The recent cold weather has iced up a few high-country lakes and ponds. St. Mary’s is seeing ice fishing action already. Over the next couple of weeks, Antero, Georgetown and Tarryall likely will ice over. If you go, use extreme caution. Front Range waters are open and fishing well, particularly for trout. In-line spinners, such as rooster tails or panther martins, are productive. Nearly every river in the state is reporting solid action right now. While streamers and minnow lures are producing, with the cooling waters, look for the trout to move into deeper run, where nymphs will be a better choice.
David Coulson,
HELP: Bear poaching probed
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are investigating a poaching near Avondale involving a bear shot on private property sometime either Nov. 1 or Nov. 2. A $500 reward is being offered in the case. The female bear was found by a hunter near Olson Road and 53rd Lane, leaving two 65-pound cubs to survive the winter on their own.
Anyone with information about this case or who may have witnessed suspicious activity can contact Operation Game Thief anonymously at 877-265-6648 or call district wildlife manager Gretchen Holschuh at 719-250-9089. Verizon cellphone users can dial #OGT. Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
KNOW: Pheasant fundraisers
Colorado Pheasants Forever chapters in Yuma and Phillips counties will hold their annual fundraising banquets in conjunction with Saturday’s ringneck opener. The Rocky Mountain oyster fries serve as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the chapters, which support and promote pheasant hunting and habitat programs along the plains. Live and silent auctions for a variety of hunting items are accompanied by raffles for those who purchase tickets. Doors and social hour open at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the auction at 7 p.m. Dinner is $10 per person, with kids’ plates ranging from free to half price, depending on age. A bottomless Pheasants Forever “membership mug” is available for those wishing to join the conservation organization. Membership is not required, however, and the banquets are open to the public.
Info: Banquets are held at the Yuma Irrigation Research Farm, north of Yuma on Colorado 59, and at the Holyoke Community Center in Springfield. Call Jerry Thompson at 970-597-1445.
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
