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Colorado Fishing Home

Welcome to FishExplorer!

FishExplorer aims to maintain the most comprehensive and up-to-date local fishing resource in the state under one roof. We are all about fishing for the love of fishing and sharing that, no matter your experience level.

FishExplorer is angler-owned and produced, and community-managed.

Conditions Reports

Conditions reports are the essence of what we all need to know when embarking on a fishing trip no matter what you're fishing for or with. Water temps, levels, flows, etc. They are at the core of our state fishing catalog.
Visit our Conditions Reports page to learn more

Fish Feed

forum

Sportmans -fishing reports

Are they not doing fishing reports anymore. They never would very accurate but at least you could get a few facts.
Thursday - forum post
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Aurora peak temps

Any of you regulars know the peak temps for Aurora? And usually what month? August? Taking my 13yo son to get his scuba certification in a few weeks, and think it would be fun to dive the airplane
Wednesday - forum post
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UV in bugs

I've been tying with UV materials years. So many articles have been written on the subject. I just read a National Geographic story about photo and bio Luminescence. Apparently there many creatures in
Wednesday - forum post
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Gunnison Flush?

Does anyone have any info on when, or if, they are going to perform the Gunnison flush through the gorge? Typically this comes mid May and is done early June but looks like flows are sitting consisten
Wednesday - forum post
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Rod found

Was fishing Antero today and found a rod and reel floating on the south side of the lake near boat ramp. I turned it in to the CPW ans boat check. It was a Shakespeare 6'6 and a reel. Color was blu
Tuesday - forum post
forum

Any recent reports?

Will be heading up to do some fishing this next weekend. First weekend some of the campgrounds open up so I'm taking advantage. Does anyone have any recent reports? I assume the lakers are still
Tuesday - forum post
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Catch of a lifetime

Not sure how many fishermen ever get this lucky. My pb catch ever.
Tuesday - forum post
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Lost Net Manville SWA North Park

I lost a fishpond nomad net right at the bridge over the roaring fork yesterday, at the manville state wildlife access point. If anyone has been there in the last ~30 hours has seen it, let me know pl
Sunday - forum post
forum

Apache Trout

Read something interesting on a subscript Fishing site. And they are saying that there is Apache Trout in McKay Lake, Broomfield County, don't even know where it is, 47 mi. from Laporte. Has anyone ev
Friday - forum post
forum

Oppose public land sale!

Please fill out this form to tell your senators to oppose the public land sale. This is currently happening in Utah and Nevada and you can not doubt believe it will be happening in our backyard soon e
Friday - forum post
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7 lb 5 oz cutbow

Managed to hit The Mile recently on a windy day... only got one bite but made it count. Beauty 27 in 7 lb 5 oz cutbow. And if you're wondering, yes she's still swimming. The one photo where it look
05.08.25 - forum post
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Fly rod fab

Looking into making bamboo fly rod. I'm in need of planing forms, etc to purchase. Thanks
05.08.25 - forum post
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Quick question

I'm wondering if we are still allowed to fish loveland lake from the public areas I have for 25 years now. With the closure of the back and signs all over stating "private lake" but with fine print I
05.08.25 - forum post
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Steamboat Drowning

Sad to hear about this one over the weekend. I've spent a lot of time in the bellyboat recently & have run into plenty of scary conditions. Not sure what the lesson is on this one. Interested to know
05.08.25 - forum post
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New Species Caught!

I was at the local creek the other day with my kids. My wife kinda told me up front this was for the kids to play in the creek not for me to fish. I was like "yea yea, there aren't any fish in that cr
05.07.25 - forum post
forum

Lake Granby looks ice free from the cameras

Lake Granby looks ice free from the web cameras, Grand looks like there is still a chunk of ice holding on a small part of it.
05.07.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

Anglers urged to harvest small lake trout at Flaming Gorge

WGFD encourage anglers' help by removing smaller lake trout to give stocked fish a better chance to survive and grow. Harvesting these smaller fish helps the entire fishery in the long run.
05.07.25 - news article
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Get up early

Fished the Gunny in the canyon from 6:30 to 9:30 this am, was a nice morning of fishing and seeing wildlife. Caught 6 bows, 6 browns, nothing big, but a few good fighters. Biggest 2 bows 16-17", keepe
05.06.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

CPW resumes ANS sampling efforts in the Colorado River

Shoreline and water sampling will be conducted weekly along sections of the Colorado River between Glenwood Springs and the Colorado/Utah border
05.06.25 - news article
forum

Antero video 5/2/25

05.05.25 - forum post
forum

Selective harvest

05.05.25 - forum post
Blog Author/Feature Photo

A Big Fish Story about Tiny Gear

I'm not one to either endorse or talk ugly about anyone's fishing equipment. But I've got to tell someone about the remarkable experience I had this week with the lightest gear I can lay hands on. An
05.05.25 - blog
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Crazy Action big TROUT

05.04.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

CPW confirms presence of rusty crayfish in Little Thompson River

This is the second time the species has been identified east of the Continental Divide in Colorado. Rusty crayfish are larger and more aggressive than native crayfish species, often outcompeting them
05.04.25 - news article
Fishing News Feature Photo

CPW responds to possible drowning at Steamboat Lake State Park

The investigation is still ongoing. Witnesses reported the victim was fishing near the Rainbow Ridge day-use area on the west side of the park. Steady winds with strong gusts were reported at the time
05.04.25 - news article
forum

Outboard extended warranty?

Picking up my new boat tomorrow. Debating on an addional 5yr warranty on the mercury 90hp outboard. Basically $1500 for an addional 5yrs on top factory 3yr. I pretty much never buy extended warran
05.03.25 - forum post
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Smallies

Well, the fish were starting to bite, but I don't know what the water temp was cause my fishfinder that I just got didn't power on till I was leaving the lake. How convenient! Got 6 and lost as many,
05.02.25 - forum post
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South Platte

Hit the South platte today and had one of my best days in a while. Nice to get out of town and do some fishing.
05.01.25 - forum post
forum

Transom Trolling Motor for Kayak

I, have a 10-foot Nucanoe F10 with a Paddle Drive. And I was looking at the NK180 from Newport almost $1200 bucks to much for me. Any recommendation for a Transom Mount Trolling motor and Battery? Mu
05.01.25 - forum post
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Spinney

Surprised I didn't see a report, I understand there were over 200 cars there for the opening. Did see a picture of the 32" 20.2 # fish that was caught, that's the largest trout I've seen in any of th
04.30.25 - forum post
Blog Author/Feature Photo

A tad earlier this year, the Loveland Kids Fishing Derby will be Saturday, May 17th

This free event for kids 15 and under will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17th at the North Lake Duck Pond at the corner of Taft and 29th Street. No one seems to know the exact date of the first Lo
04.30.25 - blog
forum

North boat ramp Horsetooth

Does anyone know if it Is it opened yet or is the barge still there ?
04.30.25 - forum post
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Thornton Gravel Lakes closed.

My wife has seen they closed the lakes for a maintenance issue. I will post when re opened
04.30.25 - forum post
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Spinney Opener 2025

04.29.25 - forum post
forum

Any reports on North Park?

It's about that time with ice off up there. Has anyone taken a trip yet? Looking for some big browns or bows this weekend from shore.
04.29.25 - forum post
forum

Fish bite alarm for r.v. night time fishing?

My family in Germany uses a device that the line passes through and a remote goes off. They fish for carp. Not sure if a device like this is available here? Also curious about the legally of settin
04.27.25 - forum post
forum

Suckers spawn?

Wondering if I missed the spring spawn of the suckers?
04.26.25 - forum post
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Horsetooth

Does anyone know when it opens for boating? Is it the 1st?
04.25.25 - forum post
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Found time for some fish

We finally got out this year and did some fishing down in the gulf. The weather wasn't cooperating as much as we had hoped so we had to stay in shore but still got some nice fish. Porn attached
04.25.25 - forum post
Blog Author/Feature Photo

Visiting RMNP 2025

Yearly blog for those visiting RMNP every year. Updated dates for the 2025 season and some clarifications on regs.
04.24.25 - blog
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Post Spawn Walleye from Shore is Very Good

The walleye bite from shore has been good all April! It's been 6 days since my last trip, and tonight I found the post spawn bite from shore remains good. Some nice eyes showed up tonight up to 22", c
04.24.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

CPW Aquatic Biologists New Tool for Walleye Eggs

Spawning Innovation: CPW biologists manage fisheries with innovative techniques at spawning operations, fish population sampling, and habitat improvements.
04.24.25 - news article
forum

Echo Lake

Any body know if Echo Lake is unthawed and if it winter killed?
04.24.25 - forum post
forum

Help with Suckers- Denver Area

Can anyone share a bit of info on where i might catch 4-5 suckers for pike/lake trout fishing. I hear Clear creek & so platte but would anyone be able to share more of a location. Like fish between
04.23.25 - forum post
forum

Help with a few suckers

Can anyone share a bit of info on where i might catch 4-5 suckers for pike/lake trout fishing. I hear Clear creek & so platte but would anyone be able to share more of a location. Like fish between
04.23.25 - forum post
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Finally...some time!

I didn't get to go ice fishing over the winter. So I couldn't wait to hit the open water after ice thaw-out! I had some time yesterday in between jobs. So I drove up to road canyon reservoir. It w
04.23.25 - forum post
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Gloom, Despair, Agony, and Happy Ending

Been a while since I had anything to post. First, my water pump in the big boat didn't survive the winter. Spent some weeks working on boats and finally had everything in order. My kid smoked her tran
04.23.25 - forum post
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Battery power?

Over the winter I acquired a couple more finders for my boat. I now have 2 garmin 9s with a network box and a 12" hummingbird running on the boat. I got them out for the first test run yesterday. Gott
04.22.25 - forum post
forum

Scheels Fishfest Saturday

Just a heads up that Johnstown Scheels is holding their annual Fishfest this Saturday. There's gonna be freebies, discounts, raffles, giveaways, and seminars from 9AM to 2PM. Here's a link with all th
04.22.25 - forum post
forum

Question: Davy Knot to attach a 2nd fly rigging results

I was reading an article on this Davy knot technique to attach the 2nd fly tippet to the line above the 1st fly. I'm interested in this method for the benefit of changing out the top fly and /or tying
04.22.25 - forum post
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It's "For Free!"

I tried to sell this last fall, only bite was Yard Dogs. Could not make that happen so I have been moving it around the garage as I continue to clean up "The Cave?!" I am putting it on my local ND as
04.20.25 - forum post
forum

Pueblo reservoir guided trips

I'm looking for recommendations about taking a guided trip to Pueblo reservoir. I would like to target walleye and hear about people having 50-100 fish days there. My dad's health is failing and it w
04.18.25 - forum post
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Record Walleye?!

After an extremely slow night of beating the bank for 2 hours with rattle traps, paddle tails, and tube jigs I decided to switch to the trusty x-rap. 2 casts in I hooked up with my personal best walle
04.16.25 - forum post
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Decent Wiper on the fly.

Not as nice as AWBs monster, but caught a decent 22" long wiper today. Was fly fishing for carp and cast a black jigged bugger into a mud cloud that I thought was being made by a carp. Nope it was thi
04.15.25 - forum post
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Teaching my girl to fly fish

Yes I'm proud I've taken my girlfriend fly fishing 5 times now. She has caught fish 4 of 5 times. Today though I was over the top with her. We were fishing the same fly except she had an indicator. I
04.15.25 - forum post
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Fun action on the Colorado! Caught a hog.

Spring fishing on the Western Slope always leads to some good fish! Was out about a week ago with my GF and we landed some really nice trout. This was her first time ever fishing a river, and on h
04.15.25 - forum post
forum

FOUND: Fishing Net on Twin Buttes [WY]

Hi All - I found a net on Twin Buttes outside Laramie on March 25. Trying to get this back to the person that lost it and thought I would post here. If you lost a net that day message me and we'll
04.15.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

Kinney Lake SWA impacted by decreased water levels

Shoreline fishing access and angling quality may be impacted. Kinney Lake will remain at decreased water levels through end of the year.
04.15.25 - news article
forum

JMart update

Was able to fish JMart Saturday. Was pleasantly surprised the lake level is significantly higher than the last 3 years or so. Nowhere near full but much better. I didn't get a water temp but would
04.14.25 - forum post
forum

Granby 4/4

Ice is still good Had Dike3 to myself. 12"+ of clear ice 4" of cloudy ice on tops 2" of powder Edges are holding up. Road is muddy. Heard a couple of snowmobiles go by. Bite wa
04.14.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

CPW recovers missing boater at Spinney Mountain

Park rangers responded to an overturned canoe with two people in the reservoir around 11:50 a.m. Saturday. One person was rescued by a nearby boat.
04.14.25 - news article
forum

Video: Wipers and Cats

Hi All, haven't made a video in a very long time. I made a couple threads with some pics of the fish caught when out with SGM and Americanwolf and this is the vid of that day. Really hope you enjoy
04.11.25 - forum post
info_outline

Lake Page Edits:

2 lakes: Lower Cataract Lake, Upper Cataract Lake
04.10.25
forum

Arvada res

They used to open on 1 April. Are they open ? I was a Ranger up there for a couple of years and I imagine it must be tough trying to get some volunteers now a days. Was fun though, caught a lot sna
04.10.25 - forum post
forum

Granby Lake Trout Limit

04.08.25 - forum post
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Last Ice. Couldn't ask for a better way to end the season

Great time out at Vega two weeks ago. Was going to post sooner but work was a bit hectic and didn't have time to edit. Morning bite was incredible from start to finish! We showed up and it was a bi
04.05.25 - forum post
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New PB Walleye!

Kind of a funny story about this catch. I loaded up my swimbait rod rigged with an 8" trout swimbait planning to target giant walleye once the sun set. Decided in the meantime to target trout. Well I
04.05.25 - forum post
forum

2025 Walleye Spawn

CPW has completed the 2025 walleye egg collection operation. It was very successful getting the target harvest of 130 million eggs. CPW collected 90 million eggs from Pueblo and 40 million from Cherry
04.04.25 - forum post
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Humminbird helix 5 g2n for sale

I have a great helix 5 g2n for sale. It would be an awesome unit for a float tube, kayak and/or ice. Spring is upon us. Great chance to get a solid fish finder for the boat. It does have mapping with
04.02.25 - forum post
forum

Ice Conditions

Heading up this weekend for the last ice outing this year. Anybody been out since the last report on 3/18?
04.02.25 - forum post
Fishing News Feature Photo

Boat ramps opening at state parks across CPW's Southwest Region

Two lakes have boat ramps currently open, two are coming soon, and two TBA in Southwest Colorado.
04.02.25 - news article
Fishing News Feature Photo

Refilling of Highline Lake has begun

On Monday, March 31, staff at Highline Lake State Park opened the headgate, allowing water to flow into Highline Lake. Following the return of normal water levels, CPW will begin restocking fish in Hi
04.02.25 - news article
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2016 Lund Looking for a New Home

Unfortunately my buddy is selling his 2016 Lund SSV18 due to health reasons. The boat is in excellent condition and has been stored in a garage if not on the water Located in Penrose Contact Phil
03.30.25 - forum post
forum

Aurora reservoir

Lake is super full and hot for holdover Trout . . .no Walleyes for me, but plenty of big Trout in and out of the boat while trolling . . . it was very nice to have so much of the lake to myself (no pa
03.30.25 - forum post
forum

Spey/Skagit information

Hello, it's been a long time since I last posted on the forum, glad to see my son on here. I purchased an Elk Horn rod at a charity auction only to find out that instead of a regular fly rod/reel comb
03.28.25 - forum post
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Wonderful windy Wyoming

Our party of 5 pared down to 2 by the time we left for our trip. No worries because the fishing has been outstanding. It has been typical Wyoming weather. So if ya can't fish in the wind? It's not you
03.28.25 - forum post
forum

lost gear at Watson in laporte/ bellvue

hey guys. If you or a friend lost something at watson last Sunday, reply with a description of the item(s) and I will make sure you get it back.
03.27.25 - forum post
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2011 Crestliner Fishhawk for sale

Upgraded this Spring, so ole Cresty is up for sale. 2011 Crestliner Fishhawk 1650 with a 2011 Mercury 90 horse 4 stroke EFI. minn Kota Terrova 80 lb thrust (purchased new in 2023) with foot pedal and
03.27.25 - forum post
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Spring is starting! After work bite

Was out last week for a few hours after work and landed a few nice fish. A few browns and a really pretty cutthroat! Out here on the Western slope fishing the Colorado River. High 30's and overcast c
03.27.25 - forum post
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Copilot for Powerdrive for sale

I just upgraded to i-Pilot. I have a complete Copilot kit with remote for sale. $100
03.27.25 - forum post
forum

Open water is here

Usually when we have mild March I like to get in my first stream trips of the year and this March has been exceptionally mild. Yesterday (had to wait a week for the dang wind to calm down) I went up
03.26.25 - forum post
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Chatfield Pre-Spawn Full Moon Walleye

First trip for chatty walleye was a good one! Arrived at dusk under cloudy windy conditions. Water clarity was good, about 42 degrees, wind out of the NW with gusts. My first spot I went fishless. It
03.25.25 - forum post
forum

Boyd Lake Boat Ramp Closures

Just saw a notice that the ramp will have temporary disruptions tomorrow - 3/26 - due to pothole repair at the top of the ramp.
03.25.25 - forum post
forum

Boat inspection/Boatramp? For Cherry creek res

Just wondering which boat ramps are open.
03.25.25 - forum post
Blog Author/Feature Photo

The psychological aspect of fishing

So many anglers have their same color combos they fall back to, because that's what they have confidence in. Just how important is the color of your fly or lure? Just how much does our psyche play in
03.25.25 - blog
forum

Putting Away the Ice Gear

A tough day here as temps hit 68 degrees. It will be warm all week too. Yesterday the fam and I fished the high country and did have the last of the ice. And for once, the family had nonstop action wh
03.25.25 - forum post
info_outline

Lake Page Edits:

Cottonwood Glen Park (Fort Collins)
03.24.25
forum

Shoreline

Hello all. Wanted to make a trip up to the mile tomorrow. Just wanted to see if anyone has had any luck from the south shoreline anywhere between witchers and cross Creek? Thanks in advance
03.23.25 - forum post
forum

Glade Reservoir

03.22.25 - forum post
forum

catfish help

hey guys and gals, my son will be visiting while in the military from Italy and wanted to get into some catfish but i have no clue where to go i am not looking for any honey holes but just a place
03.21.25 - forum post
info_outline

Lake Page Edits:

Ehrlich Lake
03.20.25
Fishing News Feature Photo

CPW invites anglers to attend Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area fishery meeting

Originally managed for catchable trout, the ponds were invaded over the years by multiple warm-water fish species, likely through illegal introduction.
03.18.25 - news article
Forum Post Image

NEW Eskimo Outbreak 650XD, NEW FishPro HD1080 DVR 7" Underwater Camera & Tripod

03.17.25 - forum post
Forum Post Image

My teeny tiny wiper

AmericanWolf and SGM took me wiper hunting Sunday and yes hunting is the correct term. While we didn't get into a lot of them, what we did find were good. This wiper is a state record as she measure
03.17.25 - forum post
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12' Fishing Boat for Sale

2000 Logic Marine. Boat appears to be inflatable however is made of durable plastic and is extremely stable in the water. Comes with trailer, 9.9 Johnson outboard (run flawlessly and is well maintaine
03.17.25 - forum post
info_outline

Lake Page Edits:

Croke Reservoir
03.16.25
Forum Post Image

Fly rods for sale/trade

I am giving up on fly fishing, kept a couple outfits that my Grandson wants, but my achy back and shoulders kick my butt from the casting and twisting. I have two real nice new combo's I bought for Al
03.16.25 - forum post
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First Walleye of 2025 Boating Season

Was out Thursday 3/13 and landed my first eye in the boat this year - a nice 18 incher. Had a beautiful afternoon for fishing and ended up catching 6 trout, 3 eyes, and a white bass.
03.16.25 - forum post
forum

Good spot to take the kiddo.

My step daughter is really excited about fishing this year. I got here a new fishing rod and she wants to catch her first fish. We have been out a couple times, but haven't had any luck. Is there any
03.15.25 - forum post
forum

Pueblo North Marina Closing

Per CPW and the Pueblo Chieftain. Pueblo Reservoir North Shore Marina will close April 1st 2025 and they will begin to demolish it starting July 1st. Article states reason as to costly to repair. The
03.14.25 - forum post

Recent Colorado Photo Posts

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Colorado Regional Editors

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Front Range North
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RMNP, IPWA, and JPWA
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