal
for consumption or used as bait (either alive or CPW at least 30 days before release. Waters, or commercial or private lakes licensed by
dead) by fishing, seining, netting, trapping or 7. DONATING FISH — You can donate edible parts
CPW. All standard fishing regulations apply.
dipping are minnows, bluegill, hybrid bluegill, of fish to like-license holders anywhere or to any- Contests for tagged or marked trout will be
carp, sunfish, gizzard shad, sculpin, white and one at the recipient’s home. Donor and recipient permitted only on waters greater than 200 surface
longnose suckers, yellow perch and rainbow subject to bag and possession limits. A “like- acres and managed as a catchable fishery. Public
smelt. Statewide bag limits apply to sunfish, license” is a Colorado fishing license. fishing areas will remain open during a contest,
bluegill, hybrid bluegills and yellow perch. regardless of contest fees. Sponsors shall docu-
f. The seining, netting, trapping and dipping of fish 8. TRANSPORTING, EXPORTING FISH — The ment the number of participants, average time
is prohibited statewide in all natural streams, license holder must accompany any species in this spent fishing and estimated total catch by species
springs, all waters in Adams, Arapahoe, Boul- brochure, or parts of game fish, that are trans- in a written report for CPW within 20 days of the
der, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, ported within or exported from Colorado. Wildlife contest end.
6
REFERENCE 2015 Colorado Fishing
GLOSSARY OF FISHING TERMS LEGAL FISHING METHODS
»
»
REFERENCE
» ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES white bass hybrids); carp; bullhead, 1. ONE PERSONALLY ATTENDED LINE Each line shall have only
means devices made entirely of, blue, channel and flathead catfish; three common hooks attached.
or a combination of, natural or black and white crappie; drum;
synthetic nonedible, nonscented northern pike; tiger muskie; Sac- 2. TROTLINES
(regardless if the scent is added in ramento and yellow perch; sauger; a. Permitted only on these reservoirs (as listed in this brochure): Adobe
the manufacturing process or ap- saugeye (walleye/sauger hybrids); Creek, Bonny, Henry, Horse Creek, John Martin, Meredith, Navajo,
plied afterward), or materials such speckled dace; rainbow smelt; Nee Gronda, Nee Noshe, Nee So Pah, Queens (North and South),
as wood, plastic, silicone, rubber, tench; walleye; bluegill; bluegill Thurston and Two Buttes.
epoxy, glass, hair, metal, feathers or hybrids (bluegill/green sunfish); b. No one may use more than one trotline.
fiber, designed to attract fish. This green, redear and pumpkinseed c. Must be anchored, marked at each end by floats, be no longer than 150
does not include anything defined sunfish; gizzard shad; longnose and feet with no more than 25 droplines, and shall be weighted to place the
as bait below. white suckers; and minnows. line at least 3 feet under water.
» GIG is a barbed fork with one or d. Only three barbed hooks allowed on a common hook on each dropline.
» BAIT means any hand-moldable
material designed to attract fish by more tines attached to a handle. e. Trotlines shall be tagged with the user’s name, CID number and date set.
the sense of taste or smell; those f. All trotlines shall be personally checked at least once every 24-hour period.
devices to which scents or smell » JUGS means floats to which are
attractants have been added or attached a line and common hook. 3. JUGS
externally applied (regardless if the a. Permitted only on these reservoirs (as listed in this brochure): Adobe Creek,
» MINNOW means all members of Bonny, Henry, Horse Creek, John Martin, Meredith, Nee Gronda, Nee
scent is added in the manufactur-
ing process or applied afterward); the families of fish classified Cy- Noshe, Nee So Pah, Queens (North and South), Thurston and Two Buttes.
scented manufactured fish eggs and prinidae (carp, chub, dace, goldfish, b. Only 10 jugs are allowed for each license holder, each with only one
traditional organic baits, including minnow, shiner, stoneroller and single line and one common hook.
but not limited to worms, grubs, tench), Cyprinodontidae (killifish, c. Must be tagged with the owner or user’s name and CID number.
crickets, leeches, dough baits or topminnow) and Clupeidae (giz-
zard shad), except those desig- d. Must be personally checked at least once an hour.
stink baits, insects, crayfish, human
nated as nongame, threatened or
food, fish, fish parts or fish eggs.
endangered, or those designated 4. UNDERWATER SPEARFISHING, ARCHERY AND GIGS
as nonregulated. See page 6 and Bow anglers are advised to reference the current State Recreation Lands
» CHUMMING is placing fish, parts brochure for more regulations on waters that allow archery fishing.
Chapter 10 and 11 of CPW regula-
of fish or other feeding material tions online. a. Underwater spearfishing, archery and gigs may be used statewide for
in the waters for the purpose of the taking of carp and northern pike, except as prohibited by these
attracting fish to a particular area regulations or land management agencies.
in order that they might be taken. » NATURAL STREAM is one where
water naturally flows regularly or East of the Continental Divide, gizzard shad and white or long-nose
This does not include fishing with suckers may also be taken, unless otherwise prohibited in “Special
baited hooks or live traps. intermittently for at least part of
the year. Man-made ditches or Regulations for Fishing Waters,” pages 10-35. Other fish may be taken
other channels are not considered when authorized for specific waters in the regulation section.
» COMMON HOOK is any hook or b. Archery may be used to take kokanee if a water is otherwise open to
multiple hooks having a common natural streams.
snagging. In such cases, the following applies:
shank. All hooks attached to a 1. Bows must have reel, fishing line and arrow attached to bow.
manufactured artificial lure shall be » NET means seine, dip net, gill
considered a common hook. net, cast net, trap net, hoop net or 2. Bows must have arrow safety-slide mechanism that keeps fishing
similar devices used to take or as line in front of the arrow at all times.
» FISHING is defined as efforts to an aid in taking fish, amphibians or c. Additional restrictions apply to underwater spearfishing:
take fish, amphibians or crusta- crustaceans. 1. CO2 guns or cartridge-powered spears are prohibited.
ceans, including by hook and line, 2. Guns must be loaded and unloaded while the gun is submerged.
handline, trotline, jug, seine, net, » PERSONALLY ATTENDED LINE 3. Divers must stay within a radius of 100 feet of a float bearing the
underwater spearfishing, archery, means a rod and line, hand line or National Divers’ Symbol.
snagging or gigging. tip-up that is used for fishing and 4. Spears must be attached by a safety line.
which is under the personal control d. Archery and gigs are allowed for taking bullfrogs.
» FLOAT TUBE means a floating of a person who is in proximity
device which suspends a single to it. 5. SNAGGING is permitted for taking kokanee salmon only, on specific
occupant in the water from the seat waters listed in this brochure. Other species snagged must be returned to
down and is not propelled by oars, » SIZE OR LENGTH means the total the water immediately.
paddles or motors. length of a fish with head and tail
attached measured from the tip of 6. SEINES AND CAST-NETS
» GAME FISH means all species of the snout to the tip of the tail. a. Seines are allowed only for bait fish, gilled form of aquatic tiger sala-
fish except unregulated species, mander larvae and crayfish; or if authorized for emergency salvage. See
prohibited nongame, endangered » SEINING means the capture of “Special Conditions and Restrictions,” page 6.
and threatened species, which live fish with the use of a net that b. Seines must be made of a quarter-inch or less nonmetallic square mesh.
currently exist or may be intro- hangs vertically in the water and is c. Seines cannot exceed 20 feet long and 4 feet in depth.
duced into the state and which used to enclose fish when its ends
are classified as game fish by the are pulled together, or are drawn 7. BY HAND OR WITH DIP NETS
Parks and Wildlife Commission. ashore. a. Allowed for bullfrogs, crayfish and the gilled form of aquatic tiger
This includes, but is not limited to salamander larvae.
brown, brook, cutthroat, golden, » SNAGGING is the taking of fish by b. Fish may be taken by these means or others approved by CPW for
lake (Mackinaw), and rainbow snatching with hooks, gang hooks, emergency salvage.
trout; cutbow (rainbow/cutthroat artificial flies or lures, or similar c. Hand-held dip nets may be used for taking bait fish according to re-
hybrids), splake (lake trout/brook devices where the fish is hooked in strictions. See “Use and Collection of Bait Fish,” page 6.
trout hybrids), and tiger trout a part of the body other than the
(brown/brook trout hybrids); Arc- mouth. 8. LIVETRAPS Cage or box traps, including set pots, shall be used only
tic char; grayling; kokanee salmon; for the taking of crayfish, snapping turtles and fish captured as bait fish or
whitefish; sculpin; smallmouth, » TROTLINE is a single, anchored
for personal consumption.
largemouth, spotted, striped, and line with a float at each end from 9. ARTIFICIAL LIGHT may be used as a fishing aid.
white bass; wipers (striped bass/ which droplines are attached.
10. BAIT may be used where permitted as fishing aid, except by chumming.
7
2015 Colorado Fishing REFERENCE
FISHERY PROGRAMS
»
REFERENCE
MASTER ANGLER
STREAM SURVEYS GOLD MEDAL WATERS PROGRAM
HELP BIOLOGISTS Gold Medal Waters are the highest quality cold-water habi-
tats and have the capability to produce many quality size
The CPW Master
Angler Award
Program recog-
MANAGE FISHING (14 inches or longer) trout.
CPW has established criteria and management guide-
nizes anglers who
catch fish of trophy
lines to support the public interest in angling, observing size and promote
and protecting these significant cold-water fishery re- conservation.
sources. There are two
categories: fish that
Gold Medal Waters are defined as any river or lake are kept and fish
which is producing a standing stock of at least 60 pounds released. Awards are
per acre, and at least 12 trout that are 14 inches or longer based on fish length, so
per acre on a sustained basis. fish can be measured and released.
River segments designated as Gold Medal Trout Waters To promote responsible conser-
vation of fishery resources, CPW
must be a minimum of 2 miles in length and lakes must be will recognize qualifying length
a minimum of 50 acres. northern pike and smallmouth
bass caught in waters west of the
Continental Divide in the “Kept
The following lakes and streams in Colorado offer the greatest Fish” category only.
potential for trophy trout fishing: Anglers who catch a fish of
qualifying length receive a Master
GOLD MEDAL STREAMS Angler certificate and patch. Those
ANIMAS RIVER: From Lightner Creek to Rivera Crossing bridge who achieve record status also
Photo © CPW
ARKANSAS RIVER: From the confluence with the Lake Fork of receive a matching lapel pin.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is the Anglers can win multiple certifi-
state agency responsible for fisher- the Arkansas, near Leadville, downstream to Parkdale at the Hwy.
50 bridge crossing above the Royal Gorge. cates but only one patch per year.
ies management of public waters in Only fish caught in Colorado
Colorado. BLUE RIVER: From Dillon Reservoir dam to Green Mountain are eligible. Entrants must have
The primary tool that guides fish Reservoir inlet; also from Green Mountain Reservoir dam to hooked, played, landed or released
management is the lake and stream Colorado River the fish. Snagged fish are ineligi-
survey. These surveys periodically ble. Fish length is measured from
monitor fish populations. COLORADO RIVER: From Fraser River to Troublesome Creek
the jaw tip to tail tip.
During the process, fish are col- FRYINGPAN RIVER: From Ruedi Reservoir dam to the Roaring Entries must be submitted within
lected using a variety of gear and the Fork River 60 days of catch. A clear, side-view
G
necessary biological data is recorded. photograph of the fish must accom-
This gauges GORE CREEK: From Red Sandstone Creek to
Eagle River This “G” pany entries with one witness veri-
the entire fish fication. Two witnesses are required
community GUNNISON RIVER: From 200 yards down- next to a
for entries without photos.
rather than a More about stream of Crystal Reservoir dam to the North body of For an entry form, contact the
single species. how fishery Fork of the Gunnison water on pages Master Angler Award Program,
The col- biologists 10-35 signifies
NORTH PLATTE RIVER: From south boundary Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 6060
lected data is sample fish: that as a Gold Broadway, Denver, CO 80216, or
used to track cpw.state.co.us/fish/ of Routt National Forest to Wyoming (North-
gate Canyon) Medal Water. go to cpw.state.co.us/fish/
fish popula- management
masterangler.
tion trends, RIO GRANDE: From Hwy. 149 bridge at South
evaluate the Fishery data for Fork downstream to Rio Grande canal diversion WILD TROUT &
effectiveness some of your favorite structure GOLD MEDAL WILD TROUT PROGRAM
of manage- Colorado waters: CPW is responsible for the preser-
ment actions cpw.state.co.us/fish/ ROARING FORK RIVER: From the Fryingpan WATERS POLICY
River to the Colorado River cpw.state.co. vation and protection of native and
such as fisherydata non-native wild trout populations.
stocking and SOUTH PLATTE RIVER: us/fish/gold
medal Most mountain streams and
regulations, » From the confluence of the middle and some high lakes in Colorado sup-
and establish realistic management policy
south forks to Spinney Mountain Reservoir port populations of wild trout.
goals for a given lake or stream. inlet These resources are important
The fisheries section of CPW to the integrity of Colorado’s trout
conducts hundreds of lake and stream » From Spinney Mountain Reservoir outlet to Eleven Mile
Reservoir inlet fisheries; as an indicator of prop-
surveys each year. erly functioning aquatic ecosys-
High-priority and brood waters » From Cheesman Reservoir dam to the south boundary of tems; and for their intrinsic value
such as Chatfield, Pueblo and Horse- the Wigwam Club property to those seeking a unique, aesthetic
tooth reservoirs and the Gunnison and significant fishery resource.
River are surveyed annually. Smaller, » From the north boundary of Wigwam Club property to
Scraggy View picnic ground To assure the continuation and
more remote, or lightly used lakes or availability of wild self-sustaining
streams may only be surveyed once » Middle fork, from the Hwy. 9 bridge to the south fork trout populations the Parks
every 5-10 years. confluence and Wildlife Commission has
Most of the survey fieldwork takes established specific management
place from early June through late GOLD MEDAL LAKES guidelines for those aquatic habi-
September; however, many areas also tats which support all life stages of
conduct more specialized sampling NORTH DELANEY BUTTE LAKE in Jackson County
trout.
beginning right after ice-out and SPINNEY MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR in Park County These waters are to be managed
again in the fall prior to freeze-up. to the extent possible to maintain
STEAMBOAT LAKE in Routt County
these wild trout populations.
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