Colorado: Vail Pass lakes stocked with big rainbow trout

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Stocking trout at Black Lake, near Vail Pass, Colorado.

Reservoirs and lakes offer good fishing while stream flows remain high

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY —While high flows have dampened the fishing in many high country streams, anglers are reporting good catches from area lakes.

Vail Pass could be a hot spot after the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District recently  stocked Black Lakes with 5,000 pounds of catchable-size rainbow trout in the past few weeks

This past week, the District coordinated the second stocking of 2,500 pounds of 10-16 inch long rainbow trout into the two Black Lakes. The first 2,500 pounds of trout were stocked on June 21. The fishery supplying the trout says the 5,000 pounds equates to about 2,000 fish. (more…)

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

Fathers Day: Traveling with the kid

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

The ultimate ‘Are we there yet?’ trip …

Dylan fishes Center Lake, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where the theme song for our road trip was definitely the Beatles Rocky Racoon.

By Bob Berwyn

ENGLEWOOD — As any dad knows, the best gift of all — better than a tie, a card, a fishing pole or even a box of candy — is just spending time with your children, and this year, I’ve been especially blessed in that department, as I’m in the midst of a three-week road trip with son, my girlfriend and our two dogs. So far, we’ve covered 10 states and 3,500 miles, including a swing up through the Black Hills and Badlands, a journey along the Mississippi down the Great River Road and a meandering path along the Gulf Coast, from the Mississippi Delta all the way down to southwestern Florida.

It’s not like we haven’t traveled before, but most of our trips have been by plane to foreign lands, which is fun, but nothing like 10 to 12 hours a day in the car, which makes for some intense one-on-one time, even with other people and dogs as a buffer.

So far, so good … and we’re getting a real taste of the breadth of the country, along with sampling some mighty fine BBQ, some good southern fishing holes and a few awesome longboard runs.

At times, I’m sure my 13-year-old wishes he were somewhere else, like with his friends back in Summit County. But at other times, we’ve actually had some good and serious talks. And sometimes, we’re just plain goofy, whether it’s setting off fireworks or skateboarding through Vicksburg, Mississippi. Check out the following video and a few more shots from along the great American road.

And lucky for us, Leigh is about the best, most patient travel partner in the world, completely tolerant of all our male hijinks and always ready to share a joke and a laugh — not to mention driving duties. Roll on, Road Trip USA!

(more…)

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Colorado: Free fishing – no license required June 4 & 5

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Stalking cutthroat trout in Clinton Gulch Reservoir, Summit County, Colorado.

Start the summer season by with some weekend fishing

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado has more than 2,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs and 10,000 miles of streams and rivers, all full of trout, bass, walleye and catfish. And each year, the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks these waters with more than 3 million catchable-sized trout; in addition to 14 million trout fingerlings.

This weekend, June 4-5, is your chance to catch some of those fish without a license on the traditional free-fishing weekend, an opportunity to introduce new people to angling or to re-connect with the summer pastime. See some pics of some favored high country fishing holes here: Morning photo: Gone fishin’.

“Free fishing weekend is a great opportunity for people to try out fishing if they haven’t yet,” said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the Division of Wildlife. “It’s also a chance for those who used to fish Colorado’s outstanding waters to get back into the sport.” (more…)

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

Colorado: Fishing for millions!

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Contest aimed at increasing fishing participation

Catching a specially tagged fish this summer could yield big cash prizes in a national contest sponsored by Cabela's.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado anglers could score big cash prizes this summer by catching specially tagged fish in Lake Pueblo and Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Cabela’s, a Nebraska-based retailer, is sponsoring a “Wanna Go Fishing for Millions,” contest, offering anglers the chance to win cash prizes for catching tagged fish in 67 lakes across 19 states.

“The company approached us for permits to hold this competition,” said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the Division of Wildlife. “We reviewed their plans and eagerly said ‘yes’ to this effort to encourage fishing participation.” (more…)

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

Colorado: April 30 is Outdoor Heritage Day in Palisade

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

These Summit County youngsters didn't miss their video games at all during a day of fishing last summer at Clinton Gulch Reservoir.

Day-long event aimed at getting families into the away from the TV and into the great outdoors

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Kids on the Colorado West Slope will have a chance to catch some extra-large trout this Saturday (April 30) at the fourth annual Outdoor Heritage Day, part of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s efforts to get youngsters away from their TVs and video games and into the great outdoors.

Events are on tap all day at Riverbend Park in Palisade, including fishing, archery, rock climbing, shooting, nature hikes and a hunting simulator. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own fishing rod, or kids can participate in education activities to earn a free pole. The park lake will be freshly stocked with plenty of catchable trout, including extra large brood stock.

“We encourage families to put the TV remote and game console down every now and then and enjoy the great outdoor activates we have here in Colorado,” said District Wildlife Manager and event founder Frank McGee. “We have great sponsors for the event that are happy to show families the best way to do that.” (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, Environment, recreation, US Forest Service | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Census shows big drop in Florida bonefish numbers

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Atlantic tarpon are sought after by anglers in the coastal waters of Florida.

Last winter’s persistent cold weather may have killed of many juveniles

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Cold weather and water temperatures in Florida last winter may have caused big drop in bonefish populations, according to a recent census coordinated by the University of Miami‘s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

In October, more than 60 guides and anglers in the Florida Keys poled across the flats from Biscayne Bay to the Marquesas, for the bonefish census. This year’s count was down by 25 percent from an 8-year mean estimate of 316,805 bonefish, to a new low of about 240,000 bonefish, according to Professor Jerry Ault, a fisheries scientist with theRosenstiel School.

“Since 2003 we have conducted an annual bonefish census throughout the Keys,” said Ault. “It provides researchers, like me, and fisheries managers with an early warning system to identify trends and population changes.” (more…)

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Wrangling over river access in Colorado?

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Plans for a whitewater kayak park along the Roaring Fork River near Carbondale may clash with an effort to preserve access for anglers. PHOTO COURTESY THE WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

Angling access, plans for a whitewater park may clash in Carbondale

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Is there enough room in the Roaring Fork River for both whitewater enthusiasts and anglers?

It appears that at least some places are getting so busy that the two user groups will have to work hard to find a compromise. The crux of the issue is the Koziel parcel, a popular access point for anglers along the Roaring Fork River near Carbondale that has been leased by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for many years.

The state agency has every intention of buying the parcel to preserve that access for angling, while town of Carbondale has long-range plans to build a whitewater kayak park along that stretch of the river — activity that could conflict with angling access, at least during part of the year.

It’s possible that the two groups could work an arrangement to share the area on a seasonal basis, according to Theo Stein, director of external affairs for the Division of Wildlife. But the agency is determined to move ahead with acquisition of the parcel. (more…)

Filed under: Environment, recreation, rivers, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Video: Searching for rainbows in the Blue River

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

After whirling disease, new strain of trout gaining a foothold

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY, COLO. An electroshock fish count early Tuesday in the Blue River near Silverthorne yielded plump browns up to 15 inches long, along with a slew of sleek young rainbows ranging between about four and eight inches.

The rainbows are a hybrid of rainbows from the Colorado River and a whirling disease-resistant Hofer strain. They were stocked in the same reach of the Blue River — the Gold Medal catch and release waters just below Dillon Dam — as fry a couple of years ago and many have grown several inches to catchable size since then.

About halfway through the session, the catch was running about 50-50 browns and rainbows — a hopeful sign that rainbow trout could be establishing themselves along with the hungry browns. (more…)

Filed under: Dillon Reservoir, Environment, rivers, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Colorado wildlife: Online elk hunting info; fish-kill update

Posted on April 25, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

An elk in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Low water levels, habitat degradation and unwanted species plaguing some Colorado reservoirs: as sightings rise, CDOW offering online mountain lion information

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Colorado hunters looking to expand their “wapiti wisdom” can simply go online and participate in a six-month study program covering everything from using GPS technology for planning a hunt to learning about applying for a license.

The Elk Hunting University program debuted in March and has already drawn 40,000 visitors. The Colorado Division of Wildlife anticipates growing interest during the summer as hunters prepare for the fall big game seasons.

The division is also offering information about how to live with mountain lions in a separate online video. More information after the break … (more…)

Filed under: Colorado Division of Wildlife, Environment, Summit County Colorado, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Backroads: Who needs a motor, anyway?

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Waves lapping at the side of a canoe signal a new season for Warren Bridges.

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By Warren Bridges

“Put a motor on that damned thing so you can get where you’re going,” the fellow across the way said as I hoisted the canoe onto the roof of my Jeep.

“Thanks for the input,” I said, struggling a bit to keep it aligned between the racks. Frankly, I had heard it all before and wanted to avoid the inevitable debate.

The old man, though, would have none of the avoidance tactic. Even from his comfortable perch in the lounge chair, Hamm’s Light in hand, the old man seemed a bit put off – like he was being ignored. How you can be put off on a 70-degree Colorado afternoon, lounge chair under your butt and Hamm’s Light in your fist is beyond me. But not beyond the old man, apparently.

“I said,” he began again, his voice rising a bit in pitch, “you should put a motor on that thing so you can get around better.”

It was a topic that dated back many years – 25 or so, in fact. As a fresh college grad, I had landed in a small town in southeast Kansas – a quiet and friendly area that boasted some of the best fishing and hunting grounds in the country. Deer, bass and quail flourished, and it was hard to not drive past ponds, lakes and streams.

For a kid who was adamant about becoming the next Sigurd Olson, Ernest Hemingway and Harold Ensley, it was Paradise. And I was determined to run my lures past every set of fish lips in the six-county area.

Of course, not all fish resided within 15 feet of the shore, which at the time, was a solid cast for me and my Zebco 202. What I needed was a boat. What I needed first was money to buy a boat. Damned details. (more…)

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