Loveland Fishing Club Blog

On an icy day, go fishing online

2012-01-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll traipse back onto the ice with you folks now and again. But it's the middle of frigging winter here in Colorado, and time to mope and look ahead to an early spring. To really turn spring fever into a proper obsession, here is a short introduction to taking advantage of the web to put a whole range of fishing options at your fingertips. Just click and daydream...

Hopefully you are using links to Colorado fishing resources previously published here and available from our links page of the club's website, but there's much, much more out there. The online world is blogging with one another about every darned thing from politics (we are not going there from here) to some wonderfully arcane subjects like carp on the fly and Oklahoma fly fishing and places to get decent flies for 50 cents apiece.
Revisit links to the likes of club friends Fish Explorer and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. But before you do, check out some of these new listings, compiled for your reading pleasure. If you know of others on fishing topics, let me know ...

In-Fisherman magazine Wish they had more information for our part of the country, but still the best general fishing magazine going. Good online information.
Colorado Casters Blog The editor's profile says it all: Hello, my name is Matt and I’m a fishaholic. Fishing is more than a recreational sport for me it is an obsession"
http://coloradoflyfishingreports.blogspot.com/Colorado Fly Fishing Reports By Jay Zimmerman, a Colorado angler who has a new book, "TopTen Guide To Fly Fishing" (Lyons Press) due out in October, 2012. Knowledgeable, well spoken and funny.
Colorado Ice Fishing forum A good place to swap ideas with other ice fisher folk.
Carp on the fly I've tried this a couple times over at Big Thompson Ponds, and swear I'll do it again. Great way to see whether you need to move up to an 8 weight.
Colorado Pike on a fly. Another obsessive variation on what you can do with a fly rod.
Drifting the Prairie Ocean Fly Fisher Dottie, Jim and Tom go to Oklahoma to snag spoonbills, while Okies think about ways to coax a bluegill to the fly.
http://www.flytyingforum.com/Fly Tying Forum Quite simply, the largest online fly tying forum in world.
Stream Flies Or if you're like me and can't tie much except a few blugill flies, try this Oregon couple's website for trout flies sold for 50 cents apiece. Freeshipping.
Warm water fly fisher By Terry and Roxanne Wilson, rural Missouri couple who know theirbluegill and bass fishing.
Kansas Fishing Blog.

Our neighbors to the east do a good job of informing about Kansas fishing. Glen Elder, anyone?

Free ice fishing clinic Feb. 9 at St. Vrain State Park

2012-01-27T10:41:00.001-07:00

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is partnering with Dave Bryant from Lake Ice USA to offer an informative and free clinic for beginning ice fishing anglers Sunday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advance registration is required.

If the ice is not a safe depth, the clinic will be cancelled.

WHERE: Mallard Pond, St. Vrain State Park, 3785 Weld County Road 24 ½, Firestone.
TO BE PROVIDED: Fishing poles and all gear needed to learn to ice fish. Participants do not need to bring their own poles, but can if they wish to fish after the clinic as well.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Warm clothing (the entire clinic will be outdoors), snacks and water, fishing license (Children under 16 are not required to have a fishing license). Note: You must purchase your license BEFORE the clinic. Individuals without a license cannot participate in the fishing portion of the clinic.

To register please e-mail wildlife.neoutreach@state.co.us or call 303-291-7804 and leave a message with name(s), address and phone number. Space is limited to 25 people.

February Fishing Calendar posted!

2012-01-21T12:52:00.003-07:00

Tom Miller is taking over the role of planning our monthly calendar, and February has enough activities to keep everyone busy. Here's the link to the calendar, on http://www.lovelandfishingclub.org Just go to the calendar and click on the specific day for details about an event.

Join Dave Harem for a day of fly fishing the Big Thompson on Thursday, Feb. 2, or try Boyd for ice fishing, if conditions permit.
Thursday, Feb. 9, ice fishing at Dowdy Lake. As usual with out-of-town trips, meet at the east side of the K-Mart parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool.
Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 21-22, Ice fishing, Lake John. Again, carpool. Contact Richard Radies for information; and book your own motel room in Walden.
Thursday, Feb. 23, ice fishing, Michigan Lake. Carpool.

If you have suggestions for future trips, or feedback on how to make the process better, let Tom know.

New club officers elected

2012-01-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dave Boyle

After a year of service as vice president, Dave Boyle has been elected to a year-long term as club president, and Jerry Miles succeeds him as vice president.

They were elected by unanimous proclamation of club members at the annual club banquet Jan. 20 at the Chilsen Center.

Charlie Higgs will now sere as treasurer and Eugene Speidel will be secretary. Ray Park will continue on the board of directs as immediate past president.

New DOW survey shows Boyd Lake fishing on upswing

2012-01-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

Walleye fishing in Boyd Lake this year should be "the best in the past decade," according to an updated survey by Division of Wildlife biologist Ben Swigle.

Based on a gillnet survey conducted Sept. 9, walleye abundance has more than tripled since 2006, driven by the excellent survival rate among the 40,000 walleye finglerlings stocked in June 2009.

The number of yellow perch in the lake has also increased, Swigle found. The walleye abundance is driven by the excellent survival of the 40,000 walleye fingerlings stocked in June 2009. Additional walleye will be stocked in 2012. The number of yellow perch in Boyd Lake has substantially increased.

The DOW also surveyed Carter Lake, where the walleye fishery has declined in recent years, with encouraging results. In the first survey since anglers were allowed to keep more fish, walleye abundance has decreased while trout abundance has risen. Also, the average walleye length increased from 15.4 inches (2010 survey) to 19.0 inches (2011).

Swigle's reports also acknowledged the Loveland Fishing Club's role in creating spawning plots at Lonetree and Long Habler. While the gillnet surveys did not show substantial increase in fish abundance, the projects need 3 to 4 years to be fully evaluated.
You can read the full survey reports on these and other lakes including Loveland, Lonetree by visiting this website: this website.

Cold, windy fun

2012-01-16T15:24:00.002-07:00

No stone unturned: Norm Englebrecht peers
through his ice hole for signs of trout.

Okay, it was windy and cold, and the bites were few and far between from Antero Reservoir's husky trout. What the heck, still a great day to be outdoors in the mountains of Colorado, as 10 of the fishing club's toughest anglers demonstrated on the Jan. 10-12 trip. Good food, good companionship and as my daughter's friend said after their senior trip to the beach: "The important thing is, we all got back safe."

Setting up camp for the day. Photos by Keith Gentry.

Fundraiser breakfast Saturday, Jan. 7

2011-12-20T16:24:00.001-07:00

Bring an appetite! Bring relatives and friends! Club volunteers will be serving breakfast at Applebee's restaurant, 213 E. 19th St., Loveland, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, to help raise funds for club activities.

Tickets are $5, available from Merle Gordon in advance or at the door.

Thanks to 2011 Club leadership

2011-12-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to the 2011 elected leaders of the Loveland Fishing Club. They are, from left, Vice President Dave Boyle, President Ray Park, Secretary Jim Roode and Treasurer Dave Harem. Boyle will serve as 2012 president, and other club leaders will be elected at the Jan. 20 annual dinner.

Check this out: tentative 2012 calendar

2011-12-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

President-Elect Dave Boyle has compiled a tentativelist of the likely volunteer and out-of-town fishing events of 2012, based on what we did in 2011. Look over the list. See anything you'd like to add or move to analternate date? Bring it up at the nextmeeting or Friday breakfast, or send Dave a note at davnboy@aol.com.

January

·        Jan. 7 Applebees
·        Jan. 20 annual banquet
·        Antero fishing trip
February
·        Colorado Children's Day@ Chilson
March
·        Agilent cleanup and fishing

April
·        Sports Expo@The Ranch
·        Chilson pancake breakfast
·        Colo Youth Outdoors skeet shoot
·        Sleepy Hollow cleanup
·        Lon Hagler cleanup and fishing
May
·        Chilson cleanup
·        Chilson volunteer appreciation
·        Girl Scouts Swift Ponds
·        Fishing Club Swap Meet
·        Nebraska fishing trip
June

·         Girl Scout Day Camp@Colo Youth Outdoors
·        Kids Fishing Derby
·        Blue Mesa fishing trip
July
·        Girl Scouts Lon Hagler
·        Chilson Adventure Bound
August
·        Club picnic
·        Chambers Fishing Trip
September
·        Senior fishing derby
·        Club fishing tournament
·        Lake John fishing trip
October
·        Halloween festival
November
December
·        Holiday gift exchange
·        Wounded Warrior fundraiser, Bass Pro Shop
·        Bruce's Bar lunch

Another roadtrip to Bruce's!

2011-11-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

Those who associate Norm Englebrecht with Rocky Mountain Oysters will be delighted to hear he's organizing another road trip to the legendary Severance bar, on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

We'll gather at 11:30 a.m. at the bus stop near King Sooper's on 29th Street to carpool.

As George K notes in his note on the subject, "There is an excellent variety menu." But everyone knows there's also an all-you-can eat bull ball eating opportunity. Here's a link to Bruce's website.

There is an excellent variety menu.

Date: December 7, 2011

Volunteer with Wounded Warriors Dec. 3 or Dec. 4

2011-11-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, to solicit donations to Wounded Warriors at the Bass Pro Shop in Denver.

Hours are 10 to 1 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a dozen volunteers are needed throughout the day to help bag purchases and ask for donations, which help fund winter fishing trips organized by Lake Ice USA, http://lakeiceusa.com/.

To carpool, meet in Sam's parking lot across from the Widow McCoy's at 9:20am.

Another great new club activity!

2011-11-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

The club created a fishing booth for the October 28 Halloween Family Fun Festival, an annual event coinciding with downtown businesses celebrating Trick-or-Treating. A great time was had by all volunteers, putting treats on the poles of a stready stream of enthusiastic, costumed young anglers.

Photo by Janet Miles.

Club member Milt Mays profiled in Reporter-Herald

2011-11-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

An article on Milt's book Dan's War was published in Sunday's Loveland Reporter-Herald.
Click here to link to the story.

Club tours new Loveland Open Space

2011-10-19T19:10:00.000-06:00

Eleven club members got an impressive first look at the city's new open space property on Oct. 20, 130 acres that was part of the city's purchase from Agilent for the new ACE technology park. With three gravel ponds totaling nearly 60 acres, it has great potential as a new public fishing area.

The property has had limited use as a private park, and the largest pond, about 22 acres, has three small docks and has been a catch-and-release, barbless hook fishing area.

Brian Hayes, city open lands director, says public hearings will be conducted in early 2012, with the goal of opening the property to public use next fall.

The land is adjacent to the city's existing two Jayhawkeer Ponds, where the Loveland Fishing Club built a float tube launch three years ago and has since worked with the Division of Wildlife to install fish structures and two fish feeders to try to increase the size of fish in the ponds.

Water levels changing at area reservoirs

2011-10-19T12:45:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest from Kara Lamb of the federal Bureau of Reclamation: Pinewood's staying full for now, Carter rising:
Now that it is fall, we are into our annual maintenance schedule on the east slope of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. That means there will be some changes across our reservoirs and canals.

The first update is actually a schedule change at Pinewood Reservoir. Previously, I had let you all know that Pinewood was going to be drawn down considerably in November. That is no longer the case. With the changes in place, Pinewood will now be full by October 28 and stay relatively high until the week of Thanksgiving. During that week, testing at the Flatiron power plant below will begin and the water level at Pinewood will slowly drop for about three weeks. At this time, we are anticipating the water level at Pinewood will start going back up in the middle of December.
While the test is going on at Flatiron, the contractor will be busy on the Pole Hill Canal box culvert project. With Pole Hill, Pinewood, and Flatiron under maintenance, it is very likely we will wind up running some water down the Big Thompson Canyon, releasing from Olympus Dam on Lake Estes. After October 28, flows in the canyon could be as high as 350 cfs. They could stay at that level into November.
Meanwhile, pumping to Carter Lake is scheduled to end on October 28. Currently the reservoir water level is slowly rising at a rate of about a tenth of a foot a day.
When pumping to Carter stops, delivery of water to Horsetooth will come back on. Water released from Lake Estes and sent down the Big Thompson Canyon will be recaptured at the Dille Diversion (just upstream of the Dam Store) and sent north to Horsetooth. That means that Horsetooth Reservoir's water elevation will likely stay above 5400 feet--a very unusual situation. All boat ramps will be in the water all year.
We will likely keep water going to Horsetooth until mid-November.
The second update has to do with C-BT facilities in Estes Park. Annual maintenance at the Marys Lake Power Plant, dikes and related system will draw Marys Lake down to dead storage in the middle of November. While Marys is down, the water level at Lake Estes will fluctuate very little. Marys Lake will start going up again the middle of December, once maintenance work concludes.
I am also trying to keep our webpages updated with these changes. Both our main page and the Horsetooth and Carter page have been updated. Please bookmark them for easy reference.

Friday morning breakfast now at Golden Corral

2011-10-19T10:56:00.000-06:00

Effective Friday, Oct. 21, the Loveland Fishing Club will hold its Friday morning breakfasts at the Golden Corral, 1360 Sculptor Drive, across the parking lot from Kohl's. The restaurant opens at 7:30 a.m. We'll be meeting in a separate room on the northeast side of the building.

The decision to relocate was made by a vote of club membership at the Oct. 17 meeting.

DOW fishing report for the week of Oct. 4

2011-10-04T17:17:00.000-06:00

For the latest on fall fishing in Colorado, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Fishing Reports.

Photos and news coverage from the senior fishing derby

2011-09-22T19:20:00.000-06:00

To see photos taken during the Sept. 21 derby, click here: View album

For the Loveland Reporter-Herald coverage of the event by reporter Pamela Dickman, look here

Senior Fishing Derby!

2011-09-21T20:33:00.000-06:00

Okay, the fish were a little slow to bite, but it didn't seem to interfere with the good times had by all at the Loveland Fishing Club's first-ever Senior Fishing Derby. Watch this space for a slide show of the day's events. And here are the winners:

Craziest Hat, Archie Aman

Largest fish Ed Leeper

Smallest fish, Jill Lerew

Oldest fishermen, Gerald Haughton and Edward Roberts (96)

First fish of the day - Ray Freland

Largest Fish, Ed Leeper

Archie Aman, craziest hat

Smallest fish, Jill Lerew


Oldest fisherman, Edward Roberts (96)

Edward Roberts, also oldest at 96, with LFC's Keith Gentry

Okay, Merle is this year's club derby winner

2011-09-16T11:08:00.000-06:00

Merle Boden tallied the biggest stringer of the day on Tuesday, Sept. 14, yanking four trout from Flatiron Reservoir with a total length of 50 1/2". He won a cash prize and will have his name inscribed on the traveling trophy.

Norm Engelbrecht followed closely with a four-fish total of 49 1/2 inches, and Dennis Kelsey was third with 49 inches.

Dave Harem won for biggest fish, 13 1/2 inches. Thirty-eight anglers competing at this year's annual event.

2011 Derby at Flatirons

2011-09-14T14:04:00.000-06:00

Fishing report for week of Sept. 13

2011-09-13T19:17:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest fishing report from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. For reports on Boyd, Carter, Horsetooth and other waters, click here:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/Pages/StatewideConditions.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/Pages/StatewideConditions.aspx

Grab your worms and your snagging hooks! Time for the annual Fishing Derby!

2011-09-01T17:26:00.000-06:00

Mark this on your calendar: 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, September 13, the date for the annual club fishing tournament, the one time a year when we toss aside our traditional spirit of non-competition and travel to Flatiron Reservoir to decide the club's top angler.

It's free, and includes a free lunch and the possibility of a cash prize, so expect a good turnout.

Here are directions and other information about the lake, a part of Larimer County Parks and Open Space. The county charges a daily entrance fee, so if you don't have a sticker, be at the southeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot to carpool with someone who does.

Prizes for this fourth-annual event will be awarded for biggest fish, biggest stringer, and second-and third-biggest stringer. The limit on trout is four.

Organizer Frank Zupanc reminds everyone that there's no wading and no boating, and we can only fish with one pole at a time. And you can only use one lure or hook at a time - so if you must try worms, corn and Gulp! simultaneously, bring a big hook.

This is one of our biggest fishing social events of the year, so don't miss it.

Trout fishery restored at Lake John

2011-08-30T07:54:00.002-06:00

WALDEN, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has completed a reclamation project at Lake John, setting the stage for a rejuvenated fishery that will be open for angling in early September. Lake John is located northwest of Walden along CO Road 7A.

“The success we have had with the reclamation is like a reset button for Lake John," said Kurt Davies, aquatic biologist for the northeast region. "The lake will be back online by the first week of September and back to growing fish at its maximum potential. The fish we are planting now will see tremendous growth before the lake is even iced up and with the large brood fish we are putting in there, there's the possibility someone will hook into a real trophy.”

Parks and Wildlife biologists and managers anticipate dramatic improvements in Lake John post –reclamation. Signs posted at the entrance to Lake John will notify the public of the re-opened fishery in the near future.

"The reclamation has been very successful to this point and I'm looking forward to seeing anglers catch fish out of Lake John this September," said Walden District Wildlife Manager Josh Dilley. "This water is important to the local economy as well as to the recreation of my district.

To learn more about Colorado Parks and Wildlife's fish management, go to:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Management/Pages/Management.aspx

LFC exclusive: new thermocline data for Lon Hagler!

2011-08-23T11:56:00.000-06:00

Give Tom Miller a new toy, and he'll try it out on the water. Lately he's equipped that new pontoon boat of his a temperature probe, and he's coming up with information I've never seen before on Carter Lake (see related story) and most recently, Lon Hagler.

On Aug. 18, Tom took Lon Hagler temperature readings at depths ranging from the surface down to 40 feet.

The temperature was virtually constant, 74 degrees F at the surface down to 72.6 degrees at 20 feet. And then, at 25 feet, he found - the thermocline! Drag your lure or worm along at the 25 foot level and the temperature is more than 6 degrees cooler.

Rainbow trout are said to prefer a temperature of 56-62 degrees, walleye from about 67-72, and warmwater species like largemouth and bluegill prefer it between 70 and 85. Draw your own conclusions.

Here are Tom's readings:

Surface: 74 degrees
5 foot 73.8
10 foot 73.8
15 foot 73.2
20 foot 72.6
25 foot 65.9
30 foot 62.1
35 foot 59.1
40 foot 58

Club members featured in videos on fishing in Loveland and the Big Thompson River

2011-08-15T10:32:00.000-06:00

Two new videos produced by NoCO Link highlight fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing in the Loveland area. Past Club President Tom Miller narrates "Fishing in Loveland," with additional commentary by club members Aimee Ryel, Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager; and Walt Graul, head of the Friends of the Big Thompson.

Tom talks about Loveland area lake and stream fishing, Aimee describes fishing and wildlife along the Big Thompson, and Walt talks about unique aspects of the river that flows along U.S. 34 between Estes Park and Loveland.

Here are links to the two videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9jCvOPTnns (Fishing in Loveland)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zosF4_PGEvw (Big Thompson River)

NoCO Link products videos about local businesses and nonprofit organizations, and produces 30-minute shows that air on NoCo Channel 5 (Comcast 8 or 14) and at 10:30 p.m. on KCDO-TV Channel 3

REPOSTED: Learn where Carter Lake fish are hiding this summer!

2011-08-03T12:48:00.003-06:00

Editors note: some faithful readers had trouble opening the spread sheet, so this article is being reposted as text only...

Tom Miller, never content to just catch fish, wants to know where they're spending hot summer months. He's just recorded temperature readings at various depths of Carter Lake, giving us giving us important data about possible fish location. Let him know if you find it useful; he may do it for other lakes.

On July 26, 2011, Tom measured water temperatures in Carter from the surface down to 50 feet, at 5 foot increments. Surface temperature was 76 degrees F, and the temperature held at about 75 degrees down to a depth of 15 feet. He found a temperature drop of nearly 4 degrees by 20 feet, and another 4 degrees drop at 25 feet, to 61.7 degrees. At 30 feet, it dropped to 56.3 degrees, at 35, 52.2 degrees, with a decline by 50 feet to 47.8 degrees.

Walleye's preferred water temperature is 67-72 degrees, rainbow trout prefer 56-62 and lake trout 48 to 52. Draw your own conclusions, but I'd be looking for trout at about 25-30 feet and walleye about 15-20 feet down.

This article can also be found on the club website; here's the link: www.lovelandfishingclub.org

Planned Senior Fishing Derby is page one news in Reporter-Herald

2011-07-17T18:22:00.000-06:00

Loveland Fishing Club plans for a Sept. 21 fishing derby for senior citizens were announced in the Sunday, July 24 Loveland newspaper. Click here to view the news article by reporter Pamela Dickman.

Club helps Girl Scouts at Lon Hagler

2011-07-13T14:14:00.001-06:00

Bluegill mixed with giggles July 11 and 12 at Lon Hagler, as club members taught area Girl Scouts the finer points of a good day on the water.


Jim Kucera, left, and John Grady discuss tactics while a young angler keeps watch on her bobber.

Dave Boyle, left, watches as Merle Boden unhooks a fish.

Dave Boyle guards the warm as a young friend catches her first fish.

They've lifted bag limits at Lake John

2011-07-06T10:10:00.000-06:00

WALDEN, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (note the new name for DOW) has temporarily lifted all bag and possession limits at Lake John prior to the start of a reclamation project scheduled for this summer. Through August 8, anglers with a current fishing license can keep as many fish as they can catch using hook, line and conventional tackle at the North Park lake. Lake John is located northwest of Walden along CO Road 7A.

Parks and Wildlife biologists will draw down five feet of water to facilitate the project, which will also include repairs of a fish screen placed at an inlet. Damage to the screen in the early 1990's, allowed white suckers to enter and populate the lake. Recent fish surveys indicate that suckers, which now comprise 72 percent of all fish in the lake, are negatively impacting the trout population and compromising the lake's role as a destination fishery.

"Lake John is not currently living up to its full potential as one of the best trout fisheries in the state," said Kurt Davies, aquatic biologist for the northeast region. "This project will quickly turn that around and within a few weeks we will get the lake back on the right track with a stock of catchable-size and large brood fish."

The lake will be closed on August 8, and treatment to remove all fish will occur on August 9. The usual bag and possession limits will be reinstated the day of treatment. Fishing, however, will not be allowed until water testing has been completed and the lake is re-filled and stocked with trout - including extra-large brood stock - in early September.

Although still considered a premier trout fishery, Parks and Wildlife biologists and managers anticipate dramatic improvements after the project is completed.

"We should see a substantial improvement for anglers," said Walden District Wildlife Manager Josh Dilley. "Currently, we are seeing approximately seven percent of stocked trout being caught, but we anticipate an increase of up to 20 to 25 percent after the project has been completed."
Bag and possession limits remain in effect for all other lakes throughout the state, including the daily bag limit of four trout per person.

July fishing calendar online

2011-07-04T10:21:00.000-06:00

The club fishing calendar has been updated and you can access on the http://www.lovelandfishingclub.org. We'll resume posting stream information when the water's dropped.

Fish Explorer discount for club members

2011-06-24T07:55:00.000-06:00

Matt Snider, our guest speaker at the June 21 is following up with a nice discount for the 12-month premier subscription to www.Fish Explorer.com.

At minimum you should be signed up for a free membership, which gives you access to some great fishing information for lakes and streams across the state. FxR+ gives you historic fishing reports for the same water, lets you maintain a private fishing journal, view wind forecasts, check barometric pressure history and look up moon/sun times.

Normal annual subscription is $39.95; with the discount it's $31.

1. Log into www.fishexplorer.com (get free acct.)

2. Click "Upgrade to FxR+" link
3. Enter coupon code LFCFXR12

4. Pay

If you have problems, Matt says you can contact him direct,matt@fishexplorer.com

BLM updates on Pinewood, Carter, Horsetooth

2011-06-10T20:47:00.000-06:00

Friday, June 10, from Kara Lamb, Bureau of Reclamation:
"I've gotten some questions about why Pinewood Reservoir is low while snow melt run-off is under way. The reason it is lower is because we need to maintain some operational flexibility as we prepare to finish filling Carter Lake, then switch operations over to finish filling Horsetooth Reservoir.

Because Pinewood sits in the middle of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project's southern power system, it sometimes bears the burden of providing the flexibility we need as we move water around. With one unit at the Flatiron Power Plant down below still undergoing maintenance, this flexibility is even more important.
As more of the upper mountain snow pack starts to melt and come down, however, we will see Pinewood start to rise again--that could be as soon as this weekend."

Kara also reports that we've reached a full reservoir elevation at Carter Lake, and the pump will go off June 11. That means a little more water will go into Horsetooth and it will see its water level elevation continue to rise.

2011 Kids Derby winners announced!

2011-06-06T17:13:00.001-06:00

One of the biggest trout caught in recent memory at the Loveland Kids Fishing Derby was hauled in Saturday by angler Cayden Casteneda, an 18-inch trout donated for the event by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Meanwhile, Rylee Hook brought in one of the smallest, 6 1/4 inches, tiny enough to win the prize for smallest trout of the day. Cayden and Rylee both won a fishing rod combo and tackle box, and Cayden will receive an award for the biggest catch. Congratulations to them and all participants in a very successful tournament!

Zebra mussels found in New Mexico lake

2011-06-06T17:05:00.000-06:00

June 7, 2011: This from Amy Ryel, Colorado Division of Wildlife:

Sumner Lake in southeastern New Mexico will be temporarily closed to boating after Quagga mussel larva were discovered in the lake's water.

State parks officials say the mussels can destroy drinking water infrastructure, and they want to prevent the spread of the invasive species to other bodies of water. Sumner Lake State Park will remain open, according to officials. Sumner Lake is the first body of water in New Mexico to see Quagga mussels, although some lakes in adjacent states including Colorado have the mussels.
State parks officials will be out at all lakes across the state, spot checking boats for zebra and Quagga mussels to prevent species from spreading. The mussels clog pipes, pumps and water cooling intake valves on engines, according to the State Parks Division.

2011 Loveland Kids Derby photos

2011-06-05T13:40:00.000-06:00

A full set of photos from the June 4 derby has been posted to the Loveland Fishing Club's Flickr account. You can look them over, download them for your own use or to send to a friend, or print. Click on this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovelandfishingclub/sets/72157626767670795/detail/ Click on an individual photo to see it full size, or click on the word "Slideshow." You can also "right click" on a photo for other options, including the ability to save or print. Photos by Bill Prater.

Our thanks to sponsors of the 2011 Derby

A great day, lots of fish and hundreds of kids

2011-06-04T17:37:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Kids Fishing Derby was the one of the most successful ever. More photos and event news to come!

Loveland Police Chief Luke Hecker, with Kids Derby angler and Club members John Gwinnup and George Kral.

Kids Fishing Derby is Saturday, June 4!

2011-05-25T14:44:00.000-06:00

It's our biggest volunteer event of the year, introducing upwards of a thousand youngsters to fishing.

The fish, donated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, arrive at the North Park Duck Pond on Friday, June 3, and the fishing runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, on the state's annual free fishing weekend, when no license is needed. Volunteers are needed for everything from registering kids to helping them bait their hooks; check with Leland Carpenter about helping out.

Prizes will be awarded for biggest and smallest fish, with many more prizes for the kids through a free raffle.

Many generous donors and volunteers combine to make this annual free Loveland tradition possible, under the Loveland Police Department. Click here for the background information on the city website.

Bob Roelofsz, left, and John Grady help a 2010 angler.

Northern Nebraska Northerns!

2011-05-15T11:40:00.000-06:00

May 15, 2011: Remember the monstrous rainstorm and high winds that struck Colorado last week? Well, Leland Carpenter says they found their way to Nebraska, too, just in time for soak him and seven other club members intent on springtime northern pike.

What the heck? Might as well fish. Leland reports no bragging size northerns, but some real nice ones, shown below. "Everyone caught fish and a good time was had by all."

With Leland on the trip, organized by Frank Zupanc, were Tom Garland, Dave Boyle, John Grady, Larry Carlson, Dean Kell and Dom Scaraillo.

(Photos by John Grady and Leland Carpenter. To see other trip photos and photos of other club events, click on the Photos link on the right of this page)

DOW Fishing Report

2011-05-07T10:33:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest fishing report from the Colorado Division of Wildlife: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/SeasonalReport/. Stocking reports, lake and stream conditions, etc.

Annual spring cleanup at Chilson

2011-05-06T17:40:00.000-06:00

May newsletter: Drop the apron and go fish!

2011-05-02T19:01:00.000-06:00

Editor Bill Prater

It's finally May, and we've had long, cold, windy April to think about more time on the water. It's also one of the busiest times of year for the Loveland Fishing Club.

"At this time of year we are busy," says President Ray Park. "We've got all kinds of volunteer projects we get into, but this is a fishing club. Get out and fish!"

Here's a link to the May calendar on the website, courtesy of John Grady, Frank Zupanc and Jim Kucera. Join others at Boyd Lake on Thursday, May 5, Horsetooth on May 12, Dixon May 19 and Lon Hagler on May 26. Or fly fish the Big Thompson or Cache la Poudre before what looks to be a gargantuan spring runoff fills them to overflowing.

For a more ambitious outing, try fishing for northern pike in a remote, private lake on the Nebraska Panhandle, May 9-12. You can go after them on foot, by float tube or a borrowed boat, and there's still room for one or two more anglers. It's a bargain at $50 total expense for lodging and access to the lake, plus gas and food expenses. See Frank Zupanc asap.

We're also getting ready for one of the club's most popular, fun events: the Loveland Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 4 at the North Lake Park pond, where we're hosting about a thousand eager anglers, ranging in age up to 15.

The high country's still mostly frozen and getting some heavy spring snows, but they'll open up soon.

Aimee Ryel, club member and DOW District wildlife manager, notes the division has started its weekly fishing reports (not yet a complete listing of area lakes). Click here to access.

Here's what they're saying about Boyd: Walleye fishing is fair with anglers having the most luck with worms and jigs near the eastern shore, near the rock wall and in the southern portion of the lake. All species of Bass are fair and are doing the best on spinners near the pump house with some fishermen catching largemouth in the southern portion of the lake as well as the pump house area. Trout are good and seem to be catchable from shore as well as from boat with worms and Cast Masters. Crappie and bluegill are fair using spinners in the marina area and near the pump house. Yellow perch are good using spinners with people having the most luck near the pump house. Catfish are still poor and none have been reported to date.

Photos from the Larimer County Fish Expo

2011-04-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

Add caption

2011-03-30T11:23:00.003-06:00

April newsletter: In the news

By Bill Prater

Fishing Calendar updated for April (click here)
Carter, Horsetooth open for boating April 1 (no fooling)
City technology park appears to include new fishing access near Jayhawk Ponds
Patience, Spring is Coming

Those of you who know fishing probably know a fair number of club members who are arguably better than me at actually catching anything.
But they also know I read way more about the subject than folks who spend too much time near the water. That's why a recent survey of area bookstores was so personally discouraging. It seems they just don't make good fishing magazines the way they used to.

At one of my favorite hangouts, Eads' Magazines and Smoke Shop in Boulder, I recently found a measly 4 magazines devoted to the subject of fishing - and 14 to the art of tattoos. There were 7 about marijuana growing, marketing and smoking (this was Boulder after all.) And more publications dedicated to Justin Bieber than to bluegills.

It is, in short, a wretched state of affairs for the avid angler reader, one made bearable only by the realization that spring has finally arrived, and a few fish are actually starting to bite.

Front Range water temperatures are rising slowly, but rising. Dixon Reservoir west of Fort Collins is always one of the first places to warm, since it's shallow and weed-filled. The surface temperature at the north end of the lake was about 50 degrees this weekend, and a few bluegill and small crappie were starting to hit.

There has been pretty heavy fishing traffic in the Boyd Marina inlet, but as of March 30 no water was coming in from Horseshoe; no water coming into Loveland Lake yet either. Frank Zupanc, who knows the water better than most, reports very few bites, even around usually reliable Lon Hagler. But he's optimistic, and he, John Grady and Jim Kucera have put together an optimistic angling schedule for the month. You'll find the dates on the club calendar, by clicking here. http:www.lovelandfishingclub.org

In other news, late this month the club will be helping Division of Wildlife biologist Ben Swigle install fish feeders purchased by the club at the south Jayhawk Pond. It's part of an ongoing cooperative effort to improve fishing in the pond.

Meanwhile, attracting little attention in the proposed city purchase and development of the old Hewlett Packard property is the inclusion of 129 acres of open space - including some very interesting ponds now walled off from the public Loveland Recreation Trail by a 10-foot tall fence. To see what I'm talking about, click here: http://mapq.st/eNsdD

This could be a major acquisition in a town starved for good close fishing spots to take kids.

Meanwhile, Carter and Horsetooth lakes open for boating 7 days a week, from April 1 through Sept. 30. Here's the schedule:

-Carter Lake North and South ramps and Horsetooth Reservoir Inlet Bay and South Bay ramp, April 1 - September 30, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week -Horsetooth Reservoir Satanka ramp won't open until May 26, with these hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for holidays.
-Carter Lake North Pines ramp opens starting April 1, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but will also be closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for holidays

Important Club Events in April

2011-03-17T08:43:00.001-06:00

We have several major events scheduled in April, in addition to the Tuesday-Thursday fishing calendar and regular club meetings. Here's a recap:

April 2-3: 7th annual Larimer County Parks and Recreation Fishing Expo at the Ranch. The club will have a booth. We need a few volunteers to staff the booth during event hours. Interested? For details and to sign up, contact Tom Miller. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2. Here's a link to the event website: http://larimer.org/naturalresources/fishing_expo.pdf

April 12: Bison Center near Flatiron Reservoir. The Parks Board will meet with Boulder County Commissioners abd are expected to vote on proposed sale of three properties on the Big Thompson disputed by the club and Friends of the Big Thompson. Discusson on the Big Thompson issue is expected to begin around 6 p.m. Please attend if you can and show your support for the club's position. And see Jim Roode between now and then to sign our petition. The wording can be found at the bottom of this article.

April 21: Sleepy Hollow cleanup on the Big Thompson. The club has committed to keeping this public area spiffy. We'll fish when we're finished. Meet at the southeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot to carpool.

April 27: Jayhawker Ponds. Division of Wildlife Biologist Ben Swigle will be installing the two fish feeders purchased by the club, as part of a cooperative effort to improve the fish population at Jayhawker. Ben will be ready to start work about 10 a.m.; you can come at 8 a.m. and fish.

Loveland Fishing Club Petition on the future of the Big Thompson River:

The Members and friends of Loveland Fishing Club wish to address the County Commissioners and express our concerns for the future of the river.

We are against fishing easements as a solution.

We believe the Narrows can be improved by barter or purchase to obtain the north half of the river on the east side of the property. Additionally an access strip on the north bank of the western side of the property should be retained. We support the sale or barter of the of the remaining land on the north hillside above the river.
Regarding the remaining properties recommend by the Loveland Fishing club for retention of angling access, we think the Drake solution could apply to some, but the east parcel of Area 20 on the North Fork and area 3 near Big Thompson school should be retained in their entirety.
These properties are large, beautiful riparian areas and should not be lost.

Milt teaching introductory fly flying April 16

2011-03-15T17:13:00.002-06:00

Learn fishing safety, ethics, techniques, where to fish and more from Club Member Milt Mays, in a one-day course at Chilson Center. Bring your own pole, as he'll lead the class in actual casting during the class, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 16. The fee is $15, and enrollment is limited. Sign up at Chilson's.

Boat inspections resume; Clean, drain and dry

2011-03-15T17:08:00.002-06:00

Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks are launching the annual effort to protect the state's lakes, reservoirs and rivers from aquatic invaders. The focus of this year's efforts will be zebra and quagga mussels, but boat inspectors will also check for New Zealand mud snails, rusty crayfish and other invasive species.

Below are hours for some recently opened State Parks inspection operations. For additional details, see the State Parks website at http://parks.state.co.us/Boating/NewBoatInspection/Pages/BoatInspection.aspx
Barr Lake State Park: inspection hours will be 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends only in March with expanded hours beginning April 1 (see website for additional information)
Boyd Lake State Park, main boat ramp, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fri., Sat., and Sun. through May 1, when hours will expand from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Chatfield State Park: north boat ramp open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. South ramp opens April 1 and hours at both ramps extend May 1 to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Cherry Creek State Park, East Ramp, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Highline Lake State Park, main boat ramp, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
Jackson Lake State Park will open for boating Friday, March 18, inspections 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sat. and Sun. On May 1, the hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
John Martin State Park will open Wed., March 16, inspections 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Lake Pueblo State Park, main ramp, 5 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily (see website for additional information)

Below are hours for some recently opened Division of Wildlife State Wildlife Area waters. For additional inspection sites and hours, see: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/MandatoryBoatInspections.htm.

Prewitt Reservoir, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Fri., Sat., Sun. and Mon. Beginning April 1, inspections will be seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Jumbo Reservoir, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Fri., Sat., Sun. and Mon. Beginning April 1, inspections will be seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Douglas Reservoir will open to boating April 1

The dock's back in at Lonetree - and Boyd's open to boating too

2011-03-06T09:46:00.001-07:00

The Lonetree Reservoir dock partly financed by Loveland Fishing Club donations is ready for boat traffic, thanks to some helping hands from club volunteers and Division of Wildlife District Manager Aimee Ryel.

Where'd Bob Scott learn to drive a tractor? Well, we have to admit, he's pretty good with the darned thing, after watching him haul to ramp down to the boat dock for seasonal installation.

Meanwhile, Boyd Lake's ice free and zebra mussel inspectors are on duty during daylight hours. No word yet on Carter or Horsetooth, which are controlled by Larimer County.

Bob Scott with DOW tractor and boat ramp

March Newsletter: Who's Loveland's Toughest Angler? And more

2011-03-01T07:58:00.004-07:00


Bill Prater

The legendary Loveland Fishing Club is comprised of fisher men and women with a median age well into the '70s, maxing out at just over 90, with a tendency to test ourselves against the elements. With March winds howling, it's time once again to ponder, "Who's Loveland's toughest angler?"

My own claim to the title of toughest came during a February journey to the Sandhills of northwest Nebraska, where I'd forgotten my heaviest coat but bravely kept whimpering to a minimum on a day where the temperature never rose above zero.
Others arguably have a more legitimate claim.

There's Shirley Smillie, for example, who just celebrated 80, who kind of stunned everyone a few seasons ago when she turned out for a legendary minus-23 degree ice fishing trip to Lake Grandby, followed by an equally memorable midsummer catfishing trip to Kansas a few weeks after a lengthy hospital stay for heart problems. Followed in turn by her hauling in a 45- or so pound spoonbill catfish on an early spring outing to eastern Oklahoma.

Then there's Bob Kuhn, who gives the term "trigger finger" its truest meaning: Bob shoots both shotgun and rifle using the right pinky finger, the only intact digit on either hand after a pair of unfortunate workshop accidents. "It was pretty hard to learn to deal with," he admits. "But what the heck. I figure you just have to figure out how to cope, and then do whatever it takes to keep going."

Bob is a regular on both warm water and ice fishing circuits, and last September used that same "trigger finger" on a cross-bow and take down a nice-sized antelope.

So why does all this matter?

"I think we do this kind of stuff just to show ourselves we still can," says our thoughtful past President Jim Clune, who may be a tad slower than in his youth but still churns along after twin knee replacement surgeries and that nagging major surgery on his neck.

So it DOES matter whenever we hear the latest update from Dave Harem, who once earned club respect being chased by a bear on a solo archery elk hunt near Steamboat Springs, hampered by hips in bad need of replacement. This season Dave renewed his credentials for toughness at solidly frozen Lake Antero when, like any disciplined angler, he wetted the knot securing his jig to the fishing line. Somehow, this time when he licked the jighead, he hooked the barb firmly into the meatiest part of his tongue. Initial attempts to remove it just embedded it deeper, and finally forced our club treasurer to yell for help: Probably something like: "Tan tum one dive me a hand here, dammit?"

Fortunately LakeIceUSA guide Dave Bryant came to the rescue. But traditional hook extraction methods apparently don't work too well with tongues. With many helpful onlookers at his side, Bryant finally, painfully, removed the offending hook with the kind of sturdy forceps usually reserved for the mouths of trout.

"It was in deep, and it was pretty bloody," Harem recalls. But it was also far from shore, and the big Antero rainbows were biting. So Dave sucked it up and went back to his hole in the ice.

You of course also have to give tough guy consideration to Frank Zupanc, who once went elk hunting on crutches in a snowstorm, and now fishes from a small inflatable raft because he can’t handle anything bigger since that unfortunate broken neck incident. Despite an unreliable sense of balance and unsteady gate, he wrapped up one late-season ice fishing trip to Lone Tree Reservoir by wading from the rapidly melting ice cap to the shore.

"Aw, what else am I going to do?" Zupanc asks. "If I wasn't out fishing, I'd be sitting in a chair in front of the television, sound asleep."

So the next time you want to quit because your coat's too thin for comfort, think about Colorado's toughest, and suck it up. And on Friday morning, we can all sit down with a hot cup of coffee at the warm and cozy Widow's, and discuss other potential candidates for The Club's Toughest.

# # #

It's Spring! Or at least getting close

Some of us, who shall remain unnamed because they include me, are still daydreaming of late winter fishing in Florida or Texas or Hawai. But the diehards are still trudging into the mountains to drill holes in the ice, and celebrating the apparent end to ice caps on Front Range waters by drowning the first worms of the season.

Jim, John and Frank have obviously put some thought into the March Calendar, and put together some great suggested local trips this month, including spots like Lon Hagler, Flatirons and Carter. The water's beginning to flow into Lon Hagler in recent days, and will hopefully start soon in other reservoirs drawn down for the winter. The calendar's on the website; look it over, and then go fish. Here's the link: http://www.lovelandfishingclub.org/

# # #

Fish Explorer still growing, getting better

If you've not looked at the Fish Explorer website lately, it's time to take a look. It's got new writers, including knowledgeable anglers who've spoken to the club, and added a whole new section on fishing in the state of Texas. Here's the link: http://www.fishexplorer.com/

# # #

Speaking of Fish Explorer, here's some great reading from Aurora native James Trujillo, writing for the website, on the subject of "Walleye Tips and Tactics of a Nightstalker." He mostly fishes Cherry Creek, but his tactics sound great for Carter and Horsetooth. Here's the link:

http://www.fishexplorer.com/articles.asp?action=det&aid=48

# # #

Want to be around big walleye? Volunteer

2011-02-27T11:40:00.001-07:00

When Colorado Division of Wildlife Biologist Ben Swigle spoke to the club a few months ago, several club members expressed interest in helping with the collection of eggs at the annual walleye spawn from March 21 through the first week in April. Still interested?

Ben passes along word that the DOW is recruiting volunteers to help with the project at Chatfield and Cherry Creek reservoirs. The DOW has collected walleye eggs at Carter Lake in past years, but nothing is currently scheduled there.

Interested? Sounds like a lot of fun, kind of like revisiting your teen years, rounding up big spawning females. But you need to act quickly to reserve a spot. To find out more, click here.

March Fishing Calendar

2011-02-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, fishing folks, it's March, and the only thing that's certain is, you have to be flexible. Jim Kucera, Frank Zupanc and John Grady have put together a recommended fishing calendar, with a lot of variety and back to twice a week to reflect the arrival of very early spring.

Jim notes that as of the end of February the flatland lakes were pretty much done for as far as ice fishing goes; a few unnamed club members may try them anyway. The only reliable ice fishing left is in the high country - North Park/Lake John and lakes around the top of Cameron Pass.

Pinewood, Flatirons, Carter, Lon Hagler and Lake Loveland are open enough for bank fishing, which is reflected in the March calendar. The lower end of the Big Thompson and portions of the river above Drake were open and fishable. The calendar's on the club website; click here for the link.

Here we are in the Nebraska Panhandle, and it's 4 below ...

2011-02-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Fortunately the northern pike were biting, like this 24-incher held aloft by John Grady. Club members were guests on a 20,000-acre cattle ranch.

Video of Lake Antero trip!

2011-02-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Dave Bryant of LakeIceUSA created a video of the recent club outing to Lake Antero. To see how the trip went, click here.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJfJL-2yTAQ

Help raise funds for Wounded Warriors Feb. 26-27

2011-02-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Our friends at Lake ICE USA are again seeking volunteers to help raise funds for their Wounded Warrior USA program at Bass Pro Shop on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26 and 27. If you plan to participate, let George Kral know.

We'll be carpooling, and volunteering for about four hours each day, beginning about 10 a.m. Volunteers help bag merchandise at the store's cashier stations, and ask customers support the program. It's easy, fun, and helps a great cause. Here's a link to the Wounded Warrior web site: http://lakeiceusa.com/http://lakeiceusa.com/

The Forgetful Angler: LFC's February Newsletter

2011-01-28T11:19:00.003-07:00

In this issue: Latest local fishing news!

Fishing rules changing for Horsetooth, Carter, Lon Hagler, Big Thompson Ponds
New DOW surveys: Good walleye & yellow perch populations at Boyd, poor white bass
Special report on how and when we volunteer

(Editor's note: The following was compiled with the aid of DOW Biologist Ben Swigle and District Wildlife Manager Aimee Ryel. Any misinterpretation is strictly the fault of the editor)

Fishing rules changing on area lakes

Revised Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing regulations that went into effect Jan. 1, 2011, include major changes for some area lakes, including ones intended to improve the general fishing population at Carter and Horsetooth by cutting down on the problem that's become known as "too many teeth in the water." And bass anglers should welcome the new rules at Lon Hagler and Big Thompson Ponds. Here are the changes:

As you know if you've dunked a worm in Carter lately, the slot limits there (one walleye between 16-20 inches) resulted in very short life spans for stocked kokanee and other stocked trout. They've been eaten by an overabundant walleye population long before they fall victim to fishing club members.

There is now a bag limit of three walleye per day at Carter with a maximum size of 21 inches. I double-checked: no minimum size on walleye, but the DOW will continue protecting those big brood fish used to restock the hatcheries. It's a nice compromise between trophy walleye fishermen and those who go for trout. But there are no current plans to begin restocking kokanee at the lake.

At Horsetooth, the old rule of an 18-inch minimum for walleye (your editor turned one back last summer that was 17 1/2, no matter how hard it was stretched) has been eliminated, and the regular statewide regulation of a five-fish limit is now in place. The 12-inch minimum for smallmouth continues.

Lon Hagler may be on its way to becoming a trophy bass lake. You can now keep only one bass, and it has to be larger than 18 inches. Ben Swigle also reports that a number of adult largemouth rescued from a west Loveland private lake last summer were moved to Lon Hagler to improve brood stock.

Those who've fish Big Thompson Ponds know the five-bass limit has resulted in a shortage of bass and an abundance of stunted bluegill, green sunfish and perch. But you can now keep only one, and it has to be 15 inches or longer. (The ponds also got some of those rescued largemouth)

Good winter-time reading: Aimee Ryel points us to a great research tool for Colorado anglers, the DOW's fishing surveys of lakes and streams. Among the newly updated reports are Lonetree, Loveland, Carter, McIntosh (just west of Longmont) and St. Vrain State Park. Here's the link:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/FisherySurveySummaries/http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/FisherySurveySummaries/ Among the findings: gizzard shad are declining in numbers in Lake Loveland, but secretive catfishermen will be annoyed to hear the DOW revealing that its gill net surveys turned up channel cats ranging up to 25 pounds. And the state added 22,000 fingerling catfish to the lake in 2010.

No real surprises at Lonetree: gill net and angler surveys show the walleye and wiper catch is low - but the lake is full of shad, suckers, perch and shiners. Yep, the predators are happy; they're finding all the food they need, without resorting to minnows from Bennet's.

DOW fisheries survey shows thriving walleye, slumping white bass population at Boyd

No excuses, walleye and yellow perch fishermen. Based on gill net surveys and other data from the DOW, the walleye population at Boyd "should be the best in the past 10 years," says Ben Swigle, based in part on an excellent survival rate of 40,000 walleye fingerlings stocked in 2009 that should be nearing legal size. The outlook's also good for yellow perch, with numbers "substantially increased."

The only downside to all those sharp little teeth in Boyd: the walleye abundance is likely the reason for the marked decline we're seeing in white bass. They also had a really bad spawn in spring 2010.

Ben says the DOW moved almost 3,000 adult yellow perch and 650 adult (10-inch to 17-inch) largement bass from a private pond in west Loveland last summer. The perch went to Lonetree, Lon Hagler, Boyd, Jayhawker ponds, Simpson Ponds and a few other spots. Many of the 4" perch showing up under the ice at Boyd this winter are likely offspring of those adults.

The largemouth went mostly into to Lon Hagler, Lonetree and Big Thompson Ponds.

LFC volunteerism in 2010

(Editor's note: The following summary of 2010 Loveland Fishing Club activities was submitted to Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and can now be found on our website.

We fish, and much, much more: Less than a decade ago, about a dozen Loveland area seniors got together and decided to form a club dedicated to fishing. Today the Loveland Fishing Club's 80-plus members are still fishing, but they've also evolved into one of the most active outdoor volunteer organizations in Northern Colorado, supporting youthful and senior anglers. For a full report, click here to visit the newly created Volunteer page on the LFC website.

# # #

February fishing calendar updated

2011-01-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Boyd Lake is the club's first fishing event of February, on Tuesday, Feb. 1, ice conditions permitting. You can view and print the entire month's calendar by visiting the website, http://www.lovelandfishingclub.org/2.html

The calendar is maintained by club members Frank Zupanc, John Grady and Jim Kucera, who notes that some shore lines of area lakes were starting to open up with the late January warm spell. Be careful out there.

We're going fishing for WHAT??##@@$! through the ice?

2011-01-26T07:19:00.004-07:00

Okay, this may be old hat to club members from frigid northern locales like Minnesota, but 7 or 8 of the club's most stalwart anglers are headed to a northwestern Nebraska cattle ranch Feb. 6-8 looking for a midwinter fight with northern pike.(See essential pike characteristic at right)

This editor may be an Ozark hillbilly, but he knows those things have big teeth and they're grumpier than Frank Zupanc. Still, this event is being organized by past President Norm Engelbrecht, and you have to trust his judgment. He was, after all, leader of our now-legendary leaky pontoon boat catfishing trip to central Kansas a few summers ago. And it was Norm who persuaded a whole boatload of LFC members in their '60s, '70s and '80s to travel with him to eastern Oklahoma one blustery March, for an equally memorable attack on spoonbill catfish bigger than some anglers on the trip (see Jim and Dottie and friend at right).

Anyway, this promises to be another strange trip, with Norm's love of the adventurous possibly moderated by the presence of club friends Dave Bryant and Bill Miller from LakeIceUSA. Stay tuned.

Learn to ice fish with DOW at Sportsmen's Warehouse

2011-01-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Interested in learning how to ice fish? You're invited to join DOW Wildlife Officer Jason Duetsch for a free, informative seminar, Friday, February 4 at Sportsmen's in Loveland, 1675 Rocky Mountain Ave.

SIGN UP: To register please e-mail allison.kincaid@state.co.us or call (303) 291-7291 and leave a message with names, address and phone number to register. Spaces are limited to 50 people so register early!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Allison Kincaid at (303) 291-7291 OR allison.kincaid@state.co.us

2011 Club officers installed at annual dinner

2011-01-22T15:07:00.001-07:00

Ray Park was elected president of the Loveland Fishing Club for 2011 at the annual dinner Jan. 21 at Chilson Center, succeeding John Gwinnup.

Dave Boyle was named vice president. Dave Harem continues as club treasurer and Jim Roode will continue as secretary.

Antero trip photos!

2011-01-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Several club members traveled to Colorado's Lake Antero with LakeIceUSA. For a look at some of the catch, click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/110595750459952502099/LovelandAntero?authkey=Gv1sRgCKvrpdOc95nSYg&feat=flashalbum#5562439624748655234

The club is also planning a pike fishing trip with LakeIceUSA Feb. 6-9 at a private ranch in western Nebraska. For information, contact Norm Engelbrecht.

The Forgetful Angler: January Newsletter

2010-12-25T14:51:00.001-07:00

Put on your Christmas socks and head to the lake

Once again it is that awkward time of year when Loveland Fishing Club members look around at one another and ask, "What should we do until spring?"

For some, it's too damned cold to go fishing. For others, it's too warm. Boyd was long frozen over by this time last year; at the moment, ducks are swimming around Marina Inlet. So for the angler who just can't wait until spring, we have the high country, or we have friends or relatives to visit in Florida. Or we have Friday morning sessions at the Widow McCoy's, where we can talk until we run out of coffee about places we've been intending to go.

We also have the club Fishing Calendar, and it is past time that we all give it the attention it deserves -- and time to thank the folks who put together the club fishing dates every month.

We are lucky that the guys who create the calendar are also some of the club's more fanatic anglers: Jim Kucera, Frank Zupanc, John Grady and Alan Anderson, who can be spotted at one darned body of water or another a lot more often than they'll be seen mowing the grass.

They are also known to kvetch now and then, not without justification, that we dutifully publicize a fishing location, date and time - and then no one shows up to fish.

We are never going to get some club members to venture out when the temperature is less than 60 degrees, or more than 78. But the rest of us should print out the calendar (here's a link to the latest: http://lovelandfishingclub.org/2.html) think up a good excuse for the spouse why we shouldn't clean house, and go get our worms wet.

Because of the prolonged warm spell, this month's calendar is a lot like December's: it suggests some spots, knowing that ice conditions in the lowlands are subject to change.

ONE CHANGE IN TRADITION: We've always told club members to meet at K-Mart at 8 a.m. and carpool to the lake or river, a likely throwback to the early days when most club members lived on the west side of town. From now on, for most trips, talked amongst yourself, and then just drive to the fishing hole and look around for the rest of us. Want to ice fish and never been? Chances are excellent that you can borrow some gear. And next spring, if you go the lake and someone has a boat, and there's room, you'll be welcomed aboard.

If there is a long drive involved, or an entrance fee like the ones at Carter or Flatirons, talk to one another about carpooling. And if some lake gets especially hot (or, at this time of year, especially thin on top), bring it up with the rest of us at Friday breakfast, or an e-mail or phone call.

* * *

January Fishing Outlook

The Division of Wildlife suspends its weekly reports during the winter, but if you want to see if anyone's catching anything they're willing to talk about, get acquainted with http://fishexplorer.com or the Colorado Fishing Forum. Fish Explorer is especially good for regular updates on things like ice thickness (it was already 10" at Dowdy just before Christmas, for example), and the contributors to their Fishing Forum don't seem any more prone to exaggeration than Frank or John.

We've got some good trips already planned for 2011, beginning with the Antero trip with our Lake ICE USA friends Jan. 11-13 (see Norm Engelbrecht), and a likely guided trip to Grandy with Bernie Keefe (see Tom Miller or Bill Prater).

Until (or if) lower elevation lakes freeze solid enough for someone besides Jimmy Giles, lake fishing is going to be in the high country. Talk it over among yourselves, and let the rest of us know where you'd like to go. Keep warm, and have a Happy New Year. Bill
# # #

The Forgetful Angler - December 2010 Newsletter

2010-12-11T09:52:00.002-07:00

The editor

First topic: Why Real Anglers Don't Tweet.

Below is the first of what could be a monthly report on essential club activities. Your suggestions would be much appreciated. Bill P

I am often asked why we do not have a Loveland Fishing Club Facebook account, and why members cluster together like a school of baby shad every Friday morning at the Widow McCoy's to talk about events of the week just past. In the spirit of the season, I will share these and other closely held club secrets: The answer, people, is that we've got time on our hands.

Why would we prefer instant communications over an hour-long bull session?

The most glaring thing a Twitter account would do is put us into regular instant contact with husband or wife, who has a daily goal of getting us out the door. It would also tend to leave us with little new to talk about.

We relish adventures and misadventures that give us grist for conversation over coffee, or on top of a frozen lake. You know that Frank's update on fishing with a Hollywood jerkbait will be good. You can bet that reports on his latest fall into a lake will be even better.

Unlike kids (that is, anyone under 60), Loveland Fishing Club members welcome the second or even a third retelling of a well-crafted fishing story. And unlike spouses, we don't jump in with helpful corrections when that tale strays a bit from an absolutely faithful recollection of size or number. And when one of us comes down with a hip replacement, bad gall bladder or failing lung, the rest of us truly do commiserate. Who else will not roll their eyes when John brings up the delicate subject of his troublesome testicles, or Jim updates us on his hemorrhoids?

I was introduced to the senior concept of time by Past President and Founding Grandfather Tom Miller, who invited me on a short trip to Fort Collins that evolved into :

A half-hour conversation with the secretary at Larimer County Parks and Open Space
A short stop for coffee at Vern's in LaPorte
An illuminating but kinda lengthy tour of the nearby Division of Wildlife's fish hatchery, where I learned they even keep a sizeable collection of albino trout
A winding trip through the countryside to check on the water level at Horsetooth, followed by a stop by the Miller homestead to feed his cat and check out the buffalo hunter's gun that put a dramatic end to Tom's grandpa, a turn-of-the century Kansas sheriff.

Subsequent trips have been similarly memorable, and sometimes taken even longer. Anyone who participated in that ill-fated, Engelbrecht-led catfishing trip to Lake Glen Elder can testify that the journey itself is frequently the highlight of a club trip.

Why would we have breathlessly tweeted or Facebooked our friends every time we stopped to pee between Loveland and central Kansas? For one thing, in that particular instance we would have filled up the kids' in-boxes with updates. Because there sure were a lot of pit stops.

We don't embrace instantly delivered news because we prefer to digest it over (decaffeinated) coffee. Wives of Senior Anglers instinctively understand this need to linger, just as they've learned to tolerate the occasional box of maggots in their refrigerators. They generally don't ask, "And how are you this morning, Dear?" when they know we haven't done a darned thing interesting between the time the two of us crawled into bed together and the time we got up for breakfast.

This is not to imply that LFC members do not occasionally embrace appropriate technology. There is nothing like a fish photo from a cell phone camera to send a timely taunt to a fellow club member, when you catch something he or she didn't. If they happen to be in a separate boat on the same lake at the same time, that's even more priceless. But as a general rule, there is little that can happen at any given moment that should not be simply committed to memory, to be lingered over later.

As mentioned in the "Jim's hemorrhoids" reference above, we do have a few aches and pains not overly inflicted upon younger generations. When the afore-mentioned Tom Miller talked me into joining the club, he said, "The usual minimum requirement is bypass surgery. But we'll waive that in your case." I thought he was kidding.

Lately we seem to have even more than our usual share of infirmities. Among many others, Shirley is having a long recovery from her surgery, and muttering something about not being ready for another ice fishing trip to Grandby anytime soon. Bernie is mourning the loss of a 90-year-old gall bladder. And Norm will be happy to show you the big new scar he purportedly got in a knife fight.

Without getting all weepy about it, this is a club whose members pretty much look out for one another, and enjoy one another's conversations without having to write them all down on the telephone.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Bill

Bill Prater

LFC Webmaster

Help raise funds for Wounded Warrior USA program

2010-11-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Our friends at Lake ICE USA are again seeking volunteers to help raise funds for their Wounded Warrior USA program at Bass Pro Shop on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6. If you plan to participate, let George Kral or another club officer know.

We'll be carpooling, and volunteering for about four hours each day, beginning about 9:30 a.m. Volunteers help bag merchandise at the store's 12 cashier stations, and ask customers support the program. It's easy, fun, and helps a great cause. To date, Lake ICE USA has provided ice fishing instruction and trips to more than 70 soldiers. Here's a link to their web site: http://lakeiceusa.com/http://lakeiceusa.com/

Update on water levels at Pinewood, Flatiron, Carter, Horsetooth

2010-11-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Following is a note from Kara Lamb, Bureau of Reclamation, advising that Pinewood and Flatiron will be at dead storage levels until mid December, because of maintenance work. There's also information on Carter and Horsetooth:

We have passed the half-way mark in our annual maintenance across the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. There are roughly four weeks left.

Wednesday, Nov. 10, we started running water through the Alva B. Adams Tunnel for some power generation on the upper portion of the project. As a result, Lake Estes rose a couple feet in water level elevation. It will begin a more typical pattern of water level fluctuation over the weekend.

At 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, we began increasing releases from Lake Estes through Olympus Dam to the Big Thompson River. The first release increased by 100 cfs, bringing the river below the dam to about 140 cfs. At 11:00 p.m., we increased by about 150 cfs, putting 300 cfs in the river below the dam. We increased by about 90 cfs around midnight, putting the river at about 440 cfs this morning (Friday, Nov. 12). We anticipate that releases to the Big T will range between 390-440 cfs for the next couple of weeks, possibly longer. The duration of the release through Olympus Dam, and the rate of flow, are largely dependent on freezing temperatures.

Water released to the river will be recaptured at the Dille Diversion near the mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon. From there it will run, via the Charles Hansen Feeder Canal, to Horsetooth Reservoir. On Wednesday, Horsetooth was at an elevation of about 5378. It should start rising again by Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, flows to the southern power arm of the system will remain on hold. Annual maintenance continues at the Pole Hill Power Plant, in the Bald Mountain Pressure Tunnel, at the Flatiron Power Plant, and along portions of the Charles Hansen Feeder Canal south of the Big Thompson Canyon. As a result, both Pinewood and Flatiron reservoirs remain drawn down to dead storage. We anticipate both reservoirs will start refilling in mid-to-late-December.

For the last week, Carter Lake has maintained an elevation around 5682 feet. However, it will likely drop more before the middle of next month. It is anticipated we will begin pumping water to Carter in late December.

As always, please feel free to call or e-mail me with any related questions or concerns.

In observation of Veterans' Day yesterday, I'd like to add my recognition of the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank you!

Best,
Kara

Kara Lamb
Public Information
Bureau of Reclamation
Eastern Colorado Area Office
(970) 962-4326

Suggested slate of officers for 2011

2010-11-04T10:33:00.003-06:00

Following is the suggested slate of officers for 2011, from incoming Club President Ray Park. Please review and inform of any and all suggestions.

President:        Ray Park
Vice President:   Dave Boyle
Treasurer:        Dave Harem
Secretary:        Jim Roode
Past Pres:        John Gwinnup   (Parliamentarian)

Activities Chairman:        Lou Colton
Activities Committee:      John Grady
                                           Frank Zupanc
Raffle Chair: Merle Boden
Raffle Committee Richard Radies

Program Chairman:    Tom Garland
Historian: Skip Kral
Program Committee:   Gene Speidel, George Kral

Web Master:                    Bill Prater
Club Communications:   George Kral
Advertising Chairman:    Tom Miller
Map & Banner Keeper:   Bob Roelofsz

November Club Fishing Calendar online

2010-11-03T08:44:00.000-06:00

Barring an early deep freeze, local club trips in November will be to Boyd Lake, Lon Hagler and the Big Thompson. To carpool, meet at 8 a.m. at the K-Mart parking lot. Thanks to Jim Kucera, Alan Anderson, John Grady and Frank Zupanc. To view the schedule, visit the club website, www.lovelandfishingclub.org http://www.lovelandfishingclub.org

While the rest of us fish for stockers ...

2010-10-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

John Plog displays a couple 7-pound salmon he hauled in on a trip to Ketchikan, Alaska, on Sept. 14.

Some boat ramps closing down for season, none local for now

2010-10-06T15:24:00.000-06:00

DENVER, Colo.--Boat ramps and watercraft-inspection stations at two popular impoundments, Jumbo and Turquoise, have closed for the season and other boat ramps across the state will be closing soon. Seasonal closures will remain in effect until inspections for invasive mussels and other aquatic nuisance species resume next spring.

Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, belly boats, sailboards, rafts, float tubes, windsurfer boards and inner tubes are permitted and will not be affected by the closures.

Loveland area waters like Boyd and Horsetooth will remain open until late November, weather and water levels permitting. Lake Grandby inspections will be shutting down Oct. 31. Here's a link to the DOW's website about inspections: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/MandatoryBoatInspections.htm

Alan Anderson wins club tournament. Again!

2010-10-06T10:09:00.000-06:00

Alan Anderson, who won the 2008 tournament at Flatiron Reservoir, came out on top again on Tuesday, Oct. 5, with a winning stringer of trout of 48 inches. He received the revolving Grand Champion Trophy from last year's winner, Dominic Scavullo.

Leland Carpenter was second with a total catch of 45 1/2 inches, and Bob Roelofz was third with 31 inches.
Prizes included cash for the winners of $50, $30 and $20.

Photo by George Kral

Don't miss the annual Club Fishing Derby Tue Oct 5

2010-10-01T09:41:00.001-06:00

Grab your cans of corn and a handful of nightcrawlers! The 4th annual club fishing derby is set for 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 5, on the banks of Flatiron Reservoir. (NOTE CORRECTED DATE)

Cash prizes will be given for biggest and smallest fish and for the longest stringer of fish. The winner gets his or her name engraved on the revolving trophy, won last year by Dominic Scarillo, who also earned the right to be chief cook at this year's free picnic to follow. There's no entry fee and no charge for the food!

The rules are simple: any legal form of fishing is permitted, but you're limited to one pole and a single hook, according to derby organizer Frank Zupanc.

Flatirons is part of Larimer County Parks and Open Space, so there's a fee for entry. To carpool with someone who has a park permit, meet at the southeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot by 7:30 a.m.

Don't forget! This Tuesday is final day for 3 p.m. time for monthly club meeting

2010-09-16T08:35:00.000-06:00

We'll hold our regular meeting at the Chilson Center, but starting in October we'll meet at 2 p.m., so we're not pressured for time as staff gets the room ready for other events.

Other important dates and times: we'll be doing a cleanup at Chilson after breakfast this Friday, part of our obligation to the center for use of its facilities. And the Fall Bazaar at Chilson needs volunteers on Friday, Sept. 24; see Dick Hunsaker about times and volunteer needs.

Club members recognized for volunteer project at Lon Hagler

2010-08-28T18:52:00.001-06:00

Members of the Loveland Fishing Club worked alongside the Colorado Division of Wildlife to build spawning habitat at Lon Hagler Reservoir Friday, and wound up featured in a major article in the Aug. 29 Loveland Reporter Herald. The work involved improvements to spawning habitat in the lake. For the complete story, visit the newspaper's website here: http://www.reporterherald.com/news_story.asp?ID=29284

Club members worked to add spawning habitat in the lake, drawn down for the season. Photo by George Kral

DOW needs volunteers for spawning habitat improvement at Lon Hagler

2010-08-22T14:13:00.000-06:00

Ben Swigle, DOW fish biologist who spoke to the club earlier this year, is going to install some structures Friday at Lon Hagler to improve spawn habitat. Let's get out there and help!

The project involves installation of some large timbers that will be filled with cobble and gravel. A DOW crew will be at Lon Hagler on Friday, Aug. 27, and Ben could use some volunteer help from the club. If you're interested, let's head for the lake after Friday morning's breakfast at the Widow McCoy's. The DOW will be there by 9:30 a.m. Shovels, rakes, gloves and sunscreen would be useful.

There's also a proposal on the table that the club support the habitat improvement project financially; that's under consideration by the LFC Board.

Lake John trip set for Sept. 13-17

2010-08-14T18:46:00.000-06:00

Lou Colton, organizer of the club's legendary Chambers Lake outings, has set up a trip to trout-filled Lake John, from Monday, Sept. 13, through Friday, Sept. 17. There's a campground with full hookups, and cabins available.

Please sign up with Lou by Aug. 20.

Big Thompson cleanup will be Thursday, Aug. 19

2010-08-06T12:54:00.002-06:00

After several weather-related delays, the club's cleanup of the Sleepy Hollow fishing access area on the Big Thompson has been set for Thursday, Aug. 19

Meet at the southeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool to the site, north of Drake. And bring your fishing gear; we'll try out the water after cleanup!

Annual Club Picnic is Tuesday, Aug. 17

2010-08-06T12:46:00.002-06:00

This year's picnic will be at the covered picnic area at Old Fairground Park; your spouse or significant other is welcome. Please let George Kral or Jim Giles know you're coming

Steak, corn and other good things will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m., but you're welcome to come from 3:30 on. Bring your own knife and fork.

Also, please bring a dessert, hot dish or salad, enough to serve 5 people. If you're last night begins with A-G, please bring dessert; H-O, a hot dish; and P-Z, a salad. The club will provide the rest.

August fishing dates posted to website

2010-07-31T15:34:00.000-06:00

View/print calendar by clicking here . Want to invite other club members to another venture? Use the Comment function for this article, or send the information to Bill Prater for posting. billjohnp@gmail.com

Jim Roode on organizing an elk hunt

2010-07-28T07:19:00.000-06:00

Thinking of a fall elk hunt? Bow-hunting addict and club secretary Jim Roode's article on the subject has been published on the Colorado Division of Wildlife site. To read, click here: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/EHULessons/EHUGunsGear.htm

Club & Chilson kids go fishing

2010-07-16T16:02:00.000-06:00

Below, Jim Giles and young Chilson day camper struggle with a catch at the North Lake Duck Pond on July 15. At right is Dave Harem. Fifteen club members helped create fishing memories for more than 50 youngsters.

Fishing with the Girl Scouts

2010-06-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

Bob Roelofz and Girl Scout buddy

South Dakota walleyes!

2010-06-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

Jim Clune, center, Bob Scott and their Chamberlain, SD guide display the first day's catch. Everyone on the trip reported catching (and eating) their limit.

2010 Kids Derby another great team success!

2010-06-10T11:05:00.001-06:00

Nearly 500 youngsters registered for the 2010 Derby at the North Lake Duck Pond, and a crowd estimated at more than 1,500 turned out for the annual event, organized by Loveland Police with the Loveland Fishing Club.

With club members signing up the kids, making sure they had plenty of good equipment, and handing out prizes for largest and smallest fish and for half-hour lottery winners, the derby continues as one of LFC's premier events for youngsters. Photos by George Kral. To see others, click here.

While the rest of us talk about fishing ...

2010-05-05T07:49:00.001-06:00

Here's Alan Anderson and his new friend, a 27-inch wiper he yanked out of Boyd Lake on May 3. Darned if I knew there were even any wiper in the lake, but that sure isn't a white bass.

Rain? What rain? Club spiffs up Lon Hagler for spring

2010-04-23T07:35:00.000-06:00

Thursday's club fishing trip to Lon Hagler was preceded by a quick lakeside cleanup by participating club members. Kinda cold, kinda wet, kinda windy, but that's a spring outing in Colorado. Photo by George Kral

Denver Post reports on Big Thompson River access

2010-04-11T21:29:00.000-06:00

In its Sunday, April 11 edition, the Post reports that both sides of the Big Thompson River access feud got most of what they wanted. "The Big Thompson is a big deal, and I don't think, for the longest time, the county realized that," said Walt Graul, a member of the Loveland Fishing Club and a co-founder of Friends of the Big Thompson. For the full article, click here.

April fishing calendar available

2010-03-30T18:20:00.001-06:00

Check the website for the updated calendar. We're still on a Thursday-only schedule, but if you want to plan Tuesday outings, post a comment here or send a note to Bill. Ditto if you want to add stream fishing events to the calendar. For now, we've got an 8 a.m. April 1 trip to Boyd Lake, April 8 to Lon Hagler, April 22 at Flatiron and April 29 at Boyd.

Boyd Lake boat ramps open

2010-03-29T21:07:00.000-06:00

The zebra mussel station is now open during daylight hours, and the main boat ramps are open. You need to stop by for a brief inspection of your boat before launch. When it's busy, particularly on weekends, you'll want to stop on the way out to get tags for the next entry.

If you hear about plans for Horsetooth or other area lakes, please post a comment here.

2010-03-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Jim Roode, center in the hat, helps young anglers learn to cast onto the Lagoon near Chilson Senior City at Kids Day.

February fishing reports, Colorado Division of Wildlife

2010-02-23T12:42:00.002-07:00

Updated Feb. 10, 2010: It's going to be ice fishing for a good while yet, and the DOW has provided this latest report on where to go. Click here.

Where the fish are

2010-02-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Walleye numbers are up at Boyd Lake, Horsetooth has a lot of smallmouth, the Big Thompson has a healthy rainbow and brown trout population and Lonetree holds some big wipers, according to Colorado Division of Wildlife Acquatic Biologist Ben Swigle. Ben talked at LFC's general meeting on February 16 about the fish surveys he and other DOW employees conducted in late 2009. The results for these and other lakes and streams across the state can be found by clicking here.

South Dakota walleye fishing June 14-17

2010-02-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Two days of walleye fishing in Lake Francis Case and Lake Sharpe near Chamberlain, South Dakota is set for mid June. The club will drive to Chamberlain on Monday, June 14, fish Tuesday and Wednesday with guides from Allen's Fishing and Hunting, and drive home on Thursday. A $50 deposit is required; contact Bob Scott or Frank Zupanc.

Club helps with Loveland Kids Day Wednesday, March 3

2010-02-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Club members will demonstrate casting and other fishing techniques to attendees of the annual Kids day event that runs from 1 to 4 p.m. March 3. The day's activities will be held around Foote Lagoon near the Chilson Center. For more information, contact George Kral.

Loveland Police Kids Fishing Derby is Saturday, June 4

2010-02-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

LFC will again be a major sponsor of the Kids' Derby at North Lake Park, a one-day event this year rather than two. The fish will be dropped in the Duck Pond on Friday, June 4 and the derby runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p .m. Saturday. We'll arrive at 6 a.m. for setup. Watch this blog for updates on our plans for this great community event. Here are photos from the 2009 derby.

Colorado Walleyes Expo is March 21

2010-02-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

The annual event by the Colorado Walleyes Association will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 21, at the Jeffersoun County Fairgrounds, West 6th Avenue, Golden. Admission is $5; anglers 15 and under and their accompanying adult are admitted from. Here's the link for more information.

Add a comment to this article if you're interested in carpooling.

Still time to sign up for May's Blue Mesa trip

2010-02-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Prompted by previous success, this year's trip to Blue Mesa Reservoir looks to be the largest overnight outing in club history, with 23 club members already signed up.

Organizer of the trip, LFC Vice President Ray Park, says there's still time to sign up, but he needs to know very soon to ensure accommodations. So if you want to go, contact Ray at RAPark63@comcast.net as soon as possible, and also tell him whether you'll be taking a boat or wish to share a cabin. (more)

Participants will drive to the lake near Gunnison on Monday, May 24th, fish Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and drive home on Friday. Here are the club members who've signed up so far:

Ray Park
Larry McMillin
John Gwinnup
Pete Gibbons
Bob Kuhn
Jim Giles
Merle Boden
Larry Seib
Tom Miller
Bob Roelofz
John Plog
Bob Scott
Richard Radies
Larry Larsen
Norm Davis
Dotti Bethel
Dick Hunsaker
Tom Garland
Dave Boyle
Suzanne Bremer
Ed Bremer
Dennis Kelsey
Dale Owens

Antero Slide Show from Lake Ice USA

2010-01-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

Dave Bryant, guide for the club's Antero Reservoir ice fishing trip, has posted a slide show of club members on the Lake Ice USA website. Take a look: http://www.lakeiceusa.com/gallery.htm

February club calendar posted on the website

2010-01-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to the club's Google calendar, http://www.lovelandfishingclub.org/2.html
Visit periodically to see if dates, times or locations have changed due to weather, fishing conditions or the whims of particular fishermen. Remember, unless otherwise stated, meet at 8 a.m. at the southeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot in Loveland.

Like to recommend an alternate fishing spot? From this article on the club blog, click on "comments."

Banquet time

2010-01-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

New club officers for 2010 were installed Jan. 22 at the club's annual banquet at Chilsen Center. Frank Zupanc shows off the money shirt he won at the event's raffle.

John Grady, left, with Lake Antero rainbow and guide Dave Bryant. To see more, visit the club website.

2010-01-25T14:07:00.002-07:00

Tournament planned for stream anglers

2009-11-20T15:45:00.002-07:00

Frank Zupanc, organizer of the annual derby at Flatiron Reservoir, has announced plans for a similar competition for stream fishermen. It'll be held on the Cache la Poudre in August or September, depending on water conditions. A trophy and cash prizes will be awarded, similar to the flat water derby at Flatiron.