Colorado State Parks

WHAT'S NEW C O L O R A D O P A R K S & LICENSES W I L D L I F E 2021 Colorado Fishing SEASON: MARCH 1, 2021–MARCH 31, 2022 cpw.state.co.us 2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION UPDATED: APRIL 19, 2021 Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information. NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS. PAGE(S) CORRECTION AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 1 The qualifying age for applying for a senior lifetime low-income fishing license was incorrectly listed as 65 and older at the time of publication. The correct information is: Senior lifetime low-income fishing licenses are available for Colorado residents age 64 and older. Go online for full eligibility requirements: cpw.state. co.us The online version of the brochure has been updated with this correction. page 1 2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION UPDATED: MARCH 12, 2021 Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information. NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS. PAGE(S) CORRECTION AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE BACK PAGE BACK COVER The contest start date for Take a Friend Fishing was incorrect at the time of publication. The correct information is: The contest starts APRIL 1, 2021! Go online for contest rules and how to enter: cpw.state.co.us/ takeafriend The online version of the brochure has been updated with this correction. back cover ONLINE FEATURES Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS VIDEOS FISHING FOR HIP HOP: COLORADO STYLE FISHING FUNDS CONSERVATION 101 PLACES TO TAKE A KID FISHING © CPW GET THE CPW FISHING APPS: The CPW Fishing app can help you discover over 1,300 fishing locations, check local conditions, read up on regulations and more! The CPW Match a Hatch app can help you match your fly to the same insects where you’re fishing! CO OUTDOORS “QUICK TIP”: SPINCAST REELS CONTENTS CONTENTS Printed for free distribution by: WHAT’S NEW: 2021................................................ 1 cpw.state.co.us LICENSE INFORMATION...................................... 1–2 COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192 ■ License & Habitat Stamp fees........................................................................1 ■ What you need to buy a fishing license; license requirements......................1 ■ Residency requirements; Habitat Stamps; anglers with disabilities..............2 OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GENERAL INFORMATION.................................... 3–7 Dan Prenzlow ■ Fishery programs: Gold Medal Waters; Wild Trout; stream surveys.................3 ■ State records program: Records by Weight; Records by Length......................4 ■ State Records by Weight award table.............................................................4 ■ Master Angler program; award lengths.........................................................5 ■ Help improve your fisheries............................................................................5 ■ Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS).....................................................................6 ■ Fishing terms glossary...................................................................................7 ■ Online fishing information resources.............................................................7 FISHING LAWS................................................. 8–10 ■ Legal fishing methods....................................................................................8 ■ Special conditions & restrictions...............................................................8−9 ■ Statewide bag & possession limits...............................................................10 ■ MAP: Wiper/white bass & walleye/saugeye bag limits................................10 SPECIAL REGULATIONS: FISHING WATERS........11–39 ■ MAP: Upper Arkansas River.........................................................................12 ■ MAP: Blue River Basin.................................................................................13 ■ MAP: Middle Colorado & Eagle Rivers..........................................................15 ■ MAP: Upper Colorado River — Headwaters to Radium...............................16 ■ MAP: Conejos & Alamosa River Drainages...................................................18 ■ MAP: Upper Gunnison Basin — Taylor Park Res. to Blue Mesa Res..............19 ■ MAP: NEW North Fork Gunnison Basin — Hotchkiss to McClure Pass....20 ■ MAP: Lower Gunnison — Blue Mesa Res. to Delta......................................21 ■ MAP: Lower Colorado River & Grand Mesa..................................................22 ■ MAP: Upper Poudre River Drainage.............................................................25 ■ MAP: Upper Rio Grande Basin.....................................................................27 ■ MAP: Middle Colorado & Roaring Fork Rivers..............................................28 ■ MAP: South Platte River in South Park.........................................................30 ■ MAP: South Platte River — Cheesman Res. to Chatfield Res.......................31 ■ MAP: White River — Headwaters to Meeker..............................................33 ■ MAP: White River — Meeker to Utah state line..........................................34 ■ MAP: Yampa River — Headwaters to Craig.................................................36 FISH IDENTIFICATION.....................................40–41 GET THE BROCHURE ONLINE: cpw.state.co.us/fishing/brochure Send us your fishing photos and stories for a chance to be featured on this brochure cover or CPW's online blog! HUNTER.TESTIMONIALS@STATE.CO.US COVER PHOTO: ▶ Andrew Dudek fishing it up at Beaver Lake in Marble, CO. © Liz Dudek OTHER PHOTOS, TOP TO BOTTOM: ▶ Bri Aragon and her brown trout. © Cory Mertz ▶ Fly fishing at Yampa River State Park. © Vic Schendel ▶ Fishing with the rod and reel at Cherry Creek State Park. © Ken Papaleo ▶ Dano Aldaz and his cutthroat trout, backcountry fishing at 12,000 ft. elevation. © David Rollins 2021 COLORADO FISHING COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE DIRECTOR COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEMBERS, as of July 2020 Marvin McDaniel, Chair Carrie Besnette Hauser, Vice-Chair Marie Haskett, Secretary Taishya Adams Betsy Blecha Charles Garcia Dallas May REGULATION BROCHURE EDITOR Chelsea Harlan Duke Phillips, IV Luke B. Schafer Jay Tutchton Eden Vardy Dan Gibbs, ex-officio member Kate Greenberg, ex-officio member Dan Prenzlow, CPW Director COVER PHOTO © Liz Dudek PRINTED February 2021 by Publication Printers, Denver: 300,000 copies Printing paid for with hunting and fishing license fees. The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) receives federal financial assistance from multiple bureaus within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability or age. In addition, CPW adheres to all antidiscrimination laws of the state of Colorado. For more information on how to request an accommodation or to file a grievance, please visit cpw.state.co.us/accessibility. NOTICE: Laws and regulations in this brochure are paraphrased for easier understanding and are intended only as a guide. Complete Colorado wildlife statutes and regulations are available at CPW offices listed below and online: cpw.state.co.us/regulations CPW REGIONAL AND AREA OFFICE LOCATIONS ADMINISTRATION 6060 Broadway Denver, 80216 303-297-1192 (M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MT) ONLY the offices below can assist hunters with animal checks and taking samples that are related to hunting activities. See the CPW website for a complete list of our parks locations that can also sell licenses, issue duplicate licenses and accept some licenses for refunds. BRUSH 28167 County Rd. T Brush, 80723 970-842-6300 GRAND JUNCTION 711 Independent Ave. Grand Junction, 81505 970-255-6100 MONTE VISTA 0722 S. Rd. 1 E. Monte Vista, 81144 719-587-6900 COLORADO SPRINGS 4255 Sinton Rd. Colorado Springs, 80907 719-227-5200 GUNNISON 300 W. New York Ave. Gunnison, 81230 970-641-7060 MONTROSE 2300 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, 81401 970-252-6000 DENVER 6060 Broadway Denver, 80216 303-291-7227 HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS 346 Grand County Rd. 362 Hot Sulphur Springs, 80451 970-725-6200 PUEBLO 600 Pueblo Reservoir Rd. Pueblo, 81005 719-561-5300 DURANGO 151 E. 16th St. Durango, 81301 970-247-0855 LAMAR 2500 S. Main St. Lamar, 81052 719-336-6600 SALIDA 7405 Hwy. 50 Salida, 81201 719-530-5520 FORT COLLINS 317 W. Prospect Rd. Fort Collins, 80526 970-472-4300 MEEKER 73485 Hwy. 64 Meeker, 81641 970-878-6090 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS 925 Weiss Dr. Steamboat Springs, 80487 970-870-2197 GLENWOOD SPRINGS 0088 Wildlife Way Glenwood Springs, 81601 970-947-2920 WHAT'S NEW WHAT’S NEW: 2021 ▶ STATEWIDE BAG & POSSESSION LIMITS FOR MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH: Mountain white- fish are currently found in NW and NE Colorado: In the NW, these fish are present in the Yampa, White and Colorado River drainages, along with their associated tributaries; in the NE, these fish are present in the Poudre River drainage, along with its associated tributaries. Mountain whitefish now have a bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of 8 statewide. See pages 10 and 11. ▶ FISHING REGULATIONS ADJUSTED ON CERTAIN STREAMS TO PROTECT COLORADO RIVER & RIO GRANDE CUTTHROAT TROUT (LOOK FOR THE NEW TAG!): See pages 11–39. Delta Co.: Cunningham Creek Hubbard Creek, Main Hubbard Creek, Middle Terror Creek, West Fork Dolores Co.: Disappointment Creek Disappointment Creek, South Fork Slate Creek Dolores & Montezuma Cos.: Wildcat Creek Priest Gulch Gunnison Co.: Anthracite Creek, North Fork Basin Creek Chair Creek Clear Fork of Muddy Creek Cliff Creek Deep Creek Kaufman Creek Minnesota Creek, South Fork Robinson Creek Rock Creek Schaeffer Creek Second Creek Twin Creek, North and South LICENSE INFORMATION SEASON DATES: Colorado waters are open to taking fish, amphibians and crustaceans day and night, year round, except if otherwise stated in the regulation section of this brochure. See pages 11–39. FREE FISHING DAYS: Residents and nonresidents can fish without a license or Habitat Stamp from June 5–6, 2021. All other rules and regulations apply. LICENSE FEES, HABITAT STAMPS, ANS STAMP HABITAT STAMPS FEE ■ Annual Habitat Stamp (nonrefundable)....................................$10.40 Only one is required per person, ages 18–64, per year buying or applying for a license. ■ Lifetime Habitat Stamp.............................................................$312.30 AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES (ANS) STAMP required for motorboats and sailboats AMOUNT ■ RESIDENTS Annual.....................................................................................$25.00 ■ NONRESIDENTS Annual.....................................................................................$50.00 Mesa Co.: Escalante Creek, North Fork Points Creek LICENSES Mineral Co.: Roaring Fork Wolf Creek, South Fork Ouray Co.: Beaver Dams Creek Pryor Creek ▶ NEW FISHING REGULATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING WATERS (LOOK FOR THE NEW TAG!): Berthoud Res. (Larimer Co.) Boedecker Res. (Larimer Co.) Colorado River, North Fork (Grand Co.) Horseshoe Res. (Larimer Co.) Lake Granby (Grand Co.) Lake Loveland (Larimer Co.) LICENSES Meadow Creek Res. (Grand Co.) Meadow Creek Res. (Jackson Co.) Pella Crossing: Webster Pond (Boulder Co.) Roaring Creek, East Fork (Larimer Co.) Shadow Mountain Spillway (Grand Co.) ANNUAL LICENSES ARE VALID MARCH 1–MARCH 31 THE NEXT YEAR (13 MONTHS) WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY A LICENSE 1 PROPER IDENTIFICATION and PROOF of residency (for Colorado residents). 2 HABITAT STAMP: A 2021 or lifetime Habitat Stamp is required prior to buying a license for anyone ages 18–64. One will be automatically added to your purchase, if applicable. (See page 2.) NOTE: A Social Security number is required for new customers age 16 and older (age 12 for a second-rod stamp), per federal law. FEE ■ RESIDENTS Adult annual (18–64).............................................................$36.08 Senior annual (65+)................................................................$10.07 Small game & fishing combo...................................................$51.68 Senior small game & fishing combo (65+)..............................$30.50 ■ NONRESIDENTS Annual.....................................................................................$100.57 Five-day..................................................................................$32.95 ■ YOUTH Residents ages 16–17.........................................................$10.07 Second-rod charge still applies. RESIDENTS & NONRESIDENTS ■ Second-rod stamp....................................................................$11.11 A second-rod stamp per year is available to anyone who has purchased a fishing license and any youth under 16 (see "Second-rod Stamp" below). ■ One-day fishing: residents........................................................$14.23 ■ One-day fishing: nonresidents..................................................$17.35 ■ Additional-day fishing..............................................................$6.95 Customers buying a one-day or additional day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. All license fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS ▶ ADULTS: People 16 and older are required to buy and carry with them a fishing license to fish or take fish, amphibians and crustaceans, except as prohibited. ▶ YOUTH: Residents ages 16–17 can purchase a fishing license for $10.07. Those under 16 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license. However, they must have a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line. ▶ SENIORS: Colorado residents age 65 and older can obtain an annual senior fishing license for $10.07 or an annual senior combo small game/fishing license for $30.50, both of which include the 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and the $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee. License must be carried while fishing. Seniors must have a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line. a. Senior lifetime low-income fishing licenses also are available for Colorado residents 64 or older. For information and eligibility requirements, contact any CPW location. ▶ SECOND-ROD STAMP: Anglers can use a second rod, hand line or tip-up by purchasing a second-rod stamp. One stamp is allowed per season and is nontransferable. A second-rod stamp does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit, nor can it be used for another person to fish. a. Those with disability licenses must purchase a stamp if fishing with a second line. b. A second-rod stamp is not required when only using trot-lines or jugs. c. Youths under 16 must have and carry with them a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line. d. Seniors fishing with a senior license must have and carry with them a secondrod stamp if fishing with a second line. ▶ COMMERCIAL LICENSE: $40; an annual license is required to take or possess bait fish, amphibians or crustaceans for commercial purposes. Licensees must provide live-fish buyers with a receipt stating the seller’s name, date of sale, species and number sold. For application and annual reporting requirements, visit: cpwshop.com/purchase-special-license.page ▶ CHILD SUPPORT DELINQUENCY: State and federal law require a Social Security number to buy a license. It is not displayed on the license but is provided, if requested, to ​Child Support Enforcement authorities. Hunting and fishing licenses are not issued to those suspended for noncompliance with child support. Any current licenses become invalid if held by an individual who is deemed noncompliant by Child Support Enforcement. ▶ ARMED FORCES EXEMPTION: Colorado residents on active duty with U.S. armed forces out of state can fish free without a license while here on temporary leave, maximum of 30 days a year. You must carry official leave papers while fishing. 1 CPW.STATE.CO.US LICENSES 1 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS ▶ The physical residence address you give to buy or apply for a license must be the same as the address given for Colorado state income tax purposes. Visit cpw.state. co.us/proofofresidency. ▶ You terminate your Colorado residency if you apply for, buy or accept a resident hunting, fishing or trapping license issued by another state or foreign country, register to vote outside Colorado or accept a driver's license that shows an address other than in Colorado. RESIDENCY TYPES 1. STANDARD COLORADO RESIDENT a. Requirements: You must live in Colorado for at least 6 consecutive months prior to buying or applying for any resident CPW product, have your primary residence in Colorado and have not applied for or purchased a resident license or pass outside of Colorado in the last 6 months. b. Proof: Current and valid Colorado driver’s license/ID with a Colorado address issued 6 or more months prior. If the Colorado driver’s license/ID is not 6 months old, you must provide at least two forms of additional residency proof, as outlined in "Additional Residency Proofs" below. 2. STUDENT: ATTENDING SCHOOL FULL-TIME IN COLORADO a. Requirements: You must be attending school full time at an accredited Colorado school starting at least 6 months prior to buying or applying for any resident CPW product. b. Proof: Student ID, name of institution, date you became a full-time student, school transcript showing full-time status. 3. STUDENT: ATTENDING SCHOOL FULL-TIME OUTSIDE OF COLORADO a. Requirements: You must meet Colorado residency requirements and be attending an accredited school outside of Colorado, paying nonresident tuition. b. Proof: Student ID, name of institution, date you became a full-time student, proof of out-of-state tuition payment. 4. MILITARY: STATIONED IN COLORADO a. Requirements: You must be active-duty military stationed in Colorado (including your spouse/dependents). Residency begins the date the orders begin. b. Proof: Military ID and orders. 5. MILITARY: COLORADO HOME OF RECORD a. Requirements: You must be active-duty military stationed outside of Colorado, but with Colorado as your home of record, paying income tax as a Colorado resident (including your spouse/dependents). b. Proof: Military ID and orders. 6. YOUTH Children under the age of 18 have the same residency status as their parent, legal guardian or person with whom they live the majority of the time per court order. OTHER RESIDENCY INFORMATION 1. ADDITIONAL RESIDENCY PROOFS If you otherwise meet residency requirements but your Colorado driver’s license or ID was issued or renewed less than 6 months ago, or you have a CPW-approved religious exemption to photo identification on your record, you must provide at least two additional proofs of residency showing 6 consecutive months of Colorado residency immediately prior to buying or applying for a license. Those proofs include: income sources (pay stubs), utility bills, state income tax documents (as a full-time resident), lease agreements/rent receipts, motor vehicle registration, voter registration. 2. MULTIPLE HOMES If you have a home in Colorado and another location, call 303-297-1192 to make sure you comply with Colorado residency requirements before obtaining a CPW license or state park pass. 2 2021 COLORADO FISHING 2 HABITAT STAMPS Habitat Stamps are $10.40 and only one is required per person, per year for anyone ages 18–64. Stamps are valid March 1–March 31 (13 months). ▶ You must purchase a stamp before buying or applying for a hunting or fishing license. ▶ A lifetime stamp is available for $312.30. ▶ Anyone who holds one type of the free lifetime disability licenses or is an approved Big Game Mobility Impaired Program member is exempt from the Habitat Stamp requirement. See: cpw.state.co.us/accessibility ▶ Learn more online: cpw.state.co.us/habitatstamp ANGLERS WITH DISABILITIES CPW offers several programs for hunters and anglers with disabilities. Go to cpw.state.co.us/accessibility for more information on each program and how to apply. These programs require advance legal paperwork submissions: Please apply AT LEAST 30 days prior to when you wish to use the permit or license. Due to volume, applications cannot be expedited. RESIDENT FISHING LIFETIME PROGRAM Colorado residents who are totally and permanently disabled can apply for a free lifetime fishing license. RESIDENT VETERAN LIFETIME PROGRAM Military veterans who are disabled and residents of Colorado are eligible to apply for a lifetime fishing and small game combo license. The veteran must have proof of a service-connected disability, with an overall-combined rating of 60% or more by the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Purple Heart recipients are also eligible to apply for the combo license. RESIDENT FIRST RESPONDER LIFETIME PROGRAM Colorado residents who are disabled first responders can obtain a lifetime first responder combination small game/fishing license. The first responder must have proof of a permanent occupational disability. HEALTH ADVISORIES EATING YOUR CATCH? Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages Colorado residents to go fishing and enjoy eating the fish they catch. Keep in mind that not all fish should be eaten in unlimited amounts. Fish are an important part of a healthy diet: They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein and nutrients. However, some fish meat may contain chemicals that could pose health risks. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in cooperation with CPW, tests fish throughout the state for the presence of certain contaminants (such as mercury, arsenic and selenium) that may be present in some fish. CURRENT ADVISORIES ARE ONLINE: colorado.gov/cdphe/ wq-fish-consumption GENERAL GENERAL INFORMATION GOLD MEDAL WATERS Gold Medal Waters are the highest quality cold-water habitats and have the capability to produce many quality-sized (14 inches or longer) trout. CPW has established criteria and management guidelines to support the public interest in angling, observing and protecting these significant coldwater fishery resources. Gold Medal Waters are defined as any river or lake which is producing a standing stock of at least 60 pounds per acre, and at least 12 trout that are 14 inches or longer per acre on a sustained basis. River segments designated as Gold Medal Waters must be a minimum of 2 miles in length, and lakes must be a minimum of 50 acres. The following lakes and streams in Colorado offer the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing: GOLD MEDAL STREAMS ■ ANIMAS RIVER: From Lightner Creek to Rivera Crossing This G next to a body of water on pages 11–39 signifies it as a Gold Medal Water: G bridge. ■ ARKANSAS RIVER: ▶ From the confluence with the Lake Fork of the Arkansas, near Leadville, downstream to Parkdale at the U.S. 50 bridge crossing above the Royal Gorge. ▶ From the U.S. 24 river overpass downstream to the lower boundary of the Hayden Ranch, as posted. ▶ From the stockyard bridge (Chaffee CR 102) below Salida downstream 7.5 miles to the confluence with Badger Creek. ■ BLUE RIVER: From Dillon Reservoir dam to Hamilton Creek Road bridge; also from Green Mountain Reservoir dam to Colorado River. WILD TROUT PROGRAM ■ COLORADO RIVER: From Fraser River to Troublesome Creek, and from Canyon Creek (Grand Co.) to Rock Creek. ■ FRYINGPAN RIVER: From Ruedi Reservoir dam to the Roaring Fork River. ■ GORE CREEK: From Red Sandstone Creek to Eagle River. ■ GUNNISON RIVER: From 200 yards downstream of Crystal Reservoir dam to the North Fork of the Gunnison. ■ NORTH PLATTE RIVER: From south boundary of Routt National Forest to Wyoming (Northgate Canyon). ■ RIO GRANDE: From U.S. 149 bridge at South Fork downstream to Rio Grande canal diversion structure. ■ ROARING FORK RIVER: From the Fryingpan River to the Colorado River. ■ SOUTH PLATTE RIVER: ▶ From the confluence of the middle and south forks to Spinney Mountain Reservoir inlet. ▶ From Spinney Mountain Reservoir outlet to Eleven Mile Reservoir inlet. ▶ From Cheesman Reservoir dam to the south boundary of the Wigwam Club property. ▶ From the north boundary of Wigwam Club property to Scraggy View picnic ground. ▶ Middle fork, from the U.S. 9 bridge to the south fork confluence. GOLD MEDAL LAKES ■ NORTH DELANEY BUTTE LAKE in Jackson Co. ■ SPINNEY MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR in Park Co. ■ STEAMBOAT LAKE in Routt Co. STREAM SURVEYS CPW is responsible for the preservation and protection of native and nonnative wild trout populations. Most mountain streams and some high lakes in Colorado support populations of wild trout. These resources are important to the integrity of Colorado’s trout fisheries; as an indicator of properly functioning aquatic ecosystems; and for their intrinsic value to those seeking a unique, aesthetic and significant fishery resource. To assure the continuation and availability of wild self-sustaining trout populations the Parks and Wildlife Commission has established specific management guidelines for those aquatic habitats which support all life stages of trout. These waters are to be managed to the extent possible to maintain these wild trout populations. STREAM SURVEYS HELP BIOLOGISTS MANAGE FISHING © Kevin Rogers, CPW Colorado Parks and Wildlife is the state agency responsible for fisheries management of public waters in Colorado. The primary tool that guides fish management is the lake and stream survey. These surveys periodically monitor fish populations. During the process, fish are collected using a variety of gear and the necessary biological data is recorded. This gauges the entire fish community rather than a single species. The collected data is used to track fish population trends, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions such as stocking and regulations, and establish realistic management goals for a given lake or stream. The fisheries section of CPW conducts hundreds of lake and stream surveys each year. High-priority and brood waters such as Chatfield, Pueblo and Horsetooth reservoirs and the Gunnison River are surveyed annually. Smaller, more remote, or lightly used lakes or streams may only be surveyed once every 5–10 years. Most of the survey fieldwork takes place from early June through late September; however, many areas also conduct more specialized sampling beginning right after ice-out and again in the fall prior to freeze-up. © Kevin Rogers, CPW WILD TROUT & GOLD MEDAL WATERS POLICY: cpw.state.co.us/fish/goldmedalpolicy MORE ABOUT HOW FISHERY BIOLOGISTS SAMPLE FISH: cpw.state.co.us/fish/management ■ FISHERY DATA FOR SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO WATERS: cpw.state.co.us/fish/fisherydata 3 CPW.STATE.CO.US GENERAL STATE RECORDS BY WEIGHT SPECIES YEAR LOCATION & CO. arctic char bass, hybrid striped (wiper) bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, white carp, common carp, grass catfish, black bullhead catfish, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead crappie, black crappie, white eel, American freshwater drum grayling mountain whitefish northern pike perch, Sacramento perch, yellow salmon, chinook salmon, kokanee (angling) salmon, kokanee (snagging) sauger saugeye splake sucker, white sunfish, bluegill 2017 2004 1997 1979 2011 2005 2017 1963 2001 2013 1993 2019 2010 2017 2017 1975 1996 1978 2002 1982 2006 1974 2007 1989 1986 2002 2011 2001 1976 2011 2019 2001 & 1997 1986 2015 1998 1994 1947 1988 2007 1979 2007 1964 2003 2005 2017 1997 sunfish, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, redear tench tiger muskie trout, brook trout, brown trout, cutbow trout, golden trout, lake trout, native cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, tiger walleye 4 2021 COLORADO FISHING Dillon Res., Summit Pueblo Res., Pueblo Echo Canyon Res., Archuleta Ramah Res., El Paso Aurora Res., Arapahoe Valco Ponds, Pueblo Arkansas River, Bent Blue Lake, Bent/Kiowa Glenmere Park, Weld Cottonwood Park Lake, Jefferson Farm Pond, Delta Pueblo Res., Pueblo Aurora Res., Arapahoe Pueblo Res., Pueblo Frank State Wildlife Area Northglenn Lake, Adams Flagler Res., Kit Carson Lonetree Res., Larimer Lower Big Creek Lake, Jackson Roaring Fork River, Eagle Stagecoach Res., Routt Banner Lakes, Weld Seaman Res., Larimer Williams Fork Res., Grand Spinney Mountain Res., Park Blue Mesa Res., Gunnison Horseshoe Res., Heurfano John Martin Res., Bent Island Lake, Delta Aurora Res., Arapahoe Totten Res., Montezuma Gravel pit, Larimer Big Thompson Pond, Weld Gravel pit, Larimer Stalker Lake, Yuma Home Lake, Rio Grande Quincy Res., Arapahoe Upper Cataract Lake, Summit Roaring Judy Ponds, Gunnison Antero Res., Park Kelly Lake, Jackson Blue Mesa Res., Gunnison Twin Lakes, Lake Morrow Point Res., Gunnison Blue River, Summit Upper Dome Lake, Gunnison Standley Lake, Jefferson STATE RECORDS PROGRAMS WEIGHT LENGTH 4-2.4 26-15.0 11-6.0 1-1.3 6-11.0 4-7.9 29-5.0 4-7.0 35-5.0 57-13.0 5-1.0 29-2.112 43-10.1 30-9.6 3-7.8 4-3.8 3-1.0 17-3.0 1-10.0 5-2.0 30-11.0 1-14.0 2-9.6 11-0.0 6-13.0 7-5.0 3-6.7 10-14.0 18-15.0 5-6.7 2-9.5 1-5.0 1-5.0 1-8.5 0-15.2 5-6.9 40-2.0 7-10.0 30-8.0 18-8.0 3-12.0 50-5.6 16-0.0 19-9.6 17-2.6 8-3.7 18-12.6 23.5 37.5 22.5 10.5 21.5 17.75 39 18 38.75 47 23 38.625 40.5 38.75 17.5 17 35.25 31 17.25 18.75 46.5 13.25 13.75 28.5 27.5 27 21.5 28.5 32 23.5 12.75 11.5 11.25 10.75 10.5 20 53 n/a 36 28.5 22.5 44.25 n/a 34 33 27.5 34 (lbs.-ozs.) (inches) ANGLER Lindsay Regali Kevin Treanor Jarrett Edwards Timothy Fisk Raymond Ong Michael Hardin Harvey Shade Pedro Martinez Adam Wickam Brian Husmann Uldene Kuretich Randy Stillwell Jessica Walton Michael Flock Fesstus Stalder Daryel Thompson Juergen Kernal Faye Lancamp Derik Drinnen Richard Sals Tim Bone Dana Wilfong Justin Allbrandt Helen Eaton Will Arduino Lee Cox Jeff Riddle Rocklyn Beise Robin Perkins Jay Grupp Gregory Wallace Joshua Robinson Justin Evans Jeff Robinson Craig McNitt Craig Curtis Jason Potter George Knorr Alan Schneider Frank Stack Donald O’Leary Donald Walker George Hranchak Lee Cox Rob Peckham Anthony Janssen Scott Regan CPW recognizes licensed anglers who catch exceptionally large fish through three separate programs: Records by Weight, Records by Length (released only) and Master Angler. STATE RECORDS BY WEIGHT State Records by Weight is Colorado's original and oldest fishing recognition program. Fish records are tracked by weight in 49 different species categories (see table at left). If an angler catches a large fish that they believe may have broken the weight record in its species, there are a series of steps that must be taken to have the fish certified as a new state record: ▶ Potential record holders must have a valid Colorado fishing license or be under the age of 18. ▶ The catch must be made in Colorado in compliance with all state fishing rules and regulations. ▶ The fish in question must be weighed on a state-certified scale (pounds and ounces). Statec