A new chapter in the tumultuous history of Antero Reservoir could be opened next week when Denver Water begins lowering the water level in the popular South Park fishery by two feet.
The drawdown, to be done in coordination with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Office of the State Engineer, is a safety precaution to reduce water pressure and seepage within Antero Dam, built in 1909 to create the first reservoir in the South Platte River system. The dam has experienced excessive seepage since it was built, officials say, indicating a need for further study to determine the extent of the damage.
Antero will remain open to recreation as the gradual drawdown continues into the first week of June, although impacts to the shallow, weed-filled fishery that has suffered from winter fish kills as recently as 2008 remain unknown.
“We recognize the importance of Antero Reservoir to Park County’s economy and as a prime fishery for anglers, but need to draw down the reservoir for public safety,” said Mike Miller, Denver Water dam safety engineer.
Further engineering evaluations of the dam will determine the long-term plan for the facility. The duration of the study will depend on what Denver Water learns from the initial information.
“Denver Water and the Colorado Division of Wildlife are working cooperatively to examine all of the possibilities to lessen the potential impacts to the fishery from the drawdown,” said Jeff Spohn, CDOW northeast region aquatic biologist. “Once Denver Water finishes its study, we will have a better understanding of future fish management at Antero.”
Wildlife concerns and questions regarding fishing at Antero can be directed to DOW at 303-291-7227. For questions regarding Antero operations, contact Denver Water at 303-628-6320.
Barr Lake clinic.
Barr Lake State Park is hosting its first Spring Fishing Clinic on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering instruction and outdoor activities for the entire family. Professional guide and World Fishing Network host Nathan Zelinsky of Tightline Outdoors will discuss shore fishing techniques at 11 a.m. and carp fishing techniques at 1 p.m.
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Free fishing clinics for kids.
Sunday marks the first of five free fishing clinics for kids in the lower Arkansas River Valley this May. Activities include a day of fishing and instruction from DOW volunteers and staff, with fishing poles and bait provided for the kids. Clinics will be held at the following locations:
Sunday at Las Animas City Pond in Las Animas, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; May 7 at Sheridan Lake, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (lunch provided); May 14 at Jackson’s Pond in Eads, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (lunch provided); May 14 at Turks Pond in Springfield, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (lunch provided); May 14 at La Junta City Park Pond in La Junta, 8 a.m. to noon.
For registration and information, call Linda Groat at 719-336-6608.
Asking for public input.
The DOW is seeking public input on deer herd populations and management plans at three public meetings next month. The meetings are part of the Division’s population management plans for herds in units 31 and 32 in the Logan Mountain DAU spanning Mesa and Garfield counties.
Meetings are scheduled at the DeBeque Community Building in DeBeque on May 16, at the Grand Valley District Fire Station in Parachute on May 17 and at the CDOW offices in Grand Junction on May 18. All begin at 6 p.m.
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