THE FROSTBITE FISH-OFF

Frostbite Fish-off THE

by Colorado TU Staff

The Frostbite Fish-Off is back on the Arkansas River and making a big impact for the local fishery. After a short hiatus in 2016 and 2017, the Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter of Trout Unlimited has brought the annual tournament back to the Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo, CO. On Saturday, February 8, 2020, forty anglers and thirty-plus volunteers used the small break in the weather (although it was 22 degrees at “lines-in”) to have a challenging and fun day on the water.

In this 3rd year of a new format, 20 teams from Colorado and New Mexico competed on four different beats between the Pueblo Dam and Pueblo Boulevard. Each beat, randomly drawn on Friday night, was fished for 90 minutes, with the two largest fish scored per team. Fishing ended up being so competitive on tournament day that it took over 103" of scored fish to place in the top five. The quantity and quality of fish appear to have improved for the 3rd year in a row.

The Saturday night banquet included both a raffle and silent auction, with all funds targeted for tailwater improvements or educational efforts in the community,

including the Trout in the Classroom project which works with local teachers to raise trout from eggs to fry, and help kids learn about the importance of water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Subaru of Pueblo was the title sponsor and The Drift and Royal Gorge Anglers fly shops pitched in to sponsor place winners. Umpqua, RIO and New Phase Inc. provided swag for the volunteers and competitors, while Scott Rods, Ross and Lamson Reels, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Mountain Sports Products, Fishpond, Simms, RepYourWater and many local businesses and individuals provided raffle and silent auction items.

The tournament also benefitted from a strong collaboration with the Pueblo Tailwater Renegades chapter of the International Federation of Flyfishers, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). This strong coalition of business owners and local organizations has made the Fish-Off a major success, which will continue to benefit the fishery for years to come.

Alex Zipp, owner of The Drift fly shop and board member, explained the vision and mission of the Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter: to maintain, restore where needed, and ultimately improve this important fishery for all anglers.

In 2014, Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimated 22,000 angler days on the tailwater,

place without filling in. Both projects will also help protect the river and fishing during periods of very high flow (4000-6000 cfs) that seem to be occurring on a more regular basis during summer release.

At the end of the day, the Frostbite Fish-Off brought over 70 anglers and community members together

Helping You Keep Your Eyes on the Big Ones

and anyone who comes down in the winter knows it is one of the most popular fisheries on the Front Range. It is not unreasonable to believe the number of angler days has jumped 10-20% over the past 6 years. On a typical day you will find anglers from Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Parker, Denver, Boulder, and other locations up and down the Front Range.

Working with CPW, State Parks, the city of Pueblo, and private land owners, the Chapter is focused on two specific areas: First, reestablish the fishing structures on the lower tailwater that were pulled out when the levee was being replaced during the past few years. Second, reduce erosion and sediment loading in specific spots on the upper tailwater, allowing normal highwater flows to scour out the structures already in

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on the Arkansas River for a great weekend of fishing and fun. Even more, it helped raise awareness and funding for conservation projects that engage youth and enhance the quality of fishing for years to come.

To Learn More.

For more information on the Frostbite Fish-Off, visit: frostbitefishoff.com

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