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Well, been since last November last time I jumped on the Forum. But now at the point that things are really happening!
Mining operator pulled their dewatering pump and lake is filling. As of today, the new portion of the lake (portion mining operator pulled sands and gravels out of since November 2025) ranges in depth of 5 feet to around 8 feet deep. Channels that were dug or originally present are +12 feet deep. Water is backing up into the original lake area with the submergence of vegetation that has grown since early 2025.
For habitat (spawning areas), built several artificial structures consisting of old pvc fencing and irrigation tubing. All set within formed out pea gravel beds contained by pvc fence railing. Placed them in varying depth of water, ranging from 2 feet to 5 feet. A steep drop-off occurs moving outwards into the lake so thinking this will be a great area for large fish to hang out and prey on smaller?! Also, created a large sand/pea gravel bedding area to see if fish like my artificial beds or just all fashion beds. Time will tell! Had the mining operator throw big logs and rocks into bottom or along the shoreline for added structure. Needed to get rid of them somehow so thought why not!
For existing fish that were in the lake, I removed most of the carp by bowfishing! They concentrated in the dugout channels near the dewatering pump so pickings were easy! Assumed some existing fish remain but decided against rotenone for the fact to retain frogs, crawdads, etc..
Colorado requires a CPW fish stocking permit, just got it today and scheduling stocking later this month or next month (weather dependent). LMB, BG, fatheads and grass carp. Hoping at time of stocking the lake has minimum depth of 10 feet with deeper depths of +15 feet. Once lake is full (whenever that is with the drought) there will be areas +25 feet!
Added a few pics of the artificial habitat, lake during mining operations and lake filling as of last Friday.
