|
John Martin, located on the lower Arkansas River, is one of the larger reservoirs in the area, is . The state park provides a large variety of recreational activities, including modern campgrounds, great fishing, uncrowded boating waters, hiking trail, diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, and an opportunity to see historical signs of the past. There are over 200 campsites along its shores and Lake Hasty located below the dam. Swimming in the lake is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Several day-use picnic areas and covered shelters are available for reservation and are located throughout the park.
Like many plains reservoirs, John Martin experiences heavy draw-downs for irrigation during the summer. Yet, it tends to maintain enough water to support the population of fish. Many warm water species have been stocked with the main attention of fisherman aimed towards largemouth, smallmouth, white bass, wiper, and saugeye. In the early spring many anglers target crappie. And anglers should not overlook the healthy population of channel catfish.
John Martin SWA is closed except to retrieve downed waterfowl Nov. 1 through last day of waterfowl season as posted on US Army Corp of Engineer land under lease by DOW or State Parks to provide for waterfowl resting.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forcast
2008 was a decent water year at John Martin Reservoir. The lake did not experience the drastic fluctuations as in years past. Water levels stayed between 30,000 and 70,000 acre ft. all year. CDOW purchased some extra water from the City of Aurora to raise the permanent pool. Currently, the permanent pool stands at over 7000 acre ft. This pool will help ensure the lake will not be completely drained during periods of irrigation releases. 2008 was the second year of rebuilding after the lake was severely drawn down to record low levels during July 2006. A creel survey was conducted at John Martin in 2008. The results are still being analyzed, but indications are that 2008 was a very good fishing year, especially for white bass. Personally, I found the white bass fishing to be fantastic in 2008, with 100+ fish days being common. Most of the fish caught were small (10”- 12”), but were very plump, with relative weights around 108%. These fish will grow quickly and should provide excellent fishing in 2009. Fall inventory sampling also indicated good populations of saugeye, channel catfish and wipers. Regulations for John Martin require all kept walleye/saugeye to be at least 15”. In our sample, 45% of the saugeyes were over 15”. These fish have rebounded quickly and should provide excellent fishing in 2009 and years to come.
Fishing in 2009 should only get better for saugeye, white bass, wiper, catfish, and crappie. The best fishing usually occurs during the spring months (mid April-June), but if 2009 is similar to 2008, fishing could be excellent throughout summer and fall. Saugeye, wiper, and white bass can be caught with a wide variety of tackle, but the most commonly used lures are small jigs tipped with a worm or minnow, worm harnesses, and shad-imitating crank baits. These rigs can be cast, slowly trolled, or drifted near structure for best results. Fishing for crappie was sporadic in 2008; however some anglers did catch nice stringers of crappie, with many fish exceeding 14”. Crappies usually begin moving up on the submerged rocks of the dam and railroad trestle in mid-April preparing for spawn. Crappie anglers are most successful fishing with small jigs or live minnow rigs from these rocky areas from mid-April throughout May. Extra crappies were stocked in 2007 to boost natural populations. These fish should be catchable size in 2009. Catfish anglers in 2008 had the most success in the shallower west end of the lake and in the spillway below the dam. Many of the catfish caught were in the 3 – 5 lb. range. Fishing for catfish in 2009 should be good using standard baits such as worms, shrimp or crawdads (also effective wiper baits), dough bait, or chicken livers. Anglers can call the State Park at John Martin or check the DOW fishing report on the internet for the latest fishing conditions. Note: Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) boat inspections will be conducted at this lake. Please arrive at the lake with your boat clean, drained and dry.
Relative Abundance based 2008 Survey Data
Shad 16.4%
Saugeye 29.1%
Wiper 5.3%
White Bass 11.4%
Crappie, Sunfish, Bullhead 1.1%
Channel Catfish 9.6%
Carp 23.6%
Drum 3.5%
Shad 16.5%
Getting there: Take US 50 east from La Junta to Las Animas, approximately 20 miles. Proceed east through Las Animas to Hasty, approximately 16 miles. Turn south on School Street and proceed approximately 2 miles. The Visitor Center is on the right as the road curves to the east.
Fees: Colorado State Parks Pass
Daily - $6
Boating: All Boats Allowed. No restrictions.
Ice Fishing: Closed during waterfowl season
|
