Our Fish
Not only will you be able to catch some great fish but you will also catch some strains of trout that you might not be familiar with. Maria Lake uses fishery biologists to recommend to us different strains of trout that grow hardy in these water conditions, and also “bite” at different times of the year. Typically, when one strain slows down while either spawning or shallow feeding, another will take its place. Typically, 4000 to 7000 trout are stocked on an annual basis.
The lake has been stocked with the following species and strains of trout:
(Click on images for larger view)
Maria Lake has been a private water recreation and fishing facility since 1984, but the history of the lake and its fish date clear back to the mid 1800's. The lake does not spawn fish naturally. All fish must be stocked annually to maintain the current high level of fishing satisfaction.
Maria Lake owners hired CSU graduate students to conduct a Fish and Water Quality Study Report in the mid 1980's. The report concluded that Maria Lake was a unique fish habitat capable of producing up to 100,000 pounds of fish annually. Several strains of trout from 6 different hatcheries have been stocked since 1984.
The rate of trout growth is impressive. Fish put in at 6-7 inches in February or March would reach 16-17 inches by October and 2 1/2 pounds or more. These same fish would weigh 3 1/2 to 4 pounds and 25 inches the third year. Hundreds of fish, 24” or larger, have been caught.
Reasons given for this above-average growth include: nutrient-rich water, fresh springs and moss, and constant fish food production. The lake freezes over for only a short time in late January or February, thus allowing almost constant fresh-water shrimp, snail and aquatic insect production in this rather shallow lake (18 feet deep in the north basin and 16 feet deep in the south basin). Occasional high winds from LaVeta Pass which force wave oxygen into the water may also be a factor.
We closley monitor the lakes depth and water temperatures. To view an average yearly breakdown of this information click here.
Contacts with the State Fish Biologists are maintained. We have also learned to carefully select fish suppliers and closely supervise the conditions and times of fish stocking i.e., water temperatures, pH readings, algae, etc. In the past few years, we have implemented ways to increase the fish food supply in the lake, including better moss and edging management. The results of our efforts have produced an exceptional fishing experience for our members and guests.
Fish Stocking Operation
Maria Lake is normally stocked once each year however there have been years when both a spring and fall stocking has been done. Species of trout placed in the lake for the last few years include Cutbows, Triploids, Snake River Cutthroat, Kamloop, Rainbows, and Steelheads. The pictures below show one of our recent stocking operations.
Fish tanker from Cline Trout Farms getting ready to unload the fish by attaching the outlet tube to the rear of the tank. Once the valve is opened a stream of fish begins flowing into the lake. Stocking is done when the truck tank temperature can be closely matched to the temperature of the lake - usually 45-50 degrees. Some of the new fish are then check to make sure they are healthy. The size of the fish we normally stock is between 7-9 inches. The lakes environment produces very rapid fish growth. These stockers will double in size in the first year!
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