Jon Ewert has more than two decades behind him at Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), where he plays a crucial role in managing the fish populations at Lake Granby. Since becoming the area’s fisheries biologist in 2007, Ewert has focused on maintaining the health and sustainability of Lake Granby’s renowned lake trout population.
His work involves meticulous documentation and analysis of the fish populations to ensure that the lake continues to support a thriving ecosystem. This includes conducting randomized netting surveys to monitor the density and health of the fish, and making management decisions based on the data collected.
A significant part of Ewert’s efforts centers on balancing the predator-prey dynamics within the lake. However, maintaining an adequate prey base, primarily kokanee salmon, is essential to support the large predator fish population. Other management strategies also address the challenges posed by invasive species, such as rusty crayfish, which could threaten the fishery’s ecological balance.
Through collaboration with agencies like the US Forest Service and local guides and outfitters, Ewert also works to enhance recreational fishing opportunities while safeguarding the lake’s biodiversity. His comprehensive fisheries management reports serve as valuable resources for both the public and his colleagues, while reflecting his commitment to preserving Lake Granby’s quality waters for future generations of anglers and other recreationists.
Help Protect Our Fisheries!
“One of the things rusty crayfish are known for is fish egg predation,” said Ewert. “One possible impact they could have is egg predation on these naturally reproducing fish. Public awareness of the fact that you can’t move live species around; you can’t move live crayfish around; and you can’t move live fish around is really important. We have rules against those things for a reason and there are certain species that we just don’t want in our waters because they could have a huge negative impact.”
Lake Granby
Location: Grand County / Arapaho National Recreation Area / 40.142274, -105.839889
Size: 7,250 surface acres / 40 miles of shoreline / Maximum depth of 220 feet
Management: U.S. Forest Service as part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area.
Area CPW Office and Phone #: Hot Sulphur Springs, Colo. / (970) 725-6200
Facilities: Restrooms / 260 Campsites / Three Boat Ramps
Fishing: Cold Water
Recreation: Camping / Fishing / Boating / Kayaking / Paddleboarding / Hiking
General Information: Come explore the beauty of Lake Granby, a stunning alpine reservoir nestled within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, just a short drive from Granby or Grand Lake. Offering some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the region, anglers will delight in casting a line for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and some of Colorado’s most legendary lake trout. Surrounded by mountains and dense forests, Lake Granby can provide the perfect escape for anyone seeking a bit of excitement or solitude.
If you’re a beginner angler looking for pointers to reel in some lake trout, check out this Colorado Outdoors article.
To access this area for fishing, individuals aged 16 or older must possess a valid license. These can be obtained through CPW authorized sales agents, via phone (1-800-244-5613), or online at CPWShop.
Angling Regulations and Information
- Ice-fishing shelters must be portable.
- Gaffs and tail snares prohibited.
- Bag and possession limit for lake trout is 12, only one of which may be greater than 24 inches.
- Bag and possession limit for other trout species and kokanee is 4, singly or in aggregate.
For current regulations, always refer to the Colorado Fishing Brochure.
Location
Need a fishing License?
Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year. Youth aged 15 and under fish for free.
Colorado Quality Waters Program
Lake Granby is one of the more than fifty Colorado Quality Waters.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is excited to announce a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists has identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys, and professional biological assessments.
CPW’s List of Quality Waters includes lakes and streams that contain productive, quality fisheries with public access and are fishable by most angling methods. The waters may have been nominated for one species or a whole suite of species. We encourage anglers to use the Quality Waters List and plan a trip to hook into their next big fish!
For more Colorado quality fishing opportunities, please view the Colorado Quality Waters map.