Reply by: bron Posted: 3/8/2018 9:35:24 AM Points: 34687
We had a FXR get together there a couple years ago and none of us caught one. I drove around the Longmont area last weekend checking lake conditions and everywhere I checked was wide open but I didnt look at Milavec. Erie Lake had no ice.
You are correct. Both species exist in the lake. The drawback is simple, there is a TON of carp and trout which both species love to snack on. Catching a Pike there is much more likely then a Tiger. That said, I'm comfortable fishing for Pike and it is a very tough lake to get a bite mainly because of the forage. Other notes are most people keep every fish they catch and according to the CPW biologist, Pike do not reproduce in this specific water. That means both species you are targeting are not reproducing thus resulting in.... Not the best spot but catching one is a possibility. Just C and R and MAYBE, they will start reproducing. The Pike that is.
What were you using to catch them? I usually only stop by Milavec when I have an hour or less to fish and usually just toss rooster tails for trout. I have had a lot of luck here in that regard. I have not attempted to fish for pike or tigers.
I am a firm believer in catch and release on trophy and sport fish! I actually don't keep anything because my wife hates fish and seafood haha I have bass fished my whole life and never had the opportunity to fish for more aggressive fish until I discovered the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. After catching my first pike I'm hooked! Now I'm looking for better places that are fishable from shore cause I don't have a boat. Any suggestions?
In my humble opinion, if you are targeting Pike, Milavec would not be my starting destination. Head to the hills with Williams Fork, Stagecoach, Spinney and Eleven Mile being much better suggestions. Many of the Front Range Pike waters are very tough especially with high water temps throughout the season.
