As Coloradans, we tend to enjoy our outdoors activities. With the Rocky Mountains in our backyard, we get plenty of easy excuses to do so.

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My personal favorite excuse to get out in the wilderness and enjoy the beautiful nature we have here is going fishing.

If you’re looking to get a quick fix, there’s plenty of fantastic stocked ponds throughout Northern Colorado where you can catch some bass and other fish.

When I’m feeling more adventurous, I also love heading up the Poudre River Canyon, where it’s easy to get lost in how quiet it can get in certain areas.

Also See: The Remarkable Records for Biggest Fish Caught in Colorado

However, if you’re looking for an excuse to head out into the mountains this weekend and catch fish to keep, there’s an opportunity you can’t pass up this weekend.

For Short Time, You Can Keep Every Fish You Catch at Lost Lake Slough

YouTube // Campground Recon
YouTube // Campground Recon
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For a short period of time, you’ll be able to take home every fish you catch at Lost Lake Slough near Crested Butte.

The reasoning behind this emergency fish salvage is due to the fact that Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be draining the lake before October 23rd to check on a valve. 

The salvage will last until April 1st, and once the lake returns to good enough levels it will be stocked again. 

Plus, you get the added benefit of Lost Lake Slough being absolutely gorgeous and a fantastic place to camp as well.

However, it’s not just Lost Lake Slough where an emergency fish salvage is happening.

At Poudre Ponds in Greeley, another salvage will be happening until October 10th. The ponds will also be drained, so there will likely be a loss of fish.

What Can I Catch at Lost Lake Slough and Poudre Ponds?

If you fancy yourself as someone who goes after rainbow trout, Lost Lake Slough is absolutely for you.

Each year, CPW stocks it with over 4,000 rainbow trout, meaning you’re likely to come across quite a few. 

Poudre Ponds also has rainbow trout, but is stocked with more fish in general. You can catch some largemouth bass, black crappie, common carp, and channel catfish. Basically, the usual suspects in a Colorado stocked pond.

Colorado's Biggest Fish Lurking Beneath the Water's Surface

Colorado's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are home to around 50 native species of fish. In total, there are around 101 species of fish found here. Scroll through the photos below to see which fish grow to be the largest ones found in the Rocky Mountains.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Colorado Fish: Which Ones are Safe to Eat and Which Ones are Not?

While Colorado is loaded with lots of different kinds of fish, there are a couple you want to avoid.
Be sure to check for any fishing advisories from the state of Colorado before you cast a line just in case you should avoid certain locations. Scroll on to see which fish are safe, which ones are not, and how often you can eat them.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

 

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