| Denver Metro Region |
Arvada Reservoir – Little has changed from last week. Catchable-sized trout still are being taken on Power Bait and salmon eggs from the south shoreline. As always, only electric boat motors are permitted. Lake hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week.
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Aurora Reservoir – The water temperature is 57 degrees. Trout fishing has slowed some this week. It remains slow for some and fair for others. Pink, orange and rainbow Power Bait, fished from the dam and marina cove has been working best. From boats, trout action is fair to good trolling slowly with perch- and rainbow-colored Rapalas and Tasmanian Devils and silver Flatfish. Walleye action is slow for some, fair for others from boats using jigs in 15-30 feet of water. The west side of the dam has been productive for some. Most of the 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 – Fishing for trout is fair using gold Kastmasters around boat ramp. Fathead minnows have been working off a bobber in the evening. Power Bait always is a good bet. Carp have been in the shallows taking dough balls off the bottom.
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Bear Creek – Fishing outside Morrison is fair for trout using small Barr’s Emergers, red Copper Johns and blue- wing-olive dry flies on overcast days. The water is a little off-color, but fishing is still strong.
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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 and the boat-launch docks are out.
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Berkeley Lake – Fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout has been fair to good. The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish, among other warm-water species.
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Centennial Park Lake – The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. It also has a variety of warm-water fish. Try the usual array of baits and lures for trout. Warm-water fishing has been gradually improving.
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Chatfield Ponds – Minnows fished below a bobber are working best for crappie. Perch fishing is good using night crawlers or small jigs in deeper water. Bass have been hitting crayfish imitations fished close to shore by the weedy cover.
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Chatfield Reservoir – Bass is the word at Chatfield. Smallmouths are working the rocky outcroppings and are taking large shiners or Bombers, fished in a fast, erratic motion. Walleyes are hitting leeches fished from a Lindy Rig or worm harness. Most of the legal ‘eyes have been taken around Massey Draw. For more information, call 303-421-4025
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Cherry Creek Reservoir – Trout fishing has been fun from the fishing- access area by Dixon Cove. Power Bait and salmon eggs are killers. Walleye fishing is fair trolling Rapalas off a Bottom Bouncer. Keep an eye out for the water skiers.
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Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) – The water is fast and muddy. Fishing is tough, but if you must, find slack water and fish a large Prince nymph or a small streamer. Use extreme caution when fishing during the runoff. Currents are swift and footing can be tricky.
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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. Early season fishing can be good.
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Evergreen Lake – Numerous reports of tiger muskies caught on Rapalas have been received. Big tigers are out there – try your luck. The lake was stocked with plenty of 20- to 23-inch tigers last fall. Remember the one fish, 36-inch minimum-size requirement for muskies. Fishing for trout has been fair using salmon eggs and Power Bait.
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Georgetown Lake – A lot of trout averaging 10-14 inches reportedly have been caught. Use salmon eggs or chartreuse Power Bait for best results. A size 12 Woolly Bugger is the ticket if you’re casting flies.
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Gross Reservoir – The Tigers will just plain scare you. They’re cruising the shoreline looking for an easy meal, and they are big. Use a dead sucker floated off the bottom close to shore. Use Large Rapalas if you prefer to cast. Be prepared to replace your rod after hooking one of these awesome fish. Trout fishing has been good with Power Bait and eggs. For more info call 303-421-4025
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Jim Baker Reservoir – Fishing for catfish is good, with reports of cats ranging from 14 inches to 7 pounds. The big catfish are cruising the shoreline looking for crayfish. People using sucker meat have been doing really well. Use a Pistol Pete behind a bobber or a rainbow-colored Rooster Tail to get the trout. 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 a little slow but has been improving with warmer weather.
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Main Lake – The lake usually offers fairly good early season fishing for crappie. The action has been a little slow but should pick up with continued warm weather. The lake also has bass up to 18 inches, and other warm-water species. Bass fishing usually picks up in late May, when the fish move into shallow water to spawn. No boats are allowed on the lake.
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Quincy Reservoir – The level is dropping. The water temperature is 62. Trout fishing is fair to good using flies in the evenings. Bead-head Prince nymphs, leech patterns, Hare’s Ears, olive Woolly Buggers and Zebra Midges have worked well. Spin-fishermen have enjoyed some action on trout using Panther Martins and perch-colored Kastmasters. Bass fishing has been good this week. Spinnerbaits and crawdad imitations are working well. Bass are shallow and on their spawn beds. 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 – The lake has been stocked with trout. They are hungry for shiners off a bobber and Captain America Power Bait. Fly-and-bobber combos are working with Pistol Petes, Renegades and brown Woolly Buggers.
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Sloans Lake – This is a good place to take a kid fishing for a day. The lake recently was stocked with trout. Use Power Bait and worms off the bottom. Also, if fishing for trophy class carp, this is the place. Try it with a fly. Prince nymphs or Pheasant Tails will do the job.
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Smith Reservoir – Warm-water fishing has been on the slow side but is improving with rising water temperatures. Crappie usually are the first to become active. Largemouth and smallmouth bass become active a little later, and continue to provide potentially good fishing well into the summer.
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South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) – Flows have been fairly constant. The water is clear, and fly fishermen have noted blue-wing-olive and midge activity. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstrem to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers are most effective in the unrestricted lower stretch.
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Standley Lake – The water level still is dropping and is about 10 feet below capacity. Runoff should begin to fill the lake in approximately two weeks. Watch for shallow areas. The water temperature is in the mid-50s. Trout are still the main catch, with a few bass being caught as the water warms up. Fishing from shore has been fair off the bottom using worms and Power Bait. Boat fishing has been good bouncing bait off the bottom or trolling with a variety of lures. 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. Boats with motors up to 20 horsepower can access the lake on a daily basis for a $13 access fee. 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 fishing this time of year. 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, and fishing for them has been fair to good. The lake also has bass, perch and catfish, which should become more active with warming water temperatures.
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| Northeast Region |
Barker Reservoir – Trout fishing currently is good. 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 – The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing for them has been fair to good on a variety of baits and lures.
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Big Creek Lakes – No curent reports are available, but the lakes should be opening up.
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Big Thompson Ponds – Fishing for largemouth bass and channel catfish has been fair. The ponds also have bluegills and crappie. Fly fishing for bluegills can be lots of fun for kids.
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Big Thompson River – Flows have been around 127 cfs, and clarity is good. Blue-wing-olive mayflies still are still available to the trout, and a size 18 or 20 Parachute or Thorax pattern is a good bet. Stoneflies and caddis also are available and standard Stimulators or Elk-Hair Caddis patterns will also work. Try dropping a beadhead off the back for more successful fishing. Flows above the Dam are around 500 cfs, so the low flow on the tailwater will not last long; fish it while you can. For spin-fishing, Mepps and Panther Martins are the best bet. In the non catch-and-release section, bait is allowed and standard eggs and worms will take a few trout; check regulations before fishing with bait on the Big T. For daily conditions, call Estes Angler at 970-586-2110.
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Boedecker Reservoir – Crappie fishing is doing well in the flooded trees that are close to shore. People using minnows are doing best.
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Boulder Reservoir – Though the water level is low, fishing is fair. Smallmouth bass have been taking minnows and various plastic jigs. Try fishing off both dams or at the beach near the southeast boat ramp. The northeast side of the reservoir provides good fishing for belly boaters. 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 – Fishing for 10- to 15-inch largemouth bass has been good for anglers who know where to find them. Most have been in 4-10 feet of water, within casting distance from shore. Large plastic grubs, tube jigs and jig-and-pigs have been productive. White bass, perch and trout can be taken on smaller jigs, and crappie are taking jigs and minnows around the inlet. Carp are thick in the shallows, and fishermen looking for a fight can take them on flies and small jigs.
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Carter Reservoir – Trout fishing has been slow to moderate. However, some fishermen have reported good surface avtivity in the evenings on gray mayfly patters, small Woolly Buggers and dark nymphs. Walleyes still are being caught on the east side of the lake. Fish shallow to moderate depths along gravel ledges, points and submerged structure. Bass fishing will begin picking up as the lake temperatures rise.
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Chambers Lake – At last report, the lake still was mostly covered by unsafe ice, which should be melting quickly. Fishing for trout and mackinaw usually is good right after ice-out, which should occur at any time.
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Cowdrey Lake – Cowdrey is fishing fairly well with Kastmasters in gold and silver and floating Rapalas in rainbow and silver. Fly fishermen are doing fair with No. 16 red Chironomids and No. 16 orange scuds. Fishing has been best from boats on the west side of lake in 8-10 feet of water.
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Douglas Reservoir – Rainbow trout have been hitting bright-colored Rooster Tails. Large shiners fished along the rocks will produce some nice wipers. The wipers are holding right out from the boat ramp. Give this area a good looking over.
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Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) – Dowdy has some big trout and now is the time to fish for them. Use worms around the camping areas. Orange Power Bait has been known to produce a few. If you are on the fly, try brown Woolly Buggers, Autumn Spenders, and Bloody Butchers.
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East Delaney Lake – Over the last few days, this has been the most productive of the Delaney lakes. We are just begining to see Callibaetis on the rise, and damselflies are starting to move in the weed beds, with fish keying in on the nymphs as well as the midges that are still emerging. Until the water warms up, fishing will be sporadic. Temperatures are starting to climb, so look for chironomids at midday and crayfish in the evening to be the ticket. 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 – Lake Estes has been fishing well. Power Bait, worms and eggs are good bets, and small spinners will work well, too. Mornings and evenings are seeing fish rising to midges, so small midge flies such as midge adults, Griffiths Gnats and Stuck in the Shucks will work well in sizes 20-22. Terrestrials (beetles and ants)will also be a good fly choice. Try sizes 14-18.
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Flatiron Reservoir – The reservoir has recently been stocked. The best fishing is during late afternoon and early morning hours. Try using Power Bait, Fireballs or worms.
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Hidden Lakes – At last report the lakes were frozen and inaccessible.
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Hohnholz Lakes – No. 2 is doing well for holdover stockers from last year. Use worms on the bottom near the boat ramp. A limit is easy to achieve on bobber and a Half-back nymph or a size 12 Pheasant Tail. No. 3 is good for big browns using black Woolly Buggers or scud patterns. The monster browns will not have a problem eating a large streamer.
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Horsetooth Reservoir – Fishing has been very erratic lately, but the smallmouth bass seem to be getting more active as the water warms up. Some rainbow trout in the 4- to 5-pound range have been caught recently. Live minnows and minnow imitations seem to do the trick. A wiper of 10-plus pounds reportedly was caught on a multi-colored Rooster Tail in South Bay. A large school of smallmouths seems to be holding close to the southeast side of Quarry Cove. The inlet channel of the reservoir, located in Inlet Bay, is closed to fishing through May 31. Fishermen also have reported good action for mostly sublegal-sized walleyes in 10 or less feet of water. A new size regulation for walleyes is in effect this year. All fish must be at least 18 inches long, but only one can exceed 21 inches.
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Jackson Reservoir – Trout fishing is good from the west shore (especially the Lakeside Campground shoreline) and the dam on Power Bait, salmon eggs and night crawlers. Fishing is also good for drum and wipers off the dam using night crawlers and Rat-L-Traps. The water temperature is in the mid 60’s. If you are fishing from boats, try fishing the north end and west side of the reservoir at a depth of 3 to 4 feet for trout, drum and wipers. Night crawlers seem to be working the best for all species.
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Joe Wright Reservoir – Some open water had appeared in the middle and around the edges last week, but most of the lake was iced up. Grayling and trout 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 – Conditions at Jumbo have improved slightly but the water temperature is still relatively cool and the wind in the afternoons still persists. Fishing success is limited, though some trout are being caught. Fishing activity has increased along with boating. Water is being drawn out of the reservoir but levels are still good. A habitat stamp is required to enter this State Wildlife Area.
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Lake John – Conditions and recomendations remain unchanged for lake John this week. Lake John fished best for fishermen who were trolling. Kastmasters and Tasmanian Devils were the best. Fly fishermen are doing fair on Woolly Buggers with a scud trailer. Kick a float tube on the south end near the chokecherries for the best luck.
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Laramie River at Hohnholz SWA – Again, the camping area between the Hohnholtz lakes is the hot spot. Fish can be spotted while looking down from the bridge. Use A black Elk- hair Caddis to get some surface activity.
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Lon Hagler Reservoir – Fishing for crappie has been fairly good along the submerged brush. Bass fishing has improved in the west end of the reservoir. The lake has been stocked with trout, and fishing for 8- to 10-inch rainbows has been fair.
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Lonetree Reservoir – Bass fishing has been fairly good in the weedy coves. Weedless lures such as tube jigs and plastic worms are needed to catch bass in the cover. Some nice-sized crappie have been taken recently, but fishing for walleyes remains slow, possibly because of an increase in their shad forage base.
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Lost Lake (at Chambers) – At last report, the lake remained ice-covered, but it should be open soon. Expect good fishing right after ice-out.
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North Delaney Lake – While the rivers are high, the lakes remain your best bet for consistant fishing. North Delaney Butte, the best of North Park lakes when looking for big fish, has been fair to good. Fly fishermen have been doing great with large streamer patterns fished on a slick line in 8-10 feet of water. Patterns should be big and orange, black or olive. (No. 4 olive, black, or orange Rubber Buggers; No. 4 crayfish; No. 2 mouse patterns; and No. 6 black CH Zuddlers.) Lure fishermen are doing well along the dam with fire-tiger Kastmasters and Rapalas. 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 Michigan Lake – Fishermen have enjoyed good success on Power Bait, Woolly Buggers and Prince and Pheasant Tail nymphs. The inlet area and the creek below the dam have been especially productive for fly fishermen.
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North Park Alpine Lakes – The lakes remained covered with ice and snow last week.
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North Park Streams – The tributaries of the Platte are high and muddy. The Michigan River in Walden is one of a few exceptions. Irrigation is only partially compensating for runoff conditions. Lure fishermen need only cast a No. 3 Mepps spinner – gold or a red-and-white combination – and hold on. 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. Conditions are changing daily, so call North Park Anglers at (970) 723-4215 for the most timely report.
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North Platte River – Water levels are back up to 1,000 cfs. The river is high and muddy. This looks like the beginning of our secondary runoff. The peak of runoff is expected in early June. Bright flies and lures cast to the banks are still working and the most effective in off-color water. We are starting to see a few stoneflies, as well. Depending on water levels, there might be a significant salmonfly hatch in the next few weeks. Call the North Park Anglers at (970) 723-4215 for conditions updates.
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North Sterling Reservoir – The water temperature is around 68 degrees and fishing seems to be improving. Fishing is good for catfish in the coves on shrimp and crayfish, mostly after dark and early morning. Stay shallow, less than 10 feet of water. Fishing has been good for walleyes, which are moving out a little. Try Lindy Rigs with a leech or minnow in 15 feet of water in the Darby and Cunningham arms. A 6-pound saugeye was caught on Saturday. It’s been fair for wipers, with boaters picking up a few on jigs and bait. Trout and crappie fishing is slow. The outlet has been turned on, but the inlet still is off. The lake is about 6 vertical feet below capacity, covering about 2,500 surface acres. Boat ramps all are usable, and both courtesy docks are in. Call the park office at 970-522-3657 for current conditions.
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Parvin Lake (Red Feather) – This lake is a float-tuber’s paradise, with little more than occasional, generally mild winds. Troll the moss line as summer goes on, and hook big browns. Gold Krocodile lures are a particular favorite. Dawn and dusk are the best times at this lake.
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Pinewood Reservoir – Pinewood has recently been stocked. The best places to catch your limit are around the inlet and the Fisherman’s Cove area.
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Poudre River – The river is in a full runoff stage. Fishing is difficult to impossible in the lower reaches, but still possible in the upper river. The runoff probably will be of fairly short duration. Conditions should improve significantly by mid-June. Call (970) 498-8968 for updates.
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Prewitt Reservoir – The reservoir is full. The courtesy boat dock is in. Fishing for all species remains slow. 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 is expected to refill this summer.
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Rocky Mountain National Park – Hello, Grant. Hope this works.
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Seeley Lake – Fishing for tiger muskies is poor at the present time. If you fish here, use large, fish-looking lures. Fish slowly; make an easy target for those tigers. Bass fishing is picking up on worms off the bottom.
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Seymour Reservoir – The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. A variety of baits and lures should produce a decent catch.
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Simpson Ponds – Fishing for bass and crappie has been fair on minnows, small crankbaits and jigs. Crappie have not been especially plentiful, but the ones being taken have been large.
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South Delaney Lake – Warmer weather is getting fish active. Look for the fishing on South Delaney to get hot! Red Chironomids will be the ticket, but No. 14-16 scuds in olive and tan also will take fish. Fishing beetles along the west side of the lake near the overhanging willows also can be productive. Only artificial 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 come up noticeably but remains fishably clear. Wading the meadow sections could be difficult; the pocket water of the upper river should be easier and more productive. Fly fishermen have report some decent activity on midge patterns, blue-wing-olive mayflies and small brown stoneflies. A few caddis also are on the water. Down lower, in Lyons, the flow is 368 cfs, but the forks remain relatively clear and fishable.
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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. Trolling with small, white or yellow Mister Twisters or worm harnesses has been working well. Evenings and days with some chop on the water currently are the best times. Fishing for trout is good along the west shore using typical baits and from boats trolling small Rapalas or Rooster Tails. Nice channel catfish are being caught using stinkbait or cut shad. Most are between 3 and 5 pounds, with several up to 14 pounds. 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 – Rainbows have been fishing real well now. Fish on the west side and use a bobber and fly. Black Woolly Buggers, Pheasant Tails, and Matukas will produce fish. Smallmouth bass are close to shore and hitting rabbit-hair jigs.
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Wellington Reservoir #4 – Rainbow-colored Rooster Tails, fished deep and slow, have been filling peoples’ stringers. Or try Power Bait if you want to sit and fish – it’s a great way to spend a day.
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| Northwest Region |
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) – Due to heavy releases from Green Mountain Reservoir, the flow on Monday was 996 cfs. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
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Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) – The flows changed dramatically on Saturday, going from 101 cfs to 500 cfs. The river has cleared quickly, however, and fishing is very good. Now’s the chance to fish the Blue with 3X tippet, lots of weight and bigger, bright flies. San Juan Worms followed by a size 14 Mysis shrimp are all you really need. The higher flows will push the “Big Boys” down from their hidey hole right below the dam – the No Fishing zone. Fish the newly created eddies and slower water along the banks or dredge the deeper pools. You’ll need a lot of weight to get near the bottom. Downstream, use stonefly nymphs, Copper Johns, beaded Hare’s Ears and San Juan Worms.
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Colorado River (below Parshall) – Due to Heavy releases from Williams Fork Reservoir, the Colorado at Parshall is near 900 cfs. Fish Byers Canyon above above the confluence for the best water at aproximately 500 cfs. Watch for the stoneflies soon. 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, unfishable and flowing at 9,200 cfs. If in the area, focus your efforts on the upper Frying Pan and upper Roaring Fork rivers, both of which have been fishing decently. For daily river reports and fishing conditions contact the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt at 970-927-4374.
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Colorado River (near Granby) – Fishing below Parshall remains fairly good. Streams will have color and increased flows during the runoff season. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, small nymphs, black midges, Woolly Buggers and Copper Johns have been working well. Also, look for signs of the beginning of different hatches. The stream flow below Windy Gap last weekend was down to 233 cfs. However, near Kremmling, it was running at 2,690 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 2,000 cfs in Carbondale. However, the upper Frying Pan and the upper Roaring Fork are fishing decently. Expect the Crystal to remain discolored until sometime in June, when runoff subsides. For daily river reports please contact the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt at 970-927-4374.
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Dumont Lake – Current reports are unavailable, but the lake near the summit of Rabbit Ears Pass usually is free of ice by Memorial Day. Early season fishing for holdover rainbow and possibly some brook trout can be fair to good on the usual variety of baits and lures.
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Elk River – The river is extremely high, discolored and unfishable. Expect runoff conditions well into June.
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Fryingpan River – The Frying Pan is fishing tough, as flows are expected to increase to around 800 cfs. The water is clear but fast. Look for fish to be holding tight to the banks and in any slower pockets of water. Mysis shrimp and big fish are more common, though landing these behemoths in this volume of water is tough. The Frying Pan above Ruedi Reservoir is fishing well using Princes, Copper Johns, 20-Inchers, Pheasant Tails, and San Juan Worms. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt for daily river reports and fishing conditions at 970-927-4374.
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Granby Reservoir – The Sunset and Stillwater boat ramps are open. Shore fishing is staying good on all types of bait and lures. Dress for muddy conditions. Many different lures and baits have been working for rainbow, brown trout and lake trout. Most people are having difficulty finding browns. During a tournament last weekend, five lake trout were measured and released to swim away and grow bigger. Their lengths were 18 1/2, 19 1/2, 23 7/8, 28 3/4, and 30 1/2 inches. The winner in the mack division went 32 3/4 inches. Wherever water is running into the lake, fishing is excellent. Also the water level is rising rapidly. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970)887-9344.
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Grand Lake – Nothing new to report, at this time. The West Portal has been fishing well, as usual. The channel between Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake also has been fishing well. Please call Budget Tackle if you have any first-hand fishing reports. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
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Green Mountain Reservoir – The lake level is coming up about one foot a day.
Shore fishing for rainbows is good using worms. Big lake trout have gone deeper. It’s best to have a boat and troll for them.
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Harvey Gap Reservoir – Harvey Gap is full and the water temperature is 63 degrees. Try for pike and trout off the dam with a gold or silver spoon. The inlet also is one of the more active areas. 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 two 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 55 degrees and the lake is full. Fishing still is a bit slow. Trout have been doing well, and are being caught on worms. Both boat ramps are open. The east ramp is still a bit shallow, so use caution.
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Lake Avery – Fishing for trout remains quite good. Orange and rainbow Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms have been the best baits. Black, yellow and black-and-yellow spinners also have been effective. 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. Trout fishing has been good. Power Bait, worms and salmon eggs seem to be a popular choice. Mack Mesa is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small, electric trolling motors.
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Muddy Creek – Due to large releases from Wolford Reservoir, the flows were 840 cfs on Monday. For current conditions call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
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Pearl Lake – Olive Woolly Buggers, small crayfish imitations, Glo Bugs and jigging with spinners might produce some action. Fishing near the dam is providing the best success, although the inlet region also has been productive. An artificial-flies- and-lures restriction is in effect.
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Rifle Gap Reservoir – The lake is full. The water temperature is 60 degrees. The inlet above the lake still somewhat cloudy from snowmelt. In the reservoir, 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. A few visitors caught walleyes last weekend. 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 have been catching northern pike mostly in the 15- to 19-inch range on spoons and crankbaits, and catfish on the traditional catfish baits. Crappie also are being taken, but no reports of bass have come in yet. For current conditions, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
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Roaring Fork River – The upper Roaring Fork below Aspen is the crown jewel along the river right now. Flows are around 300 cfs and the water is mostly clear. The river below Snowmass is too high and muddy to fish effectively. Hot flies have been Poxybiot Stones, Wired Stones, Copper Johns, Z-Wing Caddis, Princes, 20-Inchers, BTS Baetis, and BLM’s. Look for the lower stretch to improve in the next two weeks. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshop in Basalt for daily river reports and fishing conditions at 970-927-4374.
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Shadow Mountain Reservoir – Fishing with slip-bobber setups has been very productive in the cannal and at the mouth. Kokanee and rainbows are plentiful, and browns are also being caught. The boat ramps are open. Fishing has been good below Shadow Mountain Dam, all the way to Granby Reservoir. The flow from the dam has been greatly increased, improving conditions in the spillway. 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 – Spring in the Yampa Valley definitely is here. Great trout activity is being reported around the lake, with the most luck coming from the Yampa River inlet area. Most shoreline anglers are having success with blue or rainbow Power Bait and gold or rainbow Kastmasters. Fish also hitting well along the Keystone Day Use Area and Haybro. The pike are getting a little sluggish since begnning their spawn, but a few are still being landed from the boats using spoons, Kastmasters and minnows. The activity at the tailwaters has dropped off a little, but nice fish are still hitting red midges. The water level is full. For more conditions information, please visit www.parks.state.co.us.
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Steamboat Lake – Inlet streams are fishing well. Woolly Buggers, large emerging nymphs, streamers and slow jigging with spinning gear might work well. Night crawlers also are producing nice-sized fish.
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Trappers Lake – Significant open water had appeared around the edges late last week, and with warm, windy weather, ice-out was expected in a matter of days. The road has been plowed to the Trappers Lake Lodge parking lot. The lodge is hoping to open for the Memorial Day weekend. The lake is an outstanding fishery for naturally reproducing cutthroat trout and an important source of cutthroat spawn for the DOW. 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 – Fishing for trout has been excellent, with most running 12-19 inches. The Leon, Park and Plateau Creek inlets are open and running. Fishing is very good. Fish have been taking Power Bait, salmon eggs, worms and anything bright. Small dry flies also are taking some fish near shore, especially at dawn and dusk. The Early Settlers and Island boat ramps are open. Boaters are doing well trolling along the south side. Fiushing from the south shoreline also has been very good. Make reservation now for Memorial Day by calling (800) 678-2267 or logging on to www.parks.state.co.us.
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White River – The river is very high, discolored and essentially unfishable for most of its length. A few fish reportedly have been taken on black and olive-and-black Woolly Buggers in the upper reaches. For conditions updates, call Wyatt’s Sporting Goods in Meeker at (970) 878-4428.
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Williams Fork Reservoir – With the lake level rising fast, big pike are in the shallows and lake trout are being caught in deeper water. Fish the fingers for trout and the flats for pike. Try off the points for big lakers; up in the inlet for good trout. For current conditions, call the Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling at (970) 724-9407.
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Williams Fork River – Due to releases from the reservoir, flows are up to 400 cfs and could increase. Fish the Colorado River above the confluence for the best conditions, and watch for the stoneflies to appear soon. 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. New reports would be welcome. For current conditions call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344.
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Wolford Reservoir – The lake full and continues to fish well. Fish the coves and shallow water on east side of the lake. 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 river is raging with runoff and unfishable. Expect high, discolored conditions until late 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) – The tailwater directly below Stagecoach Reservoir has been flowing at about 175 cfs and remains virtually the only fishable stream in the area. By Steamboat Springs, the river is very high and muddy, and possibly out of its banks. The river likely will be unfishable until late June. Call the Steamboat Fly Fishing Company at(970) 879-6552 for current conditions.
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Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) – Catfish and crappie have been biting sporadically. Very few anglers have fished Blue Lake this spring. 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) – Flows have been variable, most recently at a high, 1,870 cfs. Fishing is difficult at that volume of flow, but some fish still can be taken on terrestrial patterns, streamers and San Juan worms. Flows are subject to irrigation demands and should vary widely through the summer. Call the Ark Anglers shop in Pueblo at (719) 543-3900 for current conditions. Frequent stocking of this stretch usually makes for excellent fishing. 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 Monday, the river was running at 2,000 cfs through this section and had about one foot of clarity along the edges. As a result, fishing is poor until the flows stabilize and conditions improve. Area tributary streams and lakes are producing good fishing. Go to www.arkanglers.com for more information.
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Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) – As of Monday, flows in Hayden Meadows were about 500 cfs, with an additional 800 cfs coming in from Twin Lakes. Clarity is generally poor though there are daily periods when it improves and fishing along the edges can be productive. Area tributaries and lakes are faring much better. For more information, visit www.arkanglers.com.
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Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) – The river below Salida was flowing at 2,100 cfs on Monday and was quite murky, with about one foot of visibility along the edges. Area streams and lakes are providing good alternatives to the river. Go to www.arkanglers.com for updated reports.
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Beckwith Reservoir – Fishing success largely dpends on the periodic stocking of catchable-sized trout. Try salmon eggs, Power Bait or night crawlers, or small, shiny spoons and spinners if spin-casting.
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Bonny Reservoir – In the past week, fishing has picked up. Several nice-sized (16- to 17-inch)white bass have been taken off the face of the dam on jigs and minnows. Catfish are still biting well off the south and north shores on cut shad and other typical baits. A few walleyes are being taken along the north shore on night crawlers. An occassional crappie is showing up in the bag on minnows. The surface water temperature is around 67 degrees. 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 by clicking on More info(below), and then Conditions.
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Brush Hollow Reservoir – Fishing has been good, but the water level is dropping quickly and the boat ramp is out of the water. Fishing for trout has been very good on the usual baits and lures. Warm-water fishermen have been taking some 10- to 12-inch crappie, as well as bass, bluegills and a few walleyes. Chartreuse-colored jigs and streamer flies have been effective along the west end of the reservoir. Some catfish are being taken at night. 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 have opened for the season. 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. Fishing for rainbows is excellent at both North and South Catamount. Fishing for mackinaw is slow with a few smaller fish being landed. North Catamount has a flies-and-lures restriction. An access fee for the Pikes Peak Highway is required to fish these lakes. A DOW creel census is being conducted at these lakes and anglers are asked to participate in the study.
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Clear Creek Reservoir – Fishing for trout from shore and boats has been fair to good on the usual array of baits and lures. Fly fishermen report good action from boats on black and purple Woolly Buggers and around the inlet area. The lake typically produces very good fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and a few large brown trout. It also has kokanee salmon, mostly less than 13 inches with a few over 15, and fishing for them should be good in 2006. The water-supply reservoir was full last year and also will be filled to capacity in 2006.
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Cottonwood Lake – Early season fishing for holdover trout has been fair. Try salmon eggs, night crawlers, Power Bait or small, silver-finish spoons.
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Crystal Creek Reservoir – The reservoir along the Pikes Peak Highway has opened for the season. The water level is improving from the past few years. The lake has been stocked, and fishing for catchable-sized trout is excellent. Access requires paying a fee at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate. A DOW creel census is being conducted at the lake and anglers are asked to participate in the study.
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Daigre Reservoir – Few fishermen have been on the water and reports are scarce. The lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing is retricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures.
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DeWeese Reservoir – Catchable-sized rainbow trout provide most of the action on worms, Power Bait and other standard fare. Some mayfly activity on the lake also has been noted, offering some fly-fishing possibilities. 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. ATVs will no longer be permitted in the state wildlife area. A fire ban is in effect.
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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 good to excellent. Trout are beginning to leave spawning beds for deeper water. Hot-color Power Baits, various jigs and spoons, night crawlers, Kastmasters and Dardevles are working well. Pike fishing is poor, although improving, using Rapalas and sucker meat. Kokanee salmon action is fair from boats using Pop Geer, Kastmasters, and various trolling spoons. Gold and pink are the best colors.
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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 – The lake south of Leadville has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing has been fair to good on a variety of baits, lures and flies.
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Horseshoe Reservoir – The water level is good and the temperature is in the mid-60s. Shore and boat anglers have reported trout fishing as excellent, and the State Parks office has received reports of at least one good- sized bass being caught. Popular baits being used are Fireballs, regular salmon eggs, worms, 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 – The lake was about 1/3 ice-free on Monday afternoon, and the road was open all the way to the lake. A handful of fly fishermen were catching lots of small rainbow trout in the open water. The lake typically offers good fishing for stocked trout, as well as occasional holdover rainbows and brook trout. Large mackinaw can be taken from shore around ice-out, and smaller (12- to 18-inch)lakers are taken from shore through the summer.
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John Martin Reservoir – The crappie bite has begun. They have been caught off the dam face as well as in the coves of the north shore on chartruese Twister Tails. Rainbow trout are also being caught on the main reservoir from boats and shore, mostly while fishing for crappie. Wipers, walleyes an suageyes, including a 7-pounder taken on a charttreuse jig, also have been taken from the spillway on jigs and minnows. Large catfish are biting in the spillway on liver. Lake Hasty has been stocked with trout and they are biting on Power Bait. Many young wipers and saugeyes went through the dam last year, but white bass, crappie and catfish remain abundant. ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on the state wildlife area.
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Lake Henry – The water level was excellent last year and should remain good in 2006. Few fishermen have been on the water, but fishing should be good this spring, especially for catfish. The lake also has crappie, wipers and saugeyes, and fishing for them should improve as the lake rebounds from 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. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are nearby.
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Martin Lake – The boat ramp is closed through May 25 because of construction. The water level is high. The temperature is in the mid-60s. Trout fishing has been excellent on Fireballs, regular salmon eggs and worms. A fire ban is in place at the park, with only propane grills allowed. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
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Montgomery Reservoir – Fishing is prohibited through May 31.Last weekend half the lake was ice-covered and the water level was very low.
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Monument Reservoir – Early season fishing for recently stocked trout and a few holdovers has been fair to good on the standard array of baits and lures. Fishing should be good in 2006. Brown trout populations are very high and anglers can expect to see good numbers in their catch. Most will be 8-12 inches in length, but an occasional fish to 20 inches could be caught.
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Nee Gronda Reservoir – Fishing is good for wipers, crappie and saugeyes. Wipers are biting on worms and trolled crankbaits, crappie are hitting minnows and jigs, and saugeyes are hitting lures and jigs tipped with worms. 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 – A few wipers are being caught on worms and shrimp bait. Some crappie and catfish action also has been reported. 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. Extensions have been added as the lake has receded. Small- to medium-sized boats should be able to launch. Muddy conditions may exist, especially immediately after a rain storm. 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 for rainbow trout has been fair to good. Fly fishermen have been taking fish on brown Pistol Petes and black Woolly Buggers, among other patterns. North Lake is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. Anglers are reminded to check the new definition of artificial in the fishing regulations booklet. 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. Habitat stamps are required for the state wildlife area.
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Palmer Lake – The water level is very low. No stocking will be done until conditions improve.
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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 – Fishing has been improving, but still is rather hit-and-miss. Some large crappie have been taken on minnows near the north marina and in the upper end of the reservoir. Wipers have become more active, and some large fish have been taken on jigs. Some sublegal walleyes are being caught but the action remains only fair. Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass also has been only fair. Fishermen still are catching lots of trout. Most are recent stockers, but a 5-pounder was checked at the marina. Expect large crowds for the weekend. The water level is slightly better than in 2005. Fishing should be very good in 2006. 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 this year, 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 slow to fair. The upper end of the reservoir and points of land extending into the water have been productive areas to fish. 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 big fish in the river, indicating the trout spawning run is about over. 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 – Conditions have been constant. Flows have been low, most recently around 55 cfs, and trout are in the riffles. Fly fishermen have reported an exceptionally high number of tan, No. 16-18 caddisflies, both adults and larvae around Deckers. Baetis mayflies and midges also have been coming off the water. RS-2s and No. 16-18 dry flies have been effective when the hatches are on. In Cheesman Canyon, fishing has been fairly good, though success varies widely among fishermen. Sporadic midge emergences have been noted, but Most of the activity has been subsurface. 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 have been gradually rising the past week, and most recently were about 207 cfs. Some turbidity has been reported, but fishing for wild rainbow trout and some browns remains very good. Emerging midges and blue-wing-olive mayflies provide some dry-fly action, but most of the activity remains sub-surface on the typical small nymphs. Barr’s Emergers, BWO emergers, WD 40s, RS-2s bead-head Flashback Pheasant Tails and Johnny Flashes are likely 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. Although many fish are small, trout action is good to excellent using No, 14-18 Scuds, Hare’s Ears, No. 14-18 Callibaetis nymphs, brown moose-tail Hair Jigs, and various egg patterns. Trout action is best in deeper water, using spoons. Spring pike action is beginnng in shallow, weedy areas using tube jigs and Rapalas. Pike action should continue to improve rapidly.
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Tarryall Reservoir – Success has varied from day to day and among fishermen. While some have reported very slow fishing, others have enjoyed good action for rainbow and cuttbow trout up to 16 inches on night crawlers and salmon eggs, and occasional brown trout and northern pike on Rooster Tail spinners. Runoff has begun on Tarryall Creek above the reservoir, raising the level and making the lake murky. Fishing success has slowed, but some rainbows still are being taken on night crawlers and salmon eggs. Fishing generally has been better on days when the wind is not blowing. Visitors must have a habitat stamp to use the state wildlife area.
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Trinidad Reservoir – Trinidad Lake has surface temperatures around 60 degrees. The gates are open, so the level is dropping. The water is very clear overall, with a little brown at the inlet. Trout fishing has remained good. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are picking up, both from shore and boats. Most are undersized, though. Walleye are fair from boats. A few perch and catfish are being caught. Crappie still have not appeared, see a few wipers are being taken on worms. Trout have been hitting Power Bait, worms and some lures. Both walleyes 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 the lake drops unmarked obstacles may appear.
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Turks Pond – Fishing is good for the remaining spring-stocked trout. Anglers fishing with worms are getting wipers, saugeyes, and bluegills in addition to the trout. Catfish have really turned on, and are being caught on worms and dough baits. Crappie fishing is slow to fair. The lake level is down a little from last year, but should come up some with the pumping of well water, after repairs to the well are made this summer. The 55-acre lake has good populations of crappie, bluegills, wipers, saugeyes and catfish, and is stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring and fall.
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Turquoise Lake – The lake is free of ice, but some snowdrifts may remain along the shoreline. Campgrounds and other U.S. Forest Service amenities will be open on Memorial Day. The reservoir has an abundant population of lake trout. Most are less than 20 inches long, but offer an opportunity to catch an often hard-to-catch species. The reservoir has been stocked with fingerling trout since 1997. Most have grown large enough to be of interest to fishermen. The water level should be normal in 2006 and fishing should be good.
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Twin Lakes – The lakes are free of ice and the boat ramps are accessible. Fishing for lake trout has been fair, especially by trolling Flatfish and large Rapalas. The lake-trout fishery, once known for trophy fish but diminished in the 1990s, appears to be on its way back. Lake trout approaching 40 inches have become more common in recent years. Early season is an especially good time to fish for the mackinaw. The area around the hydro plant and the channel from the upper lake to the lower are among the better spots. Casting large Rapalas or tube jigs tipped with sucker meat seems to work best. The lakes also have other trout, and fishing can be good through the summer and fall. Water levels should be normal in 2006.
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Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert) Forebay – The reservoir fluctuates significantly because of hydropower pumpback, but offers some of the best fishing for large lake trout in the area. It also is regularly stocked with quickly growing rainbow trout that produce good fishing through the season on a variety of baits, lures and flies. Fishing for lake trout can be quite good from the south shore in the spring. Try a rainbow Rapala or a tube jig tipped with sucker meat. Carry-on boats are permitted on the forebay, but with the water fluctuations, extreme caution is urged.
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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 lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout, but little fishing activity has been noted.
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| Southwest Region |
Animas River – The spring runoff continues and the river is running fast and dirty. Water levels will be dropping and the water will be clearing during the next few weeks.
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Beaver Creek Reservoir – The lake is open and has been stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing is reported as good for 12-to 18-inch rainbow and brown trout using Power Bait, spinners and streamer flies.
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Big Meadows Reservoir – The lake is open. No current report on angler success. Fishing for rainbow and brook trout should be good using Power Bait, worms and spinners.
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Blue Mesa Reservoir – Salmon fishing is beginning to pick up around the dam and in the Cebolla basin trolling brightly colored spinners and spoons from 10-25 feet. Brown and rainbow trout fishing remains good near the shore using marabou jigs or Rapalas. Lake trout fishing remains fair trolling large Flatfish in the Cebolla and Sapinero basins.
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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 Platoro. Runnoff fishing has been fair and challenging for brown and rainbow trout on a variety of nymphs and streamers. Flows at Mogote last week were high and discolored at 1,010 cfs. Fishing coditions will improve after runoff. 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 fishing is poor.
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Dolores River (upper) – The spring runoff continues, and the river is running fast and dirty. Water levels will be dropping and the water will be clearing during the next few weeks.
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East River – The East continues to rise. Flows on Monday were 1,160 cfs. East River fishing will be tough this week unless we get another cold spell. Fish are holding on to the banks with their teeth (so to say). Woolly Buggers in brown, black and olive, stripped off the bank are your best bet. Or hone your skills or teach a friend how to fish on the Roaring Judy Hatchery ponds next to the river. 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 – Fishing for trout, bass and perch is good on almost any bait and lure. The lake was recently stocked with 10-inch catchable rainbows. No limit applies to the tasty perch. Remember to register your boat for the year and check all safety gear. No wake is allowed on the reservoir.
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Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) – The flow at the East Portal is about 699 cfs, but the water clarity is affected by record flows from Cimarron Creek that enter Crystal Reservoir and carry sediment through the dam. Despite that, fishing still has been good, even when the river is off-color. 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. As the spawning season winds down, anglers still should 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 weekend flow was 704 cfs and the water was slightly off-color. Caddois are thick, and fishing is good. Top flies are stoneflies, Half-backs, red Copper Johns and Flashback Pheasant Tails. We are seeing Pteronarcys at the confluence, and big black stoneflies are moving on the bottom. Some dry-fly activity and emerging caddis also were reported. 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) – Warm temperatures are quickly melting the snow pack. Flows have jumped to 2,500 cfs and are still on the rise. Fishing will turn on as soon as flows drop. 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 (Power Bait, 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 – La Jara Creek is fishing well for brown trout. Most of the creek is accessible by foot or horseback. The gate at La Jara Creek State Wildlife Area will open on Thursday, May 25.
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La Jara Reservoir – The reservoir is open. La Jara Reservoir’s water level is expected to be fair this year, with fluctuations because of 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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Los Pinos River – The river above Vallecito Reservoir is accessible, but insect hatches are not yet significant and the runoff is high. Access to the river below the reservoir is very restricted because of private property.
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McPhee Reservoir – Action for trout is good and most types of bait and lures are working. Bass fishing is starting to improve as the water continues to warm up and the fish start to move into the shallows to spawn. 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 the water temperature at 56 degrees. On the Colorado side of the reservoir, crappie have been biting pretty much everywhere on minnows and chartreuse jigs. The marina store is open 9 to 5 daily with boating and fishing supplies. The store usually has minnows available, although they ran out the past couple of weekends. Pike, bass and catfish are also beginning to bite.
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Piedra River – The spring runoff continues, and the river is running fast and dirty. Water levels will be dropping and the water will be clearing during the next few weeks.
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Platoro Reservoir – The road to the reservoir is open and accessible. 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, salmon eggs, gold spinners and attractor flies are doing well in the ponds. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of Ridgway State Park is excellent for children because it has the only waters below the dam that is 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. Try a 1/4-ounce rainbow Kastmaster. 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 starting to drop, but the main spring run off should start soon. 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 late June at the earliest.
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San Juan River – The spring runoff continues, and the river is running fast and dirty. Water levels will be dropping and the water will be clearing during the next few weeks.
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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 lake is ice-free, and early season fishing for lake trout, rainbows and browns has been good. A 28-pound lake trout recently was taken on a Fire Tiger Rapala, and a 23-pounder was taken on a frozen whole sucker. Rainbows and browns averaging 18 inches are being caught by fishermen primarily trying for the mackinaw. The level is good, but the water is slightly murky. Fishing pressure has been light. The marina is open and stocked for the season. Cottonwood Pass is closed but likely will be open by Memorial Day. Campgrounds are to open soon.
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Taylor River – Flows out of the dam were increased to 253 cfs this week. Feeder creeks to the Taylor have increased flows at Almont to 724 cfs, making wading a little tricky. Streamers fished close to the bank have been turning fish, as have nymphs fished along the bottom in the slower deeper holes. Nymph patterns include green drake nymphs, Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Princes, Hare’s Ears and stoneflies, sizes 10-16. Also try streamers in black, brown and olive, sizes 4-8. Watch for the dry fly action to start soon. Call Almont Anglers at (970) 641-7404 or stop by for the latest reports.
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Trujillo Meadows Reservoir – The road to Trujillo Meadows is open and fishing is excellent. This is the best trout-fishing lake in the Conejos River area. It offers good to excellent fishing for brown trout, 10-17 inches; brook trout, 7-13 inches; and rainbow trout, 10-16 inches, from ice-out to July. The best brown-trout fishing is in the early morning and evenings using Rapalas, Kastmasters and streamer flies.
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Tucker Ponds – The onds are open, but have not yet been stocked. No current fishing report is available.
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Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park – The wekend flow was 350 cfs. Fishing still is good to very good using brown San Juan worms, No. 14 Prince nymphs and No. 16 Yellow Sallies. No. 12 golden stoneflies and No. 18 midges have produced some action on top. In the next two weeks, the caddis should be hatching for really great fishing!
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Vallecito Reservoir – Anglers are reporting plenty of action for stocker rainbows. A 5-pounder was caught last week. Fishing for northern pike has slowed as the fish are in their spawning cycle. Pike fishing should improve again in a couple of weeks.
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Williams Creek Reservoir – Anglers are reporting nice catches of 12- to 15-inch rainbows. Power Bait and worms have been working well. The stream below the dam is clear, but big hatches haven’t started yet. Woolly Buggers are the suggested fly.
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