Featured Project
Robinson Diversion Modification Project
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has designated the Roaring Fork River between Basalt and Glenwood Springs as a "Gold Medal" water for its outstanding aquatic habitat and angling experience. However, just downstream from Basalt, the Robinson Diversion acted as an imposing and unpredictable barrier to float fishing on that stretch of the river.
A project supported through the Fishing Is Fun program partnered with the irrigation company that owns the diversion, Pitkin County, the Town of Basalt, private donors, and many others to redesign the diversion structure to protect the irrigation company's water rights, allow safer downstream boat passage and improve upstream movement of aquatic species. This video discusses the project, including the angling benefits from its completion.
The Fishing Is Fun program provides matching grants annually to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, water districts, angling organizations and others for projects to improve angling opportunities in Colorado.
Project Types
Among the types of projects supported through Fishing Is Fun are stream and river habitat improvements, access improvements, perpetual easements for public access, pond and lake habitat improvements, fish retention structures, development of new fishing ponds, and amenity improvements such as shade shelters, benches and restrooms.
Timeline
- Late November - Program announcements are typically made
- Early March - Proposals due at Parks and Wildlife area offices. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local District Wildlife Manager or Aquatic Biologist for their input into the proposal prior to submittal.
- Early May - A review panel meets for project presentations and to develop funding recommendations.
- Mid-June - A final list of projects and funding is approved by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director.
History
Over 30 years, the Fishing Is Fun program has supported 375 angling improvement projects across the state, from the smallest towns on the Eastern Plains and the West Slope to the major metropolitan areas along the Front Range. In just the last few years, grants have been awarded for projects in or near Steamboat Springs, Lake City, Hudson, Idaho Springs, Pueblo and nearly two dozen other locations. Project sponsors have included open-space programs, water trusts, angling organizations, local and county governments and park and recreation departments.
Read the Fishing is Fun article that appeared in the Colorado Outdoors 2019 Fishing Guide. For more information on Colorado Outdoors products, see the Magazine page.
