[rfideng]

Thought I would take advantage of the 70+ degree weather in Pueblo today,
so I gave the Valco Ponds a shot this afternoon. The cottonwood buds are swelling; the trees are looking forward to spring just as much as I am. The water feels surprisingly warm, it must be high 40's/low 50's (no thermometer). The pond nearest Hwy 96 is very green; the other two are mostly clear (~3-4 foot visability).

Lots of fly fisherman on the arkansas today, but only a couple people at the ponds. A couple hundred ducks, geese, gulls.

Fished all 3 ponds with spoons and wooly worms. No bites, no follows. It didn't look like the bait fisherman were having any luck either.
The wind started gusting around 2:00 or so, but did not change the mood of the fish.

Any day spent fishing is a good day (especially with no ice in January).


By the way, for anyone contemplating using a float tube in these ponds, don't do it. The 2006 regs show all boating is prohibited, including tubes and other inflatables.

There are no signs posted in the area showing this restriction. There are signs at the parking lot warning RIVER float tubers that life jackets are required.

 

[earplug]

I read on the Lake Pueblo state wed site that the ponds are open for float tubes.
My guess is the State has not changed the signs.
the Art T of Pueblo State Park is not very bright.

 

[earplug]

As reported on the state Parks websight.
Station. 1/7/2006

Lake Pueblo Fishing Between 30,000 and 40,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked in the Arkansas River annually along with some larger brood fish of 3-6 pounds. Also, major habitat improvements have created deeper pools and structure for the fish to thrive in even when the releases from Pueblo Dam are minimal. On the Lake, trout are being caught below the Visitor Center at South Fishing, N1 Cove on the north side and at the North Marina. Power bait, fireballs, and worms are the prefered trout meal. On January 1, the Valco Ponds will be managed by Lake Pueblo State Park. The three eastern most ponds will be open for fishing with a designed Dog Training Area on the eastern section of the eastern most pond. This area will be closed to fishing. Belly boats and float tubes are allowed. These ponds provide some excellent warm water fishing. 1/

 

[rfideng]

Apparently the park service has some work to do on signs. Strangely enough the CDOW 2005 regs read exactly the same as 2006 for this area. When in doubt, I always follow the regs book.

There is an area on the east end that is posted "State Land Closed to Public Use", I'm guessing that is where the dog training area will be constructed. Lots of room for another parking lot here too.