| Denver Metro Region |
Arvada Reservoir – Fishing has slowed down a bit. An occasional trout is being caught on eggs and Power Bait
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Aurora Reservoir – The water level is good and the temperature is 51 degrees. Trout fishing remains fair to good. Pink and rainbow Power Bait, fished shallow from the dam and marina cove have been working best. From boats, trout action is fair to good trolling slowly with perch- and rainbow-colored Rapalas and Tasmanian Devils. Walleye action is slow for some and good for others from boats using jigs in 15-30 feet of water. Most fish being caught are not of legal size. Wipers have been seen cruising near the dam. Fishing for all other species is slow or no reports have been received. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors. For additional information call 303-690-1286
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Barr Lake – No sign of wipers yet, but when the water temperature warms up, hold on. Fishing for catfish has been fair around the park entrance close to the boardwalk on cut sucker meat.
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Bear Creek – The water is low and clear. Try the stretch near Lair Of The Bear; for a lot of trout use San Juan worms, Copper Johns and size 18 BWO’s
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Bear Creek Reservoir – Fishing for stocker trout remains fair, with early mornings and evenings 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 is stocked with trout in the spring, 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 – Perch fishing has been good. Some 10-inchers have been reported, taken on shiners off a slip bobber. Bass have been taken using large shiners. Worms work well, too.
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Chatfield Reservoir – Trout fishing has been hot. A boat is key, but landlubbers can hook them, also. Smallmouth bass have been big and full of fight. Catch them using leeches tipped off a jig or a crawler harness, as used for walleyes. Walleyes are being caught, but most are just short of the slot limit. For more information, call 303-421-4025
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Cherry Creek Reservoir – Walleyes are doing well near evening. Use a bright-colored Rapala trolled real slow, or a Lucky Strike lure for best results. Live leeches are a local favorite. For information, call 303-698-2550 and ask for Mike
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Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) – Black Elk-hair Caddis in size 16-18 are a must. A size 16 bead-head Prince Nymph rigged as a dropper below the dy fly below is the trick here. Fish right out of Golden. Call 303-421-4025 for details.
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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 using black Panther Martins along the dam in the deep water. Some decent-sized holdover trout were taken last weekend. Muskies are hit-and-miss right now, but the time is near and the muskies could make your fishing season.
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Georgetown Lake – The lake has open water. Trout fishing has picked up since last week. Trout have been hitting worms on the bottom, and chartreuse Power Bait. Woolly Buggers are always a good bet this time of year.
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Gross Reservoir – The water level is low but the trout fishing is excellent at the inlet, using crawlers off the bottom in slack water. The best bite is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Otherwise, the muskies are spooking the trout out of the area.
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Jim Baker Reservoir – The catfish are still on and the fishing is getting better. Fish the rocky side of the lake with sucker meat off the bottom. Crayfish are working well, also. Trout are hitting Power Bait and minnows off a bobber. 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 especially active yet. Look for that change with a few more warm days. The lake also has bass up to 18 inches, and other warm-water species. Bass fishing usually picks up in 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 59 degrees. 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 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 good using black Panther Martins or small Mepps spinners. Shiners off a bobber are always an easy meal.
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Sloans Lake – Carp are on the spawn and sight fishing for them is easy. Try a fly rod with an olive Prince nymph. This is a killer combo for fly fishing for carp. Trout fishing has been fair to good with night crawlers on the bottom.
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Smith Reservoir – Warm-water fishing has been slow, but should improve with rising water temperatures. Crappie usually provide the best early season activity. Largemouth and smallmouth bass become active a little later, and continue to provide potentially good fishing well into the summer.
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Standley Lake – The water level is good, about 8 feet below capacity. Run-off should begin to fill the lake in 2-3 weeks. The water temperature is in the mid- to upper 40’s. 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 began 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 the 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, which should become more active in May.
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| Northeast Region |
Barker Reservoir – The ice is coming off, and this is a great time of year for trout fishing. Use worms, Power Bait or Kastmasters along the north shore and inlet. Fly fishermen typically have their best luck at the inlet. Tiger muskies can be found in deeper waters – try along the north shore.
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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, 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 below Lake Estes remains clear but picks up some color downstream. Blue-wing-olive mayflies, stoneflies and midges have been noted on the water above and below the dam. Fly fishing for rainbow trout has been fairly good in the tailwater and above the lake. Some of the best activity has been around midday. Try No. 18-22 bead-head nymphs in deeper midstream pockets, or gray or olive Comparaduns in slack water as well as the pockets. Spin-casters have been taking some fish on small, silver-bladed Mepps and Panther Martin spinners. Rainbow trout still are spawning; be careful not to disturb the redds. Flies-and-lures and catch-and-release provisions are in effect from Lake Estes to the Waltonia bridge. Sudden rainstorms and lightning are possible this time of year.
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Boedecker Reservoir – Crappie fishing is heating up. Try a shiner on a bobber for crappie or cast a spinnerbait for some bass.
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Boulder Reservoir – Smallmouth bass have been taking minnows and 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. Boaters 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 fairly good on the standard variety of baits and lures, with some of the rainbows approaching 20 inches in length. Though a few walleyes have been taken, fishing for warm-water species hasn’t truly come around yet. 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. Fishermen are having their best luck using suspending stickbaits at night. Fish shallow to moderate depths along gravel ledges, points and submerged structure. Bass have yet to turn on, but should be starting any day.
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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 – No changes from last week. 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 – Wipers are hitting large shiners or bait-fish-looking stickbaits. Trout fishing is good right off the boat ramp using Power Bait and worms.
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Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) – Trout fishing is good using Kastmasters or shiny spoons. Try around the camping areas for the best luck. Boaters should get to the islands and cast.
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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 – Early season fishing 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 slowing but the reservoir should soon be stocked. Fishing 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 – On Lake #2, people using Power Bait are doing well near the boat ramp. Crawlers also are producing trout. A fly-and-bobber combo with an orange Woolly Bugger is a good bet.
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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 has slowed down slightly but is still producing some large trout, along with some sublegal-sized walleyes. Smallmouth activity is slowly picking up in the Eltuck Bay area. Bright-colored grubs seem to be the best bet. 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 – Because of changing weather patterns, fishing has slowed considerably but should improve with warming temperatures. Trout fishing has been fair from the west shore and inlet region on Power Bait, night crawlers and minnow imitations. For other species, fishing has been slow to fair. The water temperatures is in the high 50s to low 60s. Boat fishermen should try the north and west sides of the reservoir at a depth of 3-4 feet for trout, walleyes 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 at the reservoir and the Red Lion Annex has seen less success than in the past few weeks. Very few trout and crappie are being caught. Water temperature is in the mid-50s. Boating has increased but few fish being caught. Increasing water temperature and warming weather should bring better fishing in the upcoming week. 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. The lake has not shown signs of a winter loss.
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Laramie River at Hohnholz SWA – Blue-wing-olives in size 16 are taking most of the trout, but a lot also are caught on Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ears. Gold Kastmasters also are taking out a few.
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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, though the action has slowed down somewhat. Crappie have shown spurts of activity, but fishing for them remains hot and cold. A few bass 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 remains slow, with bluegills and a few crappie providing much of the catch. A few walleyes have been taken, but the bite hasn’t really turned on yet. Expect fishing to improve with warmer weather. 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) – At last report, the lake remained covered with ice. Expect good fishing right after ice-out.
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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 like Wooly Buggers and crayfish patterns, and Rapalas late into the evening. 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 – Open water has appeared around the inlet and outlet, and a little open water is evident around the edges. A handful of anglers have fished the open water without success.
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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. The water clarity remains low, but the main runoff from 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 North Platte to spawn. Big nymphs, egg patterns and bright lures will pick up fish in off-color water. 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 1.
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North Platte River – The river is open and running about 1,200 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 will be the most effective in off-color water. 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 and 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 has been turned on, but the inlet still is 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) – Fishing for rainbow trout is fair using a fly-and-bobber combo or a Thomas Buoyant. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures.
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Pinewood Reservoir – Fishing for trout is fair around the inlet and the Fisherman’s Cove area using Power Bait and salmon eggs, though worms seem to be the hot bait this week.
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Poudre River – The river above Rustic is very clear, while lower segments pick up some turbidity but remain fishable. Fishing generally has been good, though it varies from day to day and among fishermen. Midges and blue-wing-olive mayflies have been active, especially on warm, cloudy days. Caddis and a few gray drakes also have appeared on the water, and fishermen have been taking some brown trout and the occasional rainbow on small, golden-stonefly nymphs. A warming trend could bring high and roily flows to the river. Call (970) 377-3785 for updates.
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Prewitt Reservoir – The reservoir is full. The courtesy boat dock will be put out on Friday if the weather permits. Fishing for all species is slow. The reservoir is almost full. 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. It should refill this summer.
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Seeley Lake – Bass fishing is picking up. Most are caught on night crawlers, but crayfish are always a good bet.
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Seymour Reservoir – No report.
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Simpson Ponds – The water is a little murky and still a little cold for truly good fishing, but a few small largemouth bass and an occasional crappie were taken last weekend. Try a a small spinner or a small, light-color suspending Rapala. Fishing will improve with warmer weather and water temperatures.
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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. Red and black are the hot colors for midges. 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 low and clear. 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 – No current report available.
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Union Reservoir (Calkins) – Anglers are still catching 15- to 20-inch wipers, with a few larger ones also being taken. The change in the weather has slowed the wiper fishing somewhat, but it should pick up again with a few nice days. Evenings and days with some chop on the water are currently the best times. 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. The reservoir is currently 2 feet down. The reservoir in open for camping, and anglers may fish all night. 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. The bass are becoming more active as the temperature goes up.
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Wellington Reservoir #4 – Trout are a sure thing here. Power Bait and night crawlers are the key. Flies such as Bloody Butchers and Woolly Buggers are a good bet, also.
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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.) – Nothing much has changed in the past week. The flow remains at 101 cfs, and cooler temperatures and snow on Friday kept the tailwater clear and relatively unpressured. No significant blue-wing- olive hatches have been reported yet, but they begin in the near future. Until then, it remains egg patterns, Mysis Shrimp, and midges in the tailwater section. Randy’s Mysis, Black Beauties, WD40s and Zebra Midges, in dark colors, sizes 22-26 are the effective patterns. From Blue River Campground to Green Mountain Reservoir, San Juan Worms, Copper Johns, small stoneflies, Tungsten Hare’s Ears and Cadillac Pheasant Tails have produced well.
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Colorado River (below Parshall) – The fishing above Kremmling still is fairly good with flows of 952 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 heavily discolored, flowing at more than 5,000 cfs and unfishable. Expect the river to remain that way until sometime in June. 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 467 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 is heavily discolored, unfishable and flowing at more than 970 cfs in Carbondale. Expect the river to stay that way until sometime in June.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. Conditions above the Christina State Wildlife Area are marginal, at best, with high, cold water that is picking up color from melting snow.
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Freeman Reservoir – At last report, the lake was frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out usually occurs in late May or early June.
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Fryingpan River – The Frying Pan is clear and flowing at 297 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir. Nymph fishing has been very good using Batis nymph and midge patterns such as Poxyback Baetis, BTS Baetis, Black Zebra Midges, RS-2s, Johnny Flashes and Jujubees. Dry-fly fishing has been decent using BWOs and midges such as Sparkleduns, BWO Quill Paras, Frying Pan Emergers, Bill’s Midge Emerger and Sprouts. Big fish are showing up in good numbers because of the good water levels. Expect fishing to improve this week with warm, overcast weather.
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Granby Reservoir – Conditions have changed drastically. The ice is gone, but the gates to the public boat ramps still were closed on Monday. However, people are launching small boats and doing well. Shore fishing is staying good using all types of bait and lures. 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. For brown trout, gold with red and silver with red are good lure colors. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970)887-9344.
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Grand Lake – Early birds do best fishing the drop-offs before sunrise. The channel between Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake has been fishing 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 – The lake is free of ice. Shoreline fishermen have been picking up a few rainbow trout on Kastmasters. Ice-out is an especially good time to fish for lake trout, and a 27- and a 25-pound mackinaw were taken during the past week by a fisherman trolling a copper Flatfish. For more information, call (970) 724-3677.
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Harvey Gap Reservoir – Harvey Gap is full and the water temperature is 58 degrees. Northern pike are the chief attraction. Try for pike and trout off the dam with a gold or silver spoon. One of the more active areas is the inlet. Trolling is always a 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 still is slow but it is picking up. Most of the trout have been caught on worms. 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, who have enjoyed decent success. 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 Mesa has been stocked several times with catchable-sized trout and fishing has been very good. 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 are fund 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 57 degrees. The East Rifle Creek inlet is still somewhat cloudy from snowmelt, but many anglers have had good luck fishing for trout and northern pike. Try deep-running lures or streamer flies for pike. Trout have been hitting Panther Martin spinners and streamer flies. Perch fishing is picking up using a No. 8 hook tipped with a small piece of worm. The boat ramp 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 are catching some crappie and bluegills on red, white and chartreuse crappie jigs. A few northern pike have been taken 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 Carbondale to Aspen. Current water flows are about 127 cfs in Aspen and 865 cfs in Basalt. Good hatches of midges, blue-wing-olive mayflies and caddis are occurring during the afternoons. Nymph fishing below Aspen has been exceptional using BWO and midge imitations, as well as smaller stonefly patterns. Below Carbondale, the river is too high and muddy to fish effectively. 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 made fishing very good in the canal and out into the lake. All the ice is gone and the boat ramp is open. Fishing has been good below Shadow Mountain Dam, all the way to Granby Reservoir. Sow bugs and Mysis shrimp patterns, as well as midges, RS-2s, 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 gone and 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, Woolly 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 – At last report, unsafe ice conditions were found at Steamboat Lake. No open water was 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 ice is off, the Early Settlers boat ramp is open and the dock was to be put out last Friday. Island & Oak Point boat ramps still are closed. Trout fishing is good, with most running 12-19 inches. The shoreline is muddy, with some snow in places. The Plateau Creek inlet and the diversion canal areas are open and fishable. Try anything bright or metallic for trout in the creeks. Power Bait, mealworms and salmon eggs are all having some success. Try small dry flies at dusk and dawn. 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. Fishing is difficult and few have been trying it. A few spin-fishermen reportedly have taken a some decent-sized trout in the late afternoon. 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; up in the inlet for good trout. A 38-inch laker was caught on Saturday. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
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Williams Fork River – The flow is 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 – Bank fishing has been good. Power Bait and worms are the baits of choice. Rapalas, Kastmasters, and Panther Martins have been doing well. 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 year, 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 until 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 remains fairly 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, though a few crappie and catfish reportedly have been caught. Water temperatures are slowly warming into the mid-50s. The water level is much improved from last summer, but summer irrigation draw-downs already have begun. 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 continue to 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) – Water levels have been up and down. On Monday, the flow was raised to 477 cfs, and the water was a little discolored. Deep-drifting nymph rigs has been the best approach. Bead-head Flashback Pheasant Tails and Bead-head Hare’s Ears have been effective patterns. The river at present holds some large trout, with a recent stocking of brood fish from the DOW’s hatchery system. Frequent stocking of this stretch usually makes for excellent fishing. Between 30,000 and 40,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout are stocked annually, in addition to the brood fish. 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 Browns Canyon are 450 cfs, with 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. Look for caddis to be in the canyon by the weekend.
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 400 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 450 at Wellsville and 520 at Parkdale, with 3-4 feet of visibility and rising water temperatures. Caddis are in the Howard-to-Salida area and will probably be above Browns Canyon by the weekend. Go to www.arkanglers.com for updated reports.
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Bonny Reservoir – The lake temperature is around 59 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 have come in yet. A few limits of catfish have been taken on the south and north shores. Walleyes should start biting at any time. 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, bass and bluegills also are appearing in the catch. The water level is dropping. The boat ramp remains operative, but large boats already are difficult to launch. 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 opened 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 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 completely open, and fishing is good from boats along the south shore using Montera Marvels. Also, trolling with Cow Bells tipped with Needlefish and night crawlers is working. Shore fishing is best from the boat ramp west along the north shore. Salmon eggs and rainbow Power Bait are producing the best results.
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Cottonwood Lake – Cottonwood lake is open and fishing still is good all around the lake. Montera Marvels, blue-wing-olives and caddis emergers are working best for fly fishermen. Small lures such as Thomas Buoyants, Mepps and Panther Martins are working best along the south shore.
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Crystal Creek Reservoir – The reservoir along the Pikes Peak Highway opened 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. We are still on the tail-end of the spring spawn, 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; however, pike action is expected to pick up as the water temperature approaches 39 degrees.
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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 – Fishing is good at Hayden Meadows with flies and lures. Montera Marvels, Elk-wing Emergers and Elk-hair Caddis are working best. Silver-and-green Kastmasters and Panther Martin spinners are the best lures.
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Horseshoe Reservoir – The water level is good. Shore and boat anglers have been doing well fishing fdor trout with 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 warmer 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 good on Fireballs and regular salmon eggs. The water temperature is in the mid- to upper 50s. A fire ban is in place at the park, with only propane grills allowed. A new boat ramp will be constructed in May, 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 – Some white bass and wipers are being caught on worms and 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, but repairs were made and the ramp has been extended to a usable depth. Small- to medium-sized boats should be able to launch. Muddy conditions may exist, especially immediately after a rain storm. Fishing success is unknown, as the lake has received very little fishing pressure. Action should improve as water temperatures increase and access is available. 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 very good. Anglers must park by the main gate to Rampart Reservoir and walk down to Nichols, but the fishing has been worth the trek. The water level is improved from last year, and fishing should remain good through the summer.
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North Lake – Early season fishing has been fair to good. Fly fishermen have been taking some trout on brown Pistol Petes and black Woolly Buggers. North Lake is retricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. The 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.
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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 – Fish are stirring to life, but another week of warm weather will make them more active. A number of largemouth bass and some walleyes were checked at the North Marina in recent days, and fishing for catfish has improved also. The best results have been in the upper end of the lake, where the water temperature is slightly warmer. Try fishing with a soft-plastic plastic grub off the rocky points and trees. Fishing for wipers remains slow, but should be picking up soon. 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 has been 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 for 10- to 13-inch rainbow tout is good, but slow for browns and mackinaw. 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 the shallows. 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 – Fishing for holdover trout has been fair. The lake also has a fairly good population of northern pike, which fishermen are encouraged to catch and keep.
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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. Fishermen report seeing significantly fewer fish in the river, indicating the spawning run of trout is about over. Deeper pools may still hold a few. Effective fies have been 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.
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South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon – Flows from Elevenmile Dam are back to normal, and fishing has been very good. While emerging midges and blue-wing-olive mayflies provide some dry-fly action, much of the activity remains sub-surface on the typical small patterns. 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 – The lake is full, completely free of ice and the boat ramps are usable, though the access road to the west-side ramp is a little rough for boat trailers. Ice fishing was good through the winter, and the trend should continue after ice-out. Visitors must have a habitat stamp to use the state wildlife area.
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Trinidad Reservoir – Trinidad Lake has surface temps around 55 to 60 degrees. Trout fishing has remained good with several limits of good sized fish being taken. Large and small mouth bass are still slow but picking up both from shore and on boats. Walleye are picking up as well from boats. I’ve heard of a few perch being caught, and we are starting to see a few catfish. Still no crappie or wipers yet. Trout have been hitting power bait, worms and some lures. Both walleye and bass are being taken on lures and with live bait. Catfish have been taken on chicken liver and shrimp. 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. Anglers are catching them with worms, and getting an occassional bonus wiper or catfish. Crappie fishing is fair off the dam.
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Turqoise Lake – The lake has a little open water along the edges, but fishing is difficult. If you can get into the open water, the fish are hungry and are aggressively taking night crawlers.
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Twin Lakes – Twin lakes is completely open and both boat ramps are accessible. Fishing for lake trout is best this time of year, and a lot of fish can be taken on tube jigs tipped with sucker meat. Rainbows are fewer and far between because the lake has not been stocked yet, but some still are left fron last year and these are good-sized and pink-meated. Try fishing with silver and gold Kastmasters along the shore of either lake.
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Twin Lakes Forebay – Fishing still is good on the forebay, but slowing down. Lake trout are hitting Hi Rocky Specials tipped with a small strip of sucker meat. The rainbows are still hitting Montera Marvels, and some great blue-wing-olive hatches come off in the evening.
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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 has started and the river is running consistently off-color. 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 – The lake is open. Fishing is slow to fair for rainbow trout using the typical baits.
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Big Meadows Reservoir – At last report the lake still had an unsafe ice cover.
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Blue Mesa Reservoir – The lake is completely ice-free, all boat ramps are usable and the Elk Creek Marina is open. The water level remains about 20 feet from the historic high-water mark, and should fill quickly with the upcoming runoff. Fishing for brown trout is good on marabou jigs tiped with mealworms, or Rapalas cast or trolled along the shorelines. Lake-trout fishing is picking up with the warming water temperature. Try trolling large Flatfish or Rapalas around the dam area or the Cebolla Basin.
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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) – With little water flowing out of McPhee Reservoir, 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 generally clear. Small fly patterns can produce for those willing to brave the cold.
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East River – Flows are around 900 cfs and rising, and visibility is 6-8 inches into the water. The recent weather pattern indicates the runoff is starting. The low visability is making fishing tough. Good hatches of caddis and midges are occurring around midday. Nymph rigs and streamers are producing. Best-bet nymphs are caddis pupae in olive, size 14-18; stoneflies, size 10-14; Pheasant Tails, Princes and Copper Johns, size 12-18. Woolly Buggers in brown, black and olive, striped off the bank are doing well, also. Call Almont Anglers at (970)641-7404 or stop by for the latest report 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 flow at the East Portal is 714 cfs, well below its early season mean of 1,849 CFS. The water clarity fluctuates with the temperature and the river is getting some color from Cimarron Crek and the Cerro Summit as it drains into the Cimarron, especially after this warm weekend. Fishing reports have been consistently good. Egg patterns, scuds, BWOs, RS-2s, Adams, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tails, Flashback Pheasant Tails and an assortment of different colored midges have been the go-to patterns. 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) – Fishing has improved during the past week but remains subpar because of discolored water. Anglers have done well on streamer flies and San Juan worms in the Smith Fork section. Some dry-fly activity and emerging caddis also were reported there. 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 around Almont are 1,200 cfs and up, with turbitity coming in from the East River. Below Tomichi Creek, the visibility drops considerably. The runoff appears to have started early this year and is making the fishing more difficult on the East and Gunnison rivers. The best bet in these conditions is a streamer rig in black, brown, olive or white. Work the banks and slower eddies, preferably from a boat because wading can be tricky with the poor visibility. Spin-fishermen should use heavier rigs and work the bottom. Call the Almont Anglers 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 inlet is running and the lake level is rising quickly. It’s currently at about 65 percent of capacity. Fishing in the inlet channel is good to excellent for rainbow trout. It gets murky at times. When that happens, move out of the channel to the mudline. Try in-line spinners and typical baits (PowerBait, eggs, night crawlers) for the trout, and small jigs tipped with a piece of worm for yellow perch. The perch will be found in the coves and along the dam. 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. 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 another month. Access below the reservoir is restricted because of private property.
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McPhee Reservoir – Action for trout is picking up as the fish look 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, crappie have started biting well in the San Juan arm. Pike and catfish also re 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 off-color 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 and the Bureau of Reclamation will be flushing out the spillway this next week. 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 the 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 – The lake is completely free of ice. Fishing has been fair to good for 10- to 16-inch rainbow trout using bait, spinners and streamer flies.
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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 discolored, 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 it should improve as the water warms up a little.
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Taylor Reservoir – The reservoir still has ice, but ice-out should occur in about two weeks.
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Taylor River – Runoff has not affected this dam-release stretch, making the Taylor the best bet in the Gunnison Valley now. Flows in Almont are 330 cfs, clear and holding steady. These levels are good for both float and wade fishing. Most of the insect activity is midges and caddis, with some blue-wing-olive mayflies starting to appear. Nymphing with Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Princes, midges, stoneflies and attractors is the most productive, along with streamers in black, brown and olive. Call Almont Anglers at (970) 641-7404 or stop by for the latest reports.
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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. The Bureau of Reclamation will be flushing out the spillway this week. The river will be running very high. Fishing will be slow because of this.
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Vallecito Reservoir – Anglers are reporting plenty of action for trout, northern pike and walleyes. Most types of bait are effective 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 for pike are not yet available. 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 U.S. 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. Woolly Buggers are the suggested fly.
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