USSFN:  5/22/04 - The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has once again opened two lakes to anglers for the summer. 

The Commerce City site has provided spectacular fishing to residents from Denver and the surrounding area since 1990, with the fishery boasting a catch rate of greater than one fish per hour in the last 10 years. Northern pike and largemouth bass are present in Lake Ladora. Game fish in Lake Mary include largemouth bass, channel catfish, white and black crappie, bluegill and some northern pike and yellow perch.

“The Arsenal was closed for fishing from 1998-2002, and it really helped the fishing,” said Ivan Vicente, outdoor recreation planner for the arsenal. “The pike population in Lake Ladora increased significantly and people are really having a blast.”

Fishing at the site will be allowed on a first-come-first-served basis from 8 a.m. until sunset Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 10.

The maximum number of anglers allowed to fish at one time is 60. The refuge will offer free fishing days on June 5, July 3 and Aug. 8, but will be closed on all federal holidays. A recreational fishing fee of $3 per day will be charged. The funds will be used to improve and maintain facilities associated with fishing and to maintain stable gamefish populations. All minors must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years of age or older. All anglers who are 16 or older must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. Handicapped Parking and facilities are available at Lake Mary.

Adult anglers, ages 18 and up, will be required to attend a 30-minute orientation session offered at the refuge visitor’s center. Fishing orientations will run each Saturday and Sunday and will cover site safety issues, general fishing information and fishing rules and regulations.

For more information about fishing at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: http://rockymountainarsenal.fws.gov

Source:  Colorado Division of Wildlife