04-05-2011, 11:10 AM
LAKE GEORGE, CO - Eleven Mile State Park officials opened the reservoir to boating on Monday, April 4. The North Shore Boat Ramp will be open each day from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset through October. For the time being, the Witcher's Cove Boat Ramp will remain closed, but park officials will open it in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Night time boating is prohibited at Eleven Mile Reservoir.
"As has been the case the past three years, all trailered boats will be inspected for zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species before they are allowed to go out on the water," said park manager Kevin Tobey.<br />
With the discovery of zebra and quagga mussels in several western states including Colorado, Colorado State Parks continues to ask boaters to help protect our public waters from all aquatic nuisance species (ANS). These organisms are non-native, invasive species that spread very quickly, causing a harmful effect to the environment and man-made water delivery systems. All boaters, belly boaters, and fishermen wading into the water are advised to take a few simple, precautionary steps every time they go to a lake, river or stream. Before leaving a lake or other waterway, boaters should:<br />
"¢ CLEAN the hull of your boat.<br />
"¢ DRAIN the water from the boat, live well and the lower unit of the engine.<br />
"¢ DRY the boat, fishing gear, and equipment.<br />
"¢ INSPECT all exposed surfaces.<br />
"¢ REMOVE all plant and animal material.<br />
"Eleven Mile Reservoir remains full again this year and should continue to provide great fishing opportunities," said Tobey. He also encouraged fishermen to keep and eat any northern pike they catch.<br />
"Recent surveys conducted by the Division of Wildlife show that there are a number of large, healthy pike in the reservoir," he said. "In order to maintain a good balance between trout (the main food source for pike) and pike, we would like folks to harvest any pike they catch."<br />
Tobey said the Division of Wildlife continues stocking a larger number of 8-12" trout and fewer smaller trout in order to limit the number of trout the pike could eat. A similar program was established at nearby Spinney Mountain Reservoir several years ago and has resulted in a healthy population of trout over 20" long.<br />
The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including overnight camping at nearly 350 campsites, 5 miles of hiking and bicycling trails, interpretive programs and wildlife viewing opportunities to name a few.<br />
Nearby Spinney Mountain Reservoir will open for the season on Wednesday, April 6.<br />
For more information, call the park office at (719) 748-3401 or access information at www.parks.state.co.us.<br />
Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
"As has been the case the past three years, all trailered boats will be inspected for zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species before they are allowed to go out on the water," said park manager Kevin Tobey.<br />
With the discovery of zebra and quagga mussels in several western states including Colorado, Colorado State Parks continues to ask boaters to help protect our public waters from all aquatic nuisance species (ANS). These organisms are non-native, invasive species that spread very quickly, causing a harmful effect to the environment and man-made water delivery systems. All boaters, belly boaters, and fishermen wading into the water are advised to take a few simple, precautionary steps every time they go to a lake, river or stream. Before leaving a lake or other waterway, boaters should:<br />
"¢ CLEAN the hull of your boat.<br />
"¢ DRAIN the water from the boat, live well and the lower unit of the engine.<br />
"¢ DRY the boat, fishing gear, and equipment.<br />
"¢ INSPECT all exposed surfaces.<br />
"¢ REMOVE all plant and animal material.<br />
"Eleven Mile Reservoir remains full again this year and should continue to provide great fishing opportunities," said Tobey. He also encouraged fishermen to keep and eat any northern pike they catch.<br />
"Recent surveys conducted by the Division of Wildlife show that there are a number of large, healthy pike in the reservoir," he said. "In order to maintain a good balance between trout (the main food source for pike) and pike, we would like folks to harvest any pike they catch."<br />
Tobey said the Division of Wildlife continues stocking a larger number of 8-12" trout and fewer smaller trout in order to limit the number of trout the pike could eat. A similar program was established at nearby Spinney Mountain Reservoir several years ago and has resulted in a healthy population of trout over 20" long.<br />
The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including overnight camping at nearly 350 campsites, 5 miles of hiking and bicycling trails, interpretive programs and wildlife viewing opportunities to name a few.<br />
Nearby Spinney Mountain Reservoir will open for the season on Wednesday, April 6.<br />
For more information, call the park office at (719) 748-3401 or access information at www.parks.state.co.us.<br />
Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.