[kellerj23]

Hi All. I'm new to the site and forum, and can't tell you how happy I am to finally find this type of venue. Now to my questions. I use a Sea Eagle inflatable boat with an electric trolling motor. Because of this, I prefer to hit non-wake lakes as it's tough to cut through the ski boat wakes to get where I want, without eating up the batteries. I hit Arvada a few times last year for trout. Are there Walleyes in this water?

I'm also moving from Westminster to Littleton (near Chatfield). Are there any non-wake lakes you could suggest down that way? Thanks in advance!

 

[Mattsabasser]

Walleyes in Arvada...the word I got from the guy at the booth (take it for what it is worth), they stocked walleyes the first year and that was it. They say a few are still there (probably near that eastern dam section)but in very small numbers.

Trout, smallmouth, largemouth, perch, green sunfish, and the occassional tiger muskie.

I have a 12' Sevylor fish hunter with the floorboard kit, trolling motor mount and a few other extras. Not a big fan of the inflatable rafts for fishing...I'd let this all go for 150 (paid well over 450 in all) cash or trade.

My name is Matt and I'm a fishaholic.

 

[kellerj23]

Thanks for the info. I'd agree the inflatable isn't the best option, but it gets me on the water. I'm getting married in June and for some reason, the Mrs. thinks the money for a truck should wait until after! I have a Nissan Maxima and didn't want to put the stress (even of a small boat) on the tranny. Any lake suggestions around Chatfield area?

 

[NeWcS]

Im not sure about there being walleye in there but did want to welcome you to the board!!!


-Jay

 

[Mattsabasser]

Arvada opens April 1st and opening week is generally the best in my opinion. I'll place a call into the entrance shack about once a week or so for updated information.

I'll post what I can find in the fishing report section if folks are interested.

Personally, I think there are a few better lakes to hit in Colorado than this one. If you live nearby (which is my case) Arvada can be a great place for a few hours of fishing.

 

[James]

Kellar23, & Mattsabasser, I was hoping you guys could anscer a couple of questions I had. This isn't the post for it, but you guys were on the subject. I also have the 12 Fish Hunter. I bought it late last summer. I've only used it w/ oars. I have a moter, and it's just a matter of picking up a battery & mount. I was wondering if there was anything I need to do like register it or anything once I have those? As it is now, I pay $25 and I can put it in any time @ Estes. That also covers parking. They (Marina) said they think when you add even a trolling moter you have to register it w/ the state. Is that right, and if so how? Anyway, I'd appreciate any input on that. Also, what is a floorboard kit? Kellarj23 I got married last june, & if there is anything you're thinking of buying (boat, truck) DO IT NOW!

 

[jeremycallahan]

Last summer i bought a trolling motor (small only 36lb thrust) for my canoe and i had to register it with the DOW. It is only $25 for the year. From what i understand, if its more then hand propelled, then you have to register it.

 

[Pete]

You can fish the back coves of Chatfield with the inflatable and trolling motor. These areas are designated wake-less. You can also fish Qunicy and Aurora which are restricted to self propelled or electric trolling motors only. Quincy is a Muskie, trout, perch and bass lake, and Aurora pretty much has it all. Both lakes provide outstanding fishing opportunities. Are there any other folks?

Registration is required if you place a motor on a vessel in Colorado.

Pete

 

[James]

Thanks, I've been meaning to go to the DOW's office anyway. Also, I hear there's a pretty nice pond down the street from the office (on Prospect). A buddy of mine works right next to it and sais he watches flyfishers catch bluegills out of it all the time.

 

[Zman]

Keller...dont forget about Bear Creek Reservoir by 470 and Morrison Road...saugeyes, perch, smallmouths, trout and an occasional musky...and yes like they have told you...if it has motor it has to be registered...

 

[kellerj23]

Thanks for all the lake info. I never even thought about Bear Creek. Yes, you do have to register although to be honest, I have never displayed my registration number on the inflatable, just carry the paperwork with me and haven't had a problem. I'm guessing you use the same bait presentations for Saug's as you do the Walleyes?

 

[bigtime36]

Keller,

I fish Arvada and never have much luck, but it's my understanding there are some good Walleyes in there, boat use is best, also some Muskies there.

Try Standley Lake just North of Arvada Reservoir, the state record Walley was cought there a few years ago, good fishing there if the boats arn't plentiful, also try shore fishing there on the South end where you can walk in at the channel.

 

[Mattsabasser]

James,

Yep...if you put any type of motor on it, the boat has to be registered. Getting those number stickers to stay on was a bit of trick for me. Meanwhile the kid next door is running pocket cycles and motorized skateboards with no regs at all...go figure.

Floorboard kit: 3 pieces of wood and railings that fit together creating a hard surface on the bottom of your inflatable raft. Not as cool as it sounds...110 bucks and it sits in my gear closet.

http://www.coolsportsequip.com

This is the site where I got all my accessories for the ol fishhunter. The motor clamp is about 20 bucks and worthwhile. Bought it all back in 2002 but they should still carry the product lines.

The real advantage of this craft is that it packs well for a 12 footer. You can get this into places where you only see shore guys and belly boaters.

 

[idratherbfishing]

I have seen people take their registration number and state sticker and put them on a piece of 1X4 and then bungee cord them to either side of raft.

Dan

 

[Mattsabasser]

Dan,

That is exactly what I did! Except I drilled holes for D-rings and clip it on the side ropes. It looks a bit silly but legal. I layered over it several times with clear box tape. Each time I get the renew sticker it gets another layer.

I got a pin-hole or a leaky valve in this thing somehow and tried several times to locate it. The thing holds air for a good 4 to 6 hours but I rarely use it anymore.

Car wash, bath tub, tried just about everything. Still trying to convince my local tire shop that they should fix it for 20 bucks...then I could get some of my money back on this thing. Don't feel right selling it until I get it water-worthy.

 

[James]

Thanks alot. I really appreciate the info.

 

[hunterfishercamper]

Our friend runs the Arvada Reservoir and now also Fortune Reservoir. He has showed us pictures of monster catfish and told us stories of a few walleye (not many). Fortune Reservoir si just opening this year. It has been stocked for the last few years but is just opening for fishing.

 

[daveycrocket]

Where is Fortune Reservoir?

 

[Zman]

HunterFisherCamper...

I went out there last year when I heard about it...but it wasnt open yet...it was filling...I havent heard an opening date...what have you heard?

Here is an old website where they refer to it as Welton Reservoir...

The 9,803 acre-foot Welton Reservoir was completed in May 2002. It began filling on April 16, 2003 and as of July 2003 is over 40% full. This additional water storage will supplement the Company?s water supply for years to come.

Consolidated purchased land for the Welton Reservoir in 1996 and immediately began feasibility studies. The reservoir lies north of State Highway 72 and west of Indiana Street. The property consists of 250 acres and the lake will cover 163 acres. When full, the water surface elevation is 5,775 feet and water will flow by gravity back to Fairmount Reservoir located at West 44th avenue and McIntyre Street and Maple Grove Reservoir at 12700 West 27th Avenue.

And one more...

-- Fortune Reservoir (Jefferson County)
A project totaling $378,600 that will provide new fishing access to 163 surface acres. Improvements are a new parking lot, a boat ramp, a floating pier, signage, trails, fish habitat structures and rest rooms.

 

[hunterfishercamper]

Welton is Fortune Reservoir then. Fortune Reservoir is at the location you were talking about. The City of Arvada is maintaining Fortune/Welton. They are opening it to fishing on April 1 supposedly. They are also adding something like 10 feet to the dam at Arvada Reservoir. I'll ask Kenny Billips the next time I see him.