A major part of the plan is to decrease the numbers of small to medium sized lake trout which make up the majority of the population of that species. Lake trout are top predators and have taken a large toll on kokanee and rainbows.

For many years the kokanee salmon at Blue Mesa have played a key role in supplying eggs for restocking Blue Mesa and up to 26 other reservoirs in Colorado. Since 2000, however, the number of kokanee at Blue Mesa Reservoir has plunged from about 1 million to less than 150,000 today. Consequently kokanee do not produce enough eggs to even restock Blue Mesa. The DOW is very concerned about the continuing rapid decline in the kokanee population.

Check out the Lake Trout Removal Project update and find more information on the Blue Mesa Reservoir page.

McKinney describes ice as a great equalizer. The frozen surface of a reservoir is an open court, a level playing field that allows ice anglers to delve into a reservoir’s nooks and crannies that are unavailable from shore in open water. “Ice Fishing 101” provides great information on ice fishing techniques, basic equipment and which times are best to catch certain fish.

Ice fishing is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. It is often more of a passive fishing effort than regular fishing, leaving plenty of time for good discussion and the telling of fishing adventures and tall tales. For those who have not tried it yet, go do it this winter!
 
Also see the Ice Fishing Reports page for up-to-date information on waters around the state.