LAS ANIMAS — The old gent in the dinghy sporting a blue parasol had a problem. A very nice problem.
“I can’t lift my arms, they hurt so bad,” he said with mock complaint. “The white bass are biting so fast I can’t keep them off the hook.”
The man was in the midst of an event not recently seen among the warm-water lakes of southeast Colorado. After years of drought and frustration, these half-dozen or so lakes have begun a comeback, one that promises to approach the glory days of yesteryear.
“Look at that,” Jim Ramsay said while waving an arm toward the little boat. “The best white bass bite at John Martin in years, and I can’t even take credit for it.”
Ramsay’s modesty can be consumed with a dash of truth. While the biologist hasn’t actually conducted a conventional stocking program for these popular sportfish, he has been in the middle of a widespread water restoration plan that not only is boosting the region’s largest lake, but several other impoundments as well.
For those eager to find a white-bass bite that should remain vibrant for weeks to come, John Martin Reservoir offers lots of fish and access to match. As part of the only state park in the region, it has two solid boat ramps and ample recreational facilities, generally underutilized. In fact, Colorado State Parks issued a bulletin last week listing John Martin among the parks where reservations remain available for Memorial Day weekend. The riddle of the southeast is one that confounds biologists and anglers alike — vibrant fisheries during one phase, then creeping mudholes the next. It’s a maddening escalator ride that demands close attention to enjoy the high points while avoiding the bad.
Now, finally, the good times may be ready to roll, with Ramsay in the starring role as the Colorado Division of Wildlife biologist directing a revival of the same waters he prowled as a high school student in nearby Eads. Such serendipitous quirks of fate actually happen. With an aggressive water acquisition program, the state has maintained a base pool of 10,000 acre feet, enough water to sustain a revived fishery, along with boat access. Adding to the bounty, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year completed a project to dredge silt from the base of the dam, providing a 50-foot pool that can sustain fish under any water conditions. While Ramsay has been busily restoring walleye, saugeye, wiper and catfish, it’s the white bass that grabbed center state.
“They just exploded,” Ramsay said. “We’ve had reports of 200-fish days.”
Grown to an average of 13 inches, some a tick longer, they’re generally an easy mark for kids and family groups.
“They’re at a good filet size,” Ramsay said. “Another year and we should have fish 16 to 17 inches long.”
While some anglers prefer to try for saugeye averaging 14 inches or wiper to 15 inches, it’s the white bass that rings the bell.
Our gent with the parasol used nothing more sophisticated than a bottom bouncer trailing a small spinner. A pinch of night crawler sealed the deal as a sweetener. White grubs on a one-eighth-ounce jig head also turned the trick; anything that imitates the lake’s expanding shad forage base is certain to get plenty of attention.
Crappie, always a John Martin favorite, haven’t regained their earlier form following the drawdown.
“We’re seeing a few limits, but with a couple of really solid water years, they should be getting off a good spawn,” Ramsay predicted.
Boaters who visit the southeast should keep close tabs on wind forecasts. Dangerous conditions can arise in an instant, putting smaller craft in peril. When in doubt, fish from shore. In every case, John Martin offers the best opportunity for a safe launch.
Charlie Meyers: 303-954-1609 or cmeyers@denverpost.com
