Get paid to fish Green Mountain Reservoir? I should clarify that statement. You don’t get paid just to fish, you get paid to catch. But that is the goal when you are fishing, to catch fish, right? You can’t catch just any fish to get paid though, you have to catch Northern Pike. The regular rules apply for all the other fish, you can still catch them, you just don’t get paid for those.
The Problem
Northern Pike have somehow gotten into Green Mountain Reservoir. They aren’t native to Colorado and therefore create havoc to the native fish and plants we have here. They devour Colorado’s native fish which can throw the entire eco-system out of whack. Because of this, they have earned the designation of an invasive species.
You are the Solution
In an order to save our native fish, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has declared war on Northern Pike by putting a bounty on their heads, literally. You will get paid $20 for every head of a Northern Pike you catch in Green Mountain Reservoir and bring to the Heeney Marina. That could easily make fishing for Northern Pike the best summer job ever!
Is there a size requirement?
I don’t think so. They want them all out. The Heeney Marina website says it’s for any Northern Pike.
Is this legit? If so are there other places like this?
Definitely legit! I don’t know if it is still being offered or where. I would suggest a call to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife HQ to find out 303-297-1192 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST, except state holidays) I do know that most areas don’t have limits on how many Northern Pike can be caught so it is still a problem.