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<br />Section 6
<br />Non-Consumptive Water Supply Needs in the Arkansas Basin
<br />
<br />center, two boat ramps, and two marina complexes. A
<br />water recreation area, downstream from Pueblo Dam,
<br />includes a swim beach and bathhouse area. A state-of-
<br />the-art fish hatchery has been constructed downstream
<br />from the dam. Approximately 16,500-acre wildlife lands
<br />are managed by the CDOW, hiking, and bicycle trails
<br />exist as well as facilities for those with physical
<br />impairments. Facilities are closed in winter because of
<br />ice and snow and adverse weather conditions.
<br />
<br />Pueblo State Park is one of the largest water recreation
<br />destinations in the state. It is known widely by sun-lovers
<br />and water-sports enthusiasts for its 4,646 surface acre
<br />reservoir. Plenty of warm water makes the reservoir ideal
<br />for boating, sailing, water skiing, fishing, and jet skiing.
<br />Regular winds also provide excellent conditions for
<br />sailboarding and sailboating.
<br />
<br />Visitors to Lake Pueblo may see a wide variety of wildlife.
<br />Commonly seen park residents include mule deer,
<br />coyote, cottontail rabbit, red and gray fox, beaver,
<br />raccoon, skunk, prairie dogs, and badger. Reptile
<br />enthusiasts might see bullsnakes, rattlesnakes,
<br />sagebrush lizards, coach whips, and box turtles. A rare
<br />reptile, the blackneck garter snake, has been identified in
<br />the park.
<br />
<br />Pueblo Reservoir lies in the Central Flyway for migratory
<br />birds and is a popular bird-watching site. Migratory and
<br />
<br />o :\SHAWN\ARKANSAS\S6 _ARKANSAS. DOC
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<br />resident birds include great-blue heron, osprey, marsh
<br />hawk, roadrunners, pinyon jay, western meadowlark, and
<br />several other species of raptors, waterfowl, and
<br />shorebirds. One of the park's most beloved visitors is the
<br />majestic Bald Eagle that graces the park each winter.
<br />American Peregrine falcons are also occasional visitors.
<br />
<br />Lake Pueblo is known as a great fishing destination in
<br />Colorado. The CDOW names the Pueblo Reservoir one
<br />of the state's fishing "hot spots." Fish inhabiting the
<br />reservoir include trout, walleye, large and small mouth
<br />bass, crappie, channel catfish, wiper (a cross between
<br />white bass and stripe bass), bluegill, and yellow perch.
<br />Lake Pueblo also offers two alternatives to fishing the
<br />Pueblo Reservoir. In the Rock Canyon Day-Use area
<br />below the dam, the Anticline Fishing Pond (which is
<br />stocked regularly) has a handicap pier for easy access,
<br />picnic tables, plenty of shade, restroom facilities, and
<br />playgrounds. Another fishing option at Lake Pueblo is the
<br />challenge of the spillway area and Arkansas River. Fly-
<br />fishing on the river is popular in spring and fall
<br />(http://parks.state .co. us/default.asp?parkl D
<br />=85&action=park) .
<br />
<br />The CDOW awards the Gold Medal designation to
<br />waters that have high-quality aquatic habitat, a high
<br />percentage of trout 14 inches or longer, and the potential
<br />for trophy trout fishing and angling success. There are no
<br />Gold Medal designated waters in the Arkansas Basin.
<br />
<br />CDIVI
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<br />6-5
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