2023 CPW Fall Poudre Fish Sampling

Would you like to:

• Work alongside fish biologists to collect population data required to make informed management decisions?

• Learn first hand where fish are in the Poudre River?

• Enjoy beautiful fall days working in the mountains with like-minded people?

• Help make a difference in restoring local waters to high quality fisheries?

If you answered Yes to any of the above, this project is for you!

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is the lead agency responsible for fisheries management of public waters in the State of Colorado. The primary tool that guides fish management is lake and stream surveys. These surveys primarily consist of periodic monitoring of fish populations. During the survey process fish are collected using a variety of techniques and returned to the water after the necessary biological data is recorded. A variety of gear is used to gauge the entire fish community rather than a single species. For this project, electroshocking equipment will be used to collect fish on several stretches of the Poudre River.

The collected data is used to track fish population trends, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions such as stocking and regulations, and establish realistic management goals for a given lake or stream.

Volunteers will meet at Ted's Place at 8:30 AM and will carpool from there to conduct the sampling. The goal will be to sample two areas per day, with hopes of returning to Ted's Place around 4:00 PM.

Things to bring include waders, wading boots, lunch, water, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, extra layers, etc.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work with CPW biologists in the field and learn about managing fish populations!