Colorado’s Hudson Pond Ready for Anglers
OutdoorHub 12.20.12
Even though it’s winter on the plains, thanks to a cooperative fishing project the citizens of Hudson are already looking forward to the fishing season. The 1 1/2-acre Hudson Pond was recently dedicated following a summer of construction work.
Begun with a Fishing is Fun grant for $135,000 from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, this recreation opportunity is the work of Hudson community officials, CPW aquatic biologist Ben Swigle and local wildlife officer Chris Mettenbrink. Additional financing by the town of Hudson ($265,000) as well as assistance in reclaiming the site, building a parking lot and more, helped drive this community pond to its groundbreaking ceremony last July 18 before a crowd of eager neighbors. After two years of planning, a detailed grant acquisition bid process, and four months of construction, Hudson anglers now have a local watering hole to wet their lines.
“A pond like this one in Hudson provides the perfect place for kids and anglers to come spend a few quiet hours in nature’s grasp,” said Ben Swigle, aquatic biologist for the northeast region of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “It’s a place to wet your line, breathe the air and commune with the great outdoors. I hope people will enjoy this recreation opportunity and the ability to fish so close to home.”
The newly dug pond has been constructed so that it is surrounded by trees, willows, sandstone boulders, and a quarter mile trail. Two thousand rainbow trout have been stocked to start the fishery, with plans to add catfish, bass, and sunfish next year if conditions are ripe.
A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anglers 16 years old and older. No swimming, wading or boating of any kind is permitted. Until the vegetation is established, the shoreline is very fragile, so visitors are asked to be careful.
For more information on the Fishing is Fun grant program, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/ResourcesTips/FishingIsFunProgram/Pages/FishingisFunProgram.aspx
