Anglers in Grand and Summit Counties, Colorado, have a chance to weigh in on some proposed updates to the area's fishing regulations. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is asking the public to provide their input by July 21 on changes concerning the management of tiger muskie populations and adjustments to seasonal fishing closure dates, intended to strike a balance between recreational opportunity and conservation.
For Grand County, CPW suggests lifting size and bag limits on tiger muskie in Lake Granby, Grand Lake, and the Colorado River section between Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Lake Granby. As it stands, a state regulation limits anglers to just one of these fish, provided it surpasses 36 inches. But due to documented sightings and catches of tiger muskie in the area, CPW views this regulatory change as a means for anglers to help control the influx of this non-native species. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the introduction of these sterile predators into Shadow Mountain Reservoir began in 2023, but active management of tiger muskies in nearby waters hasn't been pursued.
Summit County could see an altered timetable for the fishing restrictions along Blue River and Tenmile Creek, upstream of Dillon Reservoir. The proposed new closure would run from September 15 to December 1, a two-week shift from the current September 1 start date. This adjustment is underpinned by CPW aquatic biologists’ belief that the rescheduled closures won't significantly affect brown trout spawning, which hits its stride around October 1. CPW's rationale for the change, aiming to offer anglers an extended season, maintains protections for the fish during critical periods of reproduction.
In their release, CPW has encouraged feedback from the public, emphasizing the importance of such views in shaping effective fishing policies. "Public feedback is critical in formulating new and updated regulations," said Jon Ewert, Hot Sulphur Springs Area Aquatic Biologist, as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Ongoing input from anglers has led us to review these regulations and propose changes that align with our management goals while allowing for expanded angling opportunities at these water bodies." Comments and queries can be directed to CPW’s Ben Felt and Jon Ewert ahead of the July deadline.
