Colorado Walleye Prey

[Steve(CO)]

For you Coloradoans, what are the primary prey species in our Colorado lakes, particularly Boyd. I used to mainly fish Horsetooth, but have switched over to Boyd the last year or two after the Horsetooth smelt crash. What is the primary prey in Boyd? I assume perch are one (lots of them), but are there shad or shiners or anything else? What about other No. Colorado reservoirs?
Steve

[Neal/CO]

Pueblo, Bonny and Lonetree are shad based, as is Cherry Creek. Aurora is perch and Spottail shiners. Glendo is Shad and perch. I have never fished Boyd but I am sure some of the other guys can help you on it. I have heard the ice is safe there right now?

[Steve(CO)]

Thanks, Neal. According to the State Parks web site, Boyd has a shad forage base which the white bass key on. They mention white bass up to 4 pounds caught this year! My biggest has been about 2. So, shad and perch would seem to be the main walleye forage there.

[DAVE]

I used to fish Boyd alot two years ago when I lived in Loveland.
Shad is the primary forage base. However you will find the more shad looking crankbaits you use the more catfish you will catch on them. My experience has been that you need to fish cranks that look like perch or firetiger patterns. Crankbaits that rattle work the best. Look for fish that are suspended down 20-25 feet over 35-40 foot of water and start trolling. In 1999 with normal water levels I took 10 fish over 29". Last year with the low water is was alot tougher with only one big one. With all of the snow Boyd will be hot this summer if they fill it back to normal levels. Good luck and if you want anymore info on Boyd i will be glad to help, It is a great walleye lake.

[Steve(CO)]

Thanks, Dave. I have moved to Boyd as my primary lake from Horsetooth, because of the smelt crash and drawdown (I live in Fort Collins). My best luck at Boyd the last two years has been on bottom bouncers and jigging. I have not had much luck trolling cranks but I think I have been trolling too shallow to pick up the suspended fish you mention. I have ordered the new Precision trolling book, will stock up on some perch and firetiger cranks, and will give your suggestions a try. Any particular cranks that you found to be best?

[Dave]

Without a doubt, you need to use the Bomber 24A BFT(Bangle Fire Tiger). Run it 200 Ft back with 10/4 fireline. Run it on a planner board on the south end of the lake. In 35-45 FT of water.
My second choice is a deep rogue or deep husky jerk. Run these about 60 ft back then a 3/4 oz snap weight then another 50ft. Other lure to try would be a jr. Thundersick back 250 ft. and a reef runner back 80 ft. All on 10/4 Fireline. When you start running these in shallower than 25'-30' ft of water you will start to pick up 14-16 inchers. If you want the pigs go out to the deep water.

[wyo guy]

last time i checked glendo was still in wyoming, although when we go there it seems like we are in colo.

[rappin]

Neal, Glendo is still in wyoming and we are not giving it up, you cant have it. later

[EYEFISH]

Dave,

It is nice to see other walleye fisherman sharing honest info. It seems that we have gotten so competitive in this life we have forgotten how to help others. The info you shared makes me want to hook up the boat and head south this summer. Great post!!


Good Luck and Good fishing

Eric

[Neal/CO]

I plan to march into southern Wyoming with my own Colorado army and take Glendo by force. I may just take Pathfinder and Seminole also. If your lucky I may still let you fish there of course a license will cost you 1000.00 a year.

You guys need to lighten up. The reason I mentioned Glendo is that most of us up north fish there. You guys don't seem to have any problem taking us greenies money!

[GoWyo]

Can't we all just get along, there's plenty of fish for everybody, Green or Gold.

[Neal/CO]

I don't have a problem with you or anyone else in Wyoming. It's the most buetiful state in the union, outside of Alaska. I was just having some fun at your expense. If we ever meet up at Glendo I'll buy ya beer!

[Steve(CO)]

Thanks again, Dave. Maybe I'll see you there this year. I'll be in a white/pewter Lund 1700 Fisherman with a 135 Optimax. Look for the old guy with a beard.
Steve

[GoWyo]

Cool, I'll bring the sheep

[rappin]

its nice to see some of can give each other #### and not get bent out of shape. have a good one!!!

[Art/Co]

Hey Neal,

If we can't catch any walleye this year @ Glendo maybe GoWyo can show us where these sheep are at. LOL

art