The Delta independent., 1901-07-05
LcndvI'ie Hcr.ld-pemocrat.

cb' vi thc VI batN'S
is to be found in the chain of lakes that
comprise what is known as the Grand
Mesa lakes on the hogback OF the range
tha, divides the Gunnison and Grand
rivers. Situated at an altitude OF l0,5oO
feet and fed from banks OF eternal snow.
The waters are always cold. and here the
native trout finds home md breeding
place that cannot be exceiled.
1t is not known to whom the honor be-
longs OF first discovering this wonderful
chain OF lakcs. but it is known that i;
WAS the favorite stamping grounds Of the
Ute indians for years. long before tie
white man put foot in Colorado. In
summer the indians raised their tepees
along the shores OF the lakes and lived
on trout. In the fall they supplied their
lardcr for the winter with elk. deer and
tear. and also made their clothing from
the hides. To them IT was the only place
in the country and many OF their white
brothers are today following in their
footsteps.
When the indians were owners Of the
land there were twenty six lakes. but to-
day there are only eighteen. The bal
ance have dried up or been merged with
others. The largest lake is known as
Great Island and is about two aud one
half miles long by mile wide aud ;he
Others range from an area Of forty acrcs
TO one mile long aud every one Of them
contains trout-naiivcs.
In 1882 an old irapper and hunter
named EgSles,on reached the lakes, and
cimped at them Tor a number OF oisommers
TIen he found that G.eat Island lake
was barren OF fish. so with great deal
q! enterprise he succeeded in getting
spaan and stocked 1t. This he did for
several summers until gow the lake si;.I-
ply swarDs with fish. At that time il
was u hard trip to reach the lakes, noih-
ing bot nn Indian trail to follow. but now
that Ii changed and good wagon roads
have been built.
Perhaps no place in the wonderful
Scrn:c State can squsi the view That one
gets from the Grand Mesa lakes. For a
dis;ancnof l5o miles the visitor can vicw
tho rugccu scenery that lies on seem
ing level with him or at his feet. You
cau look into the Rombre and s.nuous
c.la.ia OF the Black Canon o; The Gunni
son. There is 10 be seen uncomrahgfe
leak. Sneii!es range. Elk mountains.
Ragged peaks and Ouray. Ridswgy aud
Dallas divide. Further alon; the sky
line is the Sangrc de Crisin range. with
Mount Wilson. "a snow-capped sentinel
on the sunth. Then. far beyond, the
Spanish peaks just pushing their noses
above the dim distance.
But scenery is not fishing. However.
the fishing ut the lakes is us good AS the
scenery is grand. With the excellent
feed supplied by the lakes during the
winter, the fish grow TO very large size,
!, being nothing unusual TO hook a native
that viii dress five pounds. That is the
time that you receive the full value for
time and money spent in getting there.
Half an hours good hard work before
you have him safely in your net.
Bob Blair. early in the sos, was one
day fishing n, Esgleston lake, now known
as Alexander, from the shore. He was
nj small inlet and had wndcd out TO a
sandbar. Here he had good sport. hav-
in half an hour a dozen beauties that
would weigh pound apiece. lying at his
feet. Having enough for supper he was
starting Tor tho shore. when he noticed
two skunks had taken possession OF the
strip OF land on the bar aad stopped his
progress. Bob does not love u skunk. so
he whistled for Eggles,on, who appear
ed. saw tn" enemy. and then disappeared,
Bob thought that strange proceeding.
so he "hellocd.' but the old trappcr did
not answer. Shortly shot was fired
then another. and he locked for the
skunks aud both were lying dead. Boo
then went to camp and enjoyed his trout
supper.
The lakes can be reached either by the
ID. IL X. G. or Colorado Midland. two
routcs being open. One is over Marshall
pass to Del'a,wbere the stage is met and
goes to Cedaredgc. which Ia the post
office. thon on 10 the lakes. u distance OF
thirty-iive miles. Tho other route is
down the Grand river to DcBequc, and
from tncre by stage. n distance OF forty
five miles, tho journey in both routes
being broken and lay-over taken FOR
tho night.
William Radcliffe owns twelve of the
lakes and at Alexander. has erected
comfortable two story hotel and also six
cabins. Mr.. Radcliffe has also built
hatchery which yearly yields 5.0OO,0O0
eggs. half OF which no givas to the Unit
cd States government Tor distribution
In the different streams In tho state, and