Results of a Survey of CO Warmwater Anglers Residing in Delta, Garfield, Mesa and Montrose Counties

Home Browse Search

u understand what anglers are currently fishing for in order to make appropriate management and stocking decisions. Anglers in the survey were asked to pick the one kind of warmwater fish that they prefer to fish for most often. This may be different from what they actually fish for, but anglers preferences are important to management decisions. The choices included the most common sport species found on the West Slope. They were: bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, tiger musky, and yellow perch. The results are not surprising to the CDOW, although the preference for catfish (36 %) is perhaps greater than expected (Figure 5). The species currently recommended for continued management in the pond reclamation program - largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill, ranked second, third, and fifth respectively among anglers preferences for the fishes listed. But the popularity of catfish and largemouth bass (25 %) greatly exceeded the next most popular species. • The popularity of channel catfish among westslope warmwater anglers may pose problems for management agencies that are attempting to reduce the numbers of catfish that occur in the Colorado River, especially in the areas of critical habitat. Currently, catfish are only stocked in select waters with approved management plans, or waters where there is no conflict with native species. The large number of anglers who prefer channel catfish and largemouth bass represent a portion of the angling public that will need to be involved in future discussions of warmwater fish management. Preferred Types of Water for Fishing The fourth question in the survey queried anglers on their preferences for warmwater fishing in various types of waters. Choices included: 1) small gravel pits or ponds managed by the state; 2) the Colorado River; 3) larger reservoirs like Crawford, Highline, or Elkhead; 4) the Gunnison River; 5) smaller reservoirs like Juniata, Kenny or Mack Mesa; or 6) privately owned small ponds. Large reservoirs were reported as being the most popular location for warmwater fishermen, with 40% saying they fished this type of water. The Colorado River and small reservoirs were Fisted as being used by 28 % and 27% of anglers respectively, while small state - managed gravel pit ponds were Fisted as being used by 22% of warmwater anglers (Figure 6). Anglers were then asked about what one type of warmwater fishing they would like to see more of in their local area. They were given three choices to choose from: 1) more small ponds, 2) more small reservoirs, or 3) more large reservoirs. The results closely paralleled the preferred types of waters that they fish. The majority - 44% chose large reservoirs, with 29% preferring small reservoirs and 21 % preferring small 5 10