Fishing is free. For one weekend, anyway.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is holding its annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 6 and 7; anglers of all ages can fish without a license anywhere in the state that weekend.
Parks and Wildlife is encouraging people to take advantage and fish in the state’s 2,500-plus lakes and reservoirs and 10,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers. There are 300 miles of Gold Medal streams and approximately 3,200 acres of Gold Medal lakes, Parks and Wildlife said in a news release.
“Family and the community play an important role when it comes to outdoor experiences,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Bob Broscheid said in the release. “Fishing is one of the many ways the whole family can enjoy the outdoors together.”
There are plenty of good options in Southwest Colorado, said Joe Lewandowski, regional spokesman for Parks and Wildlife. North of Durango, Haviland Lake and Andrews Lake should be good, and Vallecito Reservoir is also a good possibility, Lewandowski said.
Just southeast of Durango, Pastorius Reservoir on the Florida Mesa is stocked regularly and easy to access. Near Pagosa Springs, Echo Canyon Reservoir is a good option. Also, reports have been coming in that crappie fishing at Navajo Reservoir is good, he said.
Area streams, however, might be a little dangerous and the water a little murky right now, particularly for the inexperienced, Lewandowski said.
Although a license is not required on Free Fishing Weekend, all other rules and regulations will apply. Anglers should consult the 2015 Colorado Fishing Brochure for specific regulations and restrictions.
For those wanting to get started on fishing, Parks and Wildlife offers several web resources such as the fishing report, fishing atlas, stocking report, and call center (303) 297-1192 where outdoor recreation questions are answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or from one of the more than 600 license agents across the state. Licenses also can be purchased online or over the phone by calling (800) 244-5613.
Last year, more than one million fishing licenses were sold in Colorado, Parks and Wildlife said. Fishing license sales help Parks and Wildlife maintain and conserve fish habitat.
johnp@durangoherald.com