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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 4.0 EXISTING FISHERY AND RECREATION RESOURCES This chapter provides a basin-wide overview of the fishery and recreation resources in the study area. Included within the chapter are references to major studies which have been carried out in the study area, an overview of existing recreation facilities and their utilization, descriptions of existing fishery designations and enhancements, and a summary of existing proposals by others for fishery and recreation improvements. 4.1 FISHERIES 4.1.1 Previous Studies For many years, the trout fisheries existing in the Study Area have been widely acclaimed. As a result, there have been numerous studies of fishery resources in the area. Task Memorandum No.4, Recreation and Environmental Enhancement Opportunities, prepared and published earlier in the study, identifies and briefly discusses the more important fishery studies that have been carried out in the Study Area. Numerous water qual i ty measurements and studi es have also been carri ed out in the Upper Gunnison and Uncompahgre Basins in the past. These studies are also discussed in Task Memorandum No.4. 4.1.2 Existing Stream, Reservoir and Lake Classifications The Colorado Division of Wildlife has established two types of specially des i gnated waters wh i ch are set apart from a 11 other waters of the state. Gold medal trout waters are the highest quality aquatic habitat for trout that exi sts in Colorado and whi ch offer the greatest potent i a 1 for trophy trout fishing and angling success. For gold medal designation; a lake, reservoir, or stream must contain at least 40 lbs of fish per surface acre of water, and at 1 east 12 fi sh per acre must be longer than 14 inches. There are no gold medal trout streams or lakes located in the study area, however, the Gunnison 4-1 Ii IJ0003158