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.
 

At least one person has already won a prize as the Three Lakes Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a summer-long fishing contest on the Three Lakes Chain.

Chamber of Commerce Director Skip Brunswick says one lucky angler could win big cash and others can win too...

"...they went in with the Fish and Wildlife Association. They purchased 100 fish, got a permit to tag them, The first-fish prize is $5,000, two fish are tagged with a value of $500, 20 fish are tagged at $100 each. The remaining anglers with tagged fish win coolers...."

Brunswick says as of last week,one person had won a cooler by catching a tagged fish. You need to purchase an ID card as part of the promotion for $10.00. He says the idea is to get people interested in fishing the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes..

"...it's an exciting event. The idea is to get people to familiarize themselves with the fishing in the Three Lakes area. Proceeds help fishing management as well as promoting future events...."

Fishing is getting an exciting twist on the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes during our

ALL SUMMER LONG PROMOTION!!

 

MAY 30 through SEPTEMBER 5, 2016                           
REGISTRATION FORM
HOW IT WORKS
RULES
ThreeLakesChainMap 
LODGING HERE’S HOW:  100 fish have been pre-tagged and released into the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes. Catch one and you could win one of the following prizes:

ONE $5,000 FISH

TWO $500 FISH

TWENTY $100 FISH

Catch one of Seventy-Seven tagged fish to win a special
“Fishing for Dollars” logo prize.
PLUS: All valid I.D. entrees will be entered into an 
“End of the Event” drawing to win a $500 cash prize
or one of twenty-three logo coolers.

Get out on the water, have some fun and win great prizes!   Register for your chance to WIN!!!

I.D. cards and/or logo hats may be purchased anytime during the event.

Fishing for Dollars I.D. Card – $10.00
Fishing for Dollars Logo Hat – $10.55 (includes tax)

More information is on the threelakes.com website.

If you love to fish, chances are you plan your vacations as a chance get out on a boat and get some fishing in. There are many lakes, rivers and streams in the United States that offer great travel experiences and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water for some fishing. Here are some of the best fishing rivers in the country:

Bighorn River

You will find the best fishing spots at the tailwater stretch of the Bighorn River. This area is famous for heavy hatches that bring the trout right up to the surface, and there is a sizable amount of carp is in the river, too. Spin anglers have been known to catch some large trout as well. Many of the fishermen who fish this river use artificial flies, and spinners are allowed. However, the use of bait, worms and minors is restricted to the first 200 yards below the Afterbay Dam. The best thing about the Bighorn River is that it is very still and the water is extremely clear. However, the bottom does get slippery and currents are actually much swifter than they appear. When fishing the Bighorn River, just make sure to be respectful of landowner’s properties located above the high water line. To gain access to this river you will find public parking and launching facilities operated by the National Park Service down by the Afterbay Dam and another parking lot is located three miles downstream.

Colorado River

The Colorado River is one of the best streams in the U.S. for trout fishing. This popular river among fishermen flows down from the Davis Dam for approximately 12 miles before it exits Nevada. Game species found in the Colorado River include striped bass, channel fish, large-mouth bass, rainbow trout, redear sunfish and blue gill. There are also some non-game species in the river, including razorback sucker and flannelmouth sucker. If you are looking to go fishing for rainbow trout, you will want to spend time on this river between the months of October and March. For stripers, the best time to fish is from April through October. You will find several boating access points along the Arizona side of the river, with shoreline access along most of the 12 miles of river in Nevada.

Missouri River

Not many think about the Missouri River when planning their fishing trips. However, though this river is the most overlooked, it should be top on your must-visit rivers for fishing. This river is best known for its channelized riverbanks, and the fast currents are often intimidating for some anglers. If you love fishing for catfish, this is the river for you. You will find both channel and flathead catfish along the main channel in backwater areas, near brush piles and behind wing dams. Other species found in the Missouri River include shovelnose sturgeon, smallmouth bass, sauger and walleye.

Sacramento River

The Sacramento River has great hatches in both the upper freestone section and the lower tailwater section. You will find healthy rainbow trout in this river. In the summer, you will also find a healthy population of king salmon in the Sacramento River. Plus, the Sacramento River is home to many other species offering something for every angler to go out and fish for. This is one river in the country where you will have access to a diverse collection of fish, a beautiful environment and plenty of fishing opportunities by yourself or on a guided tour.

Soldotna River Walk

Most anglers visit the Soldotna River Walk for the sockeye, and this area does tend to get very busy during peak sockeye season. This river offers easy accessibility, with hard-packed gravel and shallow grade that makes fishing easy and enjoyable. Night fishing in Soldotna Park is a popular experience and when regulations allow it can be a surreal experience, especially since the sockeye tend to swim closer to the shore at night. If you have not fished this area of Alaska, you are going to want to include the Soldotna River Walk on your fishing bucket list. It is a must-experience for all fishermen.

Yellowstone River

Go fishing on the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states. The Yellowstone River has been named one of the best freestone trout streams in the U.S. and is home to the sought-after Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Downstream in Montana you will find healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout. Fishing is best done shortly after the pre-runoff in late April. You will find August another great time to fish the Yellowstone River, as well.

Suwanee River

If you have never fished in Florida, you are going to want to experience what the Suwanee River has to offer. This pristine blackwater stream flows more than 210 miles from the Georgia border to the Gulf of Mexico. You will find everything along the way, from swamp-like areas to fish to salt-marsh tidal creeks. The Suwanee River is home to trophy-quality large-mouth bass and some smaller, feisty bass species that all anglers love to fish for.

 The Marlin Gull's catch weighed in at 564.8 pounds. (Source: The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Facebook page)

MOREHEAD CITY, NC (WECT) – A Wilmington boat has pulled into the lead during the first day of the Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament after hauling in a massive marlin on Monday.

Marlin Gull’s catch weighed in at 564.8 pounds. Since it was the first blue marlin weighing over 500 pounds, the crew won $433,500 in the Fabulous Fisherman’s Contest.

A few hours earlier, the Sandbob, a boat out of Fort Lauderdale, brought in a 476.2 pound blue marlin.

The week-long tournament kicked off in Morehead City Monday morning with $1.8 million on the line.

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has designated Father’s Day, this Sunday, June 19, as the first of two Free Fishing License days scheduled for 2016. A second Free Fishing License Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 13.

How to obtain free fishing license

As a result of legislation passed in 2014 (Public Act 14-201) DEEP can designate up to two dates per year as Free Fishing License Days. To fish on these days, anyone — resident or nonresident — may obtain a free one-day fishing license good for both the inland and marine districts, a perfect time to “try before you buy.” DEEP encourages all anglers to “cast it forward,” by inviting someone who has never fished or someone who has not fished in a long time to accompany them on a fishing trip.

The free license to fish on this Sunday is now available through the mobile friendly DEEP online sportsmen licensing system at ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing. The free license to fish on Aug. 15 will be available on July 27, three weeks prior to the second Free Fishing License Day.

“Free Fishing License days are just one of DEEP’s initiatives developed to connect people with outdoor activities and Connecticut’s natural resources. People who are thinking about going fishing can do so on Father’s Day without the added expense of a fishing license. Studies have shown that people who are hesitant about trying fishing often cite the license fee as a primary reason,” said Susan Whalen, deputy commissioner of DEEP. “Free Fishing License Day encourages and makes it easy for anyone to fish for one day and enjoy the experience. We’re confident that as people try fishing, they’ll experience the many benefits fishing offers and will be hooked on the sport.”

“We believe that once people try fishing and visit our many lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and Long Island Sound they will be amazed at how much they have been missing. Connecticut has just about every type of fishing within 25 miles of just about every resident,” said Peter Aarrestad, director of DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division. “Connecticut has it all — trout, bass, pike, panfish, or saltwater species like striped bass, fluke, scup or bluefish — to “lure” you in for an incredible experience.”

This day also provides families the opportunity to plan a family outing focused around fishing together as each family member 16 years of age or older can obtain a free one-day fishing license. “We thought that Father’s Day would be a good choice to offer a free chance to fish. It’s a great opportunity for experienced anglers to get a family member, friend or acquaintance outdoors and introduce them to the sport of fishing,” said Deputy Commissioner Whalen.

In 2015, the inaugural year, 1,034 people obtained their 1-day free license. Overall, people rated the fishing as excellent, enjoyed spending time with friends and family outdoors, and potentially found a new hobby.

Youth fishing passport

There also are a number of other fishing opportunities available for youngsters. For those 16 or 17 years of age, licenses for the entire season are 50% off of the regular adult price. Those who are 15 or younger do not need a fishing license but can register using the same on-line system to obtain a Youth Fishing Passport. The Youth Fishing Passport provides access to two fishing related activities and a list of sponsors who are offering discounts or free items to passport holders. For details, visit ct.gov/deep/yfp.

To learn more

Need to find a place to fish? Check out DEEP’s listings of lakes & ponds, rivers & streams, and coastal access points in the 2016 Connecticut Angler’s Guide or call 860-424-FISH (3474). Anglers may also find fishing regulations in the 2016 Connecticut Angler’s Guide.

The guide may be found online at ct.gov/deep/anglersguide and print versions are available at more than 350 locations statewide, including many town halls, bait & tackle shops and other vendors selling outdoor equipment, DEEP facilities, and commercial marinas and campgrounds, or by contacting DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division, 860-424-FISH. Additional fishing and fisheries related information may be found on the DEEP website at ct.gov/deep/fishing, and on Social media, Facebook at facebook.com/ctfishandwildlife and Twitter @ctfishinginfo.

 

Are your kids a few weeks into summer and already bored? Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the federal Bureau of Land Management have a solution: get them outside and get a pole in their hands with Lewistown’s annual kids fishing day June 18.

The fun starts at 10 a.m. at the Frog Ponds, and volunteers from the local Walleyes Unlimited and Trout Unlimited chapters will be on hand to give demonstrations on water safety, casting and fish identification.

Everyone is welcome to this free event, but the activities are geared for children ages 3-12. Kids have a shot at prizes from local businesses, including fishing poles, nets, tackle boxes, hats and more.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle, and no fishing license is required for participants.

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Traci Rosenbaum at 791-1490. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_TRosenba.

THE ESSENTIALS

What: Kids Fishing Day

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 18

Where: Frog Ponds, Lewistown

Cost: Free

 

One of Bermuda’s oldest and most well established fishing tournaments is about to get underway, with 2016 marking the 50th running of the International Light Tackle Tournament [ILTT].

The Bermuda Anglers Club hosts the event, which is fished over four days. The first day’s fishing starts on Monday 20th of June.

Anglers from Bermuda, the United States and the Bahamas will pit their skills against each other and the yellowfin tuna, wahoo and blue and white marlin that roam Challenger and Argus Banks.

All competitors use the same 12lb test line – Maxima Chameleon – to guarantee some tough competition both with the fish and between anglers.

The winning team will earn the right to go on and fish in the Offshore World Championship held in April 2017 in Quepos, Costa Rica.

This tournament has always attracted anglers from overseas and this year is no exception. David Fingland from the Bahamas will be fishing for his 16th time. In 2013, with teammate Scott Deal, from Florida, Mr Fingland was a member of the Championship Team and overall winners of the event.

He said, “I know there were many more great stories over the 15 years I have participated in this tournament.

“I remember when Bill DuVall fell overboard fighting a fish. Also the first time I came to Bermuda in the 80’s chugging along on the Atlantic Spray fishing for marlin on the way out to Challenger Bank, only to catch the occasional wahoo.”

Hugh Gransaul from Trinidad fished 11 times and his son-in-law Stuart Harries had to say about their time fishing,“We have had the opportunity to fish with some great captains, Alan Card, Peter Olander, Sinclair Lambe, Allen DeSilva, Kevin Winter, and their mates, many of whom have supported the tournament for many years.

“These excellent captains always gave us a great time”.

Barr’s Bay Park will act as tournament headquarters as the central location makes it easier for spectators to see the daily weigh-ins which will start around 4.30pm on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of June.

Any surplus made on the ILTT will fund a Junior Tournament to help Bermuda’s youth reconnect with the sport of fishing in a family friendly atmosphere. Last year’s event attracted around 100 young anglers.