Thanks to 2011 Club leadership



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. 

Another great new club activity!

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.

Photos and news coverage from the senior fishing derby

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!

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

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.

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

Mark this on your calendar:  8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, September 21, 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.  OUr cook will be last year's winner, Dennis Kelsey.

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. 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.

Trout fishery restored at Lake John

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!

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

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!

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.  

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

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

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.

They've lifted bag limits at Lake John

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.

July fishing calendar online

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

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

BLM updates on Pinewood, Carter, Horsetooth

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!

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

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

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

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.

Northern Nebraska Northerns!

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)

Annual spring cleanup at Chilson

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. 

Milt teaching introductory fly flying April 16

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.

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

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

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.

March Fishing Calendar

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 ...

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!

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

The Forgetful Angler: LFC's February Newsletter

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: 

Learn to ice fish with DOW at Sportsmen's Warehouse

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

 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!

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.