Visitors at Highline Lake State Park in western Colorado may come across a sunken boat along the eastern shoreline of the vast body of water - but what's the story behind this rusty red vessel?

While it appears to have been a boat accident, the truth behind the old canoe is that it was actually purposely placed at this location in the Grand Junction lake. Holes were drilled into the boat's hull to assist it into the water, but it then sank nose-up on its own.

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According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the sunken boat serves as an important habitat for fish that live in Highline Lake. A variety of fish can be found in the lake, including largemouth bass, black crappie, black bullhead, channel catfish, and trout. Highline Lake is also stocked with cold-water rainbow trout in the spring and fall.

Highline Lake is a popular fishing destination for people in Colorado all year round. According to park staff, in addition to providing a home for fish, the sunken boat is a fun find for anglers who are using sonar in the lake. The vessel can also be seen when water levels are low; now through March is a prime viewing window. Once the canal is turned back on in April, the boat becomes submerged within the lake.

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