View topic: CPW brings fun to free fishing weekend

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Doty Pond in Brush was stocked full with rainbow trout and hot for the catch Saturday, June 4, as officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in conjunction with the City of Brush, helped put on a free fishing clinic, complete with plenty of poles for the borrowing, lures, bait and even tips and tricks dished out from CPW officers.

The morning proved bright and sunny for the families who lined the pond’s shores to take advantage of the clinic and of Colorado’s Free Fishing Weekend, which is held annually during the first weekend of June each year.

Anglers of all ages were able to fish without a license anywhere in the state that weekend to encourage all to discover and enjoy outdoor activities, with National Get Outdoors Day slated to also provide a multitude of opportunities as June 11 approaches.

This year, CPW brought out Todd Cozad, the District Wildlife Manager for Morgan County and three wildlife officers in Cory Bullen, Mason Allen out of Sterling and Brush’s newly named District Officer Justin Morris, who pitched in to help kids and adult fishermen alike cast out their best, while offering prizes, freebies and information on local wildlife, fishing and hunting opportunities.

A free lunch for the many families who made their way to Doty was provided by the City of Brush in the form of hot dogs and soda.
According to a recent survey by Southwick Associates, fishing is not only a popular recreational activity in Colorado, but also counts as a major economic driver for the state, contributing over $1.

9 billion each year to the economy. From reservoirs, lakes and ponds to river and high-altitude streams, Colorado is a highly-regarded fishing destination, featuring 9,000 miles of trout streams, 321 miles of which are designated Gold Medal waters and managed for high-quality fishing.

For over 25 years, the state-wide ‘Fishing is Fun’ program has also gone to support nearly 300 angling improvement projects across the state, and in Brush, the program also serves to aid in the cause of improving local angling opportunities by providing the next generation of fishermen with the proverbial lessons that help maintain Colorado’s famous outdoors culture.

For more information on fishing requirements, regulations and fees now that free fishing days have past, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, locally residing at 122 E Edison Street in Brush, by calling them at (970) 842-6300 or online at www.cpw.state.co.us.