cochetopa state wildlife areacochetopa state wildlife area

But somehow I manage to ease the critter, a good rainbow, out of the current and into some slack water where I can wrestle him to the net. LITTLE LA GARITA CREEK - Saguache Co. Map Interactive Map . Off-The-Beaten Path Adventures and Eclectic Musings Of An Itinerant Angler, Eclectic Musings: Sustainability, Politics, et cetera, Solving The Runoff Riddle: Off To See The Wizards OfGnaws, The Bountiful Blackwater River (Collier-Seminole State Park,Florida), Where The Wild Fins Want To Be: Solving The Water TemperatureConundrum, Looking Back On 2022: The Best, The Befuddling, And TheBungled, Hiking The Fab Four Trails Of The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: #2 The EastMain, True West: Authentic Development Patterns For Western Communities, Backcountry Kayak Fishing In The Ten Thousand Islands, Florida, The Sustainable Development Code: Saving The World Through Zoning. Its so good to be back in nature, surrounded by all this beautiful, delicate flora. But I discovered its the perfect technique on Archuleta Creek, a little sister tributary to Cochetopa Creek, high in a mountain valley 20 miles southeast of Gunnison, Colorado. Forest History Society:Listing of the National Forests of the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cochetopa_National_Forest&oldid=1095007396, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 25 June 2022, at 21:28. The ranch is secluded and tucked away in a scenic pocket of southwest Colorados rural Saguache County. Colorado Parks and Wildlife The current owners have harvested a bull elk every year since they purchased the property, typically right on the deeded ranch. While most activities focus on Day One: Im in my little travel trailer a.k.a mobile fishing camp parked next to Dome Lake located in a high country state park near the Continental Divide, not too far from Gunnison, Colorado. The ranch includes a very comfortable off-grid 3 bedroom 1 bathroom main cabin along with a 4,000 sqft heated shop, corrals, sorting pens, loafing sheds, and various historic structures. WebThe Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area is located at the latitude and longitude coordinates of 38.1969389 and -106.7322598 at an elevation of 2810 feet. I shake my headthat should make things interesting! EN. Colorado River-From the upper end of Gore Canyon downstream to the town of State Bridge (16 miles). It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. The ranch is located off of CO Highway 114, providing year-round county-maintained access. There are extensive trail systems for both motorized and nonmotorized vehicles, allowing an owner endless opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation. There are three cross-fenced pastures that are set up for rotational grazing to enhance useability and preserve the nutrient-dense grasses on the ranch. Outside of big game hunting, the pond features allow for some unique waterfowl hunting in a mountainous setting. Ten minutes later I am still looking in vain for anything with a fin. WebArea Offers: Hunting: Dusky (blue) Grouse, Waterfowl Fishing: Coldwater Stream Recreation: Wildlife Viewing Restrictions: A. Cochetopa Dome Ranch is a solid mountain grazing ranch coupled with high-quality recreational values for both hunting and fishing in a tucked-away corner of Colorado that remains unspoiled. The home is set up to be entirely self-sufficient based on abundant food storage, existing solar infrastructure, private culinary and irrigation water sources, plus a 2,000-gallon propane storage capacity in addition to wood-burning heat sources. INDEPENDENCE MOUNTAIN - Jackson CoNotice: Due to termination of Exchange of Use Agreement, the boundaries of this STL have changed and size of this STL has reduced. We offer real-time climate data, weather forecasts, and alerts, as well as information on the best recreation spots nearby. This side of the ranch also adjoins both National Forest and BLM land and is situated in GMU 551, giving an owner another unit to draw big game tags from. This scenic recreation area is a destination perfect for a day of fishing. 210 West Spencer Avenue Thats why so many of us love to fish the small out of the way creeks, close to nature, with solitudeexpecting to discover the unexpected. Its lands exist now as portions of San Isabel, Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. Hunting and Fishing on State Trust Lands and Wildlife Areas in Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. Its a deadly combo that gets fish on top and down below (where fish feed most of the time)except in places like Archuleta Creek which is shallow and where a sinking nymph will pick up a lot of moss and other detritus or just plain snag on streambed rocks. So after a long day of fishing and driving over rough backcountry roads, I. am lollygagging about and staying close to camp on Upper Dome Lake. Hes a respectable 14-inch fish, that will be the biggest of the day. The fish dives deep and when I move him, jets upstream with me in hot pursuit. Official websites use .gov WebCoalbed Canyon State Wildlife Area; Cochetopa State Wildlife Area; Coke Oven State Wildlife Area; Coller State Wildlife Area; Colorado River Island State Wildlife Area; WebWhat is a State Wildlife Area? Cochetopa National Forest was established in Colorado on July 1, 1908 with 932,890 acres (3,775.3km2), renamed from Cochetopah National Forest. Archuleta Creek trout are partial to very small flies, feasting on tiny mayflies, caddis, and midges that hatch throughout the summer on most days. On July 1, 1944 Cochetopa was broken up between Gunnison, Rio Grande and San Isabel National Forests. [1] WebChaffee County State Trust Lands Aspen Ridge - GMU 57 Chubb Park - GMU 49 Droney Gulch - GMU 56 Little Cochetopa Creek - GMU 561 Maxwell Park - GMU 481 Poncha The ranch is set in a well-watered valley that features miles of creek and multiple pond features that irrigate the pastures creating healthy grasses for grazing and wildlife. Finally, after several more frantic runs, the fish submitsa colorful, healthy 13 bow! Cochetopa Creek is loaded with healthy, eager fish and steeped in history. See the State Wildlife Area finder page WebThe USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular The flies continue to slide down against the bank, and suddenly the dry unceremoniously gets dunked as a substantial fish grabs the nymph. For some of my earlier outings on Cochetopa Creek, see: https://hooknfly.com/2015/10/05/three-perfect-days-on-cochetopa-creek/. The water is also very clear with lots of wispy green tendrils of aquatic vegetation waving in the current and covering the bottom in shallow stretches. It became a National Forest on March 4, 1907. WebDiscover the best MTB trails and routes to and around Dome Lakes State wildlife area . Hes not done yet, but after some slashing back and forth, Im landing a fat, feisty brown trout who poses for a quick photo. The fine for entering a state wildlife area without a valid license is US$139.50. WebLittle Cochetopa Creek is a great spot for stream fishing. I loft a cast upstream above the bend and watch as the dry bounces jauntily over a riffle and then plunges into the deeper stretch. RAV-Cheatgrass-Tool-Improve-Bobwhite-Habitat, This SWA no longer exists, or no longer allows public access., Sagebrush & Sage Species Conservation Strategy. LockA locked padlock Which got me to thinking, why not use a larger dry fly as a strike indicator, in this case a size 16 green parachutegrasshopper pattern to imitate one of the hordes of hoppers buzzing about the meadow here in August. Has someone played Rope-A-Dope with me and my checkbook?? WebCPW Connect is the volunteer management system and activity registration portal for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He spots it, jets forward, and WHAM, hes on!! Private and remote mountain grazing property highlighted by public lands adjacency and extensive water rights. The nearby Tomichi I am pleased to report that the fly fishing season in Gunnison county is ON. Im talking microscopicsize 20-24. The traffic is light, and Im suiting up on schedule. [1], .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}380919N 1063901W / 38.15534N 106.65036W / 38.15534; -106.65036. Additional buildings include a 40 x 60 post and beam barn + loft with a solar array in addition to a spacious 6-stall tack room that doubles as a gym. Restrooms and Shelters are ADA accessible. Multiple live water features on and close to the ranch coupled with expansive BLM & National Forest land adjoining the property create hunting and fishing resources that make Cochetopa Dome a rare find for the outdoor-minded owner. On May 26, 1930 it received land from Leadville National Forest. Flies this small are extremely hard to see, especially if floating against the bank in a foam line, if you are looking into the sun in the afternoon, or its cloudy. Cochetopa National Forest - Wikipedia Nothing like a little green goo on a nymph to elicit expletives. Plan your own MTB tracks on the map and start your next adventure. After 30-minutes of action, I move upstream where the lies are trickier. Animals rely upon the ranchs water resources and are drawn down from these heavily timbered National Forest lands to feed on the nutrient-rich grasses and water in West Pass Creek. List of Colorado state wildlife areas I walk 10 minutes downstream from a turnout on 114, staying back from the water so as not to spook any fish. Along with the strong well, there are 5 springs scattered around the ranch that fill the ditches along with water diverted from West Pass Creek to irrigate the pastures and/or hay meadows. [1], .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}381131N 1063730W / 38.192N 106.625W / 38.192; -106.625. State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) are state- or privately-owned lands that offer wildlife-related recreation to the public. Cochetopa Dome Ranch offers a variety of recreational values that you do not often expect on a high-country grazing property. The north end of the ranch can be accessed through an underpass, which allows an owner to move cattle to this side of the ranch without needing to cross the highway. I slip carefully into the water and check under some rocks to see whats on the menu. Which can lead to extreme consternation and blue language against a blue sky. WebCochetopa SWA: 6,998-acre conservation easement to protect habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse, Gunnison prairie dogs, pronghorn, elk, and bald eagle, and public access for I start to lift the fly as it starts to slide underneath the overhanging branches of a tree, but suddenly something erupts on the surface and smacks the fly. Soon I see why the water is so lowa sizeable irrigation diversion dam across the creek is sucking out about half the flow! (See my article titled Day 1 on Archuleta Creek.). This southern piece totals around 1,300 acres and is where the headquarters and most improvements are located. Its lower than I expected, running around 20 cfs, probably due to upstream irrigation diversionits that time of year. Now that you CAN fish in Gunnison Country, [] Colorado State Recreation Lands brochure (Folleto de tierras recreativas del estado de Colorado). Cochetopah National Forest was established as the Cochetopah Forest Reserve in Colorado on June 13, 1905 with 1,133,330 acres Gunnison Field Office Its a nice brown trout who makes a fatal mistake of leaving his protected haunt for open water. The 250 acres on the north side of Highway 114 feature around 50 acres that are irrigated by a natural spring. The pasture is carpeted with golden pea, feathery purple Rocky Mountain iris, and the appropriately named meadow foxtail. Beautiful rock formations line Highway 114 and lead down to this little oasis located between Saguache and Gunnison. CPW Connect: Calendar This area Another two quickly follow with nary an errant cast. On the other hand, an expert angler could be entertained by the amount of water and eager trout here for hours. Explore more, impact less with Snoflo. They selected the property for its high altitude, extensive water resources, and nutritious grasses that yield healthy gains on calves year after year. The Cochetopa Site 4 Campsite is a primitive and non-reservable camping area located in the Tomichi watershed of Colorado. I had driven in from Florida, my winter getaway, on the heels of a big late May snowstorm in Colorado and whiled away a week tidying the cabin till the cold weather lifted. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. An official website of the United States government. At the first good hole, after sizing things up, I cast 15-feet upstream of the bend, and watch as the dry glides past the curve in the creek and towards the beckoning branches. WebScale 1:63,000. Crested Butte and Monarch ski areas are both within less than two hours, making day skiing an easy trip in the winter months. This region of Colorado is dominated by public lands and conserved ranches, while Cochetopa Dome Ranch is unencumbered by conservation easement; it would be a great candidate for a new easement. Cochetopa WebChapter 9 - Division Properties - Colorado Division of Wildlife. Approximately 400 acres of the ranch are irrigated and have been utilized for hay production. On my next cast, something tries to gulp down the dry, but misses. Bring the sunscreen, food and drinks - the sun can shine here at 9000 feet up, and you are a far way from anywhere. WebLITTLE COCHETOPA CREEK - Chaffee Co Map Interactive Map . Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area in Saguache County in Colorado [2] In 2021, Colorado Parks and Wildlife implemented the Colorado State Wildlife Area Pass for individuals who prefer not to purchase a hunting or fishing license. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. RAV-Cheatgrass-Tool-Improve-Bobwhite-Habitat, Sagebrush & Sage Species Conservation Strategy, Folleto de tierras recreativas del estado de Colorado, valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass. This one is bigger, and when I see a silver flash, I know its a nice rainbow. Then out of the corner of my eye I see a showy rise a hundred feet upstream close against the opposite bank where the current looks stronger. The first two efforts fail abjectly, although I escape getting snagged. WebCochetopa Creek Rec Site. This SWA no longer exists, or no longer allows public access. The property is set within the Cochetopa Hills and at elevations ranging from 8,900 to 9,300 feet. In previous years the owner has drawn up to 4 elk tags, and 3 mule deer tags. WebCochetopah National Forest. I am intrigued, so wade carefully into the marsh and pull out my cell phone app called PictureThis that is remarkably good at identifying wildflowers. Feeling a mite less cocky, I decide to proceed upstream where the action continues with a succession of 11-13 browns, oddly most favoring the nymph despite the hatch. The gently rolling topography of the property makes snowmobiling or snowshoeing on the ranch make for a perfect activity during winter. Tomichi Creek - Wikipedia These water features could be further improved as recreational or agricultural resources. Ranch FLY GULCH (youth mentors only) - Routt Co, Property Regulations for Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse. The second outfit is a 9-foot 5# Sage rod with a double-nymph offeringa #18 Two-Bit Hooker up top trailed by a #18 bead-head sparkle caddis nymph. Nothing doing! This scenic recreation area is a destination perfect for a day of fishing. Its nip and tuck, and I fully expect the leader to snap. EN. Dome Lake state wildlife Area fishing The dense vegetation and steep canyon walls that line Cochetopa Creek provide a calm and relaxing place to fish with developed campsites and picnic areas located along the creek. However, the third time is the charm, and as the Trude sidles up against the bank in the foam, it is jerked under. A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing most state wildlife areas. The best approach is to cast into the grass and then slowly coax the flies into the water. Snoflo.org. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Cochetopa Hills, the Continental Divide, and the Gunnison National Forest. Cochetopa Canyon is situated nearby to Cochetopa Creek. Fly casting into 15-30 mph winds is not exactly a relaxing interlude. ), I soar at least an inch above the waters surface andmanage to come down empty handed. For me, the savior on Archuleta Creek and others like it has been to tie a bright yellow strike indicatora piece of yellow yarna couple of feet above the fly so I have a general idea where the little thing is which allows me to set the hook more quickly when a trout sucks in the dry fly. It lands in the short grass just above the water, and when I twitch it onto the surface, a good fish explodes and gulps the Trude, his golden body reflecting in the morning sun. Coverage includes: San Isabel, Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests; La Garita Wilderness; Cochetopa Hills; Cebolla Creek State Wildlife Area; Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area; A lock ( State Wildlife Area Map - Colorado Parks and Wildlife With the patented quick reflexes of a septuagnarian, I set the hook. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Camping is prohibited. Not bad for a small creek! ), The stretch of Archuleta Creek I have my sights on today is a tailwater below Lower Dome Lake, a. state wildlife area with primitive camping facilities. Copyright 2023 Mirr Ranch Group. Around noon, I come to the upper end of the property signified by a menacing looking barbed-wire fence. Yesterday I drove over the Continental Divide to beautiful Saguache Park and fished the headwaters of Saguache Creek. I retreat post haste to the mobile fish camp and rig up my fly rod with a tiny #20 black midge dry fly that has done well for me in the lake and the creek. WebThe Gunnison River at 164 miles in length is the fifth largest tributary in the Colorado River system. Gunnison, CO 81230. For a complete list of water rights appurtenant to the ranch, inquire with the listing broker. In all my times fishing and camping up here, I have never seen anyone fish this stretch below the lake, hidden in plain sight! The La Garita/Cochetopa Hills Trails Illustrated map is the most comprehensive recreational map for this tucked away corner of Colorado. The property could operate as a perfect horse ranch and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including ATV riding, hiking, hunting & sport shooting. In the distance a rugged bluff towers over my SUV. The cheapest license is a fishing license, which costs US$38 in 2020. I forego using the little extendable bug net in my vest to capture one of the dainty insects, instead opting to relive my former illustrious, glory days in the Chicago lawyers basketball league where we players made up for our lack of skill with truculence on the court. Who would have thought the high point of this excellent day of fishing, catching and releasing upwards of two dozen handsome trout under a beautiful blue mountain sky, would be a rare wildflower? It looks inviting, so I work it carefully, staying low and throwing long casts. Dome Lake state wildlife Area fishing Off-The-Beaten Path Adventures and Eclectic Musings Of An Itinerant Angler Dome Lake state wildlife Area fishing October 2, 2020 Getting A Leg Up By Going Downstream: The Cochetopa Creek Test Late September 2020 Then I come to another tempting looking bend in the creek. (See my earlier articles about Cochetopa creek in 2015. WebColorado Parks and Wildlife State Wildlife Area This SWA is not available. Small mayflies and large Drakes are everywhere. The trail meanders along the stream and a leisurely pace will afford hikers the opportunity to see elk and other wildlife. Well, hell, the trout are feasting on yellow ones today. Type any word of phrase to find relevant properties and articles (ex: "Trees Ranch" or "trophy elk"), Can't find your dream ranch? After a worthy tussle, another brownie comes in for a quick pic and release. CB MacTrout Newsletter - August 3rd, 2011 - Crested Butte Fly It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. The 9,000 square foot, 8-bedroom/ 5-bathroom home is perched on a hillside and offers dramatic mountain and valley views to the east and south. The north end of the property features an A-frame cabin structure that could be renovated as a guest or hunting cabin. a. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. After a good battle, I ease him into the net. Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area - Topo Maps, Points of Interests Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Compared to surrounding areas, the valley receives less snowpack which aids in the ranchs ability to run cattle earlier in the spring and later into the fall despite its high elevation. Maybe 15 feet at its widest, Cochetopa Creek arises at the foot of an imposing 14,000 foot+ mountain, San Luis Peak, in the La Garita Wilderness area south of Gunnison. The main tributaries of the Gunnison are the East, Taylor, and Lake Beautiful rock All of the river levels have come down to excellent fly fishing clarity, temperature and flows. WebThe Cochetopa Site 4 Campsite is a primitive and non-reservable camping area located in the Tomichi watershed of Colorado. Electricity is provided by a modern solar array, with a backup diesel generator. So, I decide to treat myself to fishing some private water on one of my favorites off Highway 114 near GunnisonCochetopa Creek. The Cochetopa Valley is a large high elevation (~9,000 feet) volcanic basin that is mostly comprised of vast public lands and a mosaic of blocked-up private ranches, sweeping sagebrush hillsides, pine and aspen trees, lush irrigated meadows, scenic mountain vistas, and wonderful recreational access and wildlife habitat. A good-sized one cruises insouciantly in front of me, picking off small bugs on the surface, apparently oblivious to my presence above. When the action slows momentarily, I switch to the double nymph rig and fool a couple of 12-inch brownies who cant resist the allure of the Two-Bit Hooker! Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. about 350 SWA lands around the state. Just as it hits the bend, the fly disappears! As I creep carefully into casting position, I notice some yellow mayflies flitting in the air, then some yellow caddis. Camping is prohibited. The Gunnison watershed got decent snow over the winter, and according to the state water gauge near Parlin, Cochetopa Creeks is running at 30 cfs, a bit low but based on my experience should still be eminently fishable. Now there's a pass for that", Colorado Department of Natural Resources website, Central City/Black Hawk Historic District, Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District, Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building, United States Air Force Academy, Cadet Area, List of National Register of Historic Places in Colorado, Yanks Gulch/Upper Greasewood Creek Natural Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Colorado_state_wildlife_areas&oldid=1154207235, Recreational fishing in the United States, Lists of wildlife management areas of the United States by state, Short description with empty Wikidata description, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 10 May 2023, at 23:34.