Summit County Citizens Voice

Two young anglers try their luck in Tenmile Creek.

Know before you go – check the regs online here

By Summit Voice

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is reminding anglers in north-central Colorado that new fishing regulations took effect Jan. 1. The new regulations were developed through an extensive public process last summer and fall as part of the Division’s five-year review of fishing regulations in the state. The regulations were approved by the Colorado Wildlife Commission in November.

New statewide regulations include a prohibition on transporting bait fish between bodies of water and on transporting crayfish on the Western Slope. The regulations also allow underwater spearfishing, archery and the use of gigs for the take of carp and northern pike in locations where these fish were illegally introduced and where these methods are allowed by the land and water-managing authorities.

Anglers in the north central mountains will find new regulations in the following locations:

Colorado River (William Fork River to the state line), Eagle River (confluence of East Fork and South Fork to the Colorado) and White River (North and South Fork confluence to Kenny Reservoir): There is no bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. This regulation is an expansion of an existing regulation that targets non-native fish to reduce those populations and aid in conservation of native and endangered fish species.

Fraser River: From the headwaters downstream to the confluence with St. Louis Creek fishing is by artificial flies and lures only and all rainbow trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch. From the confluence with St. Louis Creek downstream to the Colorado River the bag and possession limit for trout is two fish. These changes will bring regulations in line with adjacent areas protect populations from over-harvesting.

Green Mountain Reservoir: the bag and possession limit for lake trout is eight fish. This will encourage the harvest of an expanding lake trout population and help conserve the kokanee population.

Lake Granby regulations were amended to remove inlet streams from the lake regulations.

Trappers Lake: all cutthroat trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch. This regulation is designed to help protect the population of genetically pure cutthroats.

Yampa River: From Stagecoach Dam downstream to Catamount Lake: Spawning areas (redds) are closed to fishing as posted to protect spawning fish. This regulation will protect large fish that are spawning and prevent destruction of redds while fish eggs are incubating.

Regulation booklets for the upcoming fishing season are being printed and should be available next month. Fishing licenses for the 2011 season take effect April 1 and run through March 31, 2012. Licenses for the 2011 season will go on sale at license agents, Division offices, online and by phone on March 15.

In all, the Wildlife Commission adjusted fishing regulations at more than 30 bodies of water statewide. Anglers who fish outside of the north central mountain region should check for new regulations in other areas on-line at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/.

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, recreation, Summit County Colorado, wildlife Tagged: | Colorado, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado fishing regulations, Lake Granby, Lake trout, recreation, Summit County News