moving from Vermont, How's the hunting & fishing? (Fort Collins: taxes, to live)

[porter-hanshi]

My wife's job might take us from the mountains of Vermont to the Fort Collins area. I am a hunter and fisherman and guide in Alaska and New York for fishing. I do a lot of whitetail hunting also. To say I am outdoorsy would be an understatement. I am interested in finding out about the hunting and fishing in that area of Colorado. Also we have a wolf sanctuary in Vermont and would have to consider the financial side of reopening in that area. Are there any wolf sanctuaries in that area? Right now we live on 5 acres on the side of a mountain with a pond and all kinds of critters in our woods. I'd like to live near a brook/river on somewhat flat ground would be nice for a change. I have a bunch more questions about taxes etc that I'll ask if this one gets answers. Thanks for your time

[80skeys]

I'll address the fishing and a little on the hunting.
Fishing in Colorado is sort of interesting. Most of it is stocked or managed, especially in reference to the trout. Most of the lakes and rivers do not have self-sustaining populations of trout.
Many of the lakes have other fishes that have been introduced and are in different degrees of self-sustaining. Typical fish found in lakes are: walleye, pike, perch, catfish, mackinaw, sunfish. The higher lakes in the mountains have less of these and are limited to pike and trout.
Here's a comprehensive site that gives you an interactive way to find out about lake fishing in Colorado:
Most of the guides in Colorado specialize in trout, so if you can establish yourself as a walleye guide or pike guide, you'll be able to create your own niche. Fish Explorer Colorado Lakes and Reservoirs - Colorado Fishing Map
As for the hunting, small game and fowl are included in the fishing license as an extra cost. Other types of game require lotteries and permits. Typical things that are hunted here are: turkey, deer, elk, black bear, puma, and then the waterfowls - duck, quail, blue grouse, etc.

[josiecooke9]

Did you ever move out here? My boyfriend is a hunter/fisherman, and we just relocated here...

[NinasMommy]

I too am from Vermont, I now love in Phoenix AZ, it was the worst decision of my life to move here. I am considering a move to FC, did you relocate? I am interested in your views on the area!?

[FLYGUY55]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

I'll address the fishing and a little on the hunting.
Fishing in Colorado is sort of interesting. Most of it is stocked or managed, especially in reference to the trout. Most of the lakes and rivers do not have self-sustaining populations of trout.
Many of the lakes have other fishes that have been introduced and are in different degrees of self-sustaining. Typical fish found in lakes are: walleye, pike, perch, catfish, mackinaw, sunfish. The higher lakes in the mountains have less of these and are limited to pike and trout.
Here's a comprehensive site that gives you an interactive way to find out about lake fishing in Colorado:
Most of the guides in Colorado specialize in trout, so if you can establish yourself as a walleye guide or pike guide, you'll be able to create your own niche. [URL="http://www.fishexplorer.com/lakenav.asp"]Fish Explorer Colorado Lakes and Reservoirs - Colorado Fishing Map[/URL]
As for the hunting, small game and fowl are included in the fishing license as an extra cost. Other types of game require lotteries and permits. Typical things that are hunted here are: turkey, deer, elk, black bear, puma, and then the waterfowls - duck, quail, blue grouse, etc.

The fishing in Colorado is fantastic. When the run-off prevents good trout fishing, there are any number of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs to catch other species: walleyes, musky, bass, panfish, ect.

Around Ft. Collins, there is a lifetime of fishing in the Cache La Poudre: the locals pronounce it Cash la Pewder (phonetically pronounced). It is miles and miles of wild river holding a ton of trout! It is the last river in Colorado not controlled by a dam. Right outside of town, take a left on Rt. 14, and you follow the Poudre for miles and miles -- pull off anywhere, toss in your line, and see what happens. I have only caught Browns there, but I'm sure rainbows and brookies are there also. Not sure about cutthroats. It's beautiful up there.