Getting your player ready...
Fishing conditions by region
Denver Metro l Northeast
l Southeast l
Northwest l Southwest
This page updated every Tuesday, from April
4 through the first week in September of this year.
| Denver Metro Region |
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Arvada Reservoir – Little has changed during the past week. Fishing for trout from shore remains fairly good on Power Bait, and boating fishermen still are taking some bass on crayfish. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake. |
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Aurora Reservoir – The reservoir is open to boating. The water level is good and the temperature is 46 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is fair to good. Pink rainbow Power Bait, salmon eggs and night crawlers fished shallow from the dam have been working best. From boats, trout action is fair to good trolling slowly with Needlefish and Tasmanian Devils, Tripple Teasers and jigs with crawlers. Walleye action is picking up from boats using jigs in 15-30 feet of water. From shore, jigs fished off the west dam are producing some walleyes. Smallmouth action is picking up using jigs from boats and off the west dam. A 27-pound channel catfish recently was on salmon eggs. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors. For additional information call 303-690-1286 |
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Barr Lake – If you’re into carp, they are spawning now. You can use corn to catch these fresh-water bonefish. Fishing for trout has been slow. Stocking soon will improve the trout fishing. | |
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Bear Creek – Lair O Bear Open Space offers a lot. It has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, and a lot of deep holes if you chose to walk the trails. It’s fly and lure water. Use blue-wing-olives dry flies to get some surface action. A small, black Mepps spinner will get you down deep. You may keep two fish, except that all rainbow trout must be released |
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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. A 20-inch brown trout was caught at Pelican Point on a worm. The 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. |
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Berkeley Lake – The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout, which have provided most of the fishing action so far. The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish, among other warm-water species, which will become more active as the water temperature rises. |
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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. |
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Chatfield Ponds – Perch fishing has been a lot of fun. Using a shiner minnow on a slip bobber you might not have time to sit down. Remember, the bass like shiners also. Be ready.
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Chatfield Reservoir – After the full moon, walleye fishing should be really hot. Use a leech on a jig, or a shiner will work well, also. Grandpa says when the lilacs bloom, the walleye are biting, so look outside. For more information call 303-421-4025.
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Cherry Creek Reservoir – The lake recently was stocked with hungry rainbows, so give it try. Use orange Power Bait, night crawlers or shiner minnows. You can’t go wrong here; the area around the marina offers your best chance to fill a stringer. | |
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Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) – Clear Creek offers a fly-fishing extravaganza. Use Blue-Wing-Olives, Adams, or Elk Hair Caddis. If the fish are not hitting dry flies try Black Beauties, Copper Johns or RS-2s. |
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Clear Lake – No current reports are available. 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. |
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Evergreen Lake – Fishing for trout has been slow, but fishing for tiger muskies has been good. Fish big spinners or big jointed Rapalas on heavy line for the tigers.
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Georgetown Lake – The lake has mostly open water. Fishing along the bridge with a night crawler should be the ticket. Super Dupers also produce some catches. |
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Gross Reservoir – Fishing for trout has been very good near the inlet with night crawlers. The water is low, so moving around this lake is a lot easier. No reports of tiger muskies have been received yet, but you could be the first. |
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Jim Baker Reservoir – This is a great place to take the kids to get into some fish. The lake was stocked not too long ago and people heve been getting their fill. Catfish are 10 feet in front of you. The best chances of catching them are with cut sucker meat toward evening. For more information call 303-421-4025. |
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Ketring Park Lake – The lake has a variety of mostly small warm-water fish. Fishing remains slow but is gradually improving with warmer weather. |
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Main Lake – The lake usually has good early season fishing for crappie but 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. |
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Quincy Reservoir – The water temperature is 50 degrees. Fishing for perch has slowed but some still are taken on curly tail jigs from boats. Trout fishing is fair to good using flies. Bead-head Prince nymphs, leech patterns, RS-2s and Zebra Midges have worked well. Spin-fishermen have enjoyed some action on trout using bright-colored spinners, Kastmasters and Tasmanian Devils. The west shore has been the best for trout. Bass fishing has been good for some, slow for others. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. Please see the new defintion of artificial in the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s fishing regulations booklet. The limit for trout at Quincy is two. Bass must be at least 18 inches to possess. All boats must be hand-launched. For more information call 303-693-5463. |
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Rocky Mountain Lake – The lake recently was stocked with trout. Fishing is good with Rooster-Tail spinners, Power Bait and, best of all, live shiners. |
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Sloans Lake – Fishing for catfish has been fair, at best. Plenty are in the lake, however, including some big ones, so keep trying. Carp are spawning and taking corn baits, but expect to get broken off at least once. Crappie are hitting small minnows.
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Smith Reservoir – Warm-water fishing has been slow, but look for it to 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. |
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Standley Lake – The lake is ice-free and the water level is 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 id 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. |
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Washington Park Lakes – Crappie running up to 10 inches can 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. |
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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 the warm-water species has been slow. |
| Northeast Region |
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Bellaire Lake – At last report the lake still had unsafe ice. |
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Big Creek Lakes – The lakes remain frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out usually occurs in mid to late May. |
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Big Thompson Ponds – A largemouth bass estimated at 7-8 pounds reportedly was caught by a fisherman using a bleeding gray Chug Bug. Smaller bass have been taking a No. 8 or 10 floating Rapala. The ponds also have bluegills, channel catfish and crappie. |
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Big Thompson River – The water below Lake Estes remains low and clear. 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. |
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Boedecker Reservoir – Fishing for catfish is the thing to do. Use dead suckers or stinkbait not more than 20 feet off the shore. Crappie fishing should be hot this week. Try a white crappie jig tipped with a minnow or a leech. | |
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Boulder Reservoir – The water level is 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. |
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Boyd Lake – Trout fishing has been good on the standard variety of baits and lures, with some of the rainbows approaching 20 inches in length. Fishing for warm-water species is just beginning to come around. A few walleyes have been taken in recent days. Fishing for crappie and walleyes will improve as the water continues to warm. | |
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Carter Reservoir – Walleye fishing has been good between the north ramp and Dam 2 on the east side of the lake. The best luck has been on Rapalas, Mister Twisters and night-crawler harnesses. Trout fishing has picked up as the water has risen. Most anglers are catching their limit in two to four hours. Carter also was stocked with trout fingerlings in late March. Fishing from shore has been good using sherbet Power Bait and salmon eggs. Worms also are starting to work well. | |
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Chambers Lake – The lake remains covered with deteriorating ice, with ice-out probably still a week or two away. Fishing for trout and mackinaw usually is good right after ice-out. |
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Cowdrey Lake – The ice on Cowdrey is breaking up, but the remaining sheets of ice are along the east shore, which also is the primary public access to the lake. Anglers able to get to the open water have reported some good action. |
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Douglas Reservoir – Rainbow trout are hitting almost everything. Fly fisherman have been getting the most, using black Wooly Buggers and Brads Douglas Deceivers (similar to a Lefty’s Deceiver.) Fish along the boat dock for a mix of trout and wipers. |
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Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) – Trout have been mostly stocker-sized, but some bigger trout are here, also. The best luck has been from boats trolling Krocodiles and gold Kastmasters as slow as you can go. Find the islands(structure); find the bigger fish. |
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Dumont Lake – The lake still is frozen. Expect ice-out in late May to early June. |
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East Delaney Lake – On Monday, about 50 percent of the lake had open water. The lake already is fishable, and with the high winds that have been whipping the open water, it could be completely ice-free by the weekend. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures. The limit on trout is two. All brown trout 14-20 inches long, and rainbows and cutthroats 18-22 inches long must immediately be returned to the water alive. |
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Estes Lake – The ice is gone but the weather has been cold and windy, and few fishermen have been on the water. 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. |
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Flatiron Reservoir – The fishing is good, and most anglers are catching fish all day, but in late afternoon the action seems to pick up. Try using Power Bait, Fireballs or worms. Some anglers have also been having luck with small, gold-and-brown Rooster Tails. |
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Hidden Lakes – The lakes are frozen and inaccessible. |
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Hohnholz Lakes – Fishermen have been doing really well in Lake No. 2 using Power Bait and night crawlers from shore off the sandy points. Also, float-tubers are doing well with olive damsel nymphs on a sinking line. Lake No. 3 is hit-and-miss. The fish are much larger and a lot pickier, but it’s only a little bit up the road and could be worth the extra time. Lake No. 3 is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. | |
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Horsetooth Reservoir – The reservoir is filling, bringing a rush of water down the inlet channel. The inlet channel into the reservoir, located near Inlet Bay, is closed to fishing March 15-May 31. Fishing in Inlet Bay is producing some large trout, along with some medium-sized walleyes. The north end of the reservoir is picking up with walleyes, trout and the occasional smallmouth. Note the new walleye size regulations this year at Horsetooth. The bag limit is five walleyes over 18 inches, with only one fish over 21 inches in length. | |
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Jackson Reservoir – Little has changed during the past week. 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. | |
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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. |
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Jumbo Reservoir – Fishing activity has increased over the past week because of the warm weather, but success is still relatively slow. A few trout have been caught off the shore north of the outlet structure using Power Bait. Some fishermen have had a degree of success trolling with spinners. The trout may need a couple more weeks to really become active. Boating also has increased. The reservoir is full and the water temperature is in the 50s. A habitat stamp is required to enter this State Wildlife Area. | |
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Lake John – The lake was about 35 percent open on Monday. High winds are likley to quickly chase away the remaining ice. Ice-out fishing for trout usually is very good. The lake has not shown signs of a winter loss. |
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Laramie River at Hohnholz SWA – Fishing has been fairusing Black Beauties, Red Copper Johns and BWO Emergers in the deep pools. | |
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Lon Hagler Reservoir – The lake has been stocked with trout, and 8- to 10-inch rainbows have provided most of the catch. Crappie have become considerably more active, though cold weather still can turn off the bite. Look for bass to follow as the water warms. | |
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Lonetree Reservoir – Warm-water fishing is just beginning to come around. Crappie have been fairly active and some walleyes also have been taken. Expect fishing for walleyes to improve with warmer weather temperatures. Early season fishing should be fairly good, but with an increase in this year’s forage base, well-fed fish may be tough to entice later. | |
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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. |
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Lost Lake (at Chambers) – The lake remains covered with ice. Expect good fishing right after ice-out, probably in early May. |
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North Delaney Lake – The ice is going fast. On Monday about 25 percent of the lake was open and fishing was possible. High winds were whipping the open water, and the remaining ice could be gone by the weekend. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures. The limit is two trout, except that all browns 14-20 inches in length and rainbows and cutthroats 18-22 inches must immediately be returned to the water alive. Fishing is prohibited in the inlet above the standing water line. |
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North Fork of the N. Platte River – The river is opening up, but fishing remains difficult. |
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North Michigan Lake – The lake still has an ice and snow cover. Ice conditions are deteriorating. |
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North Park Alpine Lakes – The lakes remain covered with ice and snow and will remain that way for some time. |
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North Park Streams – Most of the meadow streams are open, but the water is risng 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. |
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North Platte River – The river is open and running fairly high and discolored. The water clarity could temporarily improve with cooler weather. Call the North Park Anglers at (970) 723-4215 for conditions updates. |
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North Sterling Reservoir – The water temperature is around 50 degrees. Not many fisherman have appeared yet, so reports for all species are slow. About 8,000 catchable trout were stocked last fall. They should be hitting any day. Some of the locals who know the lake well are starting to catch a few walleyes on curly tail jigs tipped with a minnow or a piece of night crawler. 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 all are 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. | |
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Parvin Lake (Red Feather) – Fishermen may only use artificial flies, and fly fishing from a float tube is the way to go. You can hardly go wrong with a Woolly Bugger or any other streamer. The browns in this lake would rather eat minnow imitations than flies that look like aquatic insects. |
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Pinewood Reservoir – Pinewood was last stocked on April 3 with 1,000 catchable trout. Fishing is still slow, but try using worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs around the inlet and Fisherman’s Cove area. A 48-inch tiger musky reportedly was caught on April 6 at Fisherman’s Cove on a Mepps spinner. | |
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Poudre River – The river is flowing generally low and clear, though some discoloration may occur on warm days. Blue-wing-olive mayflies have been hatching on warm, 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. | |
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Prewitt Reservoir – The water level is full. The boat dock is not yet out. Fishing for all species remains slow, though some catfish are being caught in the shallows of the south bay near the inlet. A habitat stamp is required to enter this State Wildlife Area. | |
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Ranger Lakes – he area has not opened for the seaon. Upper Ranger Lake was drained for dam rapairs last year but should refill this summer. |
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Seeley Lake – This lake warms up quickly. Catfish should be all over any cut bait you use. Chicken liver always is a good bet.
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Seymour Reservoir – The lake was about 35 percent open on Monday. Not a lot of reports of people fishing this reservoir have been received yet, but as soon as the lid is totally off, the trout will be hungry.
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Simpson Ponds – The water remains a little cold for truly good fishing, but crappie are becoming active. Fishing will improve with warmer weather and water temperatures. | |
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Slack Weiss Reservoir – The lake remains mostly frozen, with a little open water around the inlet. |
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South Delaney Lake – The lake was about 40 percent open on Monday and some shoreline fishing was possible. With the windy conditions in the area, it could be completely ice-free by the weekend. Early season fishing for large rainbows and browns usually is very good, especially along the rocks on the west side. Only artificil flies and lures may be used. The limit is two trout, but all browns 14-20 inches long and rainbows and cutthroats 18-22 inches long must be released. Fishing is prohibited in the inlet above the standing water line. |
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St. Vrain River – The river has been low and clear. Fly fishermen report some decent activity on midge patterns and occasional mayfly hatches. |
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Teal and Tiago Lakes – At last report, the lakes had unsafe ice. |
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Union Reservoir (Calkins) – Fishing for wipers has picked up this week. Limits of wipers are being caught from shore on crayfish tails and mussels. Most are between 15 and 20 inches. Fly fishermen also are having very good success on the wipers, especially toward evening. 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. 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. |
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Watson Lake – Fishing for trout has been good using Woolly Buggers, Bloody Butchers, Renegades and streamer patterns. The smallmouth bass are getting active. Try a spinnerbait or an orange Rapala.
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Wellington Reservoir #4 – Trout are hitting Power Bait, and night crawlers on the bottom. No sign of walleyes being caught, but catfish at night are a good bet.
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| Northwest Region |
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Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) – The flow below Green Mountain Reservoir has been steady at 356 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 for 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. |
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Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) – Fishing in Silverthorne continues to be fairly good, mostly with midge and Mysis shrimp patterns, but river conditions are variable, with periods of discoloration caused by rising and falling temperatures and melting snow. Some large rainbows still are being spotted and hooked, but only a few of the largest fish are being landed. Small, dark colored, midge patterns continue to be the best flies, in sizes 22, 24, and 26. Mysis Shrimp and egg patterns work well as attractors. 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. | |
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Colorado River (below Parshall) – The fishing above Kremmling still is fairly good with flows of 1,400 but the river is off-color because of the runoff. At Parshall, use small emerger and egg paterns, 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. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407. |
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Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) – The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs has been flowing at 4,780 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. | |
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Colorado River (near Granby) – Fishing below Parshall is good. Spring is finally here. Streams usually are fairly clear early in the morning. On warm afternoons, rivers will have some color. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, small nymphs, black midges, wolly uggers and Copper Johns have been working well. The stream flow below Windy Gap last weekend was 535 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. |
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Crystal River – The Crystal River has been flowing around 674 cfs in Carbondale. It currently is heavily discolored and considered unfishable. Low-lying snowmelt coupled with warm weather has made the river run this way. 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. | |
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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 still fishable, but cold. Conditions are likely to quickly deteriorate as the snow melts. | |
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Freeman Reservoir – The lake remains frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out typically occurs in late May or early June. |
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Fryingpan River – The Frying Pan is clear and flowing at increased flows of 289 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir. Mysis shrimp are coming out in very good numbers, with large, 5-pound-plus fish becoming more commonplace. Midges and BWO’s are the dominant food sources in the upper river. Caddis and small stoneflies also can be found on the lower river. Dry-fly fishing is slowly picking up with the heaviest hatches taking place below the dam. Good flies include: Tim’s Mysis, Sands’ Epoxy Mysis, Poxyback Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges, RS-2s, Jujubees, Johnny Flashes, Electric Caddis, Buckskins, and Poxybiot Stones. | |
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Granby Reservoir – Ice fishing continues to be decent. However, with the warmer days we have been experiencing, be aware of changing ice coditions, 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. Brown trout colors, gold/w red and silver/w red, are good in open water. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970)887-9344. |
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Grand Lake – Water movement at the East Portal kept open-water fishing conditions in that area most of the winter. 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. Grand Lake has very questionable ice for fishing. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344. |
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Green Mountain Reservoir – Open water has appeared along the south end of the reservoir, extending past 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. |
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Green River – No current reports are available. The Green remains 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. |
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Harvey Gap Reservoir – The ice is gone and the lake is 3 feet below full. Northern pike are the chief attraction, but few fishermen have been on the water. Try for pike and trout off the dam. Pike and warmer-water fish will get increasingly active as water temperatures rise. 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. | |
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Highline Lake – The water temperature is about 52 degrees and the lake is full. Fishing still is slow. The lake was stocked on March 17 with 5,000 rainbow trout. Both boat ramps are open. Use caution when launching at the east ramp because of a high volume of mud and silt coming in from the canal. | |
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Lake Avery – The lake still has unsafe ice. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428. |
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Mack Mesa Lake – The water temperature is about 59 degrees and water levels are high. 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. Power Bait still seems to be the primary bait for catching trout. The lake is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small electric trolling motors. | |
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Muddy Creek – The tailwater below Wolford Reservoir is fishing well at 70 cfs. 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 Balls of Fire. For current conditions call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407. |
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Pearl Lake – Unsafe ice conditions exist at Pearl Lake. No open water is evident; the lake remains iced over. 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. | |
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Rifle Gap Reservoir – The lake is almost full. The water temperature is 50 degrees. The east Rifle Creek inlet is somewhat cloudy from snowmelt, but many have had good luck fishing for trout and northern pike. Try deep-running crankbaits or streamer flies for pike. Trout have been hitting Panther Martin spinners and streamer flies. Fishing for bass and walleyes remains slow. 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. | |
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Rio Blanco Lake – The lake is free of ice. Fishermen have been catching some crappie and bluegills on red, white and chartreuse crappie jigs. Northern pike have not been active yet, but will appear with warmer water temperatures. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428. | |
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Roaring Fork River – The Roaring Fork is clear and fishing well from Aspen to Carbondale. Below Carbondale, the river is discolored. Current river flows are at 112 cfs in Aspen, 773 cfs in Basalt, and 1,840 cfs in Glenwood Springs. Good midge hatches are taking place on the river near Aspen, with decent BWO, caddis, and small brown stonefly hatches occurring below Basalt. Nymph fishing is still the most consistent, and has been very good 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 remain high and unfishable this week. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt for daily river conditions at 970-927-4374. | |
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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 just north of the islands and over to the east shore. Open-water fishing also is 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. |
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Stagecoach Reservoir – Ice is deteriorating quickly and we now have around 10 feet of open water around the shoreline, and a large area at Lot 14. Due to the conditions, no ice fishing has been reported within the last week. Trout fishing is fair at Lot 14 using night crawlers, Wooly Buggers and red Power Bait. Pike are hitting in the same area on sucker meat. The tailwaters are showing the most activity with sculpin and stud/midge combos. The water level is rising about 6 inches daily and is muddy at the Yampa River Inlet. The tail-waters are flowing at around 100 cfs. We are still closed for boating. For more information on water and ice conditions, please visit www.state.co.us and look at the conditions page for Stagecoach State Park. | |
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Steamboat Lake – Unsafe ice conditions are found at Steamboat Lake. The lake remains iced over, with no open water evident. | |
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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. |
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Vega Reservoir – The lake still has some thin ice but also plenty of open water. Fishing for holdover trout has been fairly good, but the shoreline is muddy. The Fishing Flats road has reopened. The Plateau Creek inlet and the diversion canal areas are open and fishable. 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. | |
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White River – The river has been rising but the main runoff has not yet begun. On warm days the water can become discolored but still generally fishable; on cooler days it clears up. Fishing success has slowed, but some decent-sized rainbow trout still are taken on nymphs, streamer flies and small spinners. 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. |
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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. | |
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Williams Fork River – The flow is 204 cfs 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 paterns 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. |
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Willow Creek Reservoir – Fishermen must be aware of changing ice conditions and act accordingly. No open water was evident last weekend. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344. |
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Wolford Reservoir – With ice-off and runoff begining, the upper end of the lake is muddy Fish along the mud line from shore or boat for some excellent early season fishing. Throw a Kastmaster or troll a small spoon to entice these hungry fish. For current conditions call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407. |
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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. | |
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Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) – Fishing in the tailwater below Stagecoach Reservoir has been good with midge and occasional blue-wing-olive mayfly activity reported. But as essentially the only fishably 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 Region |
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Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) – Not much fishing activity has been evident so far. Water temperatures are warming into the mid-50s. The water level is much improved from last summer, when a major drawdown left catfish as virtually the only gamefish 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. |
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Anticline Lake – The lake below Pueblo Dam is heavily stocked with trout in the spring and offers good fishing into early summer. |
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Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo) – Flows hav been up and down during the past week, most recently at 130 cfs after dropping to 56 cfs. Warm cloudy days should provide good hatches of blue-wing-olive mayflies, but the fishing can be tough on windy days. Most of the trout still are holding in deeper pools. Frequent stocking of this stretch of river makes for excellent fishing. Between 30,000 and 40,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked 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. Standard fishing regulations and limits are in effect on this section of the river. | |
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Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) – Flows in this reach are 300-325 cfs and the water is clear to green. Blue-wing-olive mayflies are most active, with strong hatches on cloudy days and active nymphs and emergers on brighter days. Bugs are in a size 18-20. Whether fishing on top or sub-surface, trail an unweighted emerger pattern behind your lead fly. For current conditions, go to www.arkanglers.com. | |
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Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) – Flows in the Hayden Meadows area are about 150 cfs with flows at Granite in the 270 range. Blue-wing-olive mayflies are starting to hatch in this reach, particularly on low-light days. Fish a size 18-20 blue-wing nymph or dry with an emerger trailing. For more info, visit www.arkanglers.com. | |
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Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) – Current flows are 375 at Wellsville and 410 at Parkdale, with clear to green water and rising water temperatures. While blue-wing-olive mayflies continue to be the dominant food source in this section, look for caddis to be emerging on the lower river this week. For updated reports, visit www.arkanglers.com. | |
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Bonny Reservoir – The lake temperature is around 55 degrees and the fish have not really started biting yet. 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. | |
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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, but a few small largemouth bass and bluegills are starting to be caught. A DOW creel census is being conducted at the lake and anglers are asked to participate in the study. 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. | |
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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. |
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Clear Creek Reservoir – The lake is still frozen, with a little open water starting to show on the west end. The ice is getting soft and caution is needed to go out on it. Some bank fishing is available on the west end, and the lake will thaw out quickly when the winds and the warm weathrer hit it. | |
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Cottonwood Lake – Cottonwood is still frozen with a little open water on the west end. Ice is still thick enough for fishing, but caution is warranted. Fishing still is good on Cottowood and very good in the open water with Montera Marvels and Kastmasters. | |
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Crystal Creek Reservoir – The reservoir is along 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. |
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Daigre Reservoir – The ice is gone but few fishermen have been on the water. The lake is retricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. |
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DeWeese Reservoir – The lake is free of ice but little fishing activity has been noted.windy 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- to 18-inch range. Smallmouth bass are abundant and should provide some fast action. Most are 6-12 inches in length, but some 16-inchers occasionally are caught. |
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Elevenmile Reservoir – The reservoir is open to boating ½ hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. The bag and possession limit is 10 kokanee salmon and four trout, of which only two can be longer than 16 inches. There is no limit on northern pike. Trout action is fair. Trout are currently 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 poor using Rapalas and sucker meat.
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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 summer months. | |
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Hayden Meadows Reservoir – The lake is mostly open and should be completely open by mid week. Fishing is good with Kastmasters, night crawlers and Montera Marvels. | |
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Horseshoe Reservoir – The water level is good. Fishermen have been doing very well on trout. A 39-inch tiger muskie was caught last week on a night crawler. Look for activity to increase as the water warms up. The boat dock is in place. For current conditions, call (719) 738-2376. | |
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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. |
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John Martin Reservoir – Weather in the area has alternated between cool and windy and warm and windy. Temperatures have ranged from the 50s to the 80s. Some wipers have been caught off the dam face on shad, and wipers and walleyes have been taken from the spillway on jigs and minnows. Saugeyes have been taken from the spillway on Twisters. Large catfish are biting in the spillway. Lake Hasty has been stocked with trout and they are biting on Power Bait. More than 5,000 trout have 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. ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on the state wildlife area. | |
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Lake Henry – The water level was excellent last year and should remain good in 2006. Few fishermen have been on the water, but fishing should be good this spring, especially for catfish. The lake also has crappie, wipers and saugeyes, and fishing for them should improve as the lake rebounds from the low-water years. |
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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. Water temperatures are warming quickly and currently are in the upper-50s. | |
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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 amenities. An entry fee is required. Forest Service campgrounds are nearby. |
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Martin Lake – The water level is very good. Trout fishing has been very good. Pike fishing has picked up with a 39 1/2-inch, 17-pound pike being caught last week on green Powe Bait. A new boat ramp will be constructed next month, so docks are not out yet. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions. | |
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Montgomery Reservoir – All fishing is prohibited until May 31. |
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Monument Reservoir – The ice is gone, but not many anglers have been out yet. Fishing in 2006 should be good. 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. | |
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Nee Gronda Reservoir – Fishing is slow but expected to improve as the water warms. Temperatures currently are in the mid-50s. Nee Gronda 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. | |
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Nee Noshe Reservoir – No fresh water was added to Nee Noshe in 2005 and the lake recedednto 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 17, the ramp still was unusable. Fishing is reported as slow. Action should improve as water temperatures increase. Temperatures currently are in the mid- to upper-50s. Although the lake is very low, it has good numbers of wipers, saugeyes, white bass and catfish. | |
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Nichols Reservoir – Fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout has been good to excellent using small Mepps spinners. Anglers must park by the main gate to Rampart Reservoir and walk down to Nichols. The water level is improved from last year. Fishing should remain good through the summer. |
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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 plays a key role in fisheries management on the lake. North Lake is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. |
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Palmer Lake – Low water a year ago limited stocking. If the level improves and conditions are favorable, it will be stocked with catchable trout. |
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Prospect Lake – The lake in Colorado Springs has been refilled and stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing for them has been fair to good. Fishing for warm-water species is a year or two away. |
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Pueblo Reservoir – Recent high winds have made fishing difficult. A few walleyes and bass have been taken by deep jigging, but the water temperature remains a little cold for good warm-water fishing. Trout fishing has been faily good. Some rainbows up to 6 pounds are being taken on Rapala crankbaits, but most are smaller. 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. Catfish numbers are low to moderate, but many are large | |
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Quail Lake – Fishing for catchable-sized rainbows is fair to good. Fishing for warm-water species should pick up in the next couple of weeks. |
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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. | |
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Rampart Reservoir – The water level is much improved for 2006. Fishing is good for 10- to 13-inch rainbows, slow for brown trout and lake trout. 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 shallow water. Fishing for rainbows should remain good through the summer. The main recreation area will open in late May. In the meantime, fishermen can park near the gate and walk to the lake. |
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Runyon Lake – This is one of several Pueblo-area lakes stocked 12 months a year. Fishing should be good, especially in the spring and early summer. | |
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San Isabel Lake – The lake southwest of Pueblo will be heavily stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout and fishing for them should be very good. The lake also has a fairly good population of brown trout that should be turning up in anglers’ catches and some splake that are in the 12- to 14-inch range. |
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Skaguay Reservoir – Most of the ice should be gone, but no angler reports have come in yet. |
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South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) – The river is open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial flies and lures only. Trout are spawning in the river, providing 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. |
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South Platte River, Deckers area – Fly fishing in the river through Cheesman Canyon and the Deckers area has been consistently good. Trout increasingly have been moving out of the holes and into the riffles. Midge and occasional blue-wing-olive mayfly hatches have been reasonably common. The best success has been fishing with bead-head Black Beauties, bead-head Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS-2s, San Juan worms, scuds, Red Midge Larvae and Cheesman Emergers. Some rainbow trout are still spawning and anglers are asked to avoid disturbing the redds. More info |
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South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon – The flow came up to 80 cfs on Tuesday, and already very good fishing should become even better. Midge and blue-wing-olive mayfly activity is common, though hatches tend to be sporadic. The best bets among fly patterns have been a No. 20 Parachute Adams when trout are rising to dry flies; WD 40s, Flashback Phesant Tails, beadhad Pheasant Tails and Barr’s Emergers when the activity is sub-surface. Rainbows and cuttbows have been plentiful and good-sized. Anglers are reminded to avoid stomping through the trout spawning redds. More info |
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir – Spinney is 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, offering the best level in recent years. Only artificial flies and lures are permitted, with a bag and possession limit of one trout 20 inches or greater. Trout are spawning, offering trophy-catch opportunities. Although many fish are small, trout action is good to excellent using No, 14-18 Scuds, Hare’s Ears, No. 14-18 Calibetis nymphs, brown Moose-tail Hair Jigs, and various egg patterns. The action is best during early morning and evening hours. | |
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Tarryall Reservoir – Virtually all the ice is gone, but few fishing reports are available. Ice fishing was good through the winter, and the trend should continue after ice-out. |
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Trinidad Reservoir – 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. | |
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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. The lake will receive a load of catchable trout this week. | |
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Turqoise Lake – The lake is frozen and will stay that way until late May. A lot of snow remains in the Leadiville 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. | |
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Twin Lakes – The lakes are still frozen but the ice is getting rotten and is dangerous. Open water is found on the west end and along the south shore down to Mackinaw Point. Fishing in the open water is good for rainbows and fair for lake trout. Small boats in the open water are a great way to get to the lake trout. | |
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Twin Lakes Forebay – Fishing is good for rainbows using Montera Marvels tipped with meal worms. Blue-wing-olives should be good this weekend with the clouds coming in. Lake trout are hitting best on tube jigs tipped with sucker meat. | |
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Two Buttes Reservoir – This reservoir has essentially dried up. It will not be stocked until conditions improve. | |
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Wahatoya Reservoir – The ice is gone but little fishing activity has been noted. | |
| Southwest Region |
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Animas River – The runoff is starting as the weather warms up and the river is running dirty. During cold snaps the water clears and fly casters can use large nymphs such as Hare’s Ears, Wooly Buggers and other streamers. | |
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Beaver Creek Reservoir – Fishing access is improving as ice has receded away from the shoreline about 25 feet. Fishing is slow to fair for rainbow trout using typical baits. |
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Big Meadows Reservoir – The lake still has an ice cover, but ice fishing is not recommended. |
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Blue Mesa Reservoir – Iola Basin is ice-free, and the Iola and Stvens Creek boat ramps are usable. Ice remains on the lake from Dry Creek west to the dam. Look for complete ice-out in the Cebolla and Sapinero basins this weekend. Fish the banks with marabou jigs tipped with meal worms or troll Rapalas on the sandy flats of Iola for browns and rainbows. |
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Conejos County (high country lakes) – The lakes remain ice-covered and generally inaccessible. Look for ice-out and access in May. |
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Conejos County (small streams) – Virtually all remain iced-up and inaccesible because of snow. Most become accessible in May. |
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Conejos River – The Conejos River is open and accessible from Mogote to Horca. Prerunnoff 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. |
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Dolores River (lower) – The water level after the run-off ends is extremely low. Fishing then is rated as fair. | |
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Dolores River (upper) – The water temperature is still very cold, but the river still is running clear. Small fly patterns can produce for those willing to brave the cold. | |
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East River – Flows on the East river are 455 cfs in Almont. After a sharp rise with the warmer temperatures, they seem to have leveled off for the time being. Forecasts for the week ahead are daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, and nighttime lows in the 20s. Visibility is 8-10 inches into the water, and it gets a little better as the day goes on. The highest flows are seen overnight, falling during the day. The best bet is running heavily weighted streamers deep. Nymph rigs should be targeted at the seams and eddies with bright patterns like golden stones, San Juan worms Copper Johns and Princes. Call(970) 641-7404 for the latest report or stop by the Almont Anglers shop because conditions and the weather change daily. | |
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Echo Canyon Reservoir – The ice is gone and fishing for trout is good near the dam. Use Power Bait for fishing from shore; Rapalas for trolling. Remember to register your boat for the year and check all safety gear. | |
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Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) – The East Portal Road is open. The flow is 639 cfs, well below its early season average. The water is getting some color. Egg patterns, scuds and BWOs and midges, including nymphs, emergers and dries are recommended. During the spawning season, tread lightly on the redds. For current conditions call the Cimarron Creek Flyshop at 970-249-0408. | |
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Gunnison River (through the canyon) – The flow is 634 cfs and the water is off-color from Chukar Trail downstream to the confluence because of runoff below Crystal Dam. Fishing conditions are below par due to the murky water. No Hot Flies this week; look for better conditions soon. 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. | |
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Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) – Flows on the Gunnison River have risen to more than 700 cfs in the last week. The upper river has decent clarity, but conditions get worse downstream with the input from Ohio and Tommichi creeks. Forecasts for the week ahead are daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, and nighttime lows in the 20s. With that in mind, the flows should level off and start to clear up. Hatches of midges and caddis are occurring throughout the day, but the best tactic now is using streamers or spinners running close to the bottom. Nymph rigs should target the seams and eddies with bright flies like golden stones, San Juan worms, Copper Johns and Princes. Call the Almont Anglers shop at (970) 641-7404 or stop by for the latest report, because conditions and the weather change daily. | |
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Jackson Gulch Reservoir – The lake is free of ice and a few anglers are showing up. Fishing was good early last week, then slowed on Friday and Saturday as a cold front came in. As it warms back up this week, fishing should turn on again. Rainbows are being caught along the dam, in coves on the west side, and in the inlet channel. In-line spinners fished slow, Power Bait and night crawlers off the bottom are the best bets. Yellow perch are plentiful, but few anglers are pursuing them. Small jigs tipped with a mealworm or piece of earthworm under a slip bobber along the dam should work for them. 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. | |
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La Jara Creek – No report. | |
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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. | |
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Lemon Reservoir – The ice is off and fishing for rainbows will be improving, especially near the inlet. | |
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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. |
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McPhee Reservoir – Action for trout is starting, especially near the reservoir inlet as the runoff is beginning. On warm days bass are moving into the shallow water. Fishermen are reminded of the 15-inch minimum size limt on bass at McPhee. Any smaller fish must be returned to the water alive. Fishing for kokanee salmon is best late June through August. |
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Mountain Home Reservoir – The lake is open. The south boat ramp is accessible but the north ramp is out of the water. Fishing is reported as good to excellent for rainbow trout to 20 inches using Power Bait and salmon eggs. | |
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Navajo Reservoir – The lake is nearly full, with water temperatures in the high-40s. The boat ramp is open, and we’re already busy. On the Colorado side of the reservoir, the crappie have started biting well in the San Juan arm. Pike and catfish are also beginning to bite. Bass, trout and some crappie are being caught on the New Mexico side. | |
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Piedra River – The water is running dirty with the warming weather, making fishing difficult. | |
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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. |
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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. | |
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Ridgway Reservoir – 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. | |
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Rio Grande High Country Streams – High-country streams remain iced-up and generally inaccessible. They should be open by late May or early June. |
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Rio Grande River – Flows are increasing and water clarity is variable, depending upon weather and snowmelt. Fishing was reported as good for brown trout using stonefly nymphs or streamers such as Wooly Buggers when the water is discolored. | |
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Road Canyon Reservoir – Ice is breaking free at the dam. Fishing at the dam was reported as fair to good for 10- to 16-inch rainbow trout. | |
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San Juan high-country lakes, streams – The lakes are iced in and trails are snow-covered. High country lakes usually do not open for fishing until mid-June. |
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San Juan River – The water is off-color, making fishing difficult. Limited success has been reported using small, green-colored flies and large, black Wooly Buggers. Fishing will remain difficult until late May. |
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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 it should improve as the water warms up a little. | |
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Taylor Reservoir – The reservoir remains frozen. | |
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Taylor River – The Taylor is the best bet in the valley right now. Flows are 136 out of the dam and 270 in Almont, with very little turbidity. These are acceptable levels for floating the river. Good hatches of caddis and midges are happening throughout the day and providing some great dry-drop fishing. Concentrate on the nymph(Copper Johns, PT’s, Princes, San Juan worms, Zebra Midges, Miracle Nymphs) in the dry-drop rig, but fish occasionally also will take the indicator this time of year. Midge hatches are most common, but also look for the BWO’s or caddis. The catch-and-release stretch below the dam is seeing little preasure and fishing well with midge pupae & Mysis shrimp. Call (970) 641-7404 or stop by the Almont Anglers shop for the latest report. | |
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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. |
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Tucker Ponds – The ponds still are covered by ice. |
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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. | |
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Vallecito Reservoir – The ice is off and anglers are reporting lots of action for trout, northern pike and walleyes. Most types of bait work now, as fish are hungry and active. Surface and sinking flies will work for fly casters. Use water dogs and large Rapalas for pike. | |
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Williams Creek Reservoir – The forest service road is closed because of wet conditions about 2 miles below the reservoir. Soft ice with snow remains on the reservoir and is not safe. |
This page updated weekly, usually on Tuesdays, from April
4 through the first full week in September of this year.
