Gwinnup catches rare Snakehead fish in Horsetooth

Baffling Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists and fellow Loveland Fishing Club members, John Gwinnup boated an invasive Northern Snakehead fish Monday from Horsetooth Reservoir. It was the first known sighting of the slimy predator west of the Missisippi River. The ravenous fish's range has expanded alarmingly since being discovered in the Florida Everglades in the 1990s, devastating native species and startling unprepared paddleboarders.

Gwinnup, a founding member of the club and our Member at Large, injured his shoulder while landing the beast in the upper reaches of Satanka Cover using a 3-inch Berkley Gulp! Emerald Shiner minnow. He also incurred cuts to his right arm and thumb (see below). Aided by fishing buddy Pat Mikulak, John had the nearly severed digit sewn back in place at a Fort Collins Urgent Care clinic. Surgery on his shoulder is set for April 16.

The two anglers were able to rejoin other club float tube members later in the afternoon; however high winds forced an early end to an otherwise productive day of fishing in this unseasonably balmy weather. Despite Dave Johnson and Chris Nelson's insistence on fishing the cove with their hand-tied chironomids and freshwater shrimp, no other snakeheads were brought to net. 

Also, April Fool's Day!

Actually, John really is set for shoulder surgery in a couple weeks, and we wish him well, and also wish Peggy patience. He reports the shoulder unfortunately involves his "casting arm, as well as shooting arm." 

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Photo by Don Knudsen?