With the movement of heavy equipment into the stream March 3, West Denver Trout Unlimited celebrated the beginning of its long-anticipated “Golden Mile” enhancement project on Clear Creek.
Much of the project, which involves placement of large boulders and “J” dams, is located upstream of the Highway 6 bridge just west of the City of Golden. The reach of public access trout water also extends downstream into town, for a total of about a mile.
“Clear Creek will be the most accessible quality coldwater stream fishery for many people throughout Denver,” said Miles Williams, WDTU project director.
The West Denver TU group has budgeted $180,000 for the project; contributions from the City of Golden, “Federal Fishing is Fun” program, Jefferson County Conservation Trust Fund, Coors Brewery, AFS Quarries, Frontier Environmental Services, National TU and various individuals bring the project total to $250,000. Activity will take place in two phases — until runoff forces equipment from the water in late spring and again in late summer and autumn when flows abate.
Walleye update.
The cast of expert presenters has been completed for the Colorado Walleye Association-sponsored “All Eyes on Walleye Expo” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, West Sixth Avenue at Indiana Street.
Veteran professional Doc Johnson will begin seminar sessions with a 10 a.m. meeting on skills required to become a pro angler. An 11:30 a.m. round table will feature professional anglers Steve Gerber and Luke Eachus, along with CWA big-fish winner Dean Curry.
Paul Winkle, Division of Wildlife biologist, will give a fishing forecast at 1 p.m.; Johnson will deliver the finale at 2:30. Admission is $5. Youths 15 and under, and adults accompanying them, will be admitted free.
Deer feeding continues.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is continuing its feeding of approximately 8,600 deer at 131 sites in Gunnison County. Difficult winter conditions necessitate a program that includes 440 pronghorn at 12 sites and a separate hay-feeding initiative to bait approximately 3,300 animals away from ranchers’ hay and deer-feeding sites.
A related problem involves dogs chasing wildlife. Fines of $274 or more can be levied against the owners of dogs that harass wildlife.
Fly-fishing team named.
Two Coloradans are among seven anglers selected for the team that will represent the U.S. at the World Fly Fishing Championships in New Zealand this month. Anthony Naranja of Grand Junction will captain a team that also includes Mike Sexton of Pagosa Springs. Other members are George Daniel of State College, Pa.; Josh Stephens of Robbinsville, S.C.; Lance Egan of Lehi, Utah; Bret Bishop of Boise, Idaho; and Scott Robertson of Bend, Ore.
