The Colorado Division of Wildlife has proposed several changes in the state’s fishing regulations, subject to approval at the March 8 Denver meeting of the wildlife commission. Officials expect the changes to become effective May 1, allowing for proper notifications and postings. The most prominent changes involve the Blue River drainage. Seasonal restrictions will be lifted on the the inlets to Dillon Reservoir, reflecting the decline in brown trout spawning runs. Catch-and-release will be mandated below Green Mountain Reservoir.
On the Poudre River, the Gateway Park segment will have the same regulation as the adjacent river, flies and lures, only with a two-fish limit. Changes on the Gunnison River would lift the slot limit on brown trout below Crystal Reservoir while extending the flies-and-lures regulation down to the Relief Ditch diversion approximately 5 miles above Austin Bridge. Warmwater changes include establishing size limits for walleye and bass at Johnstown Reservoir and a no-kill regulation for bass at Bald Eagle Pond at St. Vrain State Park.
Kids get a break
The Colorado Wildlife Commission voted to raise the age limit for youth walk-in access permits. Youths under age 18 who participate in either the existing small-game walk-in program of the pilot walk-in arrangement for pronghorn and deer in southeast Colorado are not required to purchase a permit. The previous stipulation was under 16. The southeast pilot requires that participating youth acquire a free permit. No permit is required for the small-game program.
