Survey says...John Martin is looking good

Okay, club members, we have a John Martin trip set for late May, set up by our rapidly recovering leader Norm Engelbrecht.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists conducted a net and electrofishing survey of the big impoundment in 2017, and the report filed early this years notes that 2017 "was one of the better years on record for walleye/saugeye fishing at John Martin, with numerous catches of fish over 20 inches reported."

Here's what the report says about walleye and crappie, followed by a link to the full report.

Walleye/Saugeye : High water levels were sustained throughout 2017. This added habitat has helped the walleye/saugeye population to flourish. Stocking success of fryand fingerlings has increased numbers as the lake has expanded. 2017 was one of the better years on record for walleye/saugeye fishing at John Martin, with numerous catches of fish over 20” reported. With high water levels starting out the 2018 season, excellent fishing is expected to continue. Walleye style crank baits (wally diver, shad rap, etc.), jigs tipped with night crawler, minnow, or leach, or worm harnesses can be effective. Shore anglers often catch these fish with live bait, shad-imitating casting lures (rattletraps, kastmaster, etc.) or jigs.

Crappie: High water levels have benefitted crappie populations by allowing the spawning crappie to be successful in the past few years. Crappie numbers are up at John Martin, and anglers can expect better crappie fishing in 2018. Supplemental stocking of hatchery reared fish has also helped to bolster crappie numbers. Fishing success tends to really pick up during mid-spring, as water temps. reach the mid-50s (usually late April). The rocky dam, railroad trestle and north coves are good areas to try for these fish. Live minnow rigs or small jigs (twister or tube, 1/8 oz. or less) are good choices for crappie.  

http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Fishery%20Survey%20Summaries/JohnMartinReservoir.pdf