| Delaney Butte Lakes State Wildlife Area is a high quality sport fishery and big game habitat area. Included in this 2,132 acre area are three lakes managed to provide an exceptional fishing experience with a variety of trout species.East Delaney provides trout averaging 13-14 inches and one pound, up to 20 inches and 4 pounds and also provides the highest catch rate of the three lakes. The lake is stocked with 7500 rainbow trout fingerlings, 7500 Snake River cutthroat trout fingerlings and 5,000 brook trout fingerlings each year. Fishing is limited to artificial flies and lures only; daily bag and total possession limit is two trout. The maximum surface acreage is 65, maximum depth is 34 feet, and average depth is 10-12 feet. Facilities at this lake include one boat ramp and one toilet.North Delaney (205 acres) is one of only two Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. This lake is managed as a wild brown trout egg source for the entire state, providing a million plus eggs each year. Fishing regulations for this lake are intended to protect brown trout in the 14 to 20 inch range. Trout in these size and age classes are prime spawners and provide the bulk of the brown trout eggs taken in the DOW's spawn-taking operation each fall.To take advantage of the lake's high productivity, North Delaney Butte Lake is stocked with 31,000 brown trout fingerlings and 3,000 rainbow trout fingerlings each year. Anglers may catch trout up to 25 inches in length, weighing from one to eight pounds. When filled completely, North Delaney Butte Lake has 260 surface acres; maximum depth is 30 feet; average depth is 12-15 feet. Fishing on this lake is by artificial flies and lures only. All brown trout caught between 14 and 20 inches must be returned to the water immediately. The daily bag and total possession limit is two trout, regardless of species. Facilities at this lake include one boat ramp, two toilets, and one shade shelter.South Delaney (150 acres) is stocked with 15,000 rainbow trout fingerlings and 15,000 Snake River cutthroat trout fingerlings each year. Fish average 14-16 inches, however trout up to 22 inches and 4 pounds are taken in subsequent years. This is the only lake of the three in which bait can be used. Daily bag and total possession limit is two trout. At maximum the lake is 56 surface acres; maximum depth is 26 feet, average depth is 10-12 feet. Facilities at this lake include one boat ramp, four toilets, and one shade shelter. |
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