Colorado's Free Fishing Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday.

I took my first Colorado fishing trip a year ago during Colorado's Free Fishing Weekend. I was invited up on The Grand Mesa for a fun afternoon of fishing and hanging out. Make plans to gather up the family and head out on a fishing adventure this weekend. “Your fishin’ is our mission,” says John Alves the senior aquatic biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Southwest Region,“Due to the warm weather, we’ve stocked a lot of fish earlier than usual this year, and we’re hearing reports that fishing has been really good.”

You don't have to travel far to get in on the action. Great fishing holes are just minutes from Grand Junction.

1-The Grand Mesa and in the Gunnison-Uncompahgre National Forest. There are over 300 lakes on the Mesa alone. Most of them are stocked and ready for action.  

2-Crawford State Park is another great fishing lake not all that far away. Head down highway 50 to Delta. Head east on 92 through Hotchkiss and on over to Crawford. This lake has a reputation as a quality perch and crappie fishery. Plus you just may hook a nice largemouth or a northern pike.

3-Miramonte Reservoir is a bit further away but getting there may be half the fun. If you drive around 141 through Gateway you'll be traveling on one of the more scenic highways around. Once you're there, try your luck for Brown, Cutthroat, and Rainbow trout.

4- Ridgway State Park is on highway 550 about 25 miles south of Montrose. It's only 15 miles from Quray so think about making a weekend of it. The lake has several species to test your skills including one of my favorites, the smallmouth bass! 

5- Spring Creek Reservoir is in a remote location on Forest Service Road 744 in the Gunnison-Uncompahgre National Forest. The lake sits about 30 miles north of Gunnison. This would make for a great weekend fishing adventure away from the crowds. Bring the tent or camper and plan to stay the weekend. 

These are just a few ideas. Colorado is blessed with many beautiful lakes and miles of wonderful rivers. There is simply no reason not to take advantage of the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend to start a great family tradition and making outdoor memories. Find out more info on the CP&W website by clicking HERE. Good luck!

Credit: The Journal

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