The Colorado Wildlife Commission has affirmed a two-trout bag and possession limit for Antero Reservoir for the near future. The regulation, initially passed as an emergency measure, will remain in place until the next regulation cycle becomes effective in 2011.
Meanwhile, Colorado Division of Wildlife fish managers will hold public discussions while keeping tabs on the biological effects of the two-fish limit toward a more permanent rule in the next cycle.
Celebrating sheep. A full day of festivities at the Nov. 10 Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival will hold the theme, “Keeping Colorado Wild.” Sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the town of Georgetown, the event will focus on the sheep herd on the north side of I-70 near the Georgetown exit. An event that begins at 10 a.m. and runs into early evening will feature lectures from experts and various town activities. A bus tour will transport visitors to a guided tour of historic buildings and places.
Goose seminar. The division of wildlife will host a goose-hunting clinic Nov. 1 at the Poudre Learning Center in Greeley, 8313 F St. It will cover the full range of tactics and equipment. The 6:30-9 p.m. event is free. Registration is required, 970-472-4447.
Fish advisory. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has joined with the division of wildlife in issuing a fish consumption advisory for Echo Canyon Reservoir near Pagosa Springs.
The health agency has detected elevated levels of mercury in fish tissue samples as part of an ongoing five-year study of 120 waters statewide.
The Echo Canyon recommendation is that children age 6 or younger consume no largemouth bass. Yellow perch or crappie larger than 7 inches should not be consumed. Adults should not eat more than one fish meal per month from the lake; more stringent strictures apply to pregnant or nursing women.
Recently tested waters for which no restrictions were issued include Big Creek Reservoir, Boedecker Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Douglas Reservoir, Eagle River, Elkhead Reservoir, Lake Granby, Lon Hagler Reservoir, Smith Reservoir, Wellington No. 4 Reservoir and Yampa River.
Sloan’s Lake fish kill. Anyone wishing to wet a line in Sloan’s Lake during this waning weekend of the warmwater season will have to wait at least until Monday. That’s when Denver Parks and Recreation will receive a definitive report on oxygen levels following a die-off last week of about 100 fish.
The decay of green algae, an annual event at the shallow lake, is blamed for oxygen depletion that killed fish last Wednesday. The parks agency promptly arranged to have fresh water introduced through the canal that feeds the lake.
