March Lakes Report
From the 3/7/25 PLPOA eblast
The ice has generally disappeared on the lakes, a couple weeks earlier than most years due to an unusually mild and dry winter. We will not be getting much of a spring run-off at our lower elevations this year, but the good news is that the lakes are full heading into early spring and we should be in good shape for now with regards to water storage. We will soon be installing the floating docks at the boat ramps and moving a couple of the larger docks at Hatcher Lake and Lake Pagosa back into summer positions, as well as grade and gravel work on the boat ramps themselves. We will also be shutting down the seasonal lake aeration systems until next winter.
We are planning to start our spring fish stocking programs in mid-April with several thousand pounds of 12-16 inch rainbow trout as well as around 4000 individual largemouth bass and crappie. We are also looking into the possibility of bringing in a few Tiger trout this spring, most likely just at Hatcher Lake to add some excitement to things. Tiger trout are a cross between a brown trout and brook trout and can grow into powerful predators that could help us keep some of our small yellow perch under control. The bass are great predators as well, and we will continue to support a strong bass population in the lakes. We anticipate that the next couple of months will provide some outstanding fishing and boating opportunities on the lakes. And just a reminder that the lakes were stocked heavily late last fall with large numbers of trout, and with the mild winter and very limited ice fishing activity those fish are still in there. Fishing and boat permits are available at the Recreation Center and at the Administration Offices in Vista and are the same great-value price as last year with family options available.