| Denver Metro Region |
Arvada Reservoir – Trout fishing is slowing down a little. The best chance for getting a limit is early morning off the shore with a fly. As always, only electric motors are permitted. The lake hours are 6;30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven days a week
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Aurora Reservoir – The water level is good and the temperature is 47 degrees. Trout fishing remains fair to good. Pink and 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 perch- and rainbow-colored Rapalas and Triple Teasers, and on jigs with night crawlers. Walleye action is fair 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 and in Lonetree Cove. A 27-pound channel catfish recently was caught 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 – Trout have been showing up lately, mostly hitting minnows off a bobber. Fishing for walleys has been slow.
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Bear Creek – Fishing outside Morrison is good for trout using small red Copper Johns and blue-wing-olive dry fies on overcast days. Some deep holes are upstream if you’re willing to walk. Reports of 17-inch brown trout are attention getters.
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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. 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.
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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 week or two away.
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Chatfield Ponds – Shiners and other minnows under a slip bobber are one of the best ways to hook the bucketmouth bass. Crappie fishing is getting better using shiners off the man-made structure.
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Chatfield Reservoir – People fishing with leeches from boats are doing very well. Jig a Mister Twister tipped with a leech for best results. From shore, fish for smallmouth bass with the biggest shiner you can get. For more information, call 303-421-4025
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Cherry Creek Reservoir – Fishing for bigger walleyes has been good using Sassy Shad or live shiners. People in boats are having productive days trolling Rapalas with a bottom bouncer. For information call 303-698-2550 and ask for Mike.
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Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) – A lot of fish in this area willing to be hooked, but hurry before the runoff begins. Use small Black Beauties, size 19-22; Disco Midges, size 16-20; and small black Pheasant Tails, size 18-20. For dry-fly action, use blue-wing-olive patterns on rainy or overcast days. Find the deep holes, find the big fish.
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Clear Lake – No current reports about the lake off Guanella Pass are available. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout and also has brook trout and a few browns.
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Evergreen Lake – Trout fishing has been fair with Power Bait in the deep water close to the dam. Muskie fishermen are using big Rapalas and bucktails.
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Georgetown Lake – The ice is gone and the time is right. Fishing with worms and Power Bait has done well. Fly fishermen should try a Pistol Pete.
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Gross Reservoir – The water level is approximately 70 feet low. Trout are hitting Super Dupers and Rooster Tails. Fishing for tiger muskies is poor to fair, but should improve as the water heats up.
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Jim Baker Reservoir – Catfish fishing is excellent. The big cats are cruising the shoreline looking for crayfish. People using sucker meat and live crayfish are getting into the catfish and also some bass. Trout fishing also has been very good. Use a Pistol Pete behind a bobber, or a rainbow-colored Rooster Tail to take home a limit. 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 should improve with warmer weather.
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Main Lake – The lake usually offers good early season fishing for crappie but they haven’t been very active 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 56 degrees. Fishing for perch is fair using curly tail jigs from boats and shore in the east end. Trout fishing is fair 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 Panther Martins, Kastmasters and Tasmanian Devils. Bass fishing has not changed much this week. 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 keep. All boats must be hand-launched. For more information call 303-693-5463.
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Rocky Mountain Lake – Trout fishing is hot. Take a kid fishing. Use worms, Power Bait or minnows off a bobber.
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Sloans Lake – This is the place for trophy class carp. Mix corn flakes with strawberry Jello to make a mush ball. Fish this mix on the bottom, and hang on to your trophy. To brag about your trophy, call 303-421-4025
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Smith Reservoir – Warm-water fishing has been slow, 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.
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Standley Lake – The lake is ice-free and the water level is good, about 7 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.
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Washington Park Lakes – Crappie running up to 10 inches can provide some interesting springtime fishing. 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. Fishing for them has been fair to good. The lake also has bass, perch and catfish, but fishing for the warm-water species remains slow.
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| Northeast Region |
Barker Reservoir – No current report available. The reservoir typically offers good early season fishing for trout. The north shore is a favorite among bait and spin-fishermen. Fly fishers do well around the inlet and the shallow grassy areas along the west end.
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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 – The water temperature is about 50 degrees. Fishing for largemouth bass has slowed from last week, possibly because the fish soon will be spawning. The ponds also have bluegills, channel catfish and crappie.
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Big Thompson River – The river above Lake Estes and downstream from the dam as far as Drake was low and clear through the weekend, but with warm weather it likley will rise and become discolored. Blue-wing-olive mayflies, stoneflies and an occasional caddis have been noted on the water above and below the dam. Fly fishing for rainbow trout has been good in the tailwater and above the lake. Bead-head Prince, Pheasant Tail and Hare’s Ear nymphs have been productive. 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 – Fishermen are doing well on panfish using minnows and leeches. Bass are eating live crayfish.
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Boulder Reservoir – Smallmouth bass are hitting hard on minnows, as well as white jigs. Try fishing off both dams, or at the beach near the southeast boat ramp. The north shore, especially by the inlet, is also picking up. Worms are still catching walleyes. Boats are doing well by 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 remains good on the standard variety of baits and lures, with some of the rainbows approaching 20 inches in length. Though a few walleys have been taken, fishing for warm-water species generally is slow. 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 Dam 3 and Dam 2 on the east side of the lake. Fisherman are having the best luck using small crankbaits, small jigs and night-crawler harnesses. Fish shallow to moderate depths along gravel ledges, points and submerged structure. Trout fishing is also doing fairly well. It has been best using rainbow and orange Power Bait.
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Chambers Lake – The lake is opening up around the edges and should be fishable in a week or two. Fishing for trout and mackinaw usually is good right after ice-out.
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Cowdrey Lake – Cowdrey is open and fishing well. Streamers and scuds have been hot for the fly-fishing crowd, and Rapalas and Kastmasters are working also. Bait is allowed at Cowdrey, and there’s nothing like a worm and a bobber to catch a hungry fish.
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Douglas Reservoir – Fishermen are doing well for wipers using shiners fished along the rocks. Rapalas will produce some nice ones, also. Trout are taking minnows below a bobber.
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Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) – The weather is nice and so is the fishing. Use a fly and bobber or troll Tasmanian Devils close to the island.
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Dumont Lake – The lake remains frozen. Expect ice-out in late May to early June.
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East Delaney Lake – This was the most productive of the North Park lakes last weekend. Small midge patterns and chironomids are doing well for anglers. This time of year tube-jig style lures(swim baits) are still picking up fish. Think of trout as cold water bass, and many of the same rigs will work. 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 blustery, and relatively few fishermen have been on the water. Even so, the early season action for holdover trout has been fairly good. Fly fishermen have been taking some rainbows around the inlet on egg patterns and small streamer flies. Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms also have been effective. Spin-casters might try Z-Rays, Thomas Buoyants and Kastmasters.
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Flatiron Reservoir – Trout fishing still is good. It has been best during late afternoon and early morning, but fish can still be caught throughout the day. Try using Power Bait, Fireballs or worms.
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Hidden Lakes – The lakes remain frozen and inaccessible.
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Hohnholz Lakes – Hohnholtz #2 is doing well for trout. Use worms on the bottom off the sandy points. Float tubers are doing best trolling Woolly Buggers.
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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 sublegal-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 – Trout fishing is good to excellent from the west shore, inlet and dam using Power Bait, night crawlers and minnow imitations. Fishing is fair to good for catfish using night crawlers. The water temperature is in the high-40s. When it reaches about 50 degrees, fishing should improve for most species. 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, walleyes and wipers. Wipers currently are biting on white grubs, minnows and night crawlers.
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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 warmer 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 is open. The same tactics and gear as the Delaney Buttes will work on Lake John. The sagebrush lakes all are similar in composition, depth and food sources. 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 – Blue-wing-olive mayfly imitations in size 16 are taking most of the trout. However, a lot also are caught on Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ears.
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Lon Hagler Reservoir – The lake has been stocked with trout, and 8- to 10-inch rainbows still provide most of the catch. Crappie have shown some spurts of activity, but fishing for them remains hot and cold. A few bass also have been taken, but the water still is a little too cold for truly good warm-water fishing.
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Lonetree Reservoir – Warm-water fishing has been tough, with bluegills and a few crappie providing much of the catch. A few walleyes have been taken, but the bite hasn’t really rturned on yet. Expect fishing 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 difficult to catch 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 gone. Colder temperatures have slowed things a little, but fish have been taking streamer flies and Rapalas later in the day. Current water temperatures are averaging 36 degrees. As soon as the water warms, fishing should pick up. 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, and a little water is starting to show around the edges.
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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 – The meadow streams are open, but the water is rising and becoming a little off-color. The main runoff from the surrounding mountains has yet to push the streams out of their banks. The Roaring Fork is open at the Manville State Wildlife Area. The rainbows are moving out of the Platte to spawn. Big nymphs, egg patterns and bright lures in off-color water will pick up fish. Michigan Creek below the reservoir and in Walden is rising but still fishable. The Illinois through the Arapahoe Wildlife Refuge is open to fishing until June 1st.
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North Platte River – The river is open and running about 1,000 cfs. The water clarity could temporarily improve with cooler weather. Fishing before 2 p.m. has been most productive. Bright flies and lures cast to the banks in off-color water will be the most effective. Call the North Park Anglers at (970) 723-4215 for conditions updates.
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North Sterling Reservoir – The water temperature is around 56 degrees. Fishing seems to be improving. It’s been fair for wipers off the dam on jigs and bait, fair for catfish in the coves on shrimp, and fair for walleyes on the points and rocky flats on small jigs. Walleyes are shallow, in less than 10 feet of water. The outlet was turned on this week but the inlet is still off. 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) – Smaller browns are being caught on hardware such as small Dardevles and Thomas Buoyants.
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Pinewood Reservoir – Pinewood last was stocked on April 3 with 1,000 catchable trout. Fishing is fair using Power Bait and salmon eggs around the inlet and Fisherman’s Cove area. A nice, 22-inch brown trout was caught by a fisherman on April 23.
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Poudre River – The river on Tuesday was clear and flowing at 82 cfs. Midges and blue-wing-olive mayflies have been active, especially on warm, cloudy days, and fishing has been good to very good. Fishermen also are taking brown trout and the occasional rainbow on small golden stonefly nymphs. Though some discoloration may occur on warmer days, the recent cooler weather has kept the river in prime condition. A warming trend could quickly change that, bringing high and roily flows to the river. Call (970) 377-3785 for updates.
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Prewitt Reservoir – The reservoir 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 – The 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 – Fishing off the west side is fair using worms and Power Bait.
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Seymour Reservoir – No report.
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Simpson Ponds – The water remains a little cold for truly good fishing, but some small bass and a few very nice-sized crappie have been taken. Fishing will improve with warmer weather and water temperatures.
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Slack Weiss Reservoir – No current report.
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South Delaney Lake – The lake is completely ice free. Chironomids and midges are the patterns to use this time of year. Castmasters and flashy spinners will induce a strike from hungry Cutthroats and Bows. Early season fishing for large rainbows and browns usually is very good, especially along the west and south end of the lake. 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 clear and flowing at a very attractive 70 cfs. Fly fishermen report some decent activity on midge patterns, blue-wing-olive mayflies and small brown stoneflies. A few caddis also are on the water.
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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 – Black Woolly Buggers and Pheasant Tails are doing best for trout. Smallmouth bass are hitting 6-inch plastic worms fished slowly across the bottom.
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Wellington Reservoir #4 – Lots of trout are being taken on Power Bait, worms, and shiners. Bass fishing is fair and getting better. Use minnows off a bobber for bass.
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| Northwest Region |
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) – The flow below Green Mountain Reservoir has been cut back to 109. 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.) – Consistent flows from Dillon Reservoir (101 cfs) have helped maintain good fishing in the tailwater section. Below Straight Creek, the water may become off-color around noon during the warmer days. In clear water, the usual Mysis Shrimp, midges, Baetis nymphs, and micro egg patterns are the mainstay. In off-colored water, use a San Juan Worm or bigger egg pattern as attractors, followed by small, Flash Back Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges, Flash Back Barr’s Emergers, RS-2s or UV Midges. As you go down stream, try BHPTs, Copper Johns and small stonefly nymphs. Hopefully some blue-wing-olive mayflies will appear soon.
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Colorado River (below Parshall) – The fishing above Kremmling still is fairly good with flows of 981 cfs, 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 is running high and heavily discolored, and is not fishable. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt for current river conditions at 970-927-4374.
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Colorado River (near Granby) – Fishing below Parshall remains fairly good. Spring is finally here. Streams usually are fairly clear early in the morning, but on warm afternoons, rivers will have some color. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, small nymphs, black midges, Wooly Buggers and Copper Johns have been working well. The stream flow below Windy Gap last weekend was 410 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 525 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 289 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir. Mysis shrimp are coming through the dam 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 on the middle and lower river. Good flies include: Tim’s Mysis, Sands’ Epoxy Mysis, Poxyback Baetis, Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges, RS-2s, Jujubees, Johnny Flashes, Shuckin’ Midges, BTS Baetis, Electric Caddis, Buckskins, Poxybiot Stones, Ethawing Caddis, and CDC Caddis.
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Granby Reservoir – Conditions have changed drastically. Ice color has changed to a dirty blue-grey that signals an imminent breakup. The ice has started to pull back from the shoreline everywhere. In Rainbow Bay, especially with the movement of water being pumped in from Willow Creek Reseroir, open water is expanding rapidly. The Still Water area is also opening quickly. Shore fishing is getting better all the time, but dress for muddy conditions. 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 lure patterns. 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. Some ice remains, but open water is expanding rapidly. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
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Green Mountain Reservoir – Open water has appeared on about one-half of the reservoir. 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 ends of the lake still have some 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, stonefly 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 – Harvey Gap is full and the water is 55 degrees. Northern pike are the chief attraction. Try for pike and trout off the dam. One of the more active areas is the inlet. Trolling also always is good plan. As the temperature increases so will the activity for bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish. 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 (in use) 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 is still slow but it is picking up. Most trout last week were caught on worms. 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 is free of ice and attracting a fair number of ice-out fishermen. The standard assortment of baits and lures usually is effective early in the season. 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; Power Bait and trout lures are working well. Most trout caught are about 10 inches long. Mack Mesa 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 69 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 salmon eggs. 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 full. The water temperature is 54 degrees. The east Rifle Creek inlet is still 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 and docks are in the water. The catch-all in this lake seems to be a perch-imitation type of 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 – Fishermen have been catching some crappie and bluegills on red, white and chartreuse crappie jigs. A few northern pike were taken last week on crankbaits. 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 73 cfs in Aspen, 721 cfs in Basalt, and 1,540 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. Almost all the ice is gone and the boat ramp is open. Open-water fishing also is available below Shadow Mountain Dam, all the way to Granby Reservoir. Sow bugs and Mysis shrimp patterns, as well as midge, RS-2, and Copper Johns are working. Rapalas, Kastmasters and Panther Martins are popular lures. A little walk can be productive. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at(970) 887-9344.
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Stagecoach Reservoir – The ice is almost gone now, with just a few scattered pieces left. The lake is open for boating, but use caution. The best luck has been reported from a boat near the inlet. One angler reports catching (and releasing) 16 trout in about 4 hours using a Rapala. Trout fishing is fair at Lot 16 using night crawlers, Wooly Buggers and red Power Bait. Pike are hitting in the same area on sucker meat and night crawlers. The tailwaters are showing the most activity on sculpins and green midges. The water level is still rising and is still muddy at the Yampa River inlet. The lake level is only about 1 foot below full pool. The tailwwaters are flowing at around 100 cfs. For more conditions information, please visit www.parks.state.co.us.
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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 is still mostly covered with ice, but there is some open water. Hand-launch boats only; no ramps are open until all the ice is off. Use Caution! Trout fishing is good, with most running 12-19 inchesThe s Shoreline is muddy, with some snow in places. Fisherman’s 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 come up and is discolored, suggesting the runoff is under way somewhat earlier than usual. Fishing is difficult and few have been trying it. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
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Williams Fork Reservoir – With the lake free of ice, fishing is heating up. Big pike are in the shallows and lake trout are being caught in deeper water. Fish the fingers for trout and pike in the flats. Try off the points for big lakers. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
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Williams Fork River – The flow is down to around 100 cfs and the fishing is excellent. A lot of rainbow trout are running up the Williams Fork, 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 – No open water was evident through the weekend. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
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Wolford Reservoir – With the water level alreay higher than any time last, the upper end of the lake is muddy. Fish along the mud line from shore or a 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 flows 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, on some days it has been crowded. The runoff has 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.
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| Southeast Region |
Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) – Little fishing activity has been evident. 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 popular 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 have been up and down, and early in the week were around 400 cfs. Even so, warm, cloudy days have produced some good hatches of blue-wing-olive mayflies, and trout have been feeding on the surface. If fish are not rising, double bead-head nymph rigs have been effective. Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns have been among the most effective. Frequent stocking of this stretch makes for excellent fishing. Between 30,000 and 40,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked annually, along with some larger brood fish. Some 20-inchers reportedly were taken last week. 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) – As of last weekend, flows in Browns Canyon were 350 cfs, with 3-4 feet of visibility. Blue-wing-olive mayflies continue to be the primary food source in this reach, with good hatches on cloudy days. Size 18-20 blue-wing emergers should be fished behind bead-head nymphs or blue-wing dry patterns.
Go to www.arkanglers.com for more info.
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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 290 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 365 at Wellsville and 400 at Parkdale, with 3-4 feet of visibility and rising water temperatures. As of lst weekend, caddis were hatching from Parkdale upstream to Texas Creek and in localized instances as far up as Vallie Bridge. Look for the bugs to hit Salida this weekend with blue-wing-olive mayflies still hatching in good numbers. Go to www.arkanglers.com for updated reports.
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Bonny Reservoir – The lake temperature is around 57 degrees and the fish are starting to bite. A few people have tried fishing from boats and have taken a few white bass and wipers on jigs and minnows. No reports of crappie yet. A fee catfish have been taken on the south and north shores. 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 – Fishing for trout remains good, and some crappie and bass also are appearing in the catch. The water level is beginning to recede. The boat ramp remains operative, but may not remain so as the water continues to drop. A DOW creel census is being conducted at the lake and anglers are asked to participate in the study. 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. Both have been stocked with catchable-sized trout, and both also have mackinaw and a few brook trout, in addition to holdover rainbows and cutthroats from last year’s stocking. Both will have good water levels to begin the fishing season. Early spring fishing for mackinaw should be 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 – Clear Creek is open and the boat ramp is accessible. Fishing from a boat along the south shore using Kastmasters or Montera Marvels is working best. Shore fishermen are successful fishing with night crawlers and rainbow or orange Power Bait. Fishing from shore is best from the boat ramp to the dam.
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Cottonwood Lake – Cottonwood lake is open and fishing is very good. A little ice remains on the southeast corner of the lake and fishing next to the ice with Montera Marvels has been productive. Fishing with night crawlers is also working well on the shore along the road on the upper end.
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Crystal Creek Reservoir – The reservoir along the Pikes Peak Highway will open for the season on April 29. The water level is improving from the past few years. The lake has been stocked, and 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. 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 16 inches or greater. No limit applies to 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 Pueblo, 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. The lake also has some catfish.
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Hayden Meadows Reservoir – Hayden Meadows is open and the fishing for trout is good. Some nice fish are in the lake and they are hungry. Montera Marvels are working well, as are a variety of jigs tipped with a mealworm.
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Horseshoe Reservoir – The water level is good. Both shore and boat anglers have been doing very well catching trout using Fireballs, salmon eggs, and small minnows. Look for activity for other species 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 – The weather is becoming consitently warm with a breeze in the air. Wipers and a few crappie have been caught off the dam face on shad and minnows. Wipers and walleyes also have been taken from the spillway on jigs and minnows. Saugeyes, including a 7-pounder taken on a cratreuse jig, are being caught in the spillway. Large catfish are biting in the spillway along with white bass. 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. 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 yet, 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 recent low-water years.
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Lake Meredith – This large, shallow lake was restocked in 2005 after being completely dry the previous year. 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 – Fishing success at the lake north of Woodland Park 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 high. Trout fishing has been very good on Fireballs and regular salmon eggs. The water temperature is 54 degrees. A fire ban is in place at the park, with only propane grills allowed. 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 – Early season fishing for holdover trout has been fair to good on the standard array of baits and lures. 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 for white bass and saugeyes is improving, but still considered slow. Some fish are being caught on slowly trolled lures. Fishing is 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.
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Nee Noshe Reservoir – No fresh water was added to Nee Noshe in 2005 and the lake receded 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 24, the ramp still was unusable, but work on it is scheduled for the near future. The goal is to have the ramp usable in the next couple of weeks. Fishing success is unknown, as the lake has received very little fishing pressure. 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 fair to good. 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 – Early season fishing has been fair to good, though windy conditions have made casting difficult. 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 water 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 – Rainbow trout still provide the most consistent fishing. Most are catchable-sized, but some are larger. A 5-and a 7-pound fish were checked last week. Smaller fish are taking baits and small spinners. Larger trout are taken on Rapalas and other crankbaits. Some bass were taken off rocky points during the weekend, but colder weather has slowed down the activity. A few small walleys also have been taken, but the action has been erratic. No wipers have been reported yet. 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.
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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 few 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. The lake also has some catfish.
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San Isabel Lake – The lake southwest of Pueblo will receive heavy stocking of 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 – The ice is gone, but few fishermen have been on the water. Fishing for holdover trout has been fair. The lake also has a fairly good population of northern pike.
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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. 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 fairly good, though success varies widely among fishermen. 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.
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South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon – Fishing has been consistently good at low flows, but that will change on Thursday. The Denver Water Department will test the valves on Elevenmile Dam, and raise and drop flows a number of times beginning at 10 a.m. Peak flows of 600 cfs are expected during the one-day procedure. Flows are expected to stabilize afterward. Call the Peak Fly Shop at (719) 260-1415 for updates or log on to www.thepeakflyshop.com.
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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 Calibaetis 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 – The water temperature at Trinidad Lake has been rising, with surface temps 50-55 degrees. We have been seeing an increase in warm-water fish activity as well. A number of largemouth and smallmouth bass, including ome nice-sized fish have been taken coming from shore and boats. Walleyes have stayed pretty much the same, with some being caught from boats, but not in large numbers. Both walleyes and bass are being taken on lures and with live bait. A few perch also have been caught, but no catfish, crappie or wipers have been reported yet. Trout fishing remains good, although the wind slowed it a little last week. Refer to the DOW fishing regulations for special limits at Trinidad Lake. 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 come up some 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 is good for the recently stocked cutthroats and rainbows. Crappie fishing is fair off the dam. Catfishing has been fair. The lake received a load of catchable trout last 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 – Twin lakes is about half open and should be sufficiently open open to get a boat on the lake during he last week of April. The ice-off fishing for lake trout is really good, and if you can get a boat on the water it will be well worth it. Fish with tube jigs tipped with sucker meat.
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Twin Lakes Forebay – The lake is open and fishing is very good, especially with Montera Marvels. Chrispers, HH Hermans and KP Egg-sucking Leeches tipped with mealworms are working best. Lake trout are hitting on rainbow Rapalas and large Kasmasters.
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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.
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| Southwest Region |
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Animas River – The runoff is starting and the river is running consistently dirty. Fishing is tough; those willing to try it should use large, flashy streamer patterns, Wooly Buggers or spinners.
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Beaver Creek Reservoir – Fishing access is improving as the ice has receded away from the shoreline at least 25 feet. Fishing is slow to fair for rainbow trout using typical baits.
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Big Meadows Reservoir – At last report the lake still had an ice cover, but ice fishing is not recommended.
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Blue Mesa Reservoir – The ice is gone, but the water temperature remains cold at 39 degrees. All boat ramps are operative. Fishing for brown trout and mackinaw has been only fair, but should improve with warming temperatures. Slowly trolling Rapalas can be effective for brown trout. Mackinaw can be taken near the shore on large tube jigs or dead whole suckers, or by jigging from boats in about 60 feet of water.
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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. The 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) – Little water flows out of McPhee Reservoir, so the water level is low and the fishing is poor.
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Dolores River (upper) – The water temperature is 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 576 cfs in Almont, and this is way ahead of normal. Visibility is 6-8 inches into the water, getting 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, the water is clearing 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 709 cfs, well below its early season average. The water is getting some color from Cimarron Crek and from Cirro summit as it drains into the Cimarron. Fishing has been pretty good, especially if you know where and how to fish it when it’s off-color. Egg patterns, scuds, BWOs, Adams, Pheasant Tails, Flashback Pheasant Tails and midges have been the best fly choices. 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 704 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 because of the murky water. Some success can be had with a No. 10 Madam X Parachute, brown stoneflies and No. 10 Half-backs. Baetis mayflies are coming off. 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 846 cfs in the last week. The upper river has some clarity, but conditions get worse downstream, with 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 – Fishing is steadily improving as the water temperature warms and pushes toward 40 degrees. Rainbows are being caught consistently on baits fished just off bottom (Power Bait, night crawlers, salmon eggs) and in-line spinners. The inlet is running, which makes the inlet channel a good bet for consistent action. Small perch action is good on small jigs tipped with a piece of worm. 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 as the fish are looking to the surface for food. On warm days, bass are moving into 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 has been very good for rainbow trout to 20 inches on 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 a fair number of fishermen have been on the water. 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 are catching fish around the boat ramp and in Dallas Creek 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. The snow runoff has muddied the Uncompahgre River above the reservoir. The Reservoir is almost full. 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 for brown trout can be good using stonefly nymphs when the water is clear or streamers such as Wooly Buggers when it is off-color.
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Road Canyon Reservoir – At last report, open water had appeared by the dam. Fishing at the dam was reportedly was 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 running high and off-color, making fishing difficult. Limited success has been reported using black Wooly Buggers and other streamers. 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 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 now. Flows are 150 cfs out of the dam and 315 cfs 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 – At last report the ponds were covered by ice.
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Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park – Flows are picking up for the spring runoff. 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 – Anglers are reporting lots of action for trout, northern pike and walleyes. Most types of bait work now, as fish are hungry and active. Both surface and sinking flies will work for fly casters. Use large Rapalas and large streamer patterns for pike. Water dogs are not yet available for pike. Trout are biting consistently on worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs near the dam. Fly casters are using Wooly Buggers and other streamers.
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Williams Creek Reservoir – The forest service road to the reservoir is open and the lake is clear of ice. Trout are hungry and biting on Power Bait. The stream below the dam is clear. Wooly Buggers are the suggested fly.
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