ANS pose a significant threat to Colorado’s fisheries!
Keep your angling gear free of mud, plants and organic debris between each and every use. Unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another, even within different stretches of the same river, can start a domino effect of invasion causing irreversible ecological damage.
Inspect
Examine all equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, downrigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving the water body.
Clean
Thoroughly remove any visible material, including plants, animals, and mud on footwear and gear with a stiff brush and then disinfect using one of the following four methods:
Submerge in a quaternary ammonia based cleaner (6 oz per gallon of water) for 20 minutes
Soak in 140°F water for 10 minutes
Freeze overnight
Dry for at least 10 days
Drain
Completely drain water from boat, motor, bilge, bladders, wells and bait containers away from the ramp.
Dry
Allow everything to dry completely between each use. Most ANS, such as New Zealand mudsnails, can survive several days out of the water and can be transported on footwear or gear.
Footwear
Wear non-felt soled boots instead of felt-soled footwear to further reduce the risk of spreading ANS.
Live Aquatic Bait
Learn the bait rules for the water body you plan to fish before you go. There are different rules east and west of the continental divide, above 7,000 feet, and at specific water bodies.
Purchase bait from a reputable Colorado bait dealer and keep your receipt with you as proof of purchase. It is illegal to bring live aquatic bait into Colorado from another state.
Dispose of unwanted bait, fish parts, worms, and packing materials, in the trash; do not dump them in the water or on land.
Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another. Fish caught for eating or taxidermy should be cleaned away from the water and placed on ice.
Don’t transport natural water when keeping live aquatic bait. Drain bait container and replace it with spring or dechlorinated tap water.
