|
While Abobe Creek Reservoir may appear to be just another shallow, bowl-shaped eastern reservoir, this State Wildlife Area has a lot to offer its visitors. Wildlife, attracts not only hunters, who find good hunting for antelope and dove, but also those wishing to view the endangered least terns and threatened plovers that use the island as a nesting area during the spring. Be aware the island is closed during nesting in May and April. Other recreational opportunities include boating, sail boating, sail boarding, sail surfing, waterskiing, camping, and hiking. Facilities are limited to the two improved boat ramps, a low water ramp, parking areas, and restrooms. Camping is primative.
The last couple years have permitted use of the high water boat ramps, the first time in nearly a decade. These increase water levels have positively impacted the fishery, particulary crappie which are making a comeback, which is great news as Adobe Creek has a history of producing large crappie and white bass.
Gizzard shad are the primary forage base for the numberous other species anglers may encounter, such as walleye, saugeye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, northern pike, bluegill, wiper, and tiger muskie. Catfishing remains a strong draw for anglers at Blue Lake, as many large blue and channel catfish are present. White bass and wiper populations are currently low. Efforts are in progress to rebuild the fishery for these popular species.
2010 CDOW Fishing Forecast
The normal water cycle at Blue Lake is characterized by high spring water levels that are lowered throughout the season as irrigators draw water out. These draw downs have mixed effects on the fishery, depending on timing. When draw downs occur during crappie spawning periods, it can cause spawning failure by dewatering spawning beds while they are in use. Yearly draw downs can have some benefits for the lake, as new plant growth develops on the shoreline as the water recedes. This plant growth can add productivity and habitat to the lake when these areas are flooded during water storage.
Efforts have been made to increase crappie populations. Many new crappie spawning beds were installed to promote natural crappie production. Additionally, hatchery produced crappie fingerlings are stocked when available. The fall gillnetting sample continues to show good crappie numbers. These crappies have been somewhat elusive to anglers and have caused some frustration. But persistence should pay off. Anglers should focus on fish holding habitat when pursuing these fish. If an area is unproductive, anglers should move to another spot without spending too much time in unproductive areas. Usually, when a crappie is caught, there are more in the area. Also, a variety of baits and techniques should be tried. Often, crappie can be caught on live minnow rigs, small jigs, or shiny spinners or Kastmasters.
One species that has been largely overlooked at Blue Lake are saugeyes. These fish are plentiful and should provide good action for anglers pursuing them. All saugeye/walleye caught at Blue Lake must be 15" or greater to keep. Only one can be greater than 21". The limit is 5 fish. Anglers targeting saugeye should try slow trolling shad imitating crank baits or worm harnesses. Other successful methods include drifting jigs tipped with worms or minnows, jigging around flooded tamarisk, or live bait fishing.
In recent years, catfish have been the major attraction at Blue Lake. Large channel catfish are plentiful as well as large (but fewer) blue catfish. Recent stocking of blue catfish is expected to bolster the numbers of this popular species. Most catfish anglers fish from shore with large surf casting poles. Popular baits include worms, large minnows, cut shad, crawdads, shrimp, and dough bait. Anglers targeting the large blue catfish sometimes suspend a live fish (sunfish or other legal bait fish) off of the bottom. Evening and night fishing is preferred by most anglers, but daytime anglers can also be successful.
Getting there: From Las Animas, go 20 miles north on County Road 10 to the property
Fees: Habitat stamp required.
Boating: All Boats Allowed. No restrictions
Ice Fishing: Not permitted. Frozen surface of lake closed. |
