Posts Tagged ‘fishing’

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LICENSE STRUCTURE CHANGE FOR ANGLERS AND SMALL GAME HUNTERS

November 20, 2008

This is something that was long over due, and all that I can say is better late than never!

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) would like to remind anglers and small game hunters that the license structure for fishing and small game hunting has changed.

Beginning April 1, 2009, all annual licenses including fishing, senior fishing, small game, furbearer, combination fishing and hunting, Colorado waterfowl stamps, habitat stamps and walk-in access permits are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.

“Annual licenses will no longer expire on January 1,” said Henrietta Turner, DOW licensing manager.  “We’ve changed the calendar-based system to a season-year format, so licenses coincide better with our small game seasons.”

All licenses purchased in 2008 will remain valid through March 31, 2009.

Anglers should continue using the 2008 Colorado Fishing Regulations brochure through March 2009. The 2009 Colorado Fishing Regulation brochure will be available mid-to-late March at all DOW offices and license agents statewide. The new brochure will be valid until March 31, 2010, coinciding with the new license structure.

All 2009 annual fishing, small game, furbearer and combination licenses will be available for purchase beginning on December 15.  These licenses will remain valid through March 31, 2010.

Licenses make great holiday gifts and are available on the DOW Web site (www.wildlife.state.co.us), at license agents or by calling: 1-800-244-5613.

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

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So it’s hunting season…

October 19, 2008

All to often I hear fishermen complaining about crowds on the water. Much as hunters complain about the “Sea of Orange.”

At least those that are die hard fishermen get a reprieve of sorts. It is called hunting season! Not to say that hunters should put away the fly rods. Many streams and especially tail waters near hunting areas offer what many believe to be the best fishing of the year.

The Browns have spawned, and they aggressively defend their redds. Can you say streamer flys..? Present the fly as if it is attempting to raid the nest. Then hang on because the usually picky Brown Trout goes haywire in defending it’s still to be hatched young.

There are still some late hatches happening as well, usually late in the afternoons. These can be Mayflies, small Caddis fly’s, and the ever present Midges. I have had good success with BWO’s as well as Gray Elk Hair Caddis patterns between trips to the bird fields, and along side high country big game hunts in the past. Especially using midge larva patterns when in the high country. Don’t forget the lakes that are not frozen yet either. The fishing may be slower, but the fish tend to be larger and the crowds just not there. Quincy and Aurora reservoirs come to mind.

I live to hunt, but I also find myself fishing when the hunting is done for the day, or season.

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Posted in Men's Issues, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on So it’s hunting season…

Fly Fishing update

August 2, 2008

I received an email from a semi local person asking about fly fishing the smaller streams along the front range and other environs nearby.

First, equipment; The smaller streams are not the place for nine foot rods. Stop by Discount Angler on South Santa Fe. Not only do they have a wide assortment of reasonably priced rods, they also have a huge selection of fly’s at very good prices. Get a seven or eight foot fly rod that will toss a four or five weight line. Short leaders and tippet set ups are also called for in this situation.

As for the best patterns? As always here in Colorado, Midge patterns will work virtually all the time. Dry, pupa’s, and wets. All in small sizes. Next come the Caddis’s. I like Elk Hair Caddis patterns with dun gray bodies for most small water fishing. Don’t forget RS2’s and classic Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymphs.

For a pretty good listing of places to go fishing look here.

Tight lines all! 😀

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Posted in Education, News, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

‘EYE-OPENING’ EXPERIENCE

August 1, 2008

There are times you just have to be proud! Read on…

Hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts can now experience the great outdoors on their computer by immersing themselves in “a.m. Colorado”, a new online video series from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

Filmed in high-definition (HD) video and recorded in digital audio, “a.m. Colorado” captures the early-morning sights and sounds of some of Colorado’s most unique landscapes and wildlife species.  At 6-to 7-minutes in length, these mini-documentaries provide stunning visuals and sound, and incorporate informative captions that both educate and entertain.

Current episodes feature the intricate mating dance of the greater prairie chicken, the spectacular breeding displays of the sage-grouse, the springtime gobble of the Rio Grande turkey, and present a “medley” of wildlife sights and sounds along the South Platte River.

“The image quality and sound are spectacular,” said Dennis McKinney, DOW video producer and videographer.  “’a.m. Colorado’ is the next best thing to being there.”

The new high-definition videos are linked to the DOW Web site from an outside provider.  The results are faster loading times and higher picture quality than before.  To play the new videos, viewers need a high-speed Internet connection and the latest version of Adobe Flash installed on their computer.

“We are excited to present Colorado’s wildlife through online video,” said Nick Clement, DOW video editor.  The technology has improved so we can now deliver extremely high-quality streaming video and audio on our website.”

The “a.m. Colorado” series will be ongoing and new episodes will debut throughout the year.

“We hope to add new editions to the series on a fairly regular basis,” said McKinney.  “We view the series as the ideal format to showcase Colorado’s amazing wildlife on computer screens around the world.”

This new series has pioneered the way for HD videos on the DOW Web site. Future documentaries, educational films, species profiles, and habitat landscapes also will feature the same high-definition picture quality and widescreen format.

So, turn down the lights, turn up the sound, and open a window onto some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery and unique wildlife species.

“a.m. Colorado” and other DOW online videos can be accessed directly by visiting the following link:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/

I am so happy that the DOW is getting back to “people.” For several years it looked like they were just another LEO branch of government. Yes, as any reader of this blog knows I am very pro LEO on wildlife issues. But I reserve the right to remember Wildlife Officers in Colorado that showed kids how to cast a fly, or point a shotgun, or aim a rifle. Bowhunters best friends were DOW Officers. Now, sadly, when one goes afield. The DOW Officer is not viewed as an outdoors partner. He is looked at as some sort of adversary.

I truly hope that this film series et al. will change things back to the way things used to be.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Local Politics Colorado, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on ‘EYE-OPENING’ EXPERIENCE

Anglers’ Roundtable’s

May 16, 2008

Several round tables for anglers are being held soon. You should attend one if these issues are important to you. Between Zebra Mussels and exotic species there are several issues that probably need addressing, as well as commentary from the public at large. For instance; The DOW is pushing for only native fish being in the mountain areas, or at least it would appear that way. Why not put Golden Trout in the high country where Cutthroat species cannot live? Or Brown trout where they survive best? What next? Will this “purity” drive mean the end of Brookie’s? Jeesh…

This will be a combination post

ANGLERS’ ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULED FOR GUNNISON

Gunnison area anglers are invited to attend a Colorado Division of Wildlife Angler’s Roundtable, 7 p.m., May 21, in the multi-purpose room at the Fred R. Fields Western Heritage Center in Gunnison.

Dan Brauch, aquatic biologist for the DOW in Gunnison, will talk about a variety of issues, including stocking plans, river and reservoir levels and a fishing forecast. He’ll also discuss new concerns about zebra and quaga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species at Blue Mesa Reservoir and throughout Colorado.

The public is invited to ask questions and discuss any issues related to fishing or aquatic issues.

ANGLER’S ROUNDTABLE SET FOR DURANGO AREA

Anglers in the Durango and Four Corners area are invited to a Colorado Division of Wildlife Angler’s Roundtable, 6:30-8 p.m., May 19, at the Durango Recreation Center, Windom Room, 2700 Main Ave., in Durango.

Jim White, aquatic biologist for the DOW in the San Juan Basin will discuss a variety of topics, including: Hermosa Creek cutthroat trout reintroduction project; stocking plans for area waters, water levels in area reservoirs and rivers, and the southwest Colorado fishing forecast. White will also address new concerns about zebra and quagga mussels in Colorado. A video about the invasive mussel issue will be shown.

The public is also invited to discuss any concern regarding fishing issues and aquatic conservation at the meeting.

ANGLERS’ ROUNDTABLE SET FOR MONTROSE

Anglers in the Montrose, Delta and Telluride areas are invited to attend a Colorado Division of Wildlife Anglers’ Roundtable, 6-8 p.m., May 22, at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose.

Dan Kowalski, aquatic biologist for the DOW in Montrose will talk about a variety of issues, including: fish management in the lower Gunnison, Uncompahgre and San Miguel river basins; the local fishing forecast and stocking plans; and aquatic nuisance species, including new concerns over zebra mussels in Colorado.

The public is invited to ask questions and discuss any issues related to fishing or aquatic issues.

ANGLERS’ ROUNDTABLE SET FOR SAN LUIS VALLEY

Anglers in the San Luis Valley are invited to a Colorado Division of Wildlife Angler’s Roundtable, 7-9 p.m., May 20 at the Inn of the Rio Grande, 333 Santa Fe Ave. U.S. Highway 160 in Alamosa.

John Alves, aquatic biologist for the DOW in the San Luis Valley will discuss a variety of topics, including: new concerns about zebra mussels, water levels in area reservoirs and rivers, and the fishing forecast for the area.

The public is also invited to discuss any concern regarding fishing issues at the meeting.

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

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Local Politics Colorado, News | 3 Comments »

Fly Fishing, it is an addiction indeed

May 10, 2008

I first began fly fishing some thirty one years ago. Admittedly at first, it was a challenge. I read book after book, and watched VCR film after VCR film. As soon as the Rocky Mountain News came out on the days that the Outdoors column was published, I was glued to the article, and just had to have whatever supper slam dunk fly that Bill Logan wrote about that week.
After all was said and done though. I ended up catching various sunfish from the local ponds as I perfected my madness, if not methodology. Casting on a stream was, well, things just didn’t work very well.
What was wrong? I have come to learn that the problem was one familiar to most people at some time or other. I was all gung ho! I had no patience. I beat the water to a pulp.

Fly fishing is, to me, a form of hunting. Think you can bag a bull Elk stomping all over the place? Not very likely. Or a Whitetail Buck while thrashing all over? Again, not likely. In fly fishing, you need to keep the sun in your face, least you cast shadows before you that spook the fish. It is akin to keeping the wind in your face while stalking a Mule Deer, or most other animals that are hunted.

I learned to settle down one day while casting to trout in Boulder Creek, in the oxbow ares about two miles west of the city of Boulder, Colorado. The fly I used was very much like the one pictured above, it is a gray bodied Elk Hair caddis pattern. I fell into a rhythm, and so did the fish. That day was a true lesson in catch and return fishing. Some people that were watching me while they picnicked along side the river said that they counted more than thirty fish that I returned unharmed to the water.

Since then, Sedge flies have been a favorite of mine for surface fishing, along with Adams patterns. If, however, you come to Colorado to catch fish, plan on fishing nymphs. Top water hits are the icing on the cake. Think about it though. Just how much of the cake is frosting? How much is below?

If you should happen to get bitten by the fly fishing bug, do not despair, just get another fly rod…

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

Front Range fishing forecast: Bottom line? Big fun

April 17, 2008

Anyone that reads this blog on a regular basis knows how I love the outdoors. This is an excellent piece by Ed Dentry, with link, about what to expect in the very near future. Also, from the field, Wild Turkey season is in full swing and this looks to be a banner year, including the over the counter license areas. The book that is written about in the Rocky Mountain News article is a must have. Local fishing has improved so much over the past twenty or so years that even those that live here should grab this reference, on sale from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Big snowpacks combined with the high price of fuel should focus anglers’ attention on fishing within earshot of home this year, at least for a while.

Thanks to a wealth of well-groomed fishing spots up and down the Front Range, wetting a short line could be a good thing.

It’s likely that a tasty bass pond, also stocked with catchable trout, waits not far from your lawn mower. Just follow the daily flights of Canada geese.

Larger reservoirs in nearby state parks add to the bounty. Might as well stick close and let the deluge roll from the mountains while we apply for a second mortgage to fuel more exotic outings later in summer.

Runoff will stretch long this year (hopefully, or there will be floods). Trout streams could be high and murky until August. Trails leading to many high lakes will be blocked by stubborn snow whales.

Meanwhile, those backyard fishing holes beckon. More than 200 reservoirs, ponds and some streams are detailed in Fishing Close to Home, a $7 publication of the state Division of Wildlife’s Colorado Outdoors magazine.

With maps, directions, fish species and access information, the booklet is unequaled as a guide to metro and mountain waters along the northern Front Range.

“I use it all the time,” said biologist Paul Winkle, who manages Denver-area fisheries for the DOW.

Other DOW biologists who spilled the beans for this preview were Kurt Davies (North Park and northern Front Range), Ben Swigle (northern foothills and lower South Platte reservoirs) and Jeff Spohn (Upper South Platte River).

No one is better qualified to forecast what the fishing fates might deliver hereabouts than the professional team of Winkle, Swigle, Davies and Spohn (their hot spots are noted below by an asterisk).

Source: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/16/front-range-fishing-forecast-bottom-line-big-fun/

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Posted in Education, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

If you fly fish, make the pilgrimage to Colorado

April 12, 2008

Colorado is well known as the Elk hunting Mecca, and for huge Mule Deer. But not to many people know about the fishing here other than the Frying Pan and South Platte rivers. Truth of the matter is though, this entire state is filled with excellent fishing. What follows is from the DOW, and, I think barely touches the frantic way that the fish go after Caddis flys during early April and into May, weather dependent. The trick is, stay just above the actual hatch, about one to two days. The fish are warming up for the feast, and you can have a blast catching them.

FISHING THE CADDISFLY HATCH ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER


Every April, a natural phenomenon draws throngs of anglers to the Arkansas River between Canon City and Leadville. It’s the annual caddisfly hatch.
 
The starting time can vary from year to year depending on the weather, but make no mistake, once it starts, the air with be thick with millions of insects buzzing about — and the fly fishing community will be abuzz with details of where the hatch is thickest on any given day.
 
Caddisflies look like tiny moths. They belong to the insect order Trichoptera (hair wings). There are over 11,000 types of caddisflies world-wide, but they all have the same insect life pattern: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They all require water for the larval stage, and trout love them in whatever stage they are in.
 
“A single fish can devour hundreds of thousands of caddis during its lifetime,” said Greg Policky, an aquatic biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife from Salida.
 
The adult caddis live for several days to a few weeks, emerging to complete their life cycle and lay eggs back into the water again. After dropping their eggs, the females die and lay spent on the surface. It during this brief cycle each year that trout gorge themselves, and as most anglers know, the best time to catch fish is when they are feeding.
 
The caddis hatch usually starts in early April near Canon City, where the Arkansas spills out onto the eastern plains. Daily changes in the weather can cause the caddis hatch to progress in fits and starts, but once it begins, it gradually moves upriver as water temperatures warm to about 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water from runoff can stall the hatch, but in years where runoff is delayed, the hatch will move upstream to Leadville – usually by the end of May.
 
“The hatch is sometimes called the ‘Mother’s Day” hatch, but it might be more appropriate to think of it as the ‘Tax Day’ hatch because that’s when it really gets going,” Policky said.
 
Due to heavy snowpack, flows will likely be higher than normal this spring on the Arkansas River. The colder, faster water might cause the hatch to end earlier than normal.
 
During the peak, the air is thick with insects. The soft bugs don’t bite, but the swarms can be annoying because they are everywhere, including in the ears, noses and behind the eyeglasses of anglers.
 
People are advised to wear bandanas, protective glasses, and earplugs or cotton in their ears to prevent the bugs from getting where you don’t want them to go, which includes up your pants and down your shirt.
 
Some anglers like to be on the leading edge of the hatch. Others like to be on the back edge, and a few hardy souls like to be right in the middle of it where the flies are the thickest.
 
Throw in blue-winged olive (BWO) mayflies on cool, cloudy days; and trout go into a feeding frenzy.
 
Policky offers the following tips to anglers during the spring caddisfly season. As water temperature warms, fish will move out of deeper, winter pool habitat into the head of 3-5 foot deep runs. Upstream riffles produce a lot of food that trout are keying into. The best runs have boulders scattered throughout them where fish can rest outside the current and dart out where food drifts closely by. Anglers will most successful when fishing these types of habitats.
 
A two fly setup is recommended, imitating two insect life stages or different species, thereby covering more water. The top fly often acts as an attractor or strike indicator for the trailer fly. Fishing close to the banks or habitats where the current is not as strong will produce the best results.
 
For those who have never experience it, the annual caddisfly hatch is something to see – millions of caddis buzzing about, some spent on the water, some on rocks, some emerging, while others are laying eggs. Adding to the experience are flocks of swallows and other birds enjoying a feast just above the water while trout are getting filled to the gills below.
 
 
Anglers are reminded that the following regulations are in effect on the Arkansas:

  • From the US 24 river overpass downstream to the lower boundary of the Hayden Ranch, fishing is by artificial flies and lures only and the bag and possession limit for trout is one fish under 12 inches in length.
  • From the Stockyard Bridge (Chaffee Co Rd 102) below Salida seven-and-a-half miles downstream to the confluence with Badger Creek, fishing is by artificial flies and lures only and all rainbow trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch.

 

Additional Information: The Colorado Division of Wildlife is funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. The Division does not receive tax dollars from the general fund.

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

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Posted in Education, News, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

Sac Bee’s Fishing Line « The Fish Whisperer

March 14, 2008

Sac Bee’s Fishing Line « The Fish Whisperer

Looks like things are beginning to heat up all across the west! I love it! No politics on the stream, just structure, and ripples, and figuring out just what the fish will hit on that day, at that particular place along the stream or river.

Here in Colorado, midge larva rule as the number one fish getter this time of the year. Although last weekend, a fellow caught a nice Brownie on a number eighteen hares mask nymph, fished along the bottom of the river.

Wild Turkeys watched as we fished from the nearby hillside. Turkey season is about to start…

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Posted in Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, News, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Flyfishing Colorado, one cool DVD

March 6, 2008

NEW DVD FROM THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE A BIG HIT WITH FLY FISHERS

Fly fishers dreaming of the days ahead on Colorado lakes and streams can amplify their visions by immersing themselves in “Fly Fishing Colorado”, a new feature-length DVD from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

More than two years in the making, “Fly Fishing Colorado” takes viewers on a year-round tour of fly fishing adventures spanning the entire state, from the loftiest reaches of alpine lakes to warm-water reservoirs, and all points in between. Anglers will get a first-hand look at the best fly fishing that Colorado has to offer, as seen through the lenses of DOW’s revamped video production unit.

Fly fishers can scroll through the pages of a weathered journal to find finicky trout rising to dry flies, or high-speed wipers ripping line from screaming reels. Experience the thrill of catching all three native trout species against a backdrop of spectacular high-mountain scenery. Share the underwater haunts of northern pike, and take a ride on a jet boat for a lazy drift down a gentle river.

The journal also reveals when and where to find a multitude of the famous, and the not-so-well-known insect hatches that occur on major rivers and backcountry streams. Be in the right place at the right time to find trout rising to green drake, blue-winged olive, red quill and pale morning dun mayflies. 

Explore the stages of the Mother’s Day caddis hatch from start to finish, and discover the importance of widespread and prolific summer caddis hatches. And travel to mountain park reservoirs for famous still-water hatches and trophy-sized trout. Be there for the action when kokanee salmon, brown trout, and native mountain whitefish make spawning runs up golden corridors of rivers cloaked in the dazzling colors of autumn in the Rocky Mountains.

The journal also is packed with fly fishing instruction for anglers of all skill levels. There are techniques for fishing nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. Proven fly patterns are listed for all events.

“Fly Fishing Colorado” is a useful tool for anglers making plans and scheduling trips to coincide with fly fishing events that they simply must not miss. Viewers may play the entire movie (113 minutes) or select only the scenes that they want to see. An innovative menu allows the user to quickly navigate the monthly pages and all the highlights of the journal.

The DVD is also designed to recruit anglers. Anglers spend nearly $1.5 billion dollars a year in Colorado which is considered to be one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the world. Showing anglers what the state has to offer will help add to Colorado’s prestigious fly fishing reputation. Additional anglers in Colorado will mean more dollars for local economies, more license dollars for wildlife management and the continuation of the conservation ethic.  

“Fly Fishing Colorado” is available for $22.00 at DOW service centers and at wildlife.state.co.us/wildlifestore/ , and coming soon to fly shops and sporting goods retailers.

Additional Information: For a copy of the cover art please contact Tyler Baskfield.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Posted in Economics, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

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