Colorado’s fishing opportunities are as diverse as its terrain. The Greenhorn Valley is blessed to have both Lake Isabel and Lake Beckwith fully stocked for our summertime fishing entertainment.
According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Aquatic Biologist for the Pueblo office, Kerry Tucker, Lake Isabel and Lake Beckwith have been recently stocked. Tucker advised that her department had stocked the fish supply at Lake Isabel several times from mid-April to June 16. Over 12,000 rainbow trout alone have been added. Kokanee salmon, tiger trout, brown trout, and splake trout have all been added as well. Lake Beckwith was report
Lake Beckwith was reportedly stocked with rainbow trout in April, May, and early June. Saugeye fingerlings were added from the hatchery in May.
According to their website, CPW manages fish hatcheries that raise some 35 species of cold- and warmwater fish. Using a fleet of specially designed trucks, CPW stocks around 90 million fish annually.
To ensure that there are enough fish to stock every year, CPW sets up spawncollection sites at lakes and reservoirs across the state. In addition to collecting fish eggs for Colorado’s hatcheries, CPW trades both eggs and fish with other states, as well as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Based on supply and demand, CPW works with other state and federal hatcheries to ensure there’s enough of each species.
Tucker and a coworker built and delivered to Lake Beckwith a fish habitant station. Habitat structures can act as miniature sanctuaries for all types of fish species, providing them with food sources and protective structures where there once were none. Tucker said they built the structure from cast-off materials including two plastic barrels, some irrigation pipe, and netting. While the lakes will not be
While the lakes will not be stocked again until fall, due to the heat of late June through August. Tucker says there should be plenty of fish to keep everyone happy and issued a gentle reminder for everyone to purchase their required fishing license. Licenses for residents 18-69 years of age cost $36.71, or $10.23 for residents 16 & 17 or seniors over 65.
Tucker would like to let everyone know that CPW is aware of the orange fish in Lake Isabel and that they are not goldfish in need of help. She says they are European Rudds that are sometimes used for bait and wind up living in the lake. Colorado, with waters gen
Colorado, with waters generously dispersed from mountains all the way to the Eastern Plains, seems to be an angler’s paradise. Being home to more than 9,000 miles of rivers, 2,000 natural lakes, and hundreds of clear streams it seems like Mother Nature may have a soft spot for those who like to cast a line.