Union Reservoir, Longmont Colorado - Union Lake, just east of Longmont, is proving to be one of the states premier wiper lakes offering good fishing for bass and walleye as well.
Originally called Calkins Lake, the Union Reservoir was carved out during the last glacial age and is one of only a few natural lakes in Colorado. In 1903, the Union Ditch Company began drilling a tunnel to release water into the St Vrain River. According to Colorado water law, that made Union a true reservoir. Today, visitors to Union Reservoir enjoy fishing, swimming, wakeless boating, camping, windsurfing and picnicking. The Reservoir is located approximately 7 miles west of I-25. Union Reservoir offers camping beginning May 1st. No hookups or dump stations are available. The trailer sites are located near the waterfront and offer a picturesque view. The tent sites are located near the beach.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forecast
Wiper –Fishing for wiper during 2009 should be quite good. Using boat electrofishing(30 minutes) and 6 gill nets, a total of 145 wiper were collected during the fall 2008 survey. Survey results found that the spring 2008 wiper stocking (50,000 fingerlings) was very successful as good numbers of wiper in the 3-6” ranges were collected. Anglers can expect these fish to measure 8-12” during 2009. Legal size fish (>15”) are also plentiful. Of the 145 wiper sampled 41% (60 fish) were greater than 15” in length. This fishery survey only measured a small fraction of the total wiper population so be assured there are hundreds if not thousands of 15”+ wiper in Union!
Walleye –The 2008 gillnet survey indicates walleye fishing at Union should be fair this year. On average, walleye measured 16” and weighed 1.75 lbs. In total 34 walleye were collected, with 62% (21 of 34) exceeding 15”. No walleye were stocked in Union during 2008 because of previously low shad numbers. This will changes in 2009 as 125,000 fingerling walleye are scheduled to be stocked.
Gizzard Shad – Serving as the primary food source for all adult game fish, gizzard shad are the most important prey species in Union Reservoir. Shad abundance dipped slightly during 2006/2007 but has rebounded quite well. In 2008, 779 gizzard shad were collected. In general, overall abundance remains at sufficient levels to grow sport fish such as walleye, wiper, and catfish. Casting or trolling a shad imitation at Union is a good bet!
Catfish –Few channel catfish were collected during the 2008 gillnet survey but anglers routinely catch large cats at Union. The sampling gear used limits our ability of gage the structure of the catfish population. Only 2 catfish were collected in the 2008 sample, the largest weighed 13 pounds! Since 2006 the DOW has stocked 80,000 catfish fingerlings (2-3”) so catfish anglers should make their own evaluation at Union.
Future Management–Based on the traditional success of the wiper and the somewhat lackluster performance of walleye at Union, significantly more wiper than walleye will continue to be stocked in Union. Although both species will be stocked at higher rates in 2009 (see gizzard shad catch) this strategy will likely continue in the future. Black crappie will also be stocked however the success of this species is limited by habitat and wiper/walleye predation.
2008 Relative Frequency Based on CDOW Fish Surveys
Getting there: Take I-25 to Highway 119 (Longmont exit). Go west to County Line Road 1. Go north approximately 3/4 of a mile and turn right at the sign for Union Reservoir. The entrance is about 1/2 mile up this road on your left. Fees: Daily: Vehicle - $8 Trailered Boat - $8 Annual - $65.00 Annual Boat - $40.00 Citizens of Longmont pay $55/vehicle, $40/boat for annual pass Bicycle / Walk-in (per person) $2 Boating: Wakeless. Wakeless only, observe all typical Colorado boating regulations
Union Trailer Sites# of Sites: 28 Fees: $8 plus gate fee
Open May 1. There are good trailer sites in the wide open area to the north of the boat ramp. There are no hookups or dump stations. Very close to inlet for good fishing. Sites are very close to one another.
Union Tent Sites# of Sites: 14 Fees: $8 plus gate fee
Open May 1. These sites are fairly wide open, but offer a nice place to stay if you're looking to do other things than be out in the wilderness in total seclusion. The sites are available for reservation by phone at 303-772-1265.
