Northglenn – Marty Martinez came with his shiny spinner, bright orange fireballs and fake worms. Rick Abeyta answered with scented fish bait that boasts, “Fish Bite and Won’t Let Go.”
Others are bound to follow with their own tricks and special fish voodoo as word spreads that the city is hosting “Fish-A-Palooza” at Croke Reservoir.
“Oh, yeah, this weekend, it will get real busy here,” said the 70-year-old Martinez, who Tuesday came to Croke armed with two fishing poles and the earnestness of any good angler.
Northglenn and the Colorado Division of Wildlife declared no-limit fishing at the reservoir on May 2, meaning people can snag and take home as many large-mouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill as they can carry.
Officials hope locals can catch all the fish from the reservoir before dredging begins this summer.
“Our point is to get as much fish out of there as possible,” said Kathi Green, DOW assistant regional manager. “Better people use the fish for food than just leave them there.”
Anglers can use any legal means to nab fish at the reservoir in addition to the specially permitted methods of “snagging, seines and dip nets,” according to Northglenn.
The fishing bonanza is likely to end next month when DOW personnel will take what didn’t get snagged and transport them to other ponds and lakes in the area.
The reservoir will then be dredged and work will begin on widening and adding some amenities, including a walkway on the eastern shore, said Northglenn spokeswoman Celeste Flores.
“Fish-A-Palooza” does have rules: Every angler must have a valid Colorado fishing license, according to the DOW.
Martinez checked his lines on Tuesday but came up with little except some conversation.
“It sure is relaxing, and it gives me something to do after I get my chores done at home,” he said. “But I sure wish I could catch some fish.”
Abeyta had a little better luck, netting a 13-inch bass before he packed up and headed home. “It’s great that they will let us get some food rather than let the fish just waste here,” Abeyta said. “But I like it even without catching anything. You can relax and get in the zone.”
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
