With the NCAA basketball tournament concluded, the most popular office pool in fishing circles might be guessing the opening date for Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
Last year, the South Park impoundment opened on March 27, but the end of this year’s ice age does not appear imminent. While phones at the Elevenmile/Spinney Mountain State Park office and the 11 Mile Marina have been ringing off the wall with inquiries from cabin-weary fishermen, the ice at Spinney Mountain Reservoir remains 32 inches thick, according to park ranger Barb Van Winkle.
The pattern of the thaw varies each year. The opening date on Spinney Mountain is determined by Aurora officials and the state parks office.
“It’s anybody’s guess when that might be this year,” Van Winkle said.
The best source of information about the opening date is the state parks website. Log on to . Click on the Colorado State Parks link in the lower-left column, then on Spinney Mountain in the “choose a state park” box. Otherwise, call 719-748-3401.
Walleye spawn.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife’s annual spawn-taking operation is ahead of schedule and likely will be concluded by the end of the week. The total egg take as of Monday was about 86.5 million. The target is 90-95 million eggs.
Nets have been removed from Cherry Creek Reservoir. The Chatfield operation is expected to conclude by today, and the Pueblo operation by the end of the week.
Footnotes.
Jumbo and Prewitt reservoirs in northeast Colorado have opened to boating for the season. Both require on-site inspection of boats for aquatic nuisance species.
Karl Licis, Special to The Denver Post
