Salomone: Friendly locations for anglers with disabilities
Here are three spots to try out in Eagle County
Michael Salomone/Courtesy photo
Some years ago I fished with a man in a wheelchair. We fished a lot.
He increased my awareness of the obstacles he needed to overcome in order to continue to fly fish. Locations were quickly noted when angling, access and fish aligned. The importance of places with designated access always played a huge factor in determining our destination — and the necessity that there be honest opportunities for a catch.
Let me start by stating that I mean no disrespect if I use a term incorrectly. There is no intentional attempt to offend; my apologies in advance if I do.
Across Eagle County, anglers with disabilities have multiple designated angling access areas to wet a line. Some locations offer opportunities for fly fishing and spin fishing with equal enjoyment. Others offer a huge variety of fish, making angling tactic choices even wider.
Anglers with disabilities or individuals who are mobility impaired will find all three of these locations have access catered specifically for them.
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Starting from the top and working down to the western side of the county, the first stop would be upper Black Lake on Vail Pass. A scenic, red cliff-abutted impoundment, this is the last of the three I will discuss to free from the roof of ice that encrusts the lake. But when it does, the fish will bite.
On the eastern edge of the lake along the main access road is an elevated fishing access pier. The biggest issue will be working with someone to land the fish from the high perch. However, the benefits gained from the platform come in the form of increased casting ability and an advantageous fish-fighting position.
Rainbow trout in a larger class inhabit the lake. Hefty, full-fighting, pink and green footballs with fins give these fish a significant nod toward an increased fun factor.
Moving west along Interstate 70, in the heart of the town of Avon is Nottingham Lake. The lake is stocked with hungry rainbow trout. Along the perimeter of the lake is a broad, paved path. This path provides access to any angler.
Designated parking spots for Nottingham are found on three sides of the lake with the majority of public parking found on the east and north sides. Other amenities include a children’s park, music stage, sandy beach, lakeside swing and benches. Plus, the views of Beaver Creek from the lake are postcard perfect.
Anglers will find success casting spinning gear like panther martins. Fly fishers capture attention with streamers and small, stillwater nymphs such as zebra nymphs.
Tactics include a stagnant approach with the nymphs set to a determined depth and left for cruising fish to encounter. Slow movement imparted to nymphs like soft hackle pheasant tails draws strikes from inquisitive fish regularly, too. Fish will grab a well-presented dry fly as well, all within easy casting distance of the paved path. Be watching for the ice to recede soon — spring has arrived early this year.
Down the interstate a short drive is the town of Gypsum, where Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area (SWA). This down-valley location receives early warmth which weakens the hold hard water has maintained over stillwaters for months.
A large parking area is located at the end of the drive beside the first and biggest pond. A paved, wheelchair accessible path leads from the parking area around half of the pond. The path then transitions into a hard packed dirt path and leads to the upper pond with a small island in the middle.
The fishing at Gypsum Ponds SWA gives anglers access to a large variety of fish. The introduction of warm-water species such as bluegills, yellow perch, crappies and smallmouth bass intermixed with rainbow, brook and the occasional brown trout gives this location the ultimate for anglers who revel in catching multiple species. As a result of the potential at this location, anglers regularly employ fly fishing, spin angling with gear and bait fishing tactics.
The importance for anglers of any ability level to access public fishing opportunities rests high on my list of desired traits. My friend passed away a few years ago but the indelible impact he made on my awareness still rides with me. With these three places as a starting point, any angler can obtain spectacular scenery, easy access and a true potential for catching a fish.
