DENVER -- Colorado's backcountry streams and lakes offer a lifetime of fishing opportunity for anglers willing to explore. But hiking into these high-country fisheries can be daunting for those who have never done it before.
To help give anglers the skills and confidence needed to take that next step, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is joining with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to present "A Taste of Backcountry Angling," on August 24 near Empire.
This day-long clinic is designed for intermediate anglers ages 14 to 18 and a parent or mentor and will offer presentations on safe backcountry travel and camping, tips on catching trout in lakes and streams, and hands-on instruction in spin- and fly fishing. Participants will also have an opportunity to fish two high-country lakes during the morning and afternoon bite.
Registration is limited to youth ages 14-18. All youth are required to be accompanied by an adult or mentor and participants over the age of 16 must have a valid 2013 CPW-issued fishing license. Because space is limited to 25 youth, participants will be selected through a random lottery. Participants will be notified by August 19 if they have been selected to participate.
Participants should be physically fit, as they will be spending the day in the high country above 9,000 feet in elevation. A four-wheel-drive or other high-clearance vehicle is required to navigate roads to the site.
This is a full-day clinic. Because access to the site is restricted, participants must be at the rendezvous point near Empire by 7:30 a.m. sharp. The clinic will last until 5:30 p.m.
Registration is limited to:
-Youth ages 14-18.
-Youth must be accompanied by an adult or mentor and participants over the age of 16 must have a valid 2013 CPW-issued fishing license.
-All participants must have some experience fishing.
-A high clearance vehicle is needed to access the site.
To apply email wildlife.neoutreach@state.co.us with the following information:
-Name of Youth angler:
-Age of Youth angler:
-Fishing Experience Level: No experience, Some Experience, Experienced
-Name of Parent/Mentor:
-Parent/ Mentor Email:
-Phone, Mailing Address
About Caitlin Thompson