a. The taking, possession and use of any crustacean under the authority of a commercial fishing license is subject to the following restrictions:

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1 Date: 7/23/2015 ISSUE: Should labeling requirements for livetraps (cage or box traps, including set pots) used for the taking of crayfish, snapping turtles, and fish captured as bait fish or for personal consumption be changed for all users? The current Chapter W-1 Fishing regulations state different requirements for labeling livetraps when possessed by a commercially licensed angler versus a sport angler. This situation has caused confusion for commercial fishermen and anglers; this issue paper suggests regulation changes to eliminate misunderstanding and confusion. Additional questions evolved during Regional discussion concerning license categories that do not require CIDs such as youth (younger than age 16) and commercial fisherman. This is addressed in the preferred alternative language. Manner of take regulation #103.8.a covers livetraps for sport anglers while regulation #104.H specifically addresses the requirements for commercially licensed anglers using livetraps for crustaceans: #103 - Manner of Take A. The following are legal methods of take for species listed in this chapter. Any method of take not listed herein shall be prohibited, except as otherwise provided by statute or these regulations: 2. Trotlines e. Trotlines shall be tagged with the user s name, customer identification number, and date set. 3. Jugs c. Jugs shall be tagged with the owner or user s name and customer identification number. 8. Livetraps a. Cage or box traps, including set pots, shall be used only for the taking of crayfish, snapping turtles, and fish taken in accordance with regulation #104(H). There are no stated labeling requirements for the use of set pots and traps if the user does not hold a commercial fishing license. #104. H 5. Crustaceans. a. The taking, possession and use of any crustacean under the authority of a commercial fishing license is subject to the following restrictions: 3. All set pots and traps shall be labeled with the name, address and license number of the license holder. The internal publics include the Aquatic Section, Field Operations, and all Regions throughout the state. Anglers/trappers using livetraps (cage or box traps, including set pots) for the taking of crayfish, snapping turtles, and fish captured as bait fish or for personal consumption compose the external public. Internal input has occurred amongst the Customer Service Representatives in the Northwest Region, Area 7 Aquatic Biologist, Northwest Senior Aquatic Biologist, Northwest Assistant Regional Manager, and Area 7. External input has been limited to phone conversations and face-to-face interactions with anglers/trappers. 1

2 1. * Preferred Alternative *: The preferred alternative is to streamline labeling requirements such that all livetraps (cage or box traps, including set pots) used for the taking of crayfish, snapping turtles, and fish captured as bait fish or for personal consumption be labeled with the user s customer identification number, for all users (sport anglers and holders of commercial fishing licenses). Additional streamlining of Trotline and Jug labeling requirements would eliminate the user s name while retaining other identification and date set requirements. No changes are suggested to inspection intervals for trotlines and jugs. The preferred and suggested alternative is to change current regulations as follows: #103 - Manner of Take A. The following are legal methods of take for species listed in this chapter. Any method of take not listed herein shall be prohibited, except as otherwise provided by statute or these regulations: 2. Trotlines e. Trotlines shall be tagged with the user s name, customer identification number and date set. If the user does not have a customer identification number, trotlines must be tagged with the user s name. 3. Jugs c. Jugs shall be tagged with the user s name and customer identification number. If the user does not have a customer identification number, jugs must be tagged with the user s name. 8. Livetraps a. Cage or box traps, including set pots, shall be used only for the taking of crayfish, snapping turtles, and fish taken in accordance with regulation #104(H). All cage or box traps, including set pots, shall be tagged with the user s customer identification number. If the user does not have a customer identification number, traps must be tagged with the user s name. #104. H 5. Crustaceans. a. The taking, possession and use of any crustacean under the authority of a commercial fishing license is subject to the following restrictions: 3. All set pots and traps shall be labeled with the name, address and customer identification number of the license holder. 2. Status quo alternative. Faye Hall, Northwest Region (Grand Junction) Customer Service Representative Lori Martin, Area 7 Aquatic Biologist Sherman Hebein, Northwest Senior Aquatic Biologist; Dean Riggs, Northwest Assistant Regional Manager 2

3 Date: 7/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Baca County be added to the 5-county area in southeast CO for which baitfish collection and transport is permitted? Current regulation allows for limited baitfish collection and transport within a 5-county area in Southeast Colorado. Baca County is excluded from this area. In Baca County (along with the rest of Colorado) the collection and transport of baitfish from one water to another is prohibited. Baca County has limited fishing opportunities. Currently, only 3 waters are stocked in the county (Turks Pond, Fritzler Pond, and Two Buttes Reservoir). Two Buttes Reservoir has recently been filled after being very low or dry for almost a decade. Good populations of warm-water fish species have been established. Fishing with baitfish is a popular method of angling. Obtaining baitfish legally is extremely difficult for anglers in Baca County. No bait shops exist there for anglers to purchase baitfish. The threat of the spread of ANS or aquatic disease is low in Baca County. Turks Pond and Fritzler Pond are geographically isolated from any connected waterways. Two Buttes Reservoir is located on Two Buttes Creek, which connects to the Arkansas River near the town of Holly, in Prowers County. Prowers County is one of the exempted counties, so the connectivity of the waterways is not a strong argument for excluding Two Buttes Reservoir in the exemption. CPW Law Enforcement personnel, general angling public. Alternative 1 (Preferred): Add Baca County to the current 5-county exempted area in which baifish collection/transport is permitted. Alternative 2: Status Quo. Jim Ramsay (CPW Aquatic Biologist) Josh Nehring (Senior Biologist), Travis Black (A12 AWM) THIS 3

4 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should the regulation that seasonally prohibits fishing north of the boat ramp at Jackson Lake State Park be removed to allow fishing year-round? Currently, fishing is prohibited north of the boat ramp at Jackson Lake State Park from November 1 st through the last day of the regular waterfowl season. This regulation was established for two reasons. First, the regulation was intended to provide waterfowl a resting area. It was believed that both shoreline anglers and boats might disturb and/or spook waterfowl. However, waterfowl are still found resting in areas of the lake where shoreline fishing is allowed; thus, shoreline angling is not greatly disturbing the resting waterfowl. Additionally, Jackson Lake closes to boating on November 1 or when ice covers the lake. Thus, waterfowl, which do not arrive in large numbers until fall, are not usually bothered by boating traffic. Furthermore, very few waterfowl use the lake as a resting place once ice covers the lake, so ice anglers generally do not disturb waterfowl. Lastly, this regulation was established due to a waterfowl research project performed by the Blue Ribbon Panel investigating a series of different waterfowl regulations. That project is complete, so the Blue Ribbon Panel no longer needs this regulation in place. Allowing fishing year-round north of the boat ramp at Jackson Lake State Park would allow more fishing access at a multi-use area and would simplify regulations for Park visitors, Park staff, and the local District Wildlife Manager. Allowing fishing year-round north of the boat ramp at Jackson Lake State Park will have minimal impacts on resting waterfowl. While a popular form of recreation at Jackson Lake State Park, there is not as high of a level of ice fishing as other reservoirs or parks. Therefore, in comparison, there is far less concern regarding disturbance to resting waterfowl during the winter. External: External publics include Jackson Lake anglers and waterfowl hunters. Discussions have occurred amongst internal staff. 1. * Preferred Alternative *: Remove the current Chapter 1 regulation W-108(192)(f). 2. Status Quo: Do not remove the current Chapter 1 regulation W-108(192)(f). The regulation would continue to read From November 1 through the last day of the regular waterfowl season fishing is prohibited north of the boat ramp in that portion of the lake in Jackson Lake State Park. Brad Jackson Jackson Lake State Park Manager V Brad Jackson Jackson Lake State Park Manager V Mandi Brandt Lower South Platte Basin Aquatic Biologist Todd Cozad Local District Wildlife Manager (Area 3) Ken Kehmeier, Cory Chick 4

5 Date: June 13, 2015 ISSUE: Should the CPW Commission expand fishing regulations at Chatfield Reservoir and along the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam to apply to all waters within the Chatfield State Park boundary? Chatfield State Park is a 5,430 acre park with Plum Creek and the South Platte River drainages delivering water to the reservoir. There are ponds along the South Platte River upstream from the reservoir, and there are fishing opportunities in the outlet downstream of the reservoir. Chatfield Reservoir is a valuable fishery with special regulations to protect the walleye, and bass resources. There are currently two sets of fishing regulations at Chatfield State Park: regulations that apply to the reservoir, and state regulations in the ponds and rivers of the park. DWMs and Park Rangers have recently seen an issue with anglers taking small fish (walleye and bass) and multiple bag limits of game fish from these multiple waters within the Park. Only Chatfield Reservoir and the section of the South Platte River below Chatfield Dam are listed in CPW s Fishing Regulations. Statewide fishing regulations apply on the upper section of the South Platte River and the ponds within the Park; they are subject to heavy fishing pressure. Removal of young, small fish and taking too many fish out of these waters over time will be detrimental to the game fish populations and reduce the recreational opportunity for all anglers. As well, it is difficult to enforce undersize bass or walleye regulations when anglers can tell the DWM or Park Ranger that they caught the undersized fish in the river or associated ponds. Consolidation of the fishing regulations pertaining to size limits and daily bag limits to include all waters within Chatfield State Park would enhance the overall fishing opportunities and ensure a more stable and sustainable fishery for the angling public. It will also make it simpler for angers if all the regulations are standardized within the Park boundary. External: Limited number of anglers Internal: Regions/Area, Park Staff, Aquatic Section 1. * Preferred Alternative *: Chatfield Reservoir- Jefferson and Douglas Counties a. Within Chatfield State Park, including the South Platte River and all ponds within the park boundary: 1. The bag limit and minimum size for walleye is three fish, 18 inches in length. 2. No more than one walleye greater than 21 inches in length may be taken per day. 3. The minimum size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches in length. 4. Fishing is prohibited from the dam and within 100 feet of the dam or walleye spawning operation nets, from March 15 through April 15, or until walleye spawning operations are completed. 2. Status Quo: Retain current regulations for Chatfield Reservoir under #108.B.73 and the South Platte River under #108.B.362.g. 5

6 Chatfield State Park Staff and Area 5 Justin Olson, DWM Littleton Ken Kehmeier, Eliza Hunholz No Yes No 6

7 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife adopt special regulations for trout within the town limits of Lyons? The 2010 regulation cycle included discussions about adopting a catch and release trout regulation within the town limits of Lyons. At the time the Town of Lyons passed an ordinance that restricted trout harvest but the regulation was not supported by CPW at the time. In addition, this ordinance cannot be imposed by CPW law enforcement because it is not recognize as a state law. Adequate data did not exist and a CPW study investigating impacts of white water parks on natural stream resources had yet to be completed. Thus, CPW chose not to adopt a special regulation without the necessary data available. Aquatic research has since concluded white water park structures are detrimental to trout abundance. Sections of the North Fork of St. Vrain within the white water park maintain 50% less trout relative to sections of stream with natural stream hydrology. To create sufficient gradients which white water parks users prefer, riffles are typically removed. In-stream riffles are locations where trout spawn and also serve as productive areas where the majority of aquatic insects hatch. CPW has been involved with the rebuild process of the white water park in Lyons which includes improved fish passage and the incorporation of some riffles between structures. Although these changes will likely increase trout biomass, trout production within the white water park will remain compromised. As a result, staff recommends a catch and release regulation. On the South Fork of the St. Vrain River the September, 2013 flood and a subsequent stream channelization project reduced trout abundance from 2,004 trout per mile to 9 trout per mile. A Fishing is Fun grant combined with a match from the local Oskar Blues Brewery has been acquired to restore this section of stream where fishing (not white water activities) will serve as the focal point of stream recreation. In addition, a former fish barrier over the South Ledge Ditch is scheduled to be removed which will promote better migration for trout. Adopting a catch and release regulation on this stretch of the river, will promote this positive partnership and help establish a viable trout fishery following restoration. Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist. External: Town of Lyons, St. Vrain Trout Unlimited. A. * Preferred Alternative * SAINT VRAIN CREEK (RTH AND SOUTH) BOULDER Within the town limits of Lyons as posted: 1. Artificial flies and lures only. 2. Trout must be returned to water immediately. B. Status Quo: statewide general fishing regulations apply (4 trout bag). Benjamin Swigle (Area 2 Aquatic Biologist) John Koehler (Area 2, DWM) Ken Kehmeier, Larry Rogstad 7

8 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should new fishing regulations at Spring Gulch Pond in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County be implemented to allow for catch and release, fly and lure only management? Spring Gulch Pond in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County is a newly created fishing destination within South Metro Denver that is quickly growing as a popular fishing destination for adults and youth alike. Since its creation, the pond was viewed as an immense resource for trophy-quality fishing, including for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and green sunfish. A recent Fishing is Fun grant installed a parking area, two floating fishing docks and ADA-accessible amenities which continue to grow the pond s popularity. Due to the fact that Spring Gulch Pond is a fairly closed system and supplemental stocking from Colorado Parks and Wildlife is not performed currently, fish populations within the pond are subject to increased pressure and potential overharvesting of viable brood stock. With the presence of currently healthy fish populations and many trophy-quality fish, implementation of a catch and release, fly and lure only regulation would create a special angling opportunity for people to be able to pursue a more quality fishing experience. In addition, protection of the susceptible age classes of fish will help to further establish a sustainable fishery for many years to come. External: Community anglers within Highlands Ranch, Highlands Ranch Metro District Staff Internal: NE Region/Area 5, Aquatic Section 1. * Preferred Alternative *: Implement a new fishing regulation for Spring Gulch Pond in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County that allows fishing in a catch and release manner through the use of fly and lure only tackle. 2. Secondary Alternative: Implement a new fishing regulation for Spring Gulch Pond in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County that restricts take of largemouth and smallmouth bass to a minimum size of 15 inches. 3. Status Quo: Maintain current statewide fishing regulations at Spring Gulch Pond in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County. Justin Olson, DWM Littleton Ken Kehmeier, Eliza Hunholz 8

9 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife eliminate special regulations for trout in the North Fork Saint Vrain Creek upstream of the inlet of Buttonrock Reservoir? The North Fork Saint Vrain Creek from the inlet at Buttonrock Reservoir to the confluence with Horse Creek maintains a robust population of brown trout. Staff feel the existing regulation which limits angling to flies and lures only and restricts angler harvest to 2 fish is not scientifically warranted. Rainbow trout, which are much easier to catch compared to brown trout, do not inhabit large portions of the special regulation section. Furthermore, the area is extremely rugged receiving minimal fishing pressure. We recommend removing the special regulation and applying general statewide stipulations. Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist. External: Buttonrock Preserve Ranger Jamie Freel, St. Vrain Trout Unlimited. A. * Preferred Alternative * Statewide general fishing regulations (4 trout bag) B. Status Quo: SAINT VRAIN CREEK (RTH) BOULDER From the confluence with Horse Creek downstream to the inlet of Buttonrock Reservoir: 1. Artificial Flies and Lures only. 2. Bag and possession limit is 2. Benjamin Swigle (Area 2 Aquatic Biologist) John Koehler (Area 2, DWM) Ken Kehmeier, Larry Rogstad 9

10 Date: 7/23/2015 ISSUE: Should a restrictive harvest regulation be implemented for largemouth bass at Crawford Reservoir? Crawford Reservoir historically (mid-1990s) sustained a quality cold- and warm-water mixed species fishery that allowed diverse angling opportunities. This fishery consisted of black crappie, yellow perch, rainbow trout, channel catfish and quality sized largemouth bass. Prior to the illegal introduction of northern pike into the reservoir in the late 1990s, the fishery was balanced and sustainable. Northern pike predation virtually eliminated rainbow trout and largemouth bass from the fishery and caused a dramatic decline in the average length of black crappie (from 8 to 6 ) and yellow perch (from 8 to 5 ) between 1995 and Rainbow trout stocking was eliminated in Although there was a quality northern pike fishery in the early 2000 s, the size of pike declined as they outstripped their food resources by the late 2000 s. In 2010, a restrictive harvest regulation for northern pike was replaced by an unlimited harvest regulation encouraging anglers to harvest northern pike. A combination of angler harvest and CPW mechanical removal project resulted in reducing the adult northern pike population by 89%. The reduction in northern pike abundance caused rapid increases in the abundance and size of yellow perch and largemouth bass and allowed a return of rainbow trout stocking in The current management goal at Crawford Reservoir is to return the balanced warmwater pan fish and trout fishery that was present in the 1990s. This fishery would contain multiple desirable fish with regulations allowing excellent harvest opportunities (unlimited harvest on yellow perch, 20 fish limit on black crappie, 4 fish limit on rainbow trout and 10 fish limit on channel catfish). Currently there is a strong population of largemouth bass up to 16 inches in length that are in good condition. The management goal is to develop a quality largemouth bass population at Crawford Reservoir. Restrictive harvest regulations for largemouth bass have been shown, on average, to increase the number of fish growing to Master Angler (18 ) and above sizes in Colorado (Lepak et al. 2014). A creel survey conducted at Crawford Reservoir in 2000 estimated that 52% of the largemouth bass caught were harvested by anglers suggesting that harvest may be limiting recruitment of quality size largemouth bass. A restrictive harvest regulation for largemouth bass is recommended to allow creation of a quality largemouth bass fishery that is desired by anglers in western Colorado. The current regulation for largemouth bass at Crawford allows a 5 fish limit with a minimum size of 15 for harvest. This issue paper proposes two alternatives to the current regulation. The preferred alternative is a 1 fish only over 18 regulation that would protect largemouth bass from harvest until they reach Master Angler size while allowing harvest of a trophy sized bass. The second alternative would be to maintain the 5 fish limit, but only allow harvest of one fish over 18 inches. This alternative would protect quality size fish, while allowing harvest of smaller size bass. Literature Cited Lepak, J.M., K. Christianson and C. M. Myrick. Enhancing trophy largemouth bass and walleye angling opportunities in Colorado. Colorado Lake and Reservoir Food Web Ecology, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Internal Report. September,

11 Internal: Area 16 and Crawford State Park employees. External: April Angler Roundtable in Delta CO. Input: General support from all contacted for the preferred restrictive harvest regulation for largemouth bass. 1. * Preferred Alternative *: Bag and possession limit for largemouth bass is one fish with a minimum size of 18 inches 2. Bag and possession limit for largemouth bass is five, with one over Status Quo: Minimum size for largemouth bass is 15 inches in length. Eric Gardunio, Area 18 Aquatic Biologist John Alves, Senior Aquatic Biologist Doug Krieger, Patt Dorsey, J. Wenum, Stuart Sinclair, Ed Keleher 11

12 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife modify special regulations at Golden Park Ponds for largemouth and smallmouth bass? Golden Ponds in Longmont is a group of 4 waters that offers angling for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and seasonal rainbow trout. Pond #3 is stocked annually with 6,000 catchable trout and offers quality fishing for largemouth bass during months in which trout are not stocked. To further protect this population of bass we recommend reducing the possession/bag limit to 1 bass longer than 15 inches. This measure will promote increased natural reproduction. Next, Ponds #1 and #2 are currently managed as bass fisheries by limiting angling to flies and lures only. In order to additionally advance this fishery and maximize natural reproduction we recommend installing a catch and release bass regulation on these ponds. An additional issue paper for Fairgrounds Lake in Longmont seeks to eliminate a catch and release regulation as this water is not conducive for quality bass production. Golden Park Ponds #1 and #2 are ponds which produce quality largemouth bass. In order to provide a variety of fishing opportunities in waters that actually produce quality bass we recommend installing a catch and release regulation. Golden Park Ponds #1 and #2 are scheduled to receive improvements under a Fishing is Fun grant which will eradicate invasive milfoils and install a fishing pier to promote better angling for bass. A special fishing regulation will enhance these improvements. Golden Park Pond #4 has been restored to convey flood flows and is not a viable sport fishing pond. Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist. External: City of Longmont A. * Preferred Alternative * : GOLDEN PARK PONDS - BOULDER ON GOLDEN PARK PONDS Bag, possession and min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 1 in aggregate, 15 inches long. ON GOLDEN PARK PONDS. 1 AND Artificial flies and lures only. Scented flies or lures must be 1.5 inches or longer. 2. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. 3. Possession of largemouth or smallmouth bass while fishing Ponds. 1 or POND. 2 are prohibited. B. Status Quo: GOLDEN PARK PONDS. 1, 2, 3, AND 4 BOULDER 1. Min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long. ON GOLDEN PARK PONDS. 1 AND. 2: 1. Artificial flies and lures only. Benjamin Swigle (Area 2 Aquatic Biologist) Jason Duetsch (Area 2, DWM) Larry Rogstad, Ken Kehmeier 12

13 DOUG KRIEGER 13

14 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife adopt or modify special regulations for largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing at Hudson Town Pond, Lonetree Reservoir, Pit D, and Thomas Reservoir? A. HUDSON TOWN POND: Hudson Town Pond provides localized family angling for bass, bluegill, catfish, and seasonal rainbow trout. A Fishing is Fun grant was used to build a 1.5 acre lined pond within a town park that was previously bare ground. The pond opened to angling in October, Since the opening the pond has become the town s recreational hub. Catchable rainbow trout provided immediate angling participation while sunfish and largemouth bass were later added to diversify opportunity. Later, ornamental aquarium fat head minnows were illegally introduced and subsequently spawned. The pond lacked a predator of significant size so 44 adult largemouth bass averaging 14 inches were stocked while additional hatchery reared bass are planted annually. The 2014 survey yielded only 1 bass over 15 inches despite extensive electrofishing and netting. Current regulations allow anglers to harvest up to 5 bass of any size thus it is extremely likely the brood fish have been removed. This amount of harvest in such a small water cannot be sustained. To accommodate a larger number of bass anglers, spread harvest among a larger portion of users, and improve sunfish predation and subsequent growth rates we recommend installing a special bass regulation. B. LONETREE RESERVOIR: Lonetree Reservoir SWA offers anglers quality fishing for walleye, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Based on a 2010 creel survey anglers preferred fishing for walleye (63%) followed by largemouth bass (21%). Based on these results management changes focused on producing better opportunities for walleye and bass. This included stocking brood and fingerling largemouth bass and installing nearly 5,000 square feet of bass spawning habitat. The change in management has resulted in an expansion of the largemouth bass fishery, however the number of anglers has also significantly increased. The 2010 creel found Lonetree attracted 686 boat visits (1,716 individual anglers) per month and 233 shoreline anglers per month. Based on DWM surveys the visitation has likely doubled since In addition, the number of bass fishing tournaments on Lonetree has increased 10-fold in the past decade. This issue paper is not intended to discourage tournament angling, but rather protect the bass fishery in light of the overall increase in angling pressure as a whole. Scientific literature indicates overall bass fishing mortality around 6%. To protect this quality bass fishery and to continue to accommodate present and future growth of angling for bass at Lonetree we recommend reducing the bag and possession limit to 1 bass, a minimum of 15 inches in length. C. PIT D. Pit D is a 20 acre gravel pit pond located on City of Boulder Open Space open to public angling which is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Pit D maintains a quality population of largemouth bass. For example, the 2012 survey yielded 49 largemouth bass ranging in length from inches. Following the September, 2013 flood this pond breached causing additional rough fish including white sucker and common carp to enter the pond. To maintain the quality bass population and promote increased predation on rough fish we recommend installing a stricter fishing regulation to protect largemouth and smallmouth bass from additional harvest. D. THOMAS RESERVOIR: Thomas Reservoir provides localized family angling for bluegill, bass, catfish, and seasonal rainbow trout. A Fishing is Fun grant was used to enhance shoreline angling and improve access. The 2011 gillnet/electrofishing survey yielded good numbers of largemouth bass exceeding 15 inches and subsequent successful natural reproduction. The same survey completed in 2014 revealed largemouth bass abundance had significantly declined while populations of green sunfish and bluegill significantly expanded with the populations now stunted. This small fishery cannot sustain even appreciable levels of largemouth bass harvest. As a result, we recommend installing a special fishing regulation to improve the bass population and increases predation on the stunted sunfish populations. 14

15 Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist. External: Town of Hudson, City of Boulder, Boulder Flycasters, Town of Erie. *Preferred Alternatives are in bold* A. HUDSON TOWN POND WELD 1. Bag, possession and min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 1 in aggregate, 15 inches long. 2. Status Quo - Statewide general regulation, 5 bass any size. B. LONETREE RESERVOIR LARIMER 1. Bag, possession and min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 1 in aggregate, 15 inches long. 2. Status Quo - Min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long (5 fish bag). C. PIT D BOULDER 1. Bag, possession and min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 1 in aggregate, 15 inches long. 2. Status Quo - Min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long (5 fish bag). D. THOMAS RESERVOIR BOULDER 1. Bag, possession and min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 1 in aggregate, 15 inches long. 2. Status Quo - Min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long (5 fish bag). Benjamin Swigle (Area 2 Aquatic Biologist) Chris Mettinbrink, Clayton Brossart, Kristen Cannon (Area 2, DWMs) Larry Rogstad, Ken Kehmeier 15

16 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife modify the special regulation for largemouth and smallmouth bass at Blue Heron Reservoir in St. Vrain State Park, Mead Ponds, Erie Lake, KOA Lake (Boulder), and Lon Hagler Reservoir for catch and release bass angling? A. ST. VRAIN STATE PARK BLUE HERON RESERVOIR: Aquatic research has concluded multiple bass fishing regulations are not warranted in Colorado are not necessary to create a quality largemouth or smallmouth bass fishery. Specifically, 21 minimums, 18 minimums, and catch and release regulations are not significantly different and result in the same outcome when attempting to create a trophy bass fishery. In order to decrease the number of different bass regulations in place at St. Vrain State Park and reduce angler confusion we recommend changing the 21 minimum bass regulation on Blue Heron Reservoir to a catch and release regulation mimicking a similar regulation already in place on Bald Eagle pond. Bald Eagle Pond is exclusively managed as a trophy bass pond with catch and release angling for bass. Based on a 2013 creel survey angler caught 2,400 bass between May 1 and August 31 which far exceeded any catch of this species among any of the ponds. In addition, Bald Eagle Pond was visited by 3,443 anglers making it the most frequently visited pond among waters not stocked with catchable trout. To expand on this success and eliminate confusing we recommend installing a catch and release regulation on Blue Heron pond rather the existing 21 inch minimum. Bald Eagle Pond does not permit bait fishing (artificial flies and lures only). We recommend not adopting this on Blue Heron Lake given it contains walleye and catfish, species not readily available in Bald Eagle Pond. Blue Heron Lake has been stocked with largemouth bass fingerlings and an additional 150 brood bass averaging 14 inches. This lake is scheduled to open during the summer of B. MEAD PONDS: Mead Ponds, located 2 miles west of Mead, or 7 miles Northeast of Longmont is a series of three ponds that offer localized, community-based angling. Angler access and site improvements at this location were partially funded by a CPW Fishing is Fun grant. Pond #3 (1.4 acres) is managed for channel catfish. Pond #2 (2.9 acres) is managed as a put and take catchable rainbow trout fishery and largemouth bass. Pond #1 (3.8 acres), the northern most pond, is managed as a largemouth bass fishery. To create as successful bass fishery, largemouth bass fingerlings are stocked annually while adult brood fish are also supplied when available. For example, 34 largemouth bass averaging 18.2 inches were stocked in May, The stocked fish executed a tremendous wild spawn and hundreds of young bass were surveyed 2 months following the stocking. However, extensive electrofishing failed to recover any of the large brood stocked into the North pond two months earlier. Angler harvest at Mead Ponds currently allows individual anglers to harvest up to 5 bass of any size. This general regulation is not restrictive enough to provide a quality bass fishery in such small ponds. Largemouth bass also provide the lion s share of angling opportunity during months when catchable rainbow trout cannot be stocked. Further complicating management in each of the ponds is the presence of gizzard shad which entered the ponds via ditch water and reproduce naturally. Gizzard shad directly compete with bluegill and crappie and restrict growth of these desirable species. The primary predator for gizzard shad in Mead Ponds is largemouth bass. Thus, in order create a quality bass fishing experience and maximize bass predation on gizzard shad we recommend installing a catch and release fishery for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Originally we investigated the option of a catch and release bass regulation only on the North pond. Previous attempts to split regulations within a complex that has more than one pond has lead to angler confusion and limited enforcement. Enforcement is often clouded because the officer cannot accurately determine if a fish was caught in the regulated pond and later transferred to a stringer to a pond located a few feet away where the more restrictive regulation does not apply. 16

17 C. ERIE LAKE: Erie Lake, located in Boulder County, is a 30 acre lake which provides sport fishing opportunities for bass, walleye, crappie, yellow perch, and catfish. In particular, the largemouth bass fishery is among the best in Boulder County. Erie Lake also hosts an overabundant population of northern crayfish (native species) that routinely clogs outlet pipes the Town of Erie uses for municipal water delivery. CPW simulated a crayfish removal in 2013 by deploying 30 crayfish traps and later removing 728 adult crayfish. Following the removal additional predatory fish (bass and walleye) were stocked. Crayfish trapping completed in 2014 yielded 1,568 individuals; double the number collected in In order to protect the existing population of largemouth bass and provide additional predatory pressure on the crayfish population we recommend the installation of a catch and release bass fishing regulation on Erie Lake. D. KOA LAKE BOULDER: KOA Lake, located within the city limits of Boulder, is a 12 acre lake created in 1980 from gravel mining in the Boulder Creek floodplain. The City of Boulder Open Space Department purchased the property in 1985 and manages the surrounding land for its open space value while CPW manages the fishery. At present, the population of largemouth bass is robust with numerous adults that naturally sustains this population. Common carp also inhabit this water however the population is dominated by large adult carp. The abundance of quality largemouth bass, a predatory species, has kept young carp from establishing and potentially ruining this fishery. KOA Lake recently received a Fishing Is Fun grant from CPW which will fund a handicap fishing pier, picnic facilities, trails, and a float tube launch site. These improvements are scheduled for installation during the spring of 2015 and will substantially increase the angling pressure. To provide sustained carp predation while accommodating increasing fishing pressure we recommend implementing a catch and release bass fishing regulation. E. LON HAGLER RESERVOIR: Biological Information: Prior to implementing an 18 inch minimum size restriction at Lon Hagler, the exiting population of bass in Lon Hagler Reservoir was dominated by inch largemouth bass which are not sexually mature at their current size. Age at length studies indicate largemouth bass spawn in Colorado for the first time at roughly 15 inches or 4 years of age. Results of fishery surveys at Lon Hagler found only 1 of 54 largemouth and 0 of 19 smallmouth bass sampled exceeded 15 inches. Thus the population of broodstock bass in Lon Hagler is rather small. Accordingly, largemouth bass are potentially being harvested before completing a single reproductive season in this reservoir. Five years of tracking the bass population following stricter harvest regulation has found natural reproduction has increased while a greater proportion of the bass population now exceed exceeds 12 inches. Although this regulation has had limited success in producing better numbers of bass over 15 inches it has increased natural production. Social Information: Preliminary results from a 2010 creel survey indicates roughly 22,000 shore anglers and 4,000 boat anglers will take part in fishing at Lon Hagler Reservoir during When asked, if you could catch any single species which would you prefer? Most anglers responded trout (70%), followed by bass (15%), walleye (10%), catfish (4%) and sunfish (1%). All anglers surveyed (100%) supported the existing bass regulation which was a 15 inch minimum. When asked if they would support an increase in the minimum length from 15 inches to 18 inches combined with a reduction in the bass limit, all anglers specifically targeting bass (100%) answered yes. Most anglers favored the implementation of catch and release bass fishing however CPW staff was hesitant to adopt additional catch and release regulations without studying the effectiveness of 9 different bass regulations already in place on various Area 2 waters. Streamlined Bass Regulations: Aquatic research has concluded multiple bass fishing regulations are not warranted in Colorado and not necessary to create a quality largemouth or smallmouth bass fishery. Specifically, 21 minimums, 18 minimums, and catch and release regulations are not significantly different and result in the same 17

18 outcome when attempting to create a trophy bass fishery. In order to decrease the number of different bass regulations in place that accomplish the same goal while promoting continued natural reproduction in Lon Hagler we recommend implementing a catch and release bass fishing regulation on Lon Hagler Reservoir. Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist. St. Vrain State Park Rangers. External: Town of Mead, City of Boulder, Boulder Fly Casters, St. Vrain State Park, Town of Erie. *Preferred Alternatives are in bold* A. SAINT VRAIN STATE PARK WELD BLUE HERON RESERVOIR: 1. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. 2. Status Quo 21 inch minimum for largemouth and smallmouth bass (1 bag). B. MEAD PONDS WELD: 1. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. 2. Status Quo statewide general regulations. C. ERIE LAKE - BOULDER 1. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. 2. Status Quo statewide general regulations. D. KOA LAKE BOULDER 1. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. 2. Status Quo 15 inch minimum for largemouth and smallmouth bass (5 bag). E. LON HAGLER RESERVOIR LARIMER 1. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. 2. Status Quo 18 inch minimum for largemouth and smallmouth bass (1 bag). Benjamin Swigle, Kristen Cannon, John Koehler, Jason Duetsch, Clayton Brossart. Ken Kehmeier, Larry Rogstad, Ben Pedrett. 18

19 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife eliminate special regulations that limit harvest of largemouth and smallmouth bass over 15 inches in length Carter Lake, Fairgrounds Lake, McCalls Lake, Sawhill Ponds, and Teller Lake. Replace these waters with statewide general regulations (5 bass of any size)? A. CARTER LAKE: Largemouth bass are typically not stocked into Carter Lake and this species is not a focus for management in Carter Lake. Abundance is relatively low with less than 50 individuals collected over the past 6 years of sampling. Carter Lake is managed as a trophy walleye fishery and serves as the primary back-up water for wild spawn take should spawning operations in Denver and Pueblo not meet statewide egg request demands. Walleye reproduce naturally in Carter, a rare phenomenon in Colorado, making it difficult to control annual abundance. Although harvest of walleye has recently been liberalized, the walleye population has expanded to a point that the vast majority of stocked kokanee salmon and rainbow trout become prey for walleye. Largemouth bass, an additional predator in this water, also consume stocked fish. To reduce additional predation and implement a more appropriate regulation which reflects the current management strategy we recommend removing the special bass regulation at Carter Lake. B. FAIRGROUNDS LAKE: Fairgrounds Lake, located within the city limits of Longmont provides limited sport fishing opportunities. In particular, Fairground Lake does not support quality production and growth for largemouth and smallmouth bass despite special regulations that attempted to bolster this species. This species is not stocked into Fairground Lake; however hundreds of large catfish are stocked annually. This program is supported by CPW and promoted under a City program called catfish nights however restrictions on the use of bait limits the effectiveness of the catfish program. Given the fact Fairgrounds Lake is not actively managed as a bass fishery we recommend removing the special regulation which gives anglers the illusion of a quality destination fishery for bass. C. MCCALL LAKE: McCall Lake, located west of Longmont, is a 33 acre water storage lake which provides limited sport fishing opportunities. In particular, McCall lake does not support quality production and growth for largemouth, smallmouth bass, or crappie despite annual stocking and special regulations that attempted to bolster this species. For example, the 2014 fishery survey which deployed 6 gillnets, 6 trap nets, and boat electrofishing yielded only 1 largemouth bass. A similar survey completed in 2011 found only 16 bass measuring 7 inches on average. Given the poor performance of largemouth bass in McCalls Lake recommended the special regulations be removed on this water. D. SAWHILL PONDS: Sawhill Ponds, located in Boulder County, are a group shallow lakes which provides limited sport fishing opportunities. In particular, Sawhill Ponds does not support quality production and growth for largemouth and smallmouth bass despite special regulations that attempted to bolster this species. Stocking largemouth bass in the Sawhill Ponds was suspended in Stocking was suspended in part because many of the pond are dry during low water years. Given the poor performance of bass in Sawhill Ponds it is recommended the special regulation be removed on this water. E. TELLER LAKE: Teller Lake, located in Boulder County, is a shallow lake which provides limited sport fishing opportunities. In particular, Teller Lake does not support quality production and growth for largemouth and smallmouth bass despite annual stocking and special regulations that attempted to bolster this species. Given the poor performance of bass in Teller Lake it is recommended the special regulation be removed on this water. Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist. External: Larimer County Open Space, Carter Lake Rangers, City of Boulder, Boulder Flycasters, City of Longmont. 19

20 *Preferred Alternatives are in bold* A. CARTER LAKE LARIMER 1. Remove existing special regulations, statewide general regulations apply. 2. Status Quo; Min. Size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long. B. FAIRGROUNDS LAKE BOULDER 1. Remove existing special regulations, statewide general fishing regulations apply. 2. Status Quo - Artificial flies and lures only. All largemouth and smallmouth bass must be returned to the water immediately. C. MCCALL LAKE BOULDER 1. Remove existing special regulations, statewide general fishing regulations apply. 2. Status Quo Minimum size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long. D. SAWHILL PONDS BOULDER 1. Remove existing special regulations, statewide general fishing regulations apply. 2. Status Quo; Min. Size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long. E. TELLER LAKE BOULDER 1. Remove existing special regulations, statewide general fishing regulations apply. 2. Status Quo; Min. Size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches long. Benjamin Swigle (Area 2 Aquatic Biologist), Jason Duetsch, Kristen Cannon, John Koehler, Eric Lowery, Clayton Brossart (Area 2, DWMs) Larry Rogstad, Ken Kehmeier 20

21 Date: 07/23/2015 ISSUE: Should Colorado Parks and Wildlife modify special regulations for largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing at Boyd Lake State Park? A. BOYD LAKE: Smallmouth bass grow well and reproduce naturally in Boyd Lake. Smallmouth bass routinely exceed 12 inches. Some anglers find it difficult to tell the differences between smallmouth and largemouth bass. To eliminate confusion we recommend combining smallmouth with largemouth under the same 15 inch minimum length regulation requirement. Internal: Area 2 DWMs, Area 2 AWM, Aquatic Biologist, Boyd Lake Rangers. External: Centennial Bass Club 1. *Preferred Alternative*: BOYD LAKE LARIMER 1. Min. size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches. 2. Status Quo: BOYD LAKE LARIMER 1. Min. size for largemouth bass is 15 inches long. 2. Min. size for smallmouth bass is 12 inches long. Benjamin Swigle (Area 2 Aquatic Biologist) Clayton Brossart (Area 2, DWM) Larry Rogstad, Ken Kehmeier STEVE YAMASHITA 21

22 Date: 7/23/2015 ISSUE: Should the statewide bag and possession limit for smallmouth bass be changed for western slope waters? Current bag and possession limits for some nonnative fish species introduced to western slope waters are at odds with current management goals directed towards the reduction in numbers of these species. There has also been a recent desire to provide ways for anglers to assist with depletion goals by removing restrictive harvest regulations and providing incentives for angler harvest. Northern pike and smallmouth bass are two introduced species interfering with the recovery of native fish species and putting management regulations in line with current acknowledgement of the impact of these nonnative predatory fish will be beneficial to the recovery of the native fish species. Statewide northern pike daily bag and possession limits are already set at unlimited; this paper describes actions recommended to set western slope bag and possession limits for smallmouth bass to unlimited. Waters where reduced harvest of smallmouth bass is desirable can have water-specific regulations placed on them. Current statewide daily bag and possession for smallmouth bass is lumped in with other bass species and set at 5 fish in the aggregate. This functions to reduce the take of smallmouth bass and limits angler participation in the desirable reduction of SMB populations on the western slope. #107 - STATEWIDE DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS AND SPECIAL SEASONS A. Daily Bag, Possession Limits and size limits: 1. Daily bag and possession limits except as otherwise provided in these regulations for certain waters, the daily bag and possession limits will be as follows: Species Daily Bag and Possession Limit (except as otherwise noted) Special Conditions a. Trout (Brook, Brown, Cutbow, Cutthroat, Golden, Lake, Rainbow, Splake, and Tiger; Arctic Char, Salmon (except kokanee), and Grayling: b. Kokanee salmon: 10 fish Daily Bag: 4 fish in the aggregate Possession Limit: 8 fish in the aggregate c. Walleye, Saugeye, Sauger: 5 fish in the aggregate d. Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Smallmouth Bass: e. White Bass, Striped Bass, Wiper: 5 fish in the aggregate 10 fish in the aggregate f. Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, 10 fish in the aggregate Flathead Catfish: g. White Crappie, Black Crappie: 20 fish in the aggregate h. Bluegill, Hybrid Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, 20 fish in the aggregate Pumpkinseed Sunfish: Brook Trout - additional daily bag and possession limit: 10 fish, 8 inches or less in length Arkansas and South Fork of the Republican River drainages - bag and possession limit: 10 fish in the aggregate Arkansas and South Fork of the Republican River drainages - bag and possession limit: 20 fish in the aggregate 22

23 i. Yellow Perch: 20 fish j. Tiger Muskie: 1 fish, at least 36 inches in length k. Northern Pike, Whitefish, Bullhead: Unlimited l. Speckled Dace, and Sculpin: Unlimited m. Bullfrogs Unlimited n. Crayfish (crawdads) Unlimited o. Aquatic Tiger Salamander 50, less than 5 inches in length West of the Continental Divide: Unlimited West of the Continental Divide - bag and possession limit: 20 fish in the aggregate larvae (gilled form) Colorado is signatory to the Upper Colorado River Basin Recovery Program. Recent Colorado pikeminnow population estimates basin-wide have shown a pronounced decline and Yampa River pikeminnow captures have also declined precipitously. Predatory actions of nonnative fish are presumed to be largely responsible for both situations. A Nonnative Fish Management Work Group was convened at the behest of Executive Director King and CPW Director Broscheid. Over three meetings we have discussed western slope fishing regulations that favor northern pike and smallmouth bass and have agreed to remove or modify water-specific and the western-slope specific statewide regulations that would benefit these nonnative fish through the reduction of harvest and subsequent enhancement of population viability. Colorado representatives have negotiated with the Program Director s Office to ensure our actions will be noted in the next Sufficient Progress memorandum. Statewide bag and possession limits for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass are presently 5 fish in the aggregate. This regulation limits the harvest of smallmouth bass and creates harvest protection for a species we would like anglers to harvest for native fish protection issues on the western slope. Removal of the smallmouth bass harvest limit on the western slope will enhance our attempts to achieve recovery goals for the four endangered fish and encourage angler support of native fish recovery goals. 1. * Preferred Alternative *: Modify current regulations (as shown in yellow highlight) to encourage angler harvest, remove incentives for expanded, larger populations of these fish, and send the message that smallmouth bass are compromising efforts to recover native fish species. The proposed action for #107 A. d. is to remove bag and possession limits for smallmouth bass on the western slope. Largemouth bass and spotted bass would still have a daily bag and possession limit of 5 fish in the aggregate Statewide. #107 - STATEWIDE DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS AND SPECIAL SEASONS A. Daily Bag, Possession Limits and size limits: 1. Daily bag and possession limits except as otherwise provided in these regulations for certain waters, the daily bag and possession limits will be as follows: Species Daily Bag and Possession Limit (except as otherwise noted) Special Conditions 23