10.07.13 .... Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has been managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service for many years. Terribly polluted from its days as a chemical manufacturing site, it has been undergoing Superfund cleanup efforts for 20 plus years. Only in recent years has the public been able to access [a limited area] of the property, which is the largest undeveloped tract of land in metro Denver.

In summer, 2 lakes are open for limited and carefully restricted catch and release fishing. The aquatic life is very rich and the birds and animals in the area seem to thrive with human intrusion being so limited.

It was one of the hottest days of the summer so I arrived as early as is permitted - at 6AM. No fish were caught (by me) but others did. Fishing can be very good here, but in midsummer - it can be very difficult. You can only fish 6AM-6PM on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays. Very limited space at the small lake, at the big lake one is allowed to wade. I usually fish the small lake, but I need to explore the big lake and learn how to fish it.


The entrance kiosk. You pay $3 for the day and read the rules and sign a form agreeing to everything.


The small lake, Lake Mary. You could walk around it in 15 minutes. The water is quite clear and you will observe lots of fish activity if you pay attention.



Bluegill sunfish guarding their spawning nests. I drew small arrows pointing to the fish. Sunfish nests are often in very shallow water and look very distinctive. Interestingly, it is the male sunfish that builds the nest, then he guards the eggs and babies.


The big lake, Lake Ladora. There are other lakes with fish on the property, but you are not allowed to go near them.

Canon G3 point and shoot camera.