|
Stalker is "arguably the best largemouth fishery in NE Colorado" according to a DOW aquatic biologist." Anglers should expect great fishing for largemouth. Many fish exceed the legal limit but anglers are encouraged to release such fish. Photos of trophy fish can yield satisfaction and awards, while returning these fish allows others to enjoy such a feat. The catch and release of largemouth by anglers at Stalker is the primary reason such large fish are hooked so often. The biggest bass sampled by CDOW in 2007 measured 24 inches and weighed nearly 7 pounds.
Bluegills are also available and abundant for both anglers and the bass that dine on them to reach their hefty sizes. Due to dense cover, the sizes of bluegill in the lake are smaller than other waters. The lake also harbors populations of redear and green sunfish. Although catfish numbers at Stalker appear to be on a downward trend, there are still plenty of smaller channel cats to be found along with a few bigger fish that could measure up to 12 or more pounds. Catchable size trout are regularly stocked in the lake. Lake levels are typically good and tend to stay fairly consistent. Shore access is available around the entire lake.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forecast
Largemouth Bass –Largemouth bass (LMB) abundance increased since the 2006 survey. During 2007, a total of 77 fish were collected for 16 minutes of electrofishing. During 2006, 23 LMB were collected for 7.5 minutes of electrofishing. The number of fish collected are standardized per 1 hour of electrofishing for comparative purposes. Numbers of bass portrayed in the graph do not include largemouth collected in gill and trapnets. The abundance of bass at Stalker Lake is among the best in the state for a lake of its size.
During 2009 anglers should expect great fishing for largemouth. Many fish exceeding the legal limit will be caught, but anglers are encouraged to release such fish. Photos of trophy fish can yield satisfaction and awards, while returning these fish allows others to enjoy such a feat. The catch and release of LMB by anglers at Stalker is the primary reason such large fish are hooked so often. The biggest bass sampled in 2007 measured 24” and weighed nearly 7 pounds.
Sunfish–Thousand of bluegill and redear sunfish roam Stalker Lake, however dense cover has not allowed these fish to grow to preferred size. During 2006 bluegill averaged 4.3”, while in 2007 the average bluegill sampled measured 5.3”. Bluegill fishing at Stalker Lake should be great in 2009, however don’t expect to take home a basket of 8-9” fish. The large abundance of sunfish is the primary reason bass at Stalker Lake grow so quickly.
Catfish –In total, 8 channel catfish were captured in gillnets during the ’07 sample. Catfish numbers were down compared with 2005 when 20 individuals were collected. In 2005, the average catfish measured 15.3 inches and weighed 1.8 pounds. Comparatively in 2007, catfish averaged 17.1 inches and 1.7 pounds. Large individuals are present, possibly including two 12pound cats sampled in 2005. Expect catfishing at Stalker Lake to be steady but not exceptional.
Relative Abundance 2007 Fish Survey
Largemouth Bass 35.4%
Bluegill 40.8%
Channel Catfish 3.1%
Redear Sunfish 13.8%
Smallmouth Bass 0.8%
White Sucker 5.8%
Green Sunfish 0.4%
Getting there: From Wray, go 2 miles west on Highway 34 to County Road FF, then 1 1/2 miles north to the access road, then 1/2 mile west to the property.
Fees: Habitat Stamp required
Boating: Electric Motors Only. Boating prohibited except float tubes or craft propelled by hand, wind or electric motor. Boats with gas motor are allowed if an electric motor is used and gas motor is kept out of the water.
Ice Fishing: Allowed, sees little solid ice |
