Summit County: State biologists want your input on fishing

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
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Fishing at the Dillon Marina.

Public meeting set for March 18 at Silverthorne library

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — Fishing season is right around the corner, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists want input from local anglers on fish management in Summit County’s lakes, reservoirs and streams.

“In addition to science and biology, we rely on the public’s input for our wildlife management decisions and strategies,” said Jon Ewert, aquatic Biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Hot Sulphur Springs. “We want to make decisions the public will support, so we encourage everyone to come out and tell us what they think.”

Ewert said this week’s meeting at the Silverthorne library (Monday, March 18, 6:30 p.m.) upcoming meeting at the  will function as a “data workshop” which he describes as being effective in encouraging discussion and interaction between the agency and sportsmen. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, fishing, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: New wildlife roundtable forming

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
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Colorado mule deer browsing. Photo courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

State resource managers seek input from hunters and anglers

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY —With deer herds in northwestern Colorado declining and the state’s trout likely facing another long, dry summer, wildlife managers may be looking at some tough choices in the months ahead.

To get some input from active hunters and anglers in the region, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is putting together regional caucuses to meet and discuss wildlife issues with managers, biologists and agency officials, with an upcoming meeting set for Feb. 20 in Grand Junction (6 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 755 Horizon Drive).

In addition to the wildlife-related discussion, attendees will select two delegates to represent the region’s wildlife concerns at the newly formed Sportsmen’s Roundtable to be held in Denver next month. The roundtable will provide hunters and anglers from the four regions of the state with direct access to agency officials, including wildlife commissioners. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, Environment, public lands, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Biodiversity: Crucial meeting for bluefin tuna conservation

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Bluefin tuna swarming in the Atlantic. Photo courtesy NOAA.

Environmental groups urge strict catch limits

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — This week’s meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna could be crucial for some species, as the group, gathering in Morocco, will decide on on  future bluefin tuna catch limits.

Bluefin tuna are already under extreme pressure from overfishing, and some countries — notably Spain — are pushing for higher, unsustainable catch limits. Conservation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, are calling on the delegates to put a cap on bluefin tuna fishing to preserve and restore the species in the Atlantic Basin. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, Marine biology, ocean conservation | Tagged: , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Colorado: Bucket biologists endanger native fish

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Southwestern Colorado trout fishery threatened by bass

Smallmouth bass illegally introduced to Colorado waters threaten native fish.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Bucket biologists are causing more headaches for Colorado wildlife managers by illegally stocking fish, including smallmouth bass at Miramonte Reservoir in San Miguel County.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now planning to eradicate smallmouth bass by using an organic pesticide to kill all the fish in the reservoir and then rebuild this renowned trout fishery that attracts anglers from throughout the West. The operation is tentatively scheduled to occur in late summer or fall of 2013.

Along with threatening trout in the reservoir, the smallmouth bass are also a potential threat to three native fish species: Roundtail chub, the bluehead sucker and the flannelmouth sucker

In the meantime, Parks and Wildlife is implementing an emergency order that removes all bag and possession limits on smallmouth bass at Miramonte Reservoir.

“Killing all the fish in the reservoir lake is something we wish we didn’t have to do, but we know we must,” said Renzo DelPiccolo, area wildlife manager in Montrose. “People who illegally move fish into lakes, ponds and rivers are not only committing a criminal act, they are endangering native species, stealing a resource and recreational opportunity from thousands of anglers and negatively impacting the local community.” (more…)

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Colorado River trout face ‘brutal summer of survival’

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Colorado’s fish are in trouble this summer, and anglers can help by avoiding fishing when the water is too warm.

Low flows, warm temps could have long-term impact; conservation group urges fishing restraint

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With Colorado River trout already hammered by low flows and warm temperatures, Trout Unlimited is asking anglers to voluntarily restrict their fishing on portions of the upper Colorado River until conditions improve.

Native Colorado River fish species are facing similar issues.

On top of the severe drought in the region, the Upper Colorado and tributaries like the Fraser are hard-hit by diversions to the Front Range. As a result of the near-record low flows, stream temperatures have climbed to levels that can be fatal to trout.

To help protect the fish, anglers should avoid fishing on the Fraser and Upper Colorado rivers during the hottest part of the day. A better option for fishing these days might be in higher elevation lakes or in river reaches just below dams that aren’t hit as hard by warm temperatures. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Drought, Environment, rivers, water | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Morning photo: Fishing!

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Licenses for the 2012-2012 season on sale; state fishery experts warn against ‘bucket biology’

Fishing in glassy water at a "hidden" cove along the shore of Dillon Reservoir.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Early spring weather might not be the best thing for skiers looking to extend the season, but it could be good news for Colorado anglers looking to get early access to high country lakes and streams.

And with the 2o12-2012 license year just a few weeks away, it could be a good time to make sure you’re ready by buying or renewing your license. The latest fishing brochure, with regulations and other info, is also available where licenses are sold and online at http://www.flipseekpubs.com/publication/?i=99616.

Memorial Day fishing at the Dillon Marina.

(more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, fishing, recreation, seasons, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Summit County: A dirty little secret

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Opinion: Let’s show more respect to the land that gives so much

It’s unbelievable to me that people can treat a place like this with so little respect.

A red-shafted flicker died after entangling itself in a stray piece of fishing line.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Many mornings in the past couple of years I’ve headed down to my favorite spot along the shore of Dillon Reservoir early in the morning, right after dropping my son off at school. It’s not far — less than a mile from our house in Frisco — the dogs can run safely and the views are great. I always come back with a good photo or three and I’ve shared many of them with Summit Voice readers. Click here to see the photos from Friday morning.

The thing that I haven’t shared in photos or words about this place is really a dirty little secret. That stretch of shoreline that produces so many good photos is essentially an open-air dump. In the past couple of months, I’ve hauled away several over-sized bags of garbage, including countless fast food wrappers and bags, old clothes, discarded cans and bottles, makeshift camping gear and, sadly, probably a few hundred feet of fishing line, often with hooks, lures and lead weights still attached.

I usually don’t mess with the human waste that’s piled up in the aspen groves and pine stands, but I do pick up after our dogs.

I headed down there again Friday morning, eager to take pictures of the mists hanging over the water. After a few minutes of shooting pictures, I noticed that one of the dogs was trying to chew on a dead bird. I shooed him away and saw that the bird had a tangle of fishing line wrapped around its wing. The other end of the line was snagged on a log. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, commentary, Dillon Reservoir, fishing, Frisco, public lands, recreation, Summit County Colorado, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: Lake John reclamation complete

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has completed a restoration project at a popular fishing hole.

Thousands of rainbows and cutthroats stocked

By Summit Voice

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has completed a reclamation project at Lake John, setting the stage for a rejuvenated fishery that will be open for angling in early September. Lake John is located northwest of Walden along CO Road 7A.

“The success we have had with the reclamation is like a reset button for Lake John,” said Kurt Davies, aquatic biologist for the northeast region. “The lake will be back online by the first week of September and back to growing fish at its maximum potential. The fish we are planting now will see tremendous growth before the lake is even iced up and with the large brood fish we are putting in there, there’s the possibility someone will hook into a real trophy.” (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, fishing, recreation, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: Free fishing lessons for kids Aug. 19 in Granby

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

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Kids can get some free fishing info Aug. 19 at a clinic in Granby.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado kids under 12 can learn about the basics of rods, reels and lures during a free fishing clinic coming up Aug. 19 in Granby.

The Hot Sulphur Springs office of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hosting the event as a fun way to introduce youngsters to angling.

“We hope these kids become the anglers of tomorrow,” said Granby area dstrict wildlife manger Scott Murdoch. “Colorado needs a new generation that will not only enjoy this wonderful sport, but will also help maintain our fisheries and habitat.”

The free event will be held at the Kaibab Kids Fishing Pond in Granby, Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents are welcome to come along and learn with their kids. The clinic is free, and rods and reels will be provided, but pre-registration is required.

Space is limited so please call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hot Sulphur Springs office at 970-725-6200 to reserve a space.

Check out the Parks and Wildlife fishing webpage for more.

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, fishing, recreation, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

50 countries join forces to combat pirate fishing

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

International agreement marks a small step toward enforcing fisheries

Endangered swordfish may benefit from an international fisheries agreement.

Fishermen tend nets in Saranda, Albania. PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — More than 50 countries have taken a small step to combat unreported, unregulated and illegal fishing that is decimating numerous species of commercially important species like tuna. Illegal fishing results in $23 billion in economic losses each year.

Better enforcement of fishing regulations, together with ound science and effective management are essential to the sustainability of these wide-ranging species that are highly valued in commercial and recreational fisheries.

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing undermines the sustainability of fisheries and the ability of fishermen who abide by the rules to make a decent living,” NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco said in a press release. “Sharing information on IUU vessels across oceans will strengthen enforcement and prevent legal and sustainable fishing operations from being disadvantaged in the global marketplace.” (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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