The following fishing and stocking report is producted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. For further information call 303-291-7534.
Denver Metro
Arvada Reservoir | Shore fishing is still good with Power Bait, preferably orange and green. Fishing still is good for bass out of a boat along the dam with crayfish. As always, only electric motors may be used.
Aurora Reservoir | The reservoir is open to boating. The water level is good and the temperature is 43 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is fair to good using pink, orange and rainbow Power Bait, salmon eggs and crawlers fished shallow from the dam working best. Some trout have been taken by using minnows. From boats, trout action is fair to good trolling slowly with Needlefish and Tasmanian Devils, and by anchoring and dropping down Power Bait and jigs with crawlers. Walleye action has been slow, with a few fish caught on jigging spoons. Fishing for all other species has been slow, or no reports have been received. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors. For additional information call 303-690-1286
Barr Lake | Fishing for trout has been good using gold Kastmasters around the dam. Fat-head minnows have been working off a bobber in the evening, Power Bait always is a good bet.
Bear Creek | Fishing outside Morrison is fair for trout using small Barr’s Emergers, red Copper Johns and blue-wing-olive dry flies on overcast days.
Bear Creek Reservoir | Fishing for stocker trout remains fair, with early morning and evening the best times to catch a few. Use salmon eggs, worms or Power Bait. Best fishing spots are the Bear Creek inlet and the point at Pelican Point. Some smallmouth bass and saugeyes have been caught on worms. The fishing pier is not in place yet, but the boat launch docks are out.
Berkeley Lake | The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized trout, which have comprised most of the catch. The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish, among other warm-water species. The lake is a great destination for taking a kid fishing.
Centennial Park Lake | The lake recently was stocked with trout, and also has a variety of warm-water fish. Try the usual array of baits and lures for trout. Good warm-water fishing is still a few weeks away.
Chatfield Ponds | Minnows are working best in all the ponds for bass. Perch fishing is good using baby crawlers, or small jigs in deeper water. A Colorado State Parks pass is required.
Chatfield Reservoir | Fishing was slow this week but should start picking up toward the weekend. Use shad imitations trolled slowly along the dam. Smallmouth fishing is picking up using crawfish imitations off the sandy points. For more information, call 303-421-4025
Cherry Creek Reservoir | Fishing for walleyes has been good at times using Sassy Shad soft-plastic jigs or live shiners.
Clear Creek (above Colorado 119) | Many fish are being taken outside Golden on small Black Beauties, size 19-22; Disco Midges, size 16-20; and small Black Pheasant-tails, size 18-20. Find the deep holes, and find the big fish.
Clear Lake | No current reports are available, but the lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road typically is free of ice in late April or early May. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout and also has brook trout and a few browns.
Evergreen Lake | Numerous tiger muskies have been caught using Rapalas. Big tigers are out there; try your luck. The lake was stocked with plenty of 20- to 23-inch tigers last fall. Remember the statewide limit for tiger muskies is one fish at least 36 inches long.
Georgetown Lake | Ice conditions are hazardous, with some open water under the bridge. Use chartreuse Power Bait or salmon eggs if venturing onto the ice, but use extreme caution.
Gross Reservoir | Fishing around the inlet areas is fair using gold Kastmasters, black Mepps spinners, and salmon eggs. Fishing for tiger muskies is poor to fair, but should improve as the water heats up.
Jim Baker Reservoir | Catfish fishing is good and getting better. The big cats are cruising the shoreline looking for crawfish. People using sucker meat have been doing really well. Jim Baker recently was stocked with cachable-sized trout. Use a Pistol Pete behind a bobber, or a rainbow-colored Rooster Tail to take home a limit.
Ketring Park Lake | The lake has a variety of mostly small warm-water fish. Fishing remains slow but should improve with warmer weather.
Main Lake | The lake usually has good fishing for crappie shortly after ice-out, though the bite hasn’t really started yet. The lake also has bass up to 18 inches, and other warm-water species. Bass fishing usually picks up in late April and May, when the fish move into shallow water to spawn. No boats are allowed on the lake.
Quincy Reservoir | Fishing for perch has slowed. Some are taken on curly tail jigs from boats. Trout fishing is fair to good using flies. Bead-head Prince nymphs, leech patterns, RS-2sand Zebra midges have worked well. Spin-fishermen have enjoyed some action on trout using bright-colored spinners and Kastmasters. The west shore has been the best area for trout from shore. Bass fishing has been fair using plastics, and should pick up with warmer weather. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to artificial flies and lures. Please see the new definition of artificial in the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s fishing regulations booklet. The limit for trout at Quincy is two fish. Bass must be at least 18 inches to possess. All boats must be hand-launched. For more information call 303-693-5463.
Rocky Mountain Lake | Rocky Mountain Lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout. They hungry for shiners off a bobber and Captain America Power Bait. Fly-and-bobber rigs are working with Pistol Petes, Renegades and brown Wooly Buggers.
Sloans Lake | If you’re looking for some excitement, try fishing for trophy class carp here. Mix corn flakes with strawberry jello to make a mush ball. Fish this mix on the bottom – and hang on to your hat as well as your trophy.
Smith Reservoir | Warm-water fishing has been slow, but should improve with rising water temperatures. Crappie usually provide the best early season activity. Largemouth and smallmouth bass become active a little later, and continue to provide potentially good fishing well into the summer.
Standley Lake | The lake is ice-free and water levels are good, about 5 feet below capacity. Fishing for trout has been good off the bottom on worms and Power Bait. The park is open sunrise to sunset for walk-in access. Drive-in access is from 7 a.m. to sunset, with a $6 access fee for vehicles. The boating and camping seasons begin May 1. Call the park visitor center at (303) 425-1097 for complete information about permits and regulations.
Washington Park Lakes | Crappie running up to 10 inches provide some interesting springtime fishing here. Try a small Fle Fly jig or live minnow below a bobber about 3 feet down. Bass and catfish will become more active as the water warms. Try tube jigs, rubber worms or shiner minnows for bass.
Webster Lake | The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized trout and fishing for them has been fair to good. The lake also has bass, perch and catfish, but fishing for warm-water species has been slow.
Northeast
Bellaire Lake | At last report the lake had unsafe ice.
Big Creek Lakes | The lakes are frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out usually occurs in mid to late May.
Big Thompson Ponds | The water still is too cold for good warm-water activity. Look for bass to begin hitting with warmer temperatures.
Big Thompson River | The water below Lake Estes is low and clear, and fly fishing for rainbow trout has been fairly good. The upper river, including the North Fork, remains ice-covered. Red and black midge patterns and Prince nymphs have been effective below the dam. Spin-casters have been taking some fish on small, silver-bladed Mepps and Panther Martin spinners. Flies-and-lures and catch-and-release provisions are in effect from Lake Estes to the Waltonia bridge. Bait fishing is permitted below Waltonia, but the action has been comparatively slow.
Boedecker Reservoir | Crappie fishermen have been doing well in the flooded trees that are close to shore. People using minnows are doing best.
Boulder Reservoir | Water levels are rising, but fishing pressure has still been light. Smallmouth bass are hitting hard on minnows. Try fishing off both dams, or at the beach near the southeast boat ramp. Worms are the bait of choice for walleyes. If you have a boat or belly boat, try fishing within 100 yards of the dam. Note the new regulation on this reservoir: Walleyes must be at least 15 inches in length to keep, and only one walleye over 21 inches can be kept. The bag limit for walleyes still is five.
Boyd Lake | Fishing for trout has been good on the standard variety of baits and lures. Some of the rainbows have been large, approaching 20 inches in length. Fishing for warm-water species remains slow, but a few walleyes have been taken in recent days. Fishing for crappie and walleyes should improve as the water continues to warm. A few white bass also have been taken.
Carter Reservoir | Walleye fishing has been very slow all around. Anglers might try using Rapalas around Dam 1. Trout fishing has picked up as temperatures have warmed up. Fishing from shore has been good using Power Bait and eggs. Trollers have been catching fish on Rooster Tails and spoons in 15-20 feet of water. Carter was stocked with an unknown amount of trout fingerlings in late March.
Chambers Lake | The lake is covered with deteriorating ice. Fishing for trout and mackinaw usually is good right after ice-out.
Cowdrey Lake | Like other North Park lakes, Cowdrey remains frozen but the ice is weakening. A handful of veteran ice fishermen still have been taking some decent-sized trout through the ice.
Douglas Reservoir | Rainbow trout have been hitting bright-colored Rooster Tails. Large shiners fished along the rocks will produce some nice wipers.
Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) | Dowdy has some big trout and now is the time to fish for them. Use worms around the camping areas. Orange Power Bait has been known to produce a few. If you are fly fishing, try brown Wooly Buggers, Autumn Spenders, and Bloody Butchers.
Dumont Lake | The lake still is frozen. Expect ice-out in late May to early June.
East Delaney Lake | The ice has taken on a water-soaked gray color and appears to be weakening around the edges. A little open water has appeared around the inlet. If the weather remains warm, that may be large enough for fishing by midweek. A handful of ice fishermen still are on the ice and doing fairly well on scuds and midges in about 6 feet of water, but most are eagerly awaiting open water.
Estes Lake | The ice is gone. The lake has a very good population of holdover trout from last year that should provide excellent early season fishing. Expect the inlet region to produce good results on Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms. Spin-casters might try Z-Rays, Thomas Buoyants and Kastmasters.
Flatiron Reservoir | Trout fishing still is very slow. Night crawlers and salmon eggs usually are effective here. Several fishermen also have been catching trout on red, white and blue Power Bait. Flatiron was stocked with 1000 catchable-size trout on April 3.
Hidden Lakes | The lakes are frozen and inaccessible except by snowmobile.
Hohnholz Lakes | Hohnholtz Lake No. 2 is doing well for last year’s holdover stockers. Use worms on the bottom in the vicinity of the boat ramp. A limit is easy to achieve on bobber and a Half-back, or a size 12 Pheasant Tail. Lake No. 3 is fair to good on black Wooly Buggers or scud patterns. The lake’s monster browns will have no problem eating a large streamer.
Horsetooth Reservoir | The reservoir is filling, bringing the rush of water down the inlet channel. The inlet channel into the reservoir, located near Inlet Bay, is closed to fishing from March 15th through May 31. Fishing in Inlet Bay is producing some trout, along with some medium-sized walleyes. South Bay is producing nice rainbow trout from shore on orange and pink Power Bait. Anglers fishing from boats have been hooking into some walleyes and an occasional splake. Please observe all size limits, and have a great summer.
Jackson Reservoir | Trout fishing is fair from the west shore and dam using Power Bait and night crawlers. Due to recent cold fronts producing colder temperatures and high winds, fishing has slowed for all species. The water temperature is in the mid- to high 40’s. When it reaches about 50 degrees, fishing will greatly improve. If you are fishing from boats, try fishing the north end and west side of the reservoir at a depth of 5 to 6 feet for trout and wipers.
Joe Wright Reservoir | Ice fishing for trout and grayling usually is good until early May, but use caution near the inlet, where the ice should soon be weakening. Grayling can be taken on midge nymphs under the ice, and usually go on a feeding binge shortly after ice-out. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. The limit for trout is two fish at least 16 inches long.
Jumbo Reservoir | The water temperature at Jumbo Reservoir is in the mid to upper 40’s. The lake is ice-free. Trout fishing is slow, but the ones caught are averaging 14 inches in length. Walleye fishing has not picked up yet. A few saugeyes have been pulled out of Jumbo. Bass fishing is slow. High wind has limited the fishing and boating activities. A habitat stamp is required to enter this State Wildlife Area.
Lake John | The ice is weakening, but ice fishing may be possible for another week. Very few fishermen have been on the ice, but those venturing out have enjoyed good fishing for rainbow trout averaging 16 inches, with a few up to 20. The ice is deteriorating, winter-related problems are not evident and ice-out fishing should be good.
Laramie River at Hohnholz SWA | The camping area between the Hohnholtz lakes is the hot spot. Fish have been spotted by looking down from the bridge, but they see you first, good luck. Stay sneaky.
Lon Hagler Reservoir | The lake has been stocked with trout, and 8- to 10-inch rainbows have provided most of the catch. Crappie are becoming active, though feeding spurts seldom last more than 15 minutes. Look for bass to follow as the water warms.
Lonetree Reservoir | Fishing for warm-water fish remains slow. Expect walleyes to become active with warmer weather. Early season fishing for walleyes should be fairly good, but with an increase in the forage base, well-fed fish may be tough to entice later.
Long Draw Reservoir | The lake is locked away by ice and snow. Ice-out usually occurs in mid to late May, and the road is cleared later.
Lost Lake (at Chambers) | The lake remains frozen. Expect good fishing right after ice-out, usually in early May.
North Delaney Lake | Ice remains on the lake but it is deteriorating.
North Fork of the N. Platte River | The river is opening up, but still has some ice. Fishing remains difficult.
North Michigan Lake | The lake still has an ice and snow cover. Expect ice conditions to deteriorate soon.
North Park Streams | Most of the meadow streams are open, but the water is rising and becoming a little off-color. The Roaring Fork is open at the Manville State Wildlife Area. Michigan Creek below the reservoir is low and clear, but fishermen must wade through snow to reach the water.
North Platte River | The North Platte is open on the Verner and Brownlee leases and at last at the upper end of Northgate. Fly fishing from late morning into the afternoon has been fairly good, but the river also can become discolored. For conditions updates, call the North Park Anglers at (970) 723-4215.
North Sterling Reservoir | The water temperature is around 48 degrees. Not many fishermen have appeared yet, so reports for all species are slow. About 8,000 catchable trout were stocked last fall that should be hitting any day. Also, the walleyes should be moving into the shallows soon, making them accessible to shore fisherman. The inlet is turned off, but typically it is turned on again in late April, attracting wipers, walleyes, catfish and trout to that area. The lake is at 100 percent of capacity, covering about 2,800 surface acres. Boat ramps are all usable; the courtesy dock is in at the Elks Ramp but not the South Ramp. Call the park office at 970-522-3657 for current conditions.
Parvin Lake (Red Feather) | This lake is a float-tuber’s paradise, with mild wind some of the time. Troll along the moss line as summer goes on and hook big browns.
Pinewood Reservoir | Anglers are having very little luck here. Several report light bites on pink Power Bait, but they are unable to set the hook. Anglers might want to try light and small spinners or dry flies in the evening as the fish are beginning to surface again. Pinewood was stocked with 1,000 catchable trout on April 3.
Poudre River | The river is flowing low and clear, and trout tend to be spooky. Some blue-wing-olive mayfly activity has been noted on overcast days. Fishermen also are taking brown trout and the occasional rainbow on small golden stonefly nymphs. Some good fishing for browns along cutbanks and flats at the mouths of feeder creeks above Rustic has been reported.
Prewitt Reservoir | The water level is full. The boat dock is not yet out. Fishing for all species remains slow. A habitat stamp is required to enter this State Wildlife Area.
Ranger Lakes | Ranger Lake was drained last year but should refill this summer.
Seeley Lake | Fishing for tiger muskies is poor right now. If you fish here, use large fish-looking lures. Fish slowly; present an easy target for those tigers.
Seymour Reservoir | Unsafe ice remains on the lake.
Simpson Ponds | No angler reports yet.
Slack Weiss Reservoir | No report available.
South Delaney Lake | A few die-hards have been on the ice, but the overall conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Depending on the weather, area lakes may be ice fishable for about another week, but most fishermen are chafing at the bit for open water. No signs of winter-kill have been evident. Expect continued good fishing after ice-out.
St. Vrain River | Flows have been low, and few fishermen have been on the water.
Teal and Tiago Lakes | The lakes remain ice-covered, but with warmer weather, ice fishing is not recommended.
Union Reservoir (Calkins) | Fishing for trout is good along the west shore, from the boat ramp to the pier. Most trout are being caught on worms fished on the bottom. Several 3- to 4-pound, 20-inch-plus trout have been caught, with most fish ranging from 10 to 14 inches. A few wipers have been caught, and the activity should pick up as the water temperature rises. Fly fisherman are starting to see some action on wiper in the evening hours. The reservoir is currently 2 feet down, and water is slowly flowing in. Current park hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Boating is restricted to wakeless speeds. The minimum size for crappie is 10 inches, and 15 inches for wipers.
Watson Lake | Watson Lake: Rainbow’s have been fishing real well now. Fish on the west side and use a bobber and fly. Black Wooly Bugger, Pheasant tail, and matuka will produce fish.
Wellington Reservoir No. 4 | Wellington No. 4: Rainbow colored rooster tails fished deep and slow have been filling people’s stringer. Power bait if you want to sit and fish. Great way to spend a day,
West Lake (Red Feather) | Fishing is very good for recently stocked trout with small Kastmasters, gold-red Thomas Buoyants and Tasmanian Devils on the east and south sides. Bait of all kinds also catches fish.
Northwest
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) | The flow below Green Mountain Reservoir has been steady at 351 cfs. The river below the dam is clear and fishable but tributaries have discolored the lower portions. Fishing has been fair to good on egg patterns, San Juan worms and small emerger patterns to catch some large fish. Spin-casters are throwing No. 7 Rapalas. The tailwater is subject to periodic security closures. Three other public access points are available on BLM land downriver to the confluence with the Colorado River, but they are narrow and anglers are warned to stay off adjoining private property. For current conditions call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mountain Reservoir) | Fishing in Silverthorne continues to be very good, mostly with midge patterns. There’re many reports of big rainbows being spotted and hooked, but only sporadic reports of large fish being landed. Now’s the time to hook that fish of a lifetime. Small, dark colored, midge patterns continue to the best flies, in sizes 22, 24, and 26. Mysis Shrimp and egg patterns work well as attractors. The flow is, and has been, around 101 cfs, which is a good flow this time of year – much better than 50cfs that has been the norm the past few years. The inlet to Green Mountain Reservoir has been fishing well, also. Use egg patterns and San Juan worms when the water gets a little off-color. Otherwise, try Bead-head Hare’s Ears, Copper Johns or small stonefly nymphs.
Colorado River (below Parshall) | The fishing above Kremmling still is fairly good. At Parshall, use small emerger and egg patterns, but be mindful of spawning rainbows and try not to stress the fish. Plenty of good-sized browns also are being caught. At Kremmling, on the public accesses, spin-fishermen are doing well throwing Rapalas and Blue Fox spinners, but the water is becoming discolored. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) | The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs is currently flowing at 2,740 cfs. The river is heavily discolored and not fishable. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt for current river conditions at 970-927-4374. We are not expecting the river to fishable until the annual caddis hatch begins at the end of the month.
Colorado River (near Granby) | Fishing below Parshall has been good all winter and continues to be so. Egg patterns, especially red, along with San Juan worms, small nymphs, and Copper Johns have been working well. The stream flow below Windy Gap, as of Sunday was 278 cfs. In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
Crystal River | The Crystal River is flowing at 234 cfs in Carbondale. Currently the river is heavily discolored and is considered unfishable. Low-lying snowmelt coupled with warm weather has made the river run this way. The river is on a day-to-day basis at this time. When the river has been clear enough to fish, attractor nymph patterns like Princes, Copper Johns, San Juan Worms, and Flashtail Eggs have yielded fish. Good dropper flies have been Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges, and Biot Midges. For daily river reports please contact the Taylor Creek Flyshop at 970-927-4374.
Elk River | The lower river is high and roily. Fishing is difficult at best. The river at and above the Christina State Wildlife Area is high, clear and fishable, but cold. Conditions are likely to quickly deteriorate as the snow melts.
Freeman Reservoir | The lake remains frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out typically occurs in late May or early June.
Fryingpan River | The Frying Pan is clear and flowing at recently increased flows of 275 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir. Many large, 5-pound-plus fish have been encountered on the upper river. The higher flows have made for large amounts of Mysis Shrimp spilling through the dam, in addition to large fish spreading out along the upper mile of river. Nymph fishing has been superb with the higher levels though the dry fly fishing has tapered off somewhat. The river is still having decent hatches of midges as well as a few BWO’s and caddis on the lower river. Hot flies have been Mini Flashtail Eggs, Tim’s Mysis, Sands’ Epoxy Mysis, Biot Midges, Zebra Midges, RS-2s, Johnny Flashes, Pheasant Tails, Frying Pan Emergers, and Bill’s Midge Emerger, all in sizes 18-22.
Granby Reservoir | Ice fishing has been decent all winter and with good ice remaining, continues to be so. However, this is the time of year to always be aware of changing ice conditions, especially the edge ice and anywhere moving water enters the lake. With warmer conditions, afternoons will definitely be wet. White, glow, and pearl tube jigs or Big Mini Mites tipped with a shiner or sucker are used for lake trout. Some days, smaller lures work best. Pink, orange and chartreuse have been working best for rainbow and brown trout. Pink, red, and white with silver flash work for kokanee. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970)887-9344.
Grand Lake | Water movement at the West Portal helps open-water fishing conditions in that area. Early birds do best fishing the drop-offs before sunrise. The channel between Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake has been available for open-water fishing all winter and has been doing well. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
Green Mountain Reservoir | Open water has appeared along the south end of the reservoir, extending to McDonald’s Flats. Some fly fishermen have been working the inlet area. Ice-out also is a good time to fish for lake trout, but ice along the drop-off to the shoreline and mud pose some problems in getting to the water. The north and west end of the lake still have ice, which appears to be deteriorating quickly.
Green River | No current reports are available. The Green remain open the year-around, with some of the best fishing in early April, when spawning rainbows and cutthroats begin to feed aggressively. Bead-head nymphs, stobefly patterns and midge imitations all can be effective. Fishing usually slows down with warming water in the summer but picks up again in the fall, when brown trout become active.
Harvey Gap Reservoir | The ice disappeared on April 3 and the lake is 3 feet below full. Try for northern pike and trout off the dam. The warmer-water fish will get increasingly active as water temperatures increase. Bait fishing off the parking areas has also proved successful. Trolling is generally the most productive method. The minimum-size limit for bass is 15 inches. The bag and possession limit for catfish is 2 fish. A single-lane concrete boat ramp is located at the east entrance to the park, but boat motors are restricted to 20-horsepower or less. The 2006 fishing regulations, fishing information and State Park annual passes are available at the Rifle Gap visitor center.
Highline Lake | The water temperature is about 52 degrees and the lake is full. Fishing has been slow. The lake was stocked on March 17 with 5,000 rainbow trout. Both boat ramps are open. However, use caution when launching at the east ramp because a lot of mud and silt are present.
Lake Avery | The lake remains frozen, but the ice is unsafe for ice fishing. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
Mack Mesa Lake | The water temperature is about 59 degrees. Mack was stocked with 900 rainbow trout on February 14, 2,000 rainbows on March 17 and 2,100 rainbows on April 6, for a grand total of 5,000 trout. Fishing is great at Mack Mesa; however, the majority of the fish being caught are 10-inch rainbow trout. Pink, orange and green Power Bait, particularly with glitter, seem to be the best for catching trout. The lake is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small electric trolling motors.
Muddy Creek | The tailwater below Wolford Reservoir is fishing well. The public water farther downstream also is producing big rainbows but can become discolored. Stripping a Woolly Bugger or throwing a Kastmaster or Panther Martin spinner may catch a nice rainbow or brown. Bait fishermen are using night crawlers or Pautzkes. For current conditions call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
Pearl Lake | Pearl Lake is completely iced-over with two to three feet of ice on it. The road into Pearl Lake is closed due to snow; it probably won’t open until late May. A 1/2-mile snowshoe trek is required to reach the lake. An artificial-flies- and-lures restriction is in effect.
Rifle Gap Reservoir | The ice left Rifle Gap the night of April 3. The lake is almost full. The water temperature is 42 degrees. The inlet is somewhat cloudy from snowmelt, but many have had great luck fishing for trout and northern pike. Because of the presence of pike near this inlet area using steel leaders is not a bad idea. Fishing for perch normally is phenomenal right after ice-off. The boat ramps are in the water and the docks will be set up soon. The catch-all in this lake seems to be a perch-imitation type lure. For walleyes use a deep running lure or jig. The regulation on walleyes at Rifle Gap now reads, “Bag, possession limit and minimum size for walleyes is 3, 18 inches long.” The 2006 fishing regulations, fishing information and State Parks Annual passes are available at the visitor center.
Rio Blanco Lake | The lake is free of ice. Fishing has been slow. The lake has crappie and northern pike, which typically become active early in the season. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
Roaring Fork River | The Roaring Fork is clear and fishing well from Aspen to Carbondale. Below Carbondale, the river is currently discolored, but is expected to clear. Current river flows are at 35 cfs in Aspen, 560 cfs in Basalt, and 879 cfs in Glenwood Springs. Good midge hatches are taking place on the river near Aspen, with decent BWO hatches below Basalt. Nymph fishing is still your bread and butter, and has been very consistent using San Juan Worms, Princes, 20-Inchers, Flashtail Eggs, and Poxyback Stoneflies as attractor patterns. Successful dropper patterns include RS-2s, Zebra Midges, Biot Midges, Beerhead Baetis, and Bat-wing Emergers. We expect the lower river to clear as the week progresses. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt for daily river conditions at 970-927-4374.
Shadow Mountain Reservoir | Heavy pumping through the canal all winter has kept open-water fishing possible out into the lake. Open water is found all the way out to the islands and almost to the dam. Open-water fishing is also available below Shadow Mountain Dam, all the way to Granby Reservoir. A little walk can be productive. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
Stagecoach Reservoir | Open water has appeared around the inlet and edges and the snow has melted off the ice, but people still are ice fishing in some of the coves. Caution is urged as the ice deteriorates. The water is 9 ½ feet down but rising, which will soon start breaking up the remaining ice. County Road 18 to the Tailwaters opened on April 1. A number of trout have been seen there, but they seem more interested in spawning than feeding.
Steamboat Lake | The lake is completely iced over with 2- to 2- 1/2 feet of ice. Ice fishing has been slow, but is producing large fish. The road into the marina area is plowed and open.
Trappers Lake | The lake remains frozen and generally inaccessible. The ice typically comes off around Memorial Day. The lake is an outstanding fishery for naturally reproducing cutthroat trout. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures. The limit on cutthroats is two fish. All cutts longer than 11 inches must immediately be returned to the water alive. Fishermen are encouraged to keep all the brook trout they catch to benefit the cutthroat fishery. For conditions updates call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
Vega Reservoir | The lake is still covered with thin ice, but no open water is evident yet. The ice is unsafe for ice fishing, with 4-10 feet of slush along shoreline. Plateau Creek is breaking up and running; access is snowy and muddy. Try anything bright or metallic for trout in the creeks. Make reservations now for camping season by calling 1-800-678-2267, or go online at www.parks.state.co.us. For more information, a calendar of upcoming events and current conditions go to www.parks.state.co.us. Annual parks passes are on sale at the Visitor Center.
White River | The river has been somewhat discolored in recent days. Fishing success has slowed, but some decent-sized rainbow trout still have been taken. The river is accessible up to about 32 miles east of Meeker. Several special restrictions apply; check the DOW’s regulations booklet for details. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
Williams Fork Reservoir | Most of the lake remains ice-covered, but the river in the inlet is flowing open. As the inlet region opens up, fish for rainbows and browns. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
Williams Fork River | The flow is stable and the fishing is good. A lot of rainbow trout are running up Williams Fork to spawn, and plenty of browns are feeding on the eggs. Drift egg patterns or small nymphs to entice the browns. Be mindful of the spawners and try not to stress them too much. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
Willow Creek Reservoir | Ice fishing continues to be good. Out from the boat ramp and down by the dam (outside the restricted area) have been productive areas. You must be aware of changing ice conditions and act accordingly. No open water at this time. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
Wolford Reservoir | The reservoir still has ice but some open water has appeared. Ice fishing is not recommended. For current conditions call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
Yampa River (Hayden through Craig) | The runoff is under way. Expect high, discolored conditions at least into mid-June. When clear, the river offers potentially good fishing for trout and northern pike, but much of it courses through private property, with limited public access.
Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) | Fishing in the tailwater below Stagecoach Reservoir has been good with midge and occasional blue-wing-olive activity reported. But as essentially the only fishable clear stream in the vicinity, it has been crowded. Fish are staging for spawning, and anglers are asked to avoid disturbing the redds. The runoff appears to have begun around Steamboat Springs. The river likely will be unfishable until mid-June at the earliest. Call the Steamboat Fly Fishing Company at (970) 879-6552 for current conditions.
Southeast
Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake) | Not much fishing activity has been evident so far. The water level is much improved from last summer, when a major drawdown left catfish as virtually the only game fish to be caught. A large number of fingerling crappie were stocked late last summer. With fresh water and large areas of newly flooded weeds and brush, crappie, white bass and other warm-water species are expected to recover quickly, but 2006 will be largely a rebuilding year. The water will go down with irrigation demands this summer, but should remain well above the record lows of the past few years. ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on the state wildlife area.
Anticline Lake | The lake below Pueblo Dam is heavily stocked with trout in the spring and offers good fishing into the early summer.
Arkansas River No. 3 (Through Pueblo) | Frequent stocking of this stretch of river makes for excellent fishing. Between 30,000 and 40,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked here annually along with some larger brood fish of 3-5 pounds. Also, habitat improvements have created deeper pools and structure for the fish to thrive in even when releases from Pueblo Dam are minimal. Flows from Pueblo Dam have returned to 111 cfs, about half of last week’s volume. Fishing for 12- to 14-inch trout remains good. Midges have been emerging in the morning. Blue-wing-olive mayfly activity has increased, especially on warm, cloudy days. Try a BWO dry fly for visibility, with a No. 20-22 bead-head Pheasant Tail as a dropper.
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) | The winter flow regime on the Arkansas River has ended and flows have dropped considerably over the last week. The flow in Browns Canyon is about 240 cfs and clear, a great level for wading, and it is easy to get across the river at Hecla Junction. Blue-wing-olive mayflies are active throughout this reach, with good hatches when cloud cover lowers the level of light. Caddis pupa are also taking some fish. For updated reports, visit www.arkanglers.com.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) | Flows on the upper river have dropped considerably over the last week to about 110 cfs in Hayden Meadows and 180 at Granite. Fishing on this section is still mostly nymphing – blue-wing-olive mayflies, stonefly nymphs, and midge larva. Look for blue-wing-olives to start hatching in greater numbers with the warming trend this week. For more info, visit www.arkanglers.com.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) | Lower flows have made the Arkansas much more accessible to wade anglers, while still allowing sufficient flows for inflatable float-fishing craft. The river is running 262 cfs at Wellsville and 320 at Parkdale. Blue-wing-olive hatches are in full swing on this section and there are some early hatching species of caddis making an appearance as well. Look for the spring caddis hatch to begin in earnest around Canon City in the next week or so, progressing to Salida by the end of the month. For updates, visit www.arkanglers.com.
Bonny Reservoir | The lake temperature is around 52 degree. A few people have tried fishing from boats and shore with little luck. Historically, catfish will bite after the lake starts to warm on the south shore. Crappie will also start to bite along the face of the dam. The lake is open for boating. The two-lane marina ramp is open and the courtesy dock has been installed. The lake is still 18.5 feet below the full mark. Consult the Colorado State Parks Web site for current conditions and closures.
Brush Hollow Reservoir | The lake has been stocked with trout several times this spring. Fishing for trout has been very good, and the lake has become quite popular among weekend fishermen. Fishing for warm-water species remains slow. The water level is fair to good, but the lake typically is drawn down for irrigation by early June. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment found mercury levels exceeding human-health-based standards in certain sized walleyes. An official advisory is to be posted this spring or summer.
Catamount Reservoirs, North & South | The lakes are part of the North Slope Recreation Area on Pikes Peak and will open for the season on April 29. They will have good water levels to begin the fishing season. They hold rainbows, cutthroats, mackinaw and a few brook trout. Fishing pressure has been relatively light the past few years, and both lakes have some larger, holdover trout. Early spring fishing for mackinaw should b good at North Catamount. Fishing for rainbows should be good to excellent on South Catamount. North Catamount has a flies-and-lures restriction. An access fee for the Pikes Peak Highway is required to fish these lakes.
Clear Creek Reservoir | The lake is still frozen with a little open water starting to show on the west end. The ice fishing is still fair to good for rainbows and some kokanee. Small jigs tipped mealworms or waxworms are working best for the rainbows. The kokanee are hitting pearl Bikini Needlefish tipped with waxworms and jigged constantly.
Cottonwood Lake | Cottonwood still is frozen, but ice fishing has been excellent this winter. A lot of fish are in the lake and they are hitting small jigs tipped with mealworms and wax worms. Fishermen could drive all the way to the lake this winter, so access is easy and the fishing is great.
Crystal Creek Reservoir | The reservoir is crossed by the Pikes Peak Highway and will open for the season on April 29. The water level is improving from the past few years. Fishing for catchable-sized trout should good. Access requires paying a fee at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate.
Daigre Reservoir | The ice is gone, but few fishermen have tested the open waters. The lake is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures.
DeWeese Reservoir | The ice is gone, but windy conditions have been common. The reservoir will be full in 2006. Catchable trout will be stocked early and should provide good fishing through the season. Some holdover rainbow trout are in the 16- to 20-inch range. The lake has fewer brown trout but some are in the 16- 18-inch range. Smallmouth bass are abundant and should provide some fast action. Most are 6-12 inches in length, but occasionally some 16-inchers are caught.
Eleven Mile Reservoir | The reservoir is open to boating ½ hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Use extreme caution, as floating ice may be present. Trout action is fair. Trout currently are spawning, providing the year’s best opportunity for a trophy catch, if patient, using hot-color Power Baits, various jigs and spoons, and night crawlers. Pike fishing is fair to poor using Rapalas and sucker meat.
Fountain Lake | Like other urban lakes in the Pueblo area, this one is stocked 12 months a year. Trout fishing usually is good in the spring and fall, and slows down during the hottest summer months.
Hale Ponds | The water level is good. No current reports have been received, but the ponds offer potentially good fishing for largemouth bass, small bluegills, catfish and catchable trout. The group of small ponds is a great place to take kids fishing in the spring and early summer. Camping facilities are available at nearby Bonny State Park.
Hayden Meadows Reservoir | The lake is still frozen and a lot of snow remains in the Leadville area. Ice fishing has been fair this winter using small jigs tipped with a piece of a night crawler or a mealworm.
Horseshoe Reservoir | The ice is gone and the water level is good. Fishermen have been doing fairly well on trout, but warm-water species have been slow. Look for activity to increase as the water warms up. The boat dock is in place. For current conditions, call (719) 738-2376.
Jefferson Lake | At 10,687 feet, the lake remains ice-covered until sometime in May. It is regularly stocked with has rainbow trout and also has mackinaw, splake and a few brook trout.
John Martin Reservoir | Weather in the area has alternated between cool and windy and warm and windy. Temperatures have ranged from the 40s to the 60s. Some wipers have been caught off the dam face, and wipers and walleyes have been taken from the spillway. Lake Hasty has been stocked with trout and they are biting on Power Bait. More than 5,000 rainbow trout have also been stocked in the main reservoir. The water level fluctuated dramatically last year, dropping from 80,000 acre feet in the spring to 8,000 at summer’s end. Many young wipers and saugeyes went through the dam, but white bass, crappie and catfish remain abundant. The current storage is 40,900 acre feet, or about half of last spring’s level. ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on the state wildlife area.
Lake Meredith | This large, shallow lake was restocked in 2005 after being completely dry the year before. Those fish should be nearing catching size, but the water remains low and the status of the fishery is unclear. Fishing may be difficult because of low-water conditions. Small boats can launch on the gravel ramp. Little fishing activity has been noted so far.
Manitou Lake | The lake is free of ice. Fishing success largely depends on periodic stocking. The lake is on U.S. Forest Service property and has picnic tables and other facilities. An entry fee is required. Forest Service campgrounds are nearby.
Martin Lake | The ice is gone and the water level is good. Trout fishing has been fairly good. Fishing for warm-water species has been slow, but should pick up with rising water temperatures. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
Montgomery Reservoir | All fishing is prohibited until May 31.
Monument Reservoir | The ice is gone, but not many anglers have been out yet. Fishing should be good in 2006. Brown trout populations are very high and anglers can expect to see good numbers in their catch. Most will be 8-12 inches in length, but an occasional fish to 20 inches could be caught. Rainbow fishing will be excellent with increased stocking.
Nee Grande Reservoir | The reservoir has reopened to fishing after the waterfowl hunting seasons, but little fishing activity has occurred so far. Nee Grande did not receive fresh water through its canal system last year, but still covers about 1,900 surface acres. The state boat ramp on the east shore is usable for launching shallow-draft boats. A private ramp at the Cottonwood Marina on the north shore may be available for a fee. Fishing should be good for saugeyes, wipers, catfish and white bass. The lake also offers fair fishing for crappie and black bass. Windy conditions are common; boaters should be aware of their potential. Fishing should improve as the spring progresses.
Nee Noshe Reservoir | No fresh water was added to Nee Noshe in 2005, and the lake shrank to about 600 surface acres. Boat access became nearly impossible during the summer, so the DOW built a new gravel ramp on the south side of the lake. That facility was damaged by winter winds and ice and will require repairs before it is operative. As of April 10, 2006, the ramp was still in an unusable condition. Little fishing activity has occurred in 2006. Although the lake is very low, it has good numbers of wipers, saugeyes, white bass and catfish. Fishing for those species should be excellent.
North Lake | The ice is gone but not many fishermen have been out yet. North Lake will provide some excellent fishing for catchable rainbow trout and splake this year. Increased stocking will bolster the fishing for rainbows. The splake population continues to improve and now plays a key role in fisheries management on the lake. North Lake is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures.
Palmer Lake | Low water a year ago limited stocking. If the level improves in 2006 and conditions are favorable, it will be stocked with catchable trout.
Pueblo Reservoir | Last week’s colder weather put a damper on fishing. Some trout are being taken on Rapala crankbaits, but bass fishing has been slow. The activity should improve with this week’s expected warmer weather. The water level is slightly better than in 2005. Fishing should be very good in 2006, but the lake can get crowded. Anglers can expect better than average fishing for walleyes, wipers, bass, catfish and trout this season. The walleye population continues to be good with high catch rates, but only a few are keeper fish, at least 18 inches long. Smallmouth and spotted bass are doing well but largemouths have suffered with the low water. Trout have rebounded. Catfish numbers are low to moderate, but the quality is high, with fish in the 20- to 30-pound range.
Queens Reservoirs | Upper Queens essentially dried up last summer and no fish remain. The lake will be restocked if it gets more water, not likely in the immediate future. Lower Queens is totally dry. ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed in the Queens State Wildlife Area.
Rampart Reservoir | Water levels at Rampart and nearby Nichols reservoirs are much improved for 2006. Fishing access should be available, but may change with Homeland Security concerns. Boat-ramp access is to be available May 13-Oct. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the following restrictions: No rental vans; Class A, B or C motorhomes, or trailers over 22 feet will be allowed across the dam; and no stopping or fishing will be permitted within 500 feet of the dam. With little pressure the past few years, fishing for most species should be good to excellent. Early season is an especially good time to fish, with rainbows cruising along the shore and mackinaw (in Rampart) in shallow water. Fishing for rainbows should remain good through the summer in both reservoirs. The main recreation area will open in late May.
Runyon Lake | This is one of several Pueblo-area lakes stocked 12 months a year, and fishing should be good, especially in the spring and early summer.
San Isabel Lake | No reports.
Skaguay Reservoir | Late last week the reservoir had a thin layer of ice with a small area of open water by the spillway. With continued warm weather, the lake could be fishable this week.
South Platte River (between Spinney and Eleven Mile) | The river is restricted to catch-and-release fishing and fishing with artificial flies or lures. Trout are spawning in the river, providing an opportunity for trophy catches in deeper pools using orange and yellow egg patterns, No. 18-20 Scuds, San Juan Worms, No. 20-22 Miracle Nymphs, No. 20-22 Black Beauties, and No. 18-22 Copper Johns.
South Platte River, Deckers area | The stream flow through last weekend was 156 cfs. The river through Cheesman Canyon and the Deckers area has been consistently good the past several weeks. Trout increasingly have been moving out of the holes and into the riffles. Spordic midge hatches and the occasional BWO have been spotted, under optimal conditions. The best success has been fishing with nymphs, bead-head Black Beauties, bead-head Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS-2s, San Juan worms, scuds, Red Midge Larvae and Cheesman Emergers. If at all possible, please stay away from the spawning redds. They are easily identified by the distinctive hollowed-out spots with clean gravel, about 18 inches across.
South Platte River, Eleven Mile Canyon | The flow has been stable around 50 cfs, the river is clear and fish are becoming increasingly active. Though midge and blue-wing-olive mayfly activity is a little more common, the best fishing results remain subsurface. The best bets among fly patterns have been Buckskins, Dorsey’s Mercury, Black Beauty, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Red Midge Larva, Gray RS-2, and San Juan Worm. Anglers are reminded to please avoid stomping through the trout spawning redds. They will appear as a divot, usually about 18 inches across, where the gravel has been cleaned off.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir | Opening day is April 12 at 5:56 a.m., kicking off the Spinney Mountain fishing season. Trout are spawning, offering trophy-catch opportunities. Only artificial flies and lures are permitted, with a bag limit of one trout at least 20 inches long. Spinney will be open ½ hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, with no boating or fishing ½ hour after sunset. Only the north boat ramp is in operation. The water level is 4.2 vertical feet from capacity, the best opening-day level in recent years.
Tarryall Reservoir | Some ice remained early in the week but it was very unsafe. Ice fishing was good through the winter, and the trend should continue after ice-out.
Trinidad Reservoir | The water temperature is around 49 degrees. Warm windy days have been bringing the temperature up, and we expect to see more activity from warm-water species soon. For now, fishing for them has been slow. Fishing for trout has been good from shore and boats using various baits and lures, with many fish in the 16- to 20-inch range. A few walleyes also are being caught from boats. Remember, new fishing regulations for Trinidad Reservoir came into effect on January 1. The limit for walleyes, saugeyes, and sauger in the aggregate is five fish at least 15 inches in length. No more than one of the five can exceed 21 inches. The 15-inch minimum size limit for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass remains in effect. Use caution when boating as unmarked obstacles may exist.
Turks Pond | The level is down a little from last year, but should be coming up with the pumping of well water. The 55-acre lake has good populations of crappie, bluegills, wipers, saugeyes and catfish, and is stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring. Trout fishing has been slow but should improve as spring progresses. Catfishing has been fair and the crappie bite is just beginning off the dam.
Turqoise Lake | The lake is frozen solid and will stay that way until late May. A lot of snow remains in the Leadville area and access to the lake is limited to the dam area. Fishing for lake trout has been fair this winter using Berkley Power Tubes tipped with sucker meat. White jigs are working best.
Twin Lakes | Twin Lakes remain frozen except for the west end in front of the power plant. The channel between the lakes is open, as is a little of the upper lake on the east end. Ice fishing for lake trout is still good using Berkley tube jigs in white and chartreuse tipped with sucker meat. Fishing for rainbows is fair in the open water at the mouth of the power plant. Use Montera Marvels tipped with mealworms for the best results.
Twin Lakes Forebay | The Mount Elbert Forebay is still providing good fishing for rainbows, and the lake trout are starting to hit, as well. Rainbows can still be caught using Montera Marvels, Kastmasters and small dry flies along the shore line. The lake trout are hitting best on tube jigs tipped with sucker meat jigged along the bottom. Fishermen with small, hand-propelled craft are doing best for the lake trout.
Two Buttes Reservoir | This reservoir has essentially dried up. It will not be stocked until conditions improve.
Wahatoya Reservoir | The ice is gone but little fishing activity has been noted.
Southwest
Animas River | There’s still time to fish before the spring run-off starts. Warm days are bringing hatches of midges. Fly casters should use small midge patterns. Some big browns are looking at streamers, bait-fish patterns and large Woolly Buggers. The river is off-color on some days when the weather warms and snow is begins to melt.
Beaver Creek Reservoir | Ice is beginning to melt and the lake should be open within two weeks. Ice fishing is not recommended.
Big Meadows Reservoir | The lake still has an ice cover but ice fishing is not recommended.
Blue Mesa Reservoir | Though most of the reservoir remains ice-covered, the ice is unsafe. Some open water can be found by the Gunnison River inlet and a few people have been fishing there. Nights remain cold, and by most estimates, a complete ice-out won’t occur for a couple of weeks.
Conejos County (high country lakes) | The lakes remain ice-covered and generally inaccessible. Look for ice-out and access in May.
Conejos County (small streams) | Virtually all remain iced-up and inaccessible because of snow. Most become accessible in May.
Conejos River | The Conejos River is open and accessible from Mogote to Horca and pre-runnoff fishing has been fair to good for brown trout on a variety of nymphs. Fishing pressure is very light this time of year. The Conejos River is one of the best-kept fishing secrets in Colorado. The river boasts a flourishing brown trout population from Mogote to Platoro Reservoir. Best fishing areas are the Fly Water, Pinnacles and the flats below Platoro Reservoir. Expect excellent fishing for brown trout at the Fly Water, where brown trout biomass is 81 pounds/acre with 49 fish/acre greater than 14 inches. Brown trout biomass at the flats below Platoro Reservoir is 70 pounds/acre and 22 fish/acre greater than 14 inches.
Dolores River (lower) | The water level after the run-off ends is extremely low. Consequently, the river below McPhee no longer is a recommended fishery.
Dolores River (upper) | The river remains snowbound. Access is difficult until the snow melts.
East River | The river is open and experiencing low flows of 142 cfs. The water is clear and around 45 degrees. Hatches are exclusively midges, with the BWO’s and caddis to follow in the month to come. The most productive nymphing is with stoneflies, mayflies and midges. Call us at (970) 641-7404 for the latest report or stop by the Almont Anglers shop, because conditions and the weather change daily.
Echo Canyon Reservoir | The reservoir remains ice-covered but unsafe for ice fishing.
Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) | The East Portal Road opened on Monday. The flow is 625 cfs. Early season favorites are egg patterns, scuds and BWOs, including nymphs, emergers and dries. When unsure what to use, try the Peacock Bugger. During the spawning season, tread lightly on the redds. For current conditions call the Cimarron Creek Flyshop at 970-249-0408.
Gunnison River (through the canyon) | The flow is 625 cfs and the water is clear from Chukar Trail downstream to the confluence. Fishing conditions are above par and fishing is hot. Same patterns as last week are working: BWOs, Baetis emergers, Woolly Buggers, No. 14-20 red Copper Johns (Gunnison Omelet) and San Juan worms are hot. No motorized craft are allowed above the North Fork tributary. Other restrictions include: Gold Medal Water, catch-and-release, flies and lures only. No rainbow trout may be kept. The Gunnison River Pleasure Park is offering ferry service to help anglers access the upper river. Call 970-872-2525 for current information.
Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) | The river is open from Almont to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Flows are around 300 cfs from Almont downstream, with higher flows trough Gunnison from Ohio creek. Some discoloration can happen on the lower river on warm days because of Tommichi Creek and Ohio Creek. Hatches of midges occur from midday on, and we have seen sporadic surface activity. The best bet is nymphing with stoneflies and midges. Call the Almont Anglers shop at (970) 641-7404 or stop by for the latest report, because conditions and the weather change daily.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir | The lake is free of ice as of last Saturday and ice-off fishing can be excellent for some of the larger rainbow trout. In-line spinners fished deep and slow along the dam face and near the inlet channel are good bets, as well as Power Bait and night crawlers fished just off the bottom. Small jigs tipped with a piece of worm or mealworm and fished under a slip bobber will catch yellow perch. The water temperature still is very cold (upper 30’s). The lake is open for boating at wakeless speeds and the park is open year-round with restrooms, yurts, and campsites available for overnighters. Call 970-533-7065 or check the link below for current conditions.
La Jara Reservoir | The reservoir remains ice-covered. The remaining ice is considered unsafe; please use caution. La Jara Reservoir’s water level is expected to be fair this year, with fluctuations due to drought conditions. The trout fishery continues to grow at La Jara Reservoir. The 2004 gill-net survey found several 12- to 15-inch brook trout. The reservoir is stocked with Rio Grande cutthroat trout, brook trout and splake. Expect fair to good fishing in 2006, depending upon the water level.
Lemon Reservoir | Soft ice and snow remain on the reservoir but it is not safe for ice fishing. Fishing will begin in earnest in early May.
Los Pinos River | The river will be snow and ice-bound above Vallecito Reservoir for at least another month. Access below the reservoir is restricted because of private property.
McPhee Reservoir | Rainbows are attracted to the reservoir inlet when the runoff starts, probably in 2-3 weeks. Good bass fishing won’t start until mid-May at the earliest. Kokanee fishing is best late June through August.
Mountain Home Reservoir | The lake is open and fishing is picking up with 12- to 18-inch rainbows being caught. The water level is low and the north boat ramp is out of the water.
Navajo Reservoir | The lake is nearly full, with water temperatures in the mid-40s. The boat ramp has been open all winter, and some folks already have been out on the lake already. On the Colorado side of the reservoir, pike and catfish are beginning to bite. Bass, trout and some crappie are being caught on the New Mexico side. Fishing is still fairly slow in Colorado.
Piedra River | River banks and access are still snowbound. The water is off-color, making fishing difficult.
Platoro Reservoir | The reservoir remains ice-covered and inaccessible except by snowmobile. The ice usually melts in May, and the access road is cleared of snow around Memorial Day. The water level is low this year and expected to fluctuate throughout the summer. Platoro Reservoir is stocked with 17,000 10-inch rainbow trout, 35,000 fingerling rainbow trout, 7,000, 4-inch splake and 20,000, 2-inch kokanee salmon. The lake has a fair resident brown trout population with some fish in the 10- to 12-pound range. Expect fair to good fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon and splake, especially in June and July.
Ridgway Fishing Ponds | Worms, Woolly Buggers and bead-head nymphs all catch fish in these ponds. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of Ridgway State Park is excellent for children because it has the only waters below the dam not restricted to artificial flies and lures or catch-and-release fishing. A limit of trout may be kept there.
Ridgway Reservoir | With the recent rains, shore casters have to contend with mud, but they are catching fish around the boat ramp. They are using orange Power Bait and small orange lures. Boaters continue to catch rainbow and brown trout using orange Power Bait, night crawlers, Kastmasters and Mepps spinners, though the action has slowed somewhat. Dallas Creek is muddy. Recent rains and snow runoff have muddied the Uncompahgre River above the reservoir. The boat ramp is open for the season. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for park passes, licenses, boat registrations and information.
Rio Grande High Country Streams | High-country streams are iced-up and generally inaccessible. They should be open by late May or early June.
Rio Grande River | The river is free of ice and fishable past Creede. The upper reaches have been somewhat off-color in recent days, but the lower river has been running clear. The river has a great population of stoneflies, and stonefly nymphs are a good choice for early season fishing. Bitch Creek nymphs and 20-inchers are likely patterns. Drifting caddis imitators along the bottom or fishing with a Woolly Bugger also can be productive. The basin snow pack is lower this year than last, so a shorter spring runoff is likely. As the season progresses, the Rio Grande has excellent hatches of Pteronarcys stoneflies, caddis, green drakes and other mayflies.
Road Canyon Reservoir | The reservoir is covered by unsafe ice. Access is poor.
San Juan high-country lakes, streams | The lakes are iced in and the trails are snow-covered. High country lakes usually do not open for fishing until mid-June.
San Juan River | The water is off-color, making fishing difficult. Limited success reported using small, green-colored flies and large, black Wooly Buggers. Fishing will remain difficult until late May.
Sanchez Reservoir | The reservoir is free of ice and the water level is low. Fishing for walleyes, northern pike and yellow perch has been slow, but should improve as the water warms up a little.
Taylor Reservoir | The reservoir remains frozen. Ice-fishing reports were unavailable.
Taylor River | Flows are 75 cfs out of the dam and 147 cfs in Almont. The river is open from the catch-and-release section downstream to Almont. Some ice is still holding onto the banks. Midge hatches occur around midday. The best approach is to use dry-drop rigs at these flows, with concentration on the nymph(Copper Johns, PT’s, Princes, San Juan Worms, JW’s, Zebra Midges, Miracle Nymphs,etc.), but fish occasionally also take the indicator this time of year. Midge hatches are most common, but also look for the occasional BWO or caddis. Call (970) 641-7404 or stop by the Almont Anglers shop for the latest report, because conditions and the weather change daily.
Trujillo Meadows Reservoir | The reservoir remains frozen and generally inaccessible. Ice-out usually occurs in early to mid-May, and the road is usually plowed by Memorial Day. This is the best trout-fishing lake in the Conejos River area. The lake water levels should be near capacity this summer. It offers good to excellent fishing for brown trout, 10-17 inches; brook trout, 7-13 inches; and rainbow trout, 10-16 inches from ice-out to July. The best brown-trout fishing is in the early morning and evenings using Rapalas, Kastmasters and streamer flies.
Tucker Ponds | The ponds still are covered by ice.
Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park | Flows are low and clear. Fly fishers do best nymphing during the day with a caddis emerger or any bead-head. Switch to a caddis dry or No. 12 Stimulator in the evening.
Vallecito Reservoir | Soft ice with snow remains on the reservoir and is not safe. Fishing will begin in earnest in early May.
Williams Creek Reservoir | The forest service road to the reservoir will be closed until it dries out, so access is difficult. Soft ice with snow remains on the reservoir and is not safe.
Stocking Report
The following bodies of water have been stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife:
Anticline Lake, Pueblo; Arkansas River, No. 3b, Pueblo; Arvada Reservoir; Centennial Park Lake; Cherry Creek Reservoir; Chipeta Lake, south of Montrose; Corn Lake, Clifton; Flatiron Reservoir, southwest of Loveland; Hasty Lake, east of Las Animas; Highline Lake, northwest of Fruita; Horseshoe Reservoir, Lathrop State Park; Joe Moore Reservoir, northwest of Mancos; Kenney Reservoir, east of Rangely; Kissel Pond, Limon; Main Lake, Denver; Ordway Reservoir, north of Ordway; Parachute Pond, Parachute; Pastorius Reservoir, southeast of Durango; Pine Valley Ranch Pond, west of Pine; Pinewood Reservoir, southwest of Loveland; Pike View Reservoir, Colorado Springs; Prospect Lake, Colorado Springs; Pueblo City Park Lake, Pueblo; Pueblo West Pond, Pueblo West; Quail Lake, Colorado Springs; Rifle Pond, South, Rifle; Rocky Mountain Lake, I-70 and Federal; Smith Lake, South Downing and Exposition; Standley Lake, 88th and Kipling.
