Curecanti National Recreation Area - Fishing (U.S. National Park Service)

BAG & POSSESSION LIMITS: Blue Mesa, Morrow Point & Crystal Reservoirs and Gunnison River east of Lake City Bridge

Species	Daily Bag	Possession
Trout* - in aggregate (rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat)	4	8
Brook Trout 8" or less - in addition to above	10	10
Lake Trout - Blue Mesa Reservoir	8	8
Lake Trout - Morrow Point & Crystal Reservoirs	4	8
Kokanee Salmon** - angling or snagging	10	10
Yellow Perch	unlimited	unlimited
White Suckers	unlimited	unlimited
Crayfish	unlimited	unlimited

* in aggregate means the limit may consist of one species or a mixed bag of more than one species

**ADDITIONAL KOKANEE INFORMATION
On the Gunnison River east of the Lake City Bridge, taking of Kokanee salmon is prohibited from August 1 to October 31.

Kokanee Snagging Seasons
Blue Mesa Reservoir & Gunnison River east of Lake City Bridge: November 1 to December 31.
Lake Fork Arm at Gateview: September 1 to December 31.
Morrow Point & Crystal Reservoirs: September 1 to December 31.

Please see the 2008 Colorado State Fishing Regulations (725k pdf) for additional information.

GOLD MEDAL & WILD TROUT WATERS - EAST PORTAL
The Gunnison River from 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam all the way through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the North Fork is designated Gold Medal & Wild Trout Water. This designation is given to the lakes and streams of Colorado that offer the greatest potentential for trophy trout fishing. Special regulations exist:

Use artificial flies or lures only. NO BAIT.
ALL Rainbow trout are CATCH AND RELEASE.
Limits for brown trout: Daily bag: 4, Possession: 8.
A Colorado fishing license is required.

FISHING IS PROHIBITED IN THESE AREAS:

From Blue Mesa Dam downstream 225 yards.
From Morrow Point Dam downstream 130 yards.
From Crystal Dam downstream 200 yards.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Colorado State fishing regulations apply within Curecanti National Recreation Area.
A valid Colorado fishing license is required for people 16 and older. Kids under 16 do not need a license and can take full bag and possession limits.
All fish that are not kept as part of your bag limit must be returned to the water immediately.
Check the Colorado State Fishing Regulations for any special restrictions or closures that may be in effect, especially during the rainbow trout spawn.

Video: Introduction to Fishing at Curecanti

ICE FISHING
The Iola Basin of Blue Mesa Reservoir offers the best ice fishing conditions. Anglers must have a valid Colorado State fishing license and obey bag and possession limits.

Ice fishing shelters must be removed each day.
Maximum hole size is 12" diameter or 12" on any side. Check ice conditions before traveling on ice.

KOKANEE SALMON AND LAKE TROUT IN BLUE MESA
Blue Mesa Reservoir provides excellent angling opportunities and supplies a large number of the eggs needed to supply hatcheries and sustain Kokanee populations in Blue Mesa, other reservoirs and lakes in the state. Research indicates that a large Lake Trout population in Blue Mesa Reservoir is decreasing Kokanee Salmon fishing and egg production. For more information about this current issue, please visit the Colorado State University, College of Natural Resources website.