Loveland Fishing Club Blog

Things are looking promising for Tuesday's trip to Satanka Cove.  Forecast up around 70 degrees. I've had several folks ask what to use; no guarantees this time of year, but the good thing about trout is, they're one fish that remains reasonably obliging in cold water.  Most of us will likely go with Power Bait fished on light line Texas rig.  Not sure how snaggy it is around the boat ramp.  I'll probably give drop shotting a try also, probably with a small Berkeley minnow imitation.  I've had a little luck with smallies on a feather jig down at the Marina Inlet in cold water, but never this early in the season.  Let's see if we can catch a few.   Remember, 8:30 a.m. at K-Mart to carpool.  There's a $7 day use fee at Horsetooth.

The cool gang is looking ahead next to  Horsetooth next, fishing from the bank off next Tuesday , weather permitting, off the Satanka boat ramp on the lake's north end. We'll meet at 8:30 a.m. at K-Mart, and carpool.  For more information, such as what to fish with at Horsetooth at the end of January, contact  Bill .  Watch this blog and the club calendar for updates.

Okay, our original plan to ice fish the ponds at St. Vrain State Park are falling victim to warm winds and temperatures in the '60s.  Talked to park staff Monday and she reports the ponds are likely to be off limits starting Wednesday.  Ice is still about 5 inches, but receding from the bank, which makes old Ozark boys like me nervous. So:  let's do Dowdy Lake (about 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, 287 to Red Feathers Lake Road, about 20 miles west to the little town of Red Feathers).  Meet in the K-Mart parking lot at 8:30 a.m. to carpool, or drive up and park on the lake's northwest edge by the bathrooms. Bring your ice cleats; I suspect the snow's all melted and the lake's going to be slippery.  Any of the usual trout baits should work fine. Questions?  Contact Bill. 

Dottie Bechtel, who'll be relocating to Indiana, holds up a surprise farewell shirt inscribed with the names of  Loveland Fishing Club friends.  The shirt was the creation of Mike Scheber.  The club also enjoyed a cake in her honor, from Ray Park. Photo by George Kral

The Old Plogger Award, presented annually by the outgoing club president, goes to Karol Stroscheim for her outstanding support of club activities in 2014.  Former club secretary, Karol helped organize several club events for kids, played a strong role in the Senior Derby and with husband Arnie hosted a highly lauded picnic at her home near Flatiron Reservoir. Carol with 2014 Club President Bill Prater.

Eleven of the Loveland Fishing Club's original membership were recognized at Friday's annual dinner at Chilson Center, and shared a surprise moment with Dottie Bechtel, who'll be relocating to Indiana.  With her, from the left, are Dave Harem, Norm Englebrecht, newly installed President Lou Colton, Walt Graul, Jim Clune, George Kral, Bob Roelofsky, Skip Kral, Tom Miller and Bob Ray.  

Tom Garland, below right, receives his Angler of the Year plaque from tournament leader Jim Roode at Friday's annual Loveland Fishing Club dinner.  His winning largement, taken from River's Edge, measured in at 19 1/2 inches. Mike Scheber was second with another largemouth, 18 1/2 inches, and Dave Boyd came in third with a 17 1/2 inch smallmouth.   Photo by George Kral