Among changes to fishing regulations approved Friday by the Colorado Wildlife Commission were modification of walleye limits on selected waters, adoption of flies-and-lures and maximum-size restriction on a portion of the Arkansas River below Pueblo Dam, loosening lake-trout limits on Blue Mesa Reservoir and tightening provisions for the collection of minnows and crayfish.
The changes will go into effect Jan. 1 and remain in place for the next five years.
Walleye limits at Chatfield and Cherry Creek reservoirs were changed to three fish at least 18 inches long, of which only one can exceed 21 inches. The measure also applies to the South Platte River from Chatfield Dam downstream to C-470.
At Carter Reservoir, the new limit will be three fish no longer than 21 inches in length. The intent is to bring the walleye population into balance with the reservoir’s forage base while maintaining a trophy-fish component.
Special walleye regulations were removed from Horsetooth and Boulder reservoirs. At Nee Noshe, Nee Gronda, John Martin and Adobe Creek reservoirs, the possession limit was raised to 10, and the one-fish-over- 21-inches provision was removed. The 15-inch minimum was removed from Trinidad Reservoir, while only one walleye or saugeye per day can exceed 18 inches.
Expanded turkey hunting.
A change in turkey-hunting regulations approved by the Colorado Wildlife Commission on Friday provides over-the-counter licenses for all but three management units (91, 92 and 96) east of Interstate 25. The licenses will be valid only on private land. The change reflects growing populations of turkeys in eastern Colorado and goes into effect in 2011.
Karl Licis, Special to The Denver Post
