CPW proposes loosening tiger muskie rules for Shadow Mountain Reservoir
Public input sought on 13,500 fish introduced in 2023
Emily Gutierrez/Sky-Hi News
In 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife introduced 13,500 sterile tiger muskies into Shadow Mountain Reservoir — with hopes that these fish would help manage the invasive white sucker by eating them.
Now, Parks and Wildlife is seeking public input on proposed changes to tiger muskie fishing regulations in Grand County.
In a news release, the agency proposes to remove size and bag limits for tiger muskies in Lake Granby, Grand Lake, and the Colorado River between Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Lake Granby.
Currently, state regulation has set a daily bag limit of one fish over 36 inches for this species.
“Aquatic biologists have documented the presence of tiger muskie in the Colorado River between Shadow Mountain and Lake Granby, and members of the public have also reported catching tiger muskie in Lake Granby near the Colorado River inlet,” the release states.
If the limit of just one fish over 36 inches is changed for tiger muskie, this would allow anglers to assist parks and wildlife in managing that fish population. The agency does not manage for tiger muskie that are now inhabiting waters surrounding Shadow Mountain.
Additionally, the agency asks for public input to regulations in Summit County. There is a proposal to change the timing of the seasonal fishing closures on the Blue River and Tenmile Creek. The new proposed closure dates are Sept. 15 (rather than Sept. 1) to December 1, extending the fishing season by two weeks.
“Public feedback is critical in formulating new and updated regulations,” stated Hot Sulphur Springs area aquatic biologist Jon Ewert in the release. “Ongoing input from anglers has led us to review these regulations and propose changes that align with our management goals while allowing for expanded angling opportunities at these water bodies.”
The public can provide feedback or ask questions via email on the proposed changes to fishing regulations, with a deadline of July 21.
Email Northwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt at benjamin.felt@state.co.us and Hot Sulphur Springs Area Aquatic Biologist Jon Ewert at jon.ewert@state.co.us.
Please include “Feedback on proposed fishing regulation changes” in the subject line.
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