Which Eagle County fishing spots made Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s ‘Quality Water’ designation?
CPW announced its Colorado Quality Waters designation for 53 of the state's most productive and quality fisheries
Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Courtesy photo
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced a new category of fishable waters in a press release on June 11. The ‘Colorado Quality Waters’ designated 53 lakes and streams which “contain productive, quality fisheries with public access, providing a top-tier experience for anglers,” the release stated.
CPW fish management biologists identified and nominated the waters based on fish sampling records, surveys and professional biological assessments. These waters are below the threshold to be considered Gold Medal, but “are recognized because of their fantastic and diverse fisheries.”
“Colorado offers anglers the opportunity to fish in 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs,” stated Josh Nehring, CPW’s deputy aquatic section manager, in the release. “We are excited to announce this new designation and highlight these high quality fisheries.”
Multiple stops along the lower Eagle River from Gore Greek to its confluence with the Colorado River, made the list.
“Due to its lower elevation and milder winter weather, shore and wade angling is available almost year-round. As the snowmelt declines in late spring to early summer, the elevated seasonal flows provide excellent float angling opportunities from Wolcott to just below Gypsum,” CPW stated.
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“Angler access is strongly supported by CPW and Eagle County, both of which have developed ample opportunities for anglers to access productive fishing spots between public lands held by BLM from Wolcott down to the Colorado River.”
The Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area, Brush Creek Confluence Open Space, Red Canyon Fishing Access, Wolcott Boat Ramp, Lake Creek Boat Ramp, Miller Ranch Open Space and the Meadow Mountain parking lot were all listed as “high-quality trout fishing opportunities easily accessible along the I-70 corridor.”
The Colorado River, stretching across Eagle and Garfield counties from Rock Creek downstream to the Silt boat ramp, was also highlighted as a rainbow and brown trout hot spot.
A full list and map of Colorado Quality Waters can be found at experience.arcgis.com.
