Manager's Corner
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2017
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2016
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2015
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Calendar of Events
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It's getting deep....
Well, at least the snow is! So far, the winter of 2016/2017 has seen near record levels of snowfall. As of the end of January, the upper Arkansas valley snow-pack is approximately 160% of normal. That's encouraging news for our summer water supplies, and we haven't even gotten to the snowiest months of March/April.
Fellow member Don Holmgren was nice enough to share some of his recent winter images from around the club. Thanks, Don!
Well, at least the snow is! So far, the winter of 2016/2017 has seen near record levels of snowfall. As of the end of January, the upper Arkansas valley snow-pack is approximately 160% of normal. That's encouraging news for our summer water supplies, and we haven't even gotten to the snowiest months of March/April.
Fellow member Don Holmgren was nice enough to share some of his recent winter images from around the club. Thanks, Don!
Winter Sampling
In between pushing all the snow around, the guys have been busy with winter lake sampling activities. There are a number lakes remaining to be fished, so if you're interested please let Brent know. Here's a few nice ones. The brook trout came out of Lake 13 (Johnson), was 21.1" and weighed 3.1 lbs.!
In between pushing all the snow around, the guys have been busy with winter lake sampling activities. There are a number lakes remaining to be fished, so if you're interested please let Brent know. Here's a few nice ones. The brook trout came out of Lake 13 (Johnson), was 21.1" and weighed 3.1 lbs.!
Maintenance Projects
Brent and crew were busy last fall with getting all the various lake maintenance projects completed before ice on. Here are a few shots of the results of their work that significantly improved water flows and made fall spawning management more effective.
Brent and crew were busy last fall with getting all the various lake maintenance projects completed before ice on. Here are a few shots of the results of their work that significantly improved water flows and made fall spawning management more effective.
Fall Fishing Report
Although we have reached fall already, we are still experiencing nice weather, with daily highs reaching the mid 50's. Our cooler over night temperatures have begun to cool down lake water temperatures, as well. Many members have been experiencing very good fishing within the last few weeks. The following is a fishing report based on the recent success of members.
Spin Fishing
Lakes 4,6,9,12,13, and 20 have been fishing very well. You can expect to catch super catchable
size rainbows and cutbows in all of these lakes. Olive or black woolly bugger with a bubble has
worked very well. You can also be successful using either a kastmaster or daredevle spoon
ranging from two to three inches in length and red, white, or gold in color. Spinners have also
been effective early morning and early evening hours. Upper and Lower Granite Lakes have a
great brown trout population and you can see them running up the ditch between these two lakes,
ranging from 18-24”.
Fly Fishing
Good fishing in Lakes 4,5,6,9,12,13, and 19. Best fishing is when there is a wind ripple on the
water at 5-10 knots. Go to the side of the lake where there is a ripple or a “wind line”. If you do
not get a bite in twenty minutes, change lakes.
Drys: Large attractor flies work, beetles, ants, other attractors and terrestrials work well on top.
Streamers: Small, 1-1.5 inch green or black wolly buggers, damsel nymphs, marabou leach
patterns, and minnows work on a fast strip. Avoid bead heads as they collect moss.
Nymphs: Size 12, 14, 16 midge, and chronomids, snow cones, chromies and grey or green
scuds, 2-3 feet down to stay out of the weeds, very slow retrieve.
Lakes 4, 5, 6, and 9 also have a high abundance of large cutbows which remain healthy and provide
a good fight. During our fall gillnet samples, we sampled cutbows ranging from 16”-19” and
weighing between 2-3 pounds in these lakes.
If you would like to catch small, tasty brook trout, Lakes 14 and 20 provide great fishing for this
species.
We want to remind you that the 19" rule is still in effect, so please return any species of fish over
19" in length. In an effort to utilize trout that will not survive throughout the winter, bag limits on rainbow trout, less than 19" in length, is suspended. Please harvest rainbow trout until the fishing closes at "ice on".
It's not too late to bring your children or friends to MML to experience great fall fishing. Right now
is also a fantastic time to enjoy the fall colors, whether you're sitting in your float tube or wading
in a lake.
Brent
Club Manager
August Stocking Report
On August 8th, we completed the last stocking of 2016 year class catchables. We stocked 1,859 cutbows which averaged approximately 16.5" in length and weighed roughly 1.8 lbs. The fish went out very well and looked really nice. Should be some great fishing opportunities for late summer and fall!
On August 8th, we completed the last stocking of 2016 year class catchables. We stocked 1,859 cutbows which averaged approximately 16.5" in length and weighed roughly 1.8 lbs. The fish went out very well and looked really nice. Should be some great fishing opportunities for late summer and fall!
July Stocking Report
On July 4th and 5th we stocked a total of 2,765 catchable rainbows and cutbows. We stocked Lakes 5,6,9,12,18, and 20. The rainbows measured 17.5" and weighed 2.2 pounds, although there were many larger ones than that. The cutbows measured 15" and weighed 1.5 pounds. Thanks to our volunteers, Gregg Anderson, Bill Bennett, and Alan Williamson. The next stocking will be in August with cutbows, which will be the final stocking of the season.
As always, if you would like to assist, please contact Brent.
On July 4th and 5th we stocked a total of 2,765 catchable rainbows and cutbows. We stocked Lakes 5,6,9,12,18, and 20. The rainbows measured 17.5" and weighed 2.2 pounds, although there were many larger ones than that. The cutbows measured 15" and weighed 1.5 pounds. Thanks to our volunteers, Gregg Anderson, Bill Bennett, and Alan Williamson. The next stocking will be in August with cutbows, which will be the final stocking of the season.
As always, if you would like to assist, please contact Brent.
2nd June Stocking Report
On June 27th, we stocked 1,330 rainbow trout that measured 17.5 inches and weighed roughly 2.2 pounds. Some fish were a lot larger then that and stocked out really well and looked healthy. We stocked Lakes 1,4,13,16,17,18,19, and 20.
We will do our big stocking on July 5th. If you would like to assist, please contact Brent.
On June 27th, we stocked 1,330 rainbow trout that measured 17.5 inches and weighed roughly 2.2 pounds. Some fish were a lot larger then that and stocked out really well and looked healthy. We stocked Lakes 1,4,13,16,17,18,19, and 20.
We will do our big stocking on July 5th. If you would like to assist, please contact Brent.
1st June Stocking Report
On June 6th, we stocked 1,300 fish total into lakes 5, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 19. This included 1,081 rainbows that were 18" and 2.4 lbs., and 219 cutbows that were 15" and 1.4 lbs. A special thanks to Jim Timms, Dave Watson, and Bruce Waring for helping out.
Next stocking is planned for June 27th. If you would like to assist, please contact Brent.
On June 6th, we stocked 1,300 fish total into lakes 5, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 19. This included 1,081 rainbows that were 18" and 2.4 lbs., and 219 cutbows that were 15" and 1.4 lbs. A special thanks to Jim Timms, Dave Watson, and Bruce Waring for helping out.
Next stocking is planned for June 27th. If you would like to assist, please contact Brent.
Healing Waters
On June 3rd, MML hosted our 6th annual Healing Waters event with our Military Veterans. 12 veterans and their guides/mentors spent the day with us fishing, finishing up with a cook out and fish fry. It was a very memorable day, for our Veterans and member volunteers.
Check out some images of our day with Veterans and Healing Waters.
On June 3rd, MML hosted our 6th annual Healing Waters event with our Military Veterans. 12 veterans and their guides/mentors spent the day with us fishing, finishing up with a cook out and fish fry. It was a very memorable day, for our Veterans and member volunteers.
Check out some images of our day with Veterans and Healing Waters.
Being Fire Aware
As summer approaches, it is important to be aware of potential wildfire risks around the club. Even though we don't have allot of trees at Mount Massive Lakes, range fires can spread quickly and endanger property and lives. The Colorado State Forest Service publishes a useful guide on minimizing the impacts of wildfire to your cabin.
Download the guide here.
As summer approaches, it is important to be aware of potential wildfire risks around the club. Even though we don't have allot of trees at Mount Massive Lakes, range fires can spread quickly and endanger property and lives. The Colorado State Forest Service publishes a useful guide on minimizing the impacts of wildfire to your cabin.
Download the guide here.
First Fish Stocking of 2016!!!
On April 25th, Brent and the crew stocked 4,630 rainbow triploids averaging 16.5" in length. These fish looked great and went out well, with few mortalities. They should be in fine shape and ready for battle! Next stocking will be June 6th. Please contact Brent if you would like to help move fish.
On April 25th, Brent and the crew stocked 4,630 rainbow triploids averaging 16.5" in length. These fish looked great and went out well, with few mortalities. They should be in fine shape and ready for battle! Next stocking will be June 6th. Please contact Brent if you would like to help move fish.
Congratulations Mr. Brunjak!!!!
Recently, the Colorado/Wyoming Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, recognized our own Greg Brunjak with the Award of Excellence, the organizations highest honor. Typically, this annual award is given to members from government agencies or universities; this is the first time in the 50 year history of the chapter to confer this award to someone from the private sector.
Congratulations, Greg, on being recognized with this prestigious award from the foremost organization devoted to aquatic biology and fisheries management.
Read more about the Award of Excellence and the American Fisheries Society here.
Recently, the Colorado/Wyoming Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, recognized our own Greg Brunjak with the Award of Excellence, the organizations highest honor. Typically, this annual award is given to members from government agencies or universities; this is the first time in the 50 year history of the chapter to confer this award to someone from the private sector.
Congratulations, Greg, on being recognized with this prestigious award from the foremost organization devoted to aquatic biology and fisheries management.
Read more about the Award of Excellence and the American Fisheries Society here.
Water Flows
Historical summary of water flow rates for the past 32 years at Mount Massive Lakes. Interesting to see how this has changed over time, and where we have seen some water availability challenges in recent years.
Click here to download.
Historical summary of water flow rates for the past 32 years at Mount Massive Lakes. Interesting to see how this has changed over time, and where we have seen some water availability challenges in recent years.
Click here to download.
Gill Lice
Here is an excellent summary on Gill Lice from Brent. Worth the read to understand the impacts of this parasite on our fisheries.
Gill Lice Report.
Here is an excellent summary on Gill Lice from Brent. Worth the read to understand the impacts of this parasite on our fisheries.
Gill Lice Report.
Where's the Power?
The club experienced a prolonged power outage on the night of February 29th. This resulted in the pumps in the hatchery to go off line, and had to utilize lake water to ensure that the fish in the hatchery tanks would survive until power was restored. Fortunately, Brent and staff were able to respond quickly to this potential emergency: Of the 49,613 fish that were impacted by the electric pumps losing power, only 51 fish were lost. This preserved our 2016 Cutthroats and Brown Trout and 2018 Rainbow fingerlings. Job well done!
The club experienced a prolonged power outage on the night of February 29th. This resulted in the pumps in the hatchery to go off line, and had to utilize lake water to ensure that the fish in the hatchery tanks would survive until power was restored. Fortunately, Brent and staff were able to respond quickly to this potential emergency: Of the 49,613 fish that were impacted by the electric pumps losing power, only 51 fish were lost. This preserved our 2016 Cutthroats and Brown Trout and 2018 Rainbow fingerlings. Job well done!
Winter Sampling
A few pictures from Brent showing recent results of the winter sampling thus far. Some super nice fish, and they will be waiting when the ice goes off!
A few pictures from Brent showing recent results of the winter sampling thus far. Some super nice fish, and they will be waiting when the ice goes off!
Former Club Employee, Carol Smith
Many of our members will remember the smiling face of Carol Smith, who managed the office at the Club for many years, selling guest permits and regaling members with stories of life in Leadville as the wife of local rancher and veterinarian, Bernard Smith. She loves hearing from members and former members, so if you would like drop her a line you can do so:
Carol Smith c/o
Borton's
Post Office Box 1082
Gold Beach, OR 97444
Many of our members will remember the smiling face of Carol Smith, who managed the office at the Club for many years, selling guest permits and regaling members with stories of life in Leadville as the wife of local rancher and veterinarian, Bernard Smith. She loves hearing from members and former members, so if you would like drop her a line you can do so:
Carol Smith c/o
Borton's
Post Office Box 1082
Gold Beach, OR 97444
Gill Lice, Part Deux
Update from Brent on the plans to help treat Gill Lice in our fish rearing program.
SLICE INAD Program
Update from Brent on the plans to help treat Gill Lice in our fish rearing program.
SLICE INAD Program
Preparing for Winter
Winter is fast approaching at the club and staff has been busy with their annual winterizing activities. Brent provides some insight into what's being done to get our fish ready for the colder months ahead. Wintertime Prep
Winter is fast approaching at the club and staff has been busy with their annual winterizing activities. Brent provides some insight into what's being done to get our fish ready for the colder months ahead. Wintertime Prep
Less is More!
An interesting article about the positive effects of limiting air exposure and reduced fish mortality. Some good "winter" reading.
Air Exposure
An interesting article about the positive effects of limiting air exposure and reduced fish mortality. Some good "winter" reading.
Air Exposure
Summer, 2015
There's been allot happening this summer at the club - as usual! Here's an update on what we have been working on recently to improve our fish rearing capabilities and protect our future year class of fish from the effects of drought like we experienced in 2012.
There's been allot happening this summer at the club - as usual! Here's an update on what we have been working on recently to improve our fish rearing capabilities and protect our future year class of fish from the effects of drought like we experienced in 2012.