The opening weekend of elk season is fast approaching and we are close to completing our first semester at Elk Hunting University (EHU). We have covered a lot of ground since we began in late April with EHU lessons: planning the hunt, buying a license, scouting, hunting technology, and much more.

Its time to dig through your gear, patch the tents, unlimber the rifle, and get to the range and check some ballistics. Time, too, to pull out the catalogs, visit the local sporting goods store, and stimulate the local economy by getting some new gear! Jim Roodes Gear, Guns and Stuff will get you startedhunters can never have too many, too much or just something new to try: Go to

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/EHULessons/EHUGunsGear.htm

Over-the-counter bull licenses are now available for sale, and leftover licenses go on sale on August 10th (online on August 11). Time to get serious in class and prepare for your EHU final exam!

You should see what the mountains have in store for you this fall the elk are in velvet, calves are on the ground, and the spring and summer rains have been great for forage!

Our order from the outfitter supply store just got here. Great! Christmas in July!

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Steamboat Springs, Colo. – A women-only, beginner fly-fishing and shotgun seminar in Steamboat Springs on Saturday, Aug. 7 has been opened to women statewide. This clinic is designed for women who are interested in learning safe firearm handling, shooting skills and fly-fishing.  No experience or equipment required. The clinic begins at 8:30am and will conclude mid-afternoon. There is a $15 charge that will cover lunch.

For details or to register, please contact Christy Bubenheim at (970) 871-2855. Space is limited and the clinic is expected to fill quickly.
 
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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VICTOR, Colo. -  The Colorado Division of Wildlife, in cooperation with Cripple Creek Victor Gold Mining Company, will hold a youth shooting sports clinic July 31 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
Youngsters interested in the sports of archery and shotgun shooting are invited to attend this one-day free event.  Registration is not necessary.
 
Activities include a shotgun target fun shoot, a 3-D archery shoot and instruction for both.  The DOW will also provide an electronic "laser-gun" hunting simulation that teaches youngsters about shot placement by generating actual hunting scenarios on a big-screen.
 
Boys and girls ages 7-16 are invited to attend, but must be accompanied by a parent.
 
Instructors from the DOW and local archery experts will help youngsters learn the finer points of shooting shotguns and bows.  The DOW will furnish the equipment.
 
Directions: From the town of Divide, drive south on Hwy 67 13.1 miles to CR 81 (road to Victor). Turn left on CR 81 and drive 4.1 miles to CR 82. Turn right on CR 82 and drive 1.2 miles to site.
 
For more information, call DOW District Wildlife Manager Tonya Sharp at (719) 227-5281.
 

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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For many hunters, finding a guide or outfitting service is the answer to a quality hunt for elk.  For some, guide services can provide the camp gear, horses, and field expertise that many hunters do not possess, or the expense of all that gear is prohibitive. For others, the outfitter can reduce the hunt preparation time by doing the scouting, obtaining proper licenses, and providing seasoned experience to the novice hunter who plans to learn and do it on his own in the future. Join Bob Thompson, Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement of the Colorado Division of Wildlife as he talks about some ways to find a reputable outfitter in Colorado: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/EHULessons/EHUOutfitter.htm

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Colorado Division of Wildlife
SOUTHWEST REGION
AQUATIC SECTION
 
 
2010 Fishing Forecast
 
 
Josh Nehring, Aquatic Biologist – Monte Vista
Dan Brauch, Aquatic Biologist – Gunnison
Dan Kowalski, Aquatic Biologist – Montrose
Jim White, Aquatic Biologist – Durango
 
 
John Alves Senior Aquatic Biologist
 
 This report is based on the best information that we have available as of June 2010.  Water levels and streams flows, conditions that are not usually under DOW control, can change significantly and can have some affects on access, stocking and your fishing.  Surface acreages listed are for full lake volume unless otherwise noted.  For the most up-to-date information, readers are encouraged to visit the DOW Web Site at http://www.wildlife.state.cous and go to Fishing / Reports / Statewide Conditions or Stocking Report.  You can also call the DOW Biologist or your local DOW Area Office for more detailed information.   A valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish in Colorado.

Rio Grande Basin
Josh Nehring Monte Vista (719-587-6908) or josh.nehring@state.co.us
 
 
Beaver Creek Reservoir (114 ac)
This popular fishing destination is located 8 miles southwest of South Fork. Due to dam safety inspections the water level in the reservoir will likely remain approximately 20 below the spillway.  This may limit access to launch boats from the ramp.  All fish stocking has been canceled for 2010 and those fish have been reallocated to other resources in the area.  Fishing for brown trout (12 16 inch) is best at ice out through June and in the fall.  Rainbow trout fishing should be good to excellent throughout the summer.  Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas).  Fly fishing from boats and float tubes is popular using streamers and dry flies).  Kokanee salmon fishing is best from boats trolling lures at depths from 12 to 20 feet in early summer.  Snagging is permitted October 1 through December 31.
 
Big Meadows Reservoir (114 ac) 
This popular fishing destination is located at the headwaters of the South Fork Rio Grande, 13 miles west of South Fork.  Mountain scenery is outstanding at this high country reservoir. Water level should be above normal throughout the summer.  Stocking level will be similar to past years with 23,500 catchable rainbow trout (10 inch) stocked from May through August.  Fishing should be good to excellent throughout the summer for rainbow trout (10-13 inch) and brook trout (10-12 inch).  Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas).  Fly fishing in the evening should produce good results for brook trout as well as rainbow trout.
 
Mountain Home Reservoir (631 ac)
Mountain Home Reservoir is a popular fishing destination located 4 miles southeast of Fort Garland.  Outstanding views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be observed from this reservoir.  The reservoir is expected to fill this summer due to the above normal snowpack.  However, fluctuations in water level are expected throughout the summer due to irrigation water releases. Stocking level will be similar to past years with 22,000 catchable rainbow trout stocked from May through June.  Fishing for rainbow trout from bank or boat should be good to excellent throughout the summer with best action in June.  Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas).
 
Road Canyon Reservoir (140 ac)
This popular fishery is located in the upper Rio Grande basin 29 miles west of Creede.  This reservoir experienced a partial winter kill; however brook trout were present after ice off.  The reservoir will be stocked with catchable trout throughout the summer.  Water level should be normal with minimal fluctuations later in the summer.  The trout fishery consists of rainbow trout (10-18 inch) and brook trout 12 16 inch).  Good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout and brook trout using traditional trout fishing techniques should be expected from May to July.  Trolling lures or casting artificial flies from boats and float tubes work well especially early in the season.  Algae blooms and aquatic vegetation growth may impact bank fishing in late summer.
 
 
Sanchez Reservoir (4571 ac)
This popular coolwater fishery is located 8 miles south of San Luis.  Outstanding views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be observed from this reservoir.  The lake is expected to be full at the start of the season with fluctuations later in the summer due to irrigation water releases.  Boat ramp access will vary depending on lake level.  The boat ramp will only be open during daylight hours and mandatory boat inspections will be taking place during that time for aquatic invasive species.  Anglers should expect fair to good fishing for walleye (up to 5 lb), northern pike and channel catfish.  Yellow perch are making a gradual comeback, but abundance continues to be low.  Best time to fish is from ice out in May through July.
 
Smith Reservoir (700 ac)
This highly productive trout fishery is located 4 miles south of Blanca.  In the fall of 2009 the lake was completely drained by the irrigation company to inspect and repair outlet gates.  The reservoir is now full of water and has been restocked with catchable trout and some trout up to 19 inches.  Good to excellent action for rainbow trout can be expected especially after ice out in May and June.  Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas).  A boat ramp is located near the spillway on the west side of the reservoir.
 
Conejos River
Flows are expected to be about normal this summer.  Fluctuations should be expected due to irrigation water releases from Platoro Reservoir.  Angling for brown trout should be good to excellent from Mogote to Platoro.  Best fishing areas include the Fly Water from Aspen Glade Campground upstream to Menkhaven Resort, the Pinnacles Section and the meadow below Platoro Reservoir.  Best fishing time is before snowmelt and after runoff in late June through July.  Mayfly, stonefly and caddis fly hatches occur throughout the summer providing outstanding fly fishing opportunities for quality size brown trout.
 
Rio Grande
Flows are expected to be about normal this summer.  Brown and rainbow trout fishing should be good to excellent from Del Norte to Rio Grande Reservoir.  Inventory results from 2007 showed improved trout biomass and abundance of quality size trout throughout the river.  Best time to fish is after snowmelt in mid June through July especially during caddis fly, stonefly and Green Drake mayfly hatches.  Wade fishing is available on public land and DOW leases (contact Monte Vista Service Center for more information about leases).  Multiple boat/raft launch sites on public land provide float fishing opportunities to fish long stretches of the river.
 

Upper Gunnison River Basin
Dan Brauch Gunnison (970-641-7070) or dan.brauch@state.co.us
 
Blue Mesa Reservoir (9000 ac)
Blue Mesa Reservoir continues to be the place to go for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, wild brown trout, and
trophy lake trout. Kokanee continue to be the most commonly caught fish in Blue Mesa, providing 56% of the
summer catch in 2009. Kokanee populations within the reservoir have been on the decline in recent years and it
is expected that this trend will continue into 2010. Kokanee opportunity is best in June and July, prior to the
adult kokanee migration out of the reservoir into the Gunnison and East rivers. The bulk of the reservoirs
kokanee are stocked each year from Roaring Judy Hatchery, but some kokanee are stocked directly into the lake
at the windsurfing area at East Elk Creek. This area is a good place to look for spawning kokanee that remain in
the lake late in the season. Blue Mesa Reservoir is open to snagging for kokanee after November 1st.  Rainbow trout fishing should be improved in 2010, as the rainbow trout stocking schedule has shifted to a catchable size plant.  Rainbow trout are the predominant species caught by shore and ice fishing anglers, although brown
trout are also caught in good numbers. Catch of brown trout up to 20 inches in length should be excellent in
2010, with a few lunkers coming in near the 30 mark. For anglers targeting the big fish in the lake, Blue
Mesa should continue to provide good trophy lake trout opportunity in 2010.  Anglers are encouraged to harvest lake trout under 30 inches in length due to an over abundance of fish of this size and their excessive predation upon kokanee.  To reduce this predation, active removal of lake trout under 30 inches was started by CDOW staff in 2009 to try to reduce predation upon kokanee.  Ongoing monitoring will assess the need for continued removal of lake trout and the effect of CDOW removal and angler harvest upon the lake trout population and kokanee recovery.
 
Gunnison RiverAlmont to Blue Mesa Reservoir
The Upper Gunnison River provides excellent trout fishing opportunity for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout
on this 18 mile reach. Kokanee angling is also popular during their fall migration, which begins in earnest in late
August.  Public access is generally good for bank, wade or float fishing. Wild brown trout have experienced
excellent survival and growth in recent years. Rainbow trout fishing has improved in recent years and should be good in 2010.  Rainbow trout in this reach are a mix of fingerling stocked wild-strain rainbow trout and privately stocked catchable rainbow trout. Whirling disease resistant rainbows were stocked into this section of the Gunnison River in 2008 and 2009, and may soon result in re-establishment of rainbow trout natural reproduction. The upper section of the Gunnison River near the town of Almont provides excellent quality trout angling opportunities with an estimated 34 fish 14 inches or larger per acre documented in fall 2008 fisheries inventory.
 
Lake San Cristobal (346 ac)
Lake San Cristobal provides an excellent opportunity for anglers in the very picturesque Lake Fork of the Gunnison headwaters.  This is Colorados second largest natural lake and in 2010 should provide good opportunity for anglers to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and lake trout.  Anglers may also catch an occasional naturally reproduced kokanee salmon.
 
Taylor Reservoir (2009 ac)
Taylor Reservoir continues to be a destination fishery for trophy lake trout, catchable rainbow trout, and northern pike. Action is usually best for lake trout just after ice off, while pike angling is most active a month or so later, in early to mid June.  Most shore angling is supported by regular stocking of catchable rainbow trout, but opportunities are often excellent at ice off for hold-over rainbows from the previous years fish plants.
 
Taylor River
The Taylor River continues to support a quality trout fishery, with overall biomass and density most often greatly exceeding Gold Medal standards.  The Taylor Tailrace in particular continues to support a fishery that is rarely exceeded in the number of trophy sized trout with an estimated 59 fish over 14 inches per acre.  Public access in this reach is just .4 mile, but availability of a nutrition-rich mysis shrimp food source continues to support trophy-proportion trout with fish over 30 inches and 20 pounds not uncommon.  The Taylor River below the tailrace to the town of Almont includes nearly 6 miles of public water and provides excellent angling opportunity for trout.  2006 fish population estimates showed continued good brown trout recruitment in this section of the Taylor River.  Total biomass and the density of quality sized trout were estimated to be higher in 2006 than most previous years surveyed.  It is expected that optimized winter flow fluctuations and good summer flow patterns have benefited the Taylor River fishery in recent years.  Releases from Taylor Park Reservoir should result in wade-able flows for most of the summer due to a smaller than normal projected spring runoff and less than average storage levels in 2010.

 
Lower Gunnison, Uncompahgre, and San Miguel River Basins
Dan Kowalski Montrose (970-252-6017) dan.kowalski@state.co.us
 
Gunnison River Below Crystal Reservoir
The Gunnison River in the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge is designated Gold Medal and is managed as a category 406 special regulations stream.  New fishing regulations were put in place in 2007 removing the slot limit on brown trout and extending the Gold Medal reach downstream 4 miles below the North Fork confluence.  The current regulations, extending from Crystal Dam downstream to the Relief Ditch diversion, are fishing by artificial flies and lures only, catch and release on rainbow trout, and a bag limit of 4 brown trout of any size.  Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the new regulation and harvest small brown trout from the Gunnison.  Fishing in the Gunnison River should continue to be excellent in 2010.  The high flows in the spring of 2009 negatively affected trout populations, and overall biomass was down slightly.  Brown trout biomass was down 11.3% from 2008 and 31.4% from 2007, while fish density (fish per mile) was down 16.5% from 2008 and 31.1% from 2007.  The decrease in fish density was due to lower numbers of all sizes of fish caused by the weaker trout year classes the last two years due to high spring flows during fry emergence.  Numbers of larger fish (greater than 14 inches) were also down an estimated 38% from 2008.  The Gorge still supports an excellent trout fishery of an estimated 326 lbs per acre of trout over six inches (this is over five times the Gold Medal biomass standard).  One of the most significant observations this year was documenting 4 age classes of wild rainbow trout.  The whirling disease resistant rainbow trout introduced by the DOW have reproduced successfully in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Rainbow biomass has not yet increased significantly in the Gorge, but successful wild reproduction is an important first step in rebuilding the wild rainbow population of the Gunnison.  Stocking of whirling disease resistant rainbows has significantly increased rainbow numbers in other areas of the river including East Portal and from the Smith Fork to North Fork.
 
Uncompahgre River Below Ridgway Reservoir
The Uncompahgre River from Ridgway Reservoir to the town on Montrose is managed both as a category 406 special regulation stream and category 507 sportfish intensive coldwater stream.  Fishing should be good for rainbows, browns, and cutthroats in Ridgway State Park and good for brown trout lower in the river with a few large rainbows being caught as well.  Winter releases from Ridgway Reservoir were again too low for good over winter survival and the quality of the fishery below the dam has declined this spring.  Special regulations apply in Ridgway State Park, fishing by artificial flies and lures only, catch and release.  A large habitat improvement project was completed in Baldrige Park in Montrose and the one mile reach upstream from Main St. Bridge has fished well.
 
San Miguel River
The San Miguel River is managed as both a category 302 wild trout stream and a 507 sportfish intensive coldwater stream.  Fishing should be good for rainbows below Placerville, fair for browns and rainbows between Placerville and the South Fork, and good for small brook trout near Telluride.  Biomass of brown trout in the South Fork and upper San Miguel has increased the last several years.  Better winter conditions the last 3 years have benefitted the trout population of the South Fork.
 
Ridgway Reservoir (1030 ac)
Located 20 miles south of Montrose, Ridgway Reservoir is managed as a category 505 sportfish intensive coldwater lake.  In 2010, this reservoir should provide good fishing for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout and the opportunity for trophy brown trout in the 10 to 20 lbs. range.  Splake were introduced into the reservoir in 2007 but wont make a noticeable part of the catch for a few more years.  Fishing should be fair to good for smaller kokanee salmon (9 to 12 inch) in deep water in the summer and the inlet areas in the fall.
 
 
 
Miramonte Reservoir (405 ac)
Located 20 miles south of Norwood, Miramonte Reservoir is managed as a category 403 sportfish optimum coldwater lake.  In 2010 it should provide good fishing for rainbow trout in the 14 to 16 inch range along with the opportunity to catch a few brown trout up to 20 inches.  After several years of low recruitment of rainbow fingerlings, numbers are back up and fishing should be good for the next several years.  Overall trout numbers were higher in 2010 than we have seen in several years.
 
Confluence Lake (18 ac)
Located in the town of Delta, Confluence Lake is managed as a category 502 sport sportfish intensive coldwater lake.  This lake will no longer be managed as warmwater sport fishery due to a change in the water management by the city of Delta.  Fishing should be good for catchable sized rainbow trout in the spring and fall with fair fishing for bass, sunfish, and crappie in the spring and summer.
 
Silverjack Reservoir (318 ac)
Located 20 miles south of Cimarron, Silverjack Reservoir is managed as a category 403 sportfish optimum coldwater lake.  In 2010 fishing should be good for 9 to 14 inch rainbow trout and cutbows.
 
Crawford Reservoir (392 ac)
Located 1 mile south of the town of Crawford, this reservoir is managed as a category 602 warmwater mixed species lake.  Fishing this year at Crawford should be good for pike and fair for rainbows and smaller black crappie.  Fishing is expected to be slow for largemouth bass and poor for yellow perch with very few quality sized fish being present.  Fishing for larger than average catfish is expected to remain good.   Fishing should be good for northern pike in the spring with some trophy sized fish in the 15 to 25 lbs. range possible.  The DOW has tagged many pike at Crawford as part of a population monitoring effort, if any pike are caught with a yellow plastic tag near the dorsal fin, please report it with the phone number on the tag or leave the information at the State Park office if the fish is harvested.
 
Island Lake (177 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Island Lake is managed as a category 504 sportfish intensive coldwater lake.  This reservoir should provide good fishing for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout as well as the opportunity for good upcoming year classes of splake.  Four strong year classes of splake are present; the largest should be in the 18 to 24 inch range in 2010.
 
Eggleston Lake (164 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Island Lake is managed as a category 504 sportfish intensive coldwater lake.  Fishing in 2009 should be average to poor for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout and some smaller splake.  This reservoir is dominated by white suckers and the trout fishery has declined.  The reservoir will most likely be reclaimed in the future to remove white suckers and renew the trout fishery.  Expect the quality of this fishery to improve markedly in the future.
 
Youngs Creek Reservoir #3 (23 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Youngs Creek #3 is managed as a category 402 sportfish optimum coldwater lake.  Fishing should be fair to good for cutthroat trout.  Special regulations apply; artificial flies and lures only, catch and release on cutthroat trout.
 
Youngs Creek Reservoir #1&2 (52 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Youngs Creek #1&2 is managed as a category 402 sportfish optimum coldwater lake.  Fishing is expected to be poor due to frequent draw downs.  The reservoir has not held enough
water recently to support a fishery.  Special regulations apply; artificial flies and lures only, catch and release on cutthroat trout.
 
Granby Reservoirs (various sizes)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, the Granby Reservoirs are managed as category 401 coldwater recreation lakes.  Fishing should be good to excellent for cutthroat trout.  Big Battlement Reservoir should provide good fishing for wild brook trout.
 
 

San Juan River Basin
Jim White Durango (970-375-6712) or j.white@state.co.us
 
 
Animas River
The Animas River runs through Durango and is designated as one of Colorados Gold Medal fisheries.  River flows are expected to be below average this summer.  The best fishing times are just prior to runoff and post runoff in late-June through October.  The Animas is famous for its huge caddis fly hatches in mid-June and large brown trout.  Recent surveys (Fall 2008) suggest the abundance of trout is down in both the Standard Regulation (32nd Street Bridge to Lightner Creek) and Gold Medal (Lightner Creek to Rivera Bridge Crossing) reaches.  However, both trout biomass and fish size are still high enough to meet or exceed criteria for Gold Medal designation.  Whirling disease resistant rainbow trout in the 4-6 inch range are being stocked as mitigation for the Animas La Plata project which pumps water out of the Animas River into Ridges Basin Reservoir (aka Lake Nighthorse) 2 miles away.  Approximately 33,000 of these rainbows were stocked in the Gold Medal reach last year and we will stock the same this year.  Although the pumping plant is operating and capable of pulling close to 300 cfs from the river, we anticipate pumping operations to cease in early July as the Bureau of Reclamation monitors the filling reservoir and dam.
 
McPhee Reservoir (4470 ac)
Located 1 mi west of Dolores McPhee Reservoir is known for its feisty smallmouth bass along with the opportunity to catch warmwater pan fish as well as trout and kokanee salmon.  The water levels have been good over the past couple of years and should be high this year as well.  Fishing should be good for smallmouth bass and black crappie are as large and numerous as we have ever seen in the reservoir.  The trout fishing has improved with the stocking of larger catchable trout and look for schools of kokanee in the end of House, Beaver, and Plateau creek arms feeding on zooplankton.  Walleye were found for the first time in McPhee Reservoir in 1993.  These fish were most likely introduced to the reservoir by an illegal stocking.  Walleye have now become the most abundant fish captured in gillnet surveys over the last couple of years.  However, because the prey base for walleye is relatively abundant (primarily stocked kokanee salmon and rainbow trout), these fish are sated and anglers are not capturing them.  There is no bag or possession limit for walleye in McPhee Reservoir.
 
Echo Canyon Reservoir (118 ac)
This popular mixed species reservoir is located 4 miles south of Pagosa Springs on Highway 84.  Fishing will be good for trout in the spring, largemouth bass in June, and green sunfish during the summer months.  Some large yellow perch inhabit this very productive reservoir as well as catfish and black crappie.  The lake is very weedy.
 
Upper San Juan River
This increasingly popular fishing destination is located within the city limits of Pagosa Springs.    Look for large rainbows in July and August thanks to a stocking program undertaken by area businesses.  The Colorado Division of Wildlife also supplements stocking in the river with over 3000 catchable rainbow trout in this 3 mile section of river..  Large brown trout are also typically captured on brown and black jig patterns in the fall.  Other tributaries to the upper San Juan include the East and West Forks of the San Juan River.  Much of the West Fork is private; however, there is about 6 miles of public water on the East Fork of the San Juan located along FR 667 (10 mi E. of Pagosa on Hwy 160).  Fishing is typically good during the months of July through October for rainbow and rainbow cutthroat hybrids (cuttbows) on grasshopper patterns or irresistibles.  The large landslide that closed FS Road 667 last year has been repaired.
 
Vallecito Reservoir (2720 ac)
Located 14 miles north of Bayfield (~20 mi NE of Durango) on County Road 501 Vallecito Reservoir is one of Colorados most beautiful Reservoirs.  Vallecito has always been known for its trophy northern pike fishing especially just after ice out in mid-April.  Because of the large pike population, the Division has started stocking 35,000 large 12-13 inch rainbow trout in the fall.  This strategy has resulted in much improved angler catch rates and satisfaction.  Fishing should be good this year, particularly for rainbow trout and pike.    Walleye fishing this spring has been relatively good.  Gillnet results show an increasing walleye population.  Smallmouth bass are also becoming increasingly popular with anglers with some quality sized fish taken every year.  Kokanee salmon abundance is increasing and fish should average 12-16 inches
 
Pastorious Reservoir (49 ac)
Located approximately 10 miles southeast of Durango (take Hwy. 550 to Cty Rd 220; East to Cty. Rd. 301; S. on 301 to Cty. Rd. 304 and the lake). Pastorius is popular with local anglers and typically stocked in early April and June with catchable (10 inch) rainbow trout.  We also stocked about 100 16-20 inch Broodfish rainbow trout in early spring.
 
Summit Reservoir (400 ac)
Located almost exactly halfway between Mancos and Dolores (~9 mi either direction) off Highway 184 Summit Reservoir has spectacular views of Mesa Verde to the West.  The reservoir is in transition after the CDOW removed all the fishes in the lake in 2007 to rid it of an overabundant white sucker population.  Heavy winter snow combined with low lake levels last fall resulted in a partial winter kill at Summit.  We have restocked with 12 inch rainbow trout and will be assessing the effects on other warm water species such as largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie this summer.  Channel catfish have been stocked over the last several years.
 
Puett Reservoir (145 ac)
Puett Reservoir is located just below Summit Reservoir but to get to it one must continue west from  Summit Reservoir on Highway 184 and turn on CR 33.  CR 33 is approximately 2 miles from Summit.  Go about 1 mile south on CR33 and look for a left hand turn back to the east (CR 25) about 1 mile from the highway.  Puett contains some good sized walleye and pan fishing.  The lake should maintain a relative high water level this year.
 
Totten Reservoir (250 ac)
Located 1 mile East of Cortez on Highway 160 (take Cty Rd 29 1 mi N to lake) Totten Reservoir should be good for warmwater pan fish and the occasional large walleye.  20,000 bluegill were stocked this spring.
 
Jackson Gulch Reservoir (217 ac)
Located 6 miles north of Mancos off Highway 184 (take 42 road to Mancos State Park and reservoir) this scenic reservoir supports rainbow trout and numerous yellow perch.  Water levels are expected to stay at normal elevations through the summer months.
 
Joe Moore Reservoir (25 ac)
Joe Moore is popular with local anglers.  It is located 3 miles north of Mancos on County Rd 40 (sign at highway intersections says Millwood Junction).  Joe Moore is typically good for larger yellow perch and feisty largemouth bass.  
 
Groundhog Reservoir (500 ac)
Groundhog Reservoir is located approximately 30 miles north of Dolores on road 526 (please consult a map for exact location).  Recent stocking of rainbow trout has improved the fishing considerably at this scenic lake.  Native Colorado cutthroat trout are also stocked annually.  Groundhog Reservoir is a very productive reservoir capable of growing trout into the 3-5 lb range.  These larger fish are primarily feeding on crayfish which makes them an excellent fish for harvesting.  Groundhog has a small private campground and cabins as well as a small country store, which is very handy if you forget marshmallows for smores!
 

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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GUNNISON, Colo. –The Colorado Wildlife Commission will finalize all  2010 small game and migratory bird provisions including season dates, bag and possession limits and manner of take at its regular meeting Thursday, July 8 in Gunnison.

The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Western State College Aspinall-Wilson Center, 909 East Escalante Drive.

As part of the Commission’s review of the small game and migratory bird regulations, Commissioners will vote on allowing the take of the non-native, exotic Eurasian collared-doves year-round.  

In addition, the Commission will consider whether greater sage-grouse hunting seasons should be further restricted based on conservation plan agreements. 

Members of the Commission will also review draft regulations implementing Senate Bill 10-211, which authorized the Commission to reduce big game license fees and establish a preference for big game licenses for members of the United States Armed Services Wounded Warrior programs. The legislation authorized this program for soldiers who are residents of, or who are stationed in Colorado, and who have sustained severe combat-related injuries while serving in post-Sept. 11, 2001 overseas contingency operations. 

Colorado Division of Wildlife staff will also update the commission on the effort to remove lake trout from Blue Mesa Reservoir in order to help the reservoir’s kokanee salmon population recover.

Constituents can listen to Commission meetings and workshops through the DOW’s website. This opportunity is provided to keep constituents better informed about the development of regulations by the Commission and how they and the DOW staff are resolving issues facing Colorado’s wildlife. 

People can listen to live audio feeds of the meetings by clicking on the "listen to audio" link on the "Wildlife Commission" webpage during the meeting. Broadcasts are only available during the meeting.

To view the entire agenda for the July Commission meeting, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeCommission/

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is an 11-member board appointed by the governor. The Commission sets Division of Wildlife regulations and policies for hunting, fishing, watchable wildlife, nongame, threatened and endangered species. The Commission also oversees Division of Wildlife land purchases and property regulations.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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GUNNISON, Colo. — Hunters are reminded that over-the-counter with caps licenses for elk and bear will be available starting at 9 a.m., July 13 at Colorado Division of Wildlife offices,  License Agent businesses, and by phone or on-line.
     
New for the 2010 season in the Gunnison Basin are elk licenses that are specific for Game Management Unit 54. These licenses are available for purchase over-the-counter but with caps on the number available.  There will be 500 either-sex licenses available on first-come first-served basis. General over-the-counter bull tags are no longer valid in Unit 54 during second season.
     
Hunters who wish to hunt in this unit during second season are advised to buy their licenses well before the start of the season. 
     
Cow elk over-the-counter with caps licenses also are available in Game Management Units 25 and 26. These units are located north of I-70, approximately between Gypsum and Yampa.         
 
Anyone who wants to hunt bears during the regular rifle season must hold a deer or an elk tag for the same manner of take, the same season and the same unit in which bear will be hunted. To properly manage bear harvest, all bear licenses for Colorado are area specific and limited in quantity.        
     
To buy a license by phone, call 1-800-244-5613, or go the DOW’s web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses.
Hunters are encouraged to go on-line to buy these licenses.
     
Leftover licenses for all of Colorado go on sale Aug. 10. For more information go to http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/Leftovers/.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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