COLD WATER: Wolford Reservoir
Fishing is always good at Wolford Reservoir immediately after ice-out, and this spring is no exception. The big, coldwater impoundment north of Kremmling is open for boating, and anglers are enjoying great action on rainbows, cutbows and German browns ranging up to 25 inches. Recent rains have muddied the inlet area, and the lake level is about 50 feet below full. But the boat ramp is usable, and the water level is rising.
Most trout are being caught on Tasmanian Devils, short Pop Geer and Kastmasters, trolled very slowly about 10 feet deep. Best fishing spots are around the mouths of coves along the western shore. Wolford also has deep-running splake and kokanee salmon.
WARM WATER: Jackson Reservoir
Before the recent cold front slowed things down, anglers at Jackson Reservoir were enjoying excellent wiper fishing, which should pick up again when the weather warms. And trout action continues to be equally good, with anglers limiting out on 14- to 18-inch rainbows. The wipers are not big – mostly 4 or 5 pounds, with a few 8-pounders – but they are plentiful and savage fighters when the bite is on. The best wiper action has been at the inlet and off the dam. The fish are striking on silver spoons, Twister tails, spinners, grubs and night crawlers. As always at Jackson Reservoir, many wipers are caught on lures other than traditional ones.
