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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.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forecast
Water levels were fairly high throughout most of the spring in 2008. As summer progressed, water levels were lowered for irrigation. This yearly fluctuation is normal at Blue Lake, and can have varying effects on the fishery, depending on the timing of the drawdown. 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 were stocked in 2008. Together, these two factors should result in an excellent year class of crappies at Blue Lake. The fall gillnetting sample showed good crappie numbers. Length frequency tables show fish ranging from 4” – 13”, with the highest percentage
around 7”- 8”. Although somewhat small, these fish should grow quickly and provide good crappie fishing in 2009. Anglers fishing for crappie should target flooded tamarisk trees around the edges of the lake. Popular baits include live minnow rigs, tube jigs, twister tails, and small spinners.
All saugeye/walleye caught at Blue Lake must be 15” or greater to keep. About 60% of the saugeye caught in the fall gillnetting sample were legal fish, with many of the fish being greater than 20”. Blue Lake has been overlooked by anglers targeting saugeye in recent years, but nice fish are available. 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.
According to the 2008 fish survey data show the relative abundance of species is as follows.
Grizzly shad 40.9%
Crappie 20.1%
Channel Catfish 11.7%
Drum 10.3%
Saugeye 7.8%
Carp 7.8%
Striped, White Bass & Wiper 1.7%
Bullhead & Green Sunfish 0.5%
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.
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