Colorado Parks and Wildlife is putting out the call for anglers in Durango: Huck Finn Pond is about to be dredged, so come catch as many fish as you can.
The pond, which sits just east of Main Avenue near 16th Street along the Animas River, is located behind the state’s fish hatchery in Durango.
CPW Spokesman John Livingston said the pond needs to be dredged approximately every decade, and 13 years have passed since it was last cleared of debris. Before the heavy machinery moves in, the agency is encouraging anglers to come catch their fill.
“Anybody with a valid Colorado fishing license can get down there – no bag limit or anything like that,” he said. “So catch as much as you can take.”
The pond is stocked periodically to be used for fishing derbies or other classes and events. Livingston said it likely contains mostly rainbow trout and perhaps the odd brown trout, which he expects are all over 10½ inches.
The dredging will deepen the pond and remove built-up waste and sediment, which should help reduce weed growth.
“As part of what we do at Parks and Wildlife, we don't ever want anything go to waste,” Livingston said. “So, (we) want to offer up that opportunity to the public to catch however many fish they would like.”
Fishing licenses can be purchased online, over the phone (800) 244-5613 or at participating retailers. Anglers may use any legal fishing method at Huck Finn Pond through Oct. 15.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
