In mid-September, Boulder Fish and Game Club was given the opportunity to help Colorado Parks & Wildlife stock the high lakes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in western Boulder County. The trip involved a pretty rugged 5 mile round-trip hike with packs full of fish. But we were happy to help!
The bags were carried up to the lake in backpacks. With the journey to the lake being around 2.5 miles, it was no easy feat.
The club along with some helpful friends backpacked a total of 11500 Cutthroat Trout into 3 lakes off of the Forth of July Trailhead. We put 6000 into Diamond Lake, 3000 into Banana Lake, and 2500 Cutthroats into Lower Cony Lake. The majority of the fish made the journey (99%) and swam off into their new home.
Some of our friends who helped to get these bags up to the lake. Thank you again to all those who helped out!
High Lake stocking has been a tradition in the club since the 1950s. We’re happy to be back helping with it and hope to continue to keep the lakes of the Indian Peaks Wilderness full of healthy fish to catch for years to come.
Closeup of one of the bags of fish ready to be released into the lake.
Meeting in Nederland before heading up to the trailhead.
Closeup of the Fingerling Cutthroat Trout.
Releasing the fish to their new home.