| Denver Metro Region |
Arvada Reservoir – The water level is extremely high and the fishing dock is open. Fishing for trout has been slow, but should pick up with the recent stocking of catchable-sized rainbow trout. A few trout were being caught out of boats using Pop Geer and assorted spinners, and off the dock using rainbow Power Bait and worms.
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Aurora Reservoir – The water temperature is 70 degrees. Trout fishing from shore has been slow for some, good for others. The best areas have been the east end of the dam and the norhtwest corner, casting out 40-50 yards with a slip rig with orange and rainbow Power Bait. From boats, trout action is fair to good trolling slowly with night crawlers, or anchoring in 20-30 feet of water and using Power Bait and crawlers. Walleye action has been good. Trolling with crawlers has worked best. Also, some reports have come in of walleyes being caught from the northwest corner of the dam in the evenings on Rapalas and jigs. One 13-pounder recently was caught and released, but most are not legal-sized. The limit for trout is two. Boating is restricted to electric motors. For additional information call 303-690-1286.
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Barr Lake – Fishing for trout has been fair using gold Kastmasters around boat ramp. Fathead minnows have been working off a bobber in the evening. Salmon eggs are always a good bet. Carp have been moving in the shallows and taking dough balls off the bottom.
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Bear Creek – Use terrestrials, caddis and mayflies for the best results. Small spinners have been taking a few, as well.
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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 larger trout have been caught on small, bright-colored spinner lures.
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Berkeley Lake – Fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout has been fair, but the water is becoming warm. The 40-acre lake also has largemouth bass, bluegills crappie and channel catfish, among other warm-water species. Boats are not permitted. A recreation center, playground and other amenities are available on the south side of the lake.
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Centennial Park Lake – The lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout into early summer. It also has a variety of warm-water fish, including bass, crappie, catfish and perch. Warm-water fishing has been gradually improving as the water warms up. No boats are allowed on the 15-acre lake. A playground, restrooms and handicapped-accessible fishing pier are available.
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Chatfield Ponds – Bass fishing has been the best here, using large shiners and buzzbaits. A large night crawler also is a safe bet.
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Chatfield Reservoir – Walleyes are hitting leeches fished from a Lindy Rig or worm harness. Most legal ‘eyes have been taken around the intersection of the underwater roads near the dam. Smallmouth bass have been hitting trout Rapalas at the corners of the dam.
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Cherry Creek Reservoir – Trout fishing has been fun from the fishing access by Dixon Cove. Power Bait and salmon eggs are killer. Fishing for walleyes 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) – Fishing has been great. Stimulators and hopper patterns provide a lot of fun with these small fish.
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Clear Lake – The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road has catchable-sized rainbow trout and also some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. No boats are permitted on the lake. A campground is available one mile to the south.
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Evergreen Lake – Fishing with salmon eggs and Power Bait for trout has been best in the evenings and early mornings. Tiger muskies can be spotted in the shallows.
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Georgetown Lake – Use salmon eggs or the chartreuse Power Bait for best results on trout. A Size 12 Woolly Bugger is the ticket for fly casters. Catches of a lot of fish averaging 10-14 inches have been reported.
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Gross Reservoir – Tiger muskies are being caught on sucker meat. The tigers are cruising the shoreline looking for an easy meal, and they are big. Use a dead sucker floated off the bottom close to shore, ore large Rapalas if you wish 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.
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Jim Baker Reservoir – Catfish fishing is good. Reports are circulating of catfish ranging from 14 inches to 7 pounds. The big cats are cruising the shoreline looking for crayfish; people using sucker meat have been doing really well. Use a Renegades behind a bobber or a rainbow-colored Rooster Tail to get the trout.
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Ketring Park Lake – The 15-acre lake has a variety of mostly small warm-water fish. Boats are not allowed.
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Main Lake – The fluctuating 45-acre lake has bass up to 18 inches, crappie, bluegills, catfish and other warm-water species. Bass fishing has been improving as the water warms up. Try spinnerbaits and small crankbaits. No boats are allowed on the lake.
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Quincy Reservoir – The temperature is 70 degrees. Trout fishing is slow to fair on flies in the early morning and evening using Callibaetis, Elk-hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and Pheasant Tails. Bass action is slow to fair using surface plugs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and jigs. Perch action has been fair to good on jigs. 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 good-sized trout. They are hungry for shiners off a bobber and orange Power Bait. Some favorite crayfish flies also are killing the trout. Fly-and-bobber outfits are working with Hare’s Ears, Renegades and brown Woolly Buggers.
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Sloans Lake – This is a good place to take a kid fishing for a day. Use Power Bait and worms off the bottom. For trophy class carp fishing, this is the place. Try to do it with a fly. Prince Nymphs or Pheasant Tails will do the job.
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Smith Reservoir – Warm-water fishing has been slow to fair, but has improved with rising water temperatures. The 45-acre lake has crappie, bass, bluegills, catfish and perch. Its largemouth and smallmouth bass provide potentially good fishing well into the summer. No boats are allowed on the lake.
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South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) – The river has been discolored, making fishing difficult. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream 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 level is at capacity and the water temperature is in the low to mid-70s. Anglers who work at it report good fishing for walleyes and wipers. Walleyes are in 18-22 feet of water, off the islands out from the inlet, and have been hitting live leeches. Fishing for trout has been good from shore using a variety of baits and lures. An unusual, 18-pound northern pike recently was taken from the lake. The park is open sunrise to sunset for walk-in access. Drive-in access is from 6:30 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 early summer fishing in an urban-park setting. Try a small Fle Fly jig or live minnow below a bobber about 3 feet down. Both lakes also have bass, bluegills and catfish. 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. As the summer goes on, warm-water fishing is becoming more productive. The lake has bass, perch, crappie and catfish. No boats are allowed. A handicapped-access fishing pier, playground and oher facilities are available.
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| Northeast Region |
Barker Reservoir – Shoreline fishing for rainbow trout has been fair to good on the usual variety of baits and lures. The inlet region has been among the most productive areas. Fly fishermen typically have their best luck at the inlet, also. Tiger muskies can be found in deeper waters – try along the north shore. The water level is very good.
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Barnes Meadow Reservoir – Fishing for chunky, 14- to 16-inch rainbows and cuttbows has been good the past couple of years, but through sustained heavy fishing pressure, the average size of fish has declined. Some of the larger fish still can be taken on Power Bait, worms, salmon eggs, Rooster Tail spinners, Tasmanian Devils and Kastmasters. Fly fishermen can do well at certain times of the day from belly boats or canoes. Boats with gasoline motors are not permited. No ramp is available; all boats must be carried some 50 yards to the water. Access is on the west side of the dam; the east side is private property. Pack out what you pack in.
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Bellaire Lake – Catchable-sized trout comprise most of the catch. Fishing for them has been fair to good on a variety of baits and lures.
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Big Creek Lakes – The lakes are open and fishing for catchable-sized rainbows, brook trout and small mackinaw has been hit-and-miss. Nearby U.S. Forest Service campgrounds have been full.
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Big Thompson Ponds – Fishing has been slow, with anglers mainly catching small perch and crappie. Chicken livers have produced some catfish in the evenings. The ponds also have bluegills, and fly fishing for them can be lots of fun for kids and other beginners. The area can become rather crowded during the day.
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Big Thompson River – The river is running around 186 cfs and fishing well. Caddis are a good choice for morning or evening fishing, with Elk Hairs, Last Calls and Foam Caddis in size 16. For nymphs, try Caddis Pupa, Hotwire Caddis, Mangy Caddis and Hare’s Ears in size 16. PMDs are also hatching and a size 16 PMD Parachute, Thorax or any PMD nymph is a good choice. Hoppers are effective, and a size 10 or 12 Spun Hair or Idylwilde Hopper will provide fun fishing. For spin-fishing, Mepps and Panther Martins are still the best bet. In the non catch-and-release section, eggs and worms will be good choices.
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Boedecker Reservoir – Crappie fishing is doing well in the trees that are flooded close to shore. People using minnows are doing best.
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Boulder Reservoir – Fishing for smallmouth bass has been good along the dam. Walleyes have moved off the bank, and fishing for 15- to 16-inch fish remains fairly good. 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. The lake has been crowded with water skiers and other summer recreationists. Be aware of increased fees for summertime boating. 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 – The water temperature 76-78 degrees and the level is low. The marina channel resembles a stream, but trailered boats still are being launched. The shallow cove north of the last parking lot is dry. Fishing has been erratic, even for veteran fishermen. White bass and perch provide most of the action, and smallmouth bass can be found near drop-offs and other structure. Fishing sems best on days when a chop, either from wind or boat traffic, is on the water. For white bass, locate a school near the surface and try a small plastic grub, topwater plug, shallow-running crankbait, silver/white Rooster Tail spinner or streamer fly. Troling worm harnesses in 20 feet of water still is taking some walleyes, white bass and large catfish.
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Carter Reservoir – Trout fishing has slowed, but walleye fishing has been excellent on the east side of the lake. The best baits bottom bouncers and Rapala lures. Fishermen, be sure to ask a ranger for the official Carter Lake fish-measurement stickers for your boat.
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Chambers Lake – The water level has come up and boat access again is available. Fishing for rainbow and lake trout has been good, but slowing through midsummer. Mackinaw have averaged 15 inches. Rainbows have been smaller, though some nice ones have been taken. Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms have worked well for rainbows. Try a spinner tipped with sucker meat for mackinaw. The north side has been fishing well. The lake is stocked with rainbows several times a year.
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Cowdrey Lake – Cowdrey is fishing fairly well with Kastmasters in gold or silver and floating Rapalas in rainbow and silver. For fly-and-bubble fishermen, the Pistol Pete in olive or a Renegade pattern will catch the interest of many fish. Fly fishermen are doing fair with No. 16 red Chironomids and olive Woolly Buggers. Fishing has been best from boats on the west side of the lake in 8-10 feet of water.
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Douglas Reservoir – The water level is low and the boat ramp is only marginally usable. Boat trailers can drop off the end of the ramp and have difficulty pulling out. Small boats might be OK; hand-launched craft are fine. Rainbow trout have been hitting bright-colored Rooster Tails. Large shiners fished along the rocks will produce some nice-sized 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) – The U.S. Forest Service has closed the lake and road leading into it to all public access while upgrades are being made to the campground and other facilities. The closure will be in effect at least through the end of the year.
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East Delaney Lake – Fish have been aggressively taking Callibaetis dry flies. Damselflies are starting to move in the weed beds, with fish keying in on the nymphs, as well as midges that still are emerging. Temperatures are high midday and cooling significantly at night, so look for Chironomids in late afternoon and crayfish and big streamers in the evening. This time of year, tube-jig style lures(swim baits) and marabou jigs are working well. 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 – Evenings and mornings have provided good fishing. Power Bait, worms and eggs all 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 in sizes 20-22 will work well. Terrestrials (beetles and ants) will also be a good fly choice. Look for rising fish in the morning and evening. Cast to within 2 feet of the fish with the dries, and you should do well.
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Flatiron Reservoir – Trout fishermen are easily catching their limits. The action has been best using night crawlers or salmon eggs.
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Hidden Lakes – The lakes are free of ice. Fishermen have been few, and current reports are unavailable.
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Hohnholz Lakes – Lake No. 2 is doing well for last year’s holdover stockers. Use worms on the bottom close to the boat ramp. A limit is easy to achieve on a fly-bobber rig with a Halfback nymph or a size 12 Pheasant Tail. Lake 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 remains good. Lowering water levels are forming new fishing holes, thus adding a new variety of hot spots. Nice-sized walleyes still are being caught in several areas, including Inlet Bay, Dixon Cove and along the dams. Minnows with a bobber and night crawlers are your best bet for success. All coves seem to have good productivity levels. Jerkbaits and many crawfish imitations are doing well along Soldier and Horsetooth dams. Anglers in Inlet Bay have been having success catching smallmouth bass on minnows and bright-colored Mister Twisters. Crankbaits have also seen success, and fly fishermen have enjoyed some good action on Clouser Minnows. 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 – Fishing for catfish continues to be fair from the dam and northeast corner of the reservoir using night crawlers. Due to dropping water levels, the reservoir is open only to hand-carry, hand-launch vessels such as kayaks and canoes. Water once again is being released, so fishing should pick up in the outlet. The water temperature is in the high 70s.
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Joe Wright Reservoir – The lake is free of ice and has been fishing well for grayling and the Emerald Lake strain of rainbow trout. Fly fishing for grayling averaging 10-12 inches has been best near the inlet. Though many patterns will work, black or dark-colored nymphs are especially productive. The inlet up to Highway 114 is closed to fishing through July 31. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. The limit for trout is two fish at least 16 inches long. The daily limit for grayling, in aggregate with trout, is four.
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Jumbo Reservoir – Hot weather has slowed trout fishing considerably. The best times are still early in the morning, either fishing from the bank near the outlet or trolling with Rapalas. Walleyes are still being caught by trolling with crankbaits. Water levels have dropped continuously, but the northeast boat ramp is still providing boater access. No flotation devices of any kind are allowed on the Annex. A habitat stamp is required to enter these properties.
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Lake John – Callibaetis, damselflies, minnow patterns, worms and Power Bait all work well at Lake John. Trolling from a boat is the most effective way to fish the lake. 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 by 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 largemouth bass has been fair. Try a plastic grub off the bottom along the west weed beds or a topwater lure such as a Chug Bug. Most of the bass have weighed about one pound. Catfish still are being taken in the late afternoon into evening. Some fishermen also report trout feeding near the surface in the evening. Try a bright-colored Rooster Tail spinner or Woolly Bugger.
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Lonetree Reservoir – The reservoir is nearly full and the water temperature is about 68 degrees. Some decent-sized fish are being taken, but fishermen are having to work for them. Fishing for walleyes and wipers has been fair to good on some days, casting or trolling shallow- to medium-running crankbaits, but the action has been inconsistent. Float-tubing fly fishermen have been taking a few largemouth bass and crappie on Clouser Minnows, and panfish on No. 12 Halfback nymph patterns fished behind a streamer.
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Long Draw Reservoir – The road to the reservoir and campgrounds is open, providing access to Long Draw, Trap Lake and Peterson Reservoir. Fishing has been fair to good at times. Long Draw is flies and lures only, and has a two-trout limit.
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Lost Lake (at Chambers) – Fishing generally has been fair. Power Bait, salmon eggs, worms and spinners have taken a few fish. The lake has had a litter problem, and fishermen are asked to pack out their trash.
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North Delaney Lake – North Delaney has been fair to good. If the wind calms down, look for fish to focus on Callibaetis on the surface between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fly fishermen have been doing well with large streamer patterns, fished on a slick line in 8-10 feet of water, and Callibaetis dries. 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 and in deeper water with 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, salmon eggs, worms, Rooster Tails, black Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs and Renegades. The inlet area and the creek below the dam have been especially productive for fly fishermen.
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North Park Alpine Lakes – At Lake Agnes, fly fishermen have been catching some nice-sized cutthroat trout on Prince Nymphs, black Woolly Buggers, Pheasant Tails and caddisfly nymphs. American and Snow lakes have been producing some nice trout on caddisfly nymphs. People recently were catching golden and cutthroat trout at Kelly Lake on black Woolly Buggers and caddisflies.
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North Park Streams – Water levels are still low. Irrigation should be over soon. Streamers are still working in the deeper holes, and at the tail end of a riffle. Hopper rigs with something dropped underneath works well, too. Lure fishermen need only cast a No. 3 Mepps spinner – gold or a red-and-white combination – and hold on. The more displacement and attraction created, the more likely fish will be enticed to strike. Michigan Creek below the reservoir and through Walden is a great option, as well as the Richards state lease on the North Fork.
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North Platte River – The river is down to 400 cfs. Not much is happening in the way of streamer fishing. Caddis are coming off, as well as PMDs and little yellow stoneflies (yellow Sallies). Heavy moss growth is making nymphing challenging, but why fish nymphs when you can throw dries? Hopper patterns in tan and yellow have been hot, as well as light-body caddis. Look to the deeper runs and the pocket water around rocks to hold fish.
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North Sterling Reservoir – The water temperature is around 75 degrees. Fishing for catfish is excellent in the coves on shrimp and crayfish in 3-5 feet of water. Fishing has been fair to good for walleyes, depending on the conditions. Troll the dam or main lake points with crankbaits or Curly Tail jigs and stay shallow, less than 10 feet of water. Fishing for wipers has been good off the dam and main lake points using bait, jigs, or crankbaits. Most are shorter than the 15 inch-minimum. Trout and crappie fishing is slow. The lake is at about 35 percent of capacity, covering about 1,625 surface acres. The Elks ramp is very shallow, so using the south boat ramp is recommended for all boats. Call the park office at 970-522-3657 for current conditions.
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Parvin Lake (Red Feather) – This lake is a tuber’s paradise with only mild wind some of the time. Troll the moss line as summer goes on and hook big browns. Gold Krocodiles have been a favorite. Dawn and dusk are the best times at this lake.
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Pinewood Reservoir – The Fisherman’s Cove area near the inlet is still the best place to catch a limit of trout. A few tiger muskies reportedly have been caught near the inlet.
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Poudre River – The river is low and clear and has settled into its summer fishing pattern. PMD mayflies are on the water early, followed by a scattering of green drakes around midday. Caddis are active late afternoon into evening, and terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers, beetles and ants are available to fish throughout the day. Bead-head nymphs and Elk-hair Caddis are standard patterns for fly fishermen. Spin-fishermen might try red-bladed Mepps or silver Colorado spinners. The lower river can become a bit crowded with rafters and tubers; upper stretches are less so.
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Prewitt Reservoir – The water level is 50 percent. The boat ramp and boat dock are out of the water, and no boats can be launched unless they are carried in. Fishing for all species is slow. A habitat stamp is required to enter this property.
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Ranger Lakes – Upper Ranger Lake was drained for dam repairs last year. It is expected to refill this summer, probably sometime in August.
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Rocky Mountain National Park – Flows in Park waters are perfect for fishing. Caddis and small stoneflies are active. Size 16-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators and Trudes work well. For nymphs, try Anato Mays, size 18; Ice Nymphs, 18-20; bead-head Pheasant Tails, 18-20; and small attractor nymphs like Spitfires and Lightning Bugs in size 16-18. PMDs are hatching in the park, so try PMD dries and nymphs in size 16-18. Green and Gray Drakes have also stared to come off, so Royal Wulff,Parachute Adams, Green Drake Wulff, Ice Drake and Quigley’s Crown Jewel, all in size 12 (14 for the gray drakes) are good bets. Lakes are iced-out and fishing well, with midges being the main hatch. Try Stuck-in-the-Shucks and adults in size 20-22. Also try beetles and ants on the lakes.
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Seeley Lake – Fish slowly; present an easy target for the tiger muskies. Bass fishing is picking up using worms off the bottom.
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Simpson Ponds – Fishing for mostly small warm-water species has been slow to fair. Channel catfish are being taken on chicken livers in the evening. A few bass and crappie still can been taken on small, light-colored floating Rapalas. A slowly retrieved plastic worm rigged Texas or Carolina style also can be effective. The water is becoming murky, and a some of the ponds have weed growth that can present some problems.
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South Delaney Lake – A strong Callibaetis hatch and midges have been evident throughout the day. Warmer weather is getting fish active. Damselfly nymphs and Kastmasters (gold or green) should be the ticket this weekend. Size 14-16 scuds in olive and tan also will take fish. 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 – Fishing is good on the Vrain. The pocket water of the upper river should be easier and more productive. Mayflies and stoneflies are the most common hatches. Caddis also are on the water. On the lower St. Vrain, fish the edges and pockets for the best activity. Try size 16 caddis patterns, size 16-18 PMD patterns and size 12-14 for the drakes.
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Teal and Tiago Lakes – Both lakes have been stocked with catchable-sized trout and fishing for them has been fair to good. Try the standard baits and lures, and don’t overlook the fly-bubble possibilities, especially in late afternoon. Nearby U.S. Forest Service campgrounds have been busy.
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Union Reservoir (Calkins) – Anglers are still catching 15- to 20-inch wipers. Trolling on the bottom with small, white or yellow Mister Twisters or worm harnesses has been working well. A few nice crappie have been caught around the fishing pier at sunrise. Fishing for trout is slow. Nice channel catfish are being caught using stink bait or cut shad. Most are between 3 and 5 pounds, with several up to 14 pounds. The reservoir is currently 3 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 – Rainbow trout have been fishing really well now. Fish on the west side and use a bobber-and-fly. Black Woolly Buggers, Pheasant Tails and Matukas will produce fish. Smalmouth bass are close to shore hitting rabbit-hair jigs.
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Wellington Reservoir #4 – Rainbow-colored Rooster Tails fished deep and slow have been filling peoples’ stringers. ry 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) – Flows below Green Mountain Dam have been around 314 cfs in recent days. The river through much of this section courses through private property. A handful of entrepreneurs offer float-fishing trips.
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Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) – The flow from Dillon Reservoir has dropped to 98 cfs. Some green drakes have been reported upstream as far as I-70. With PMDs and caddis in the morning, green drakes midday, and caddis and red quills in the evening, the Blue is an aquatic smorgasbord. Some days it can be a challenge to determine which insect the fish are keying in on. Small (No. 18) black caddis, green drakes (10-12), PMDs (16-18), as well as Mysis shrimp, Barr’s Graphic Caddis, Prince Nymphs and Barr’s PMD Emergers have been working well.
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Colorado River (below Parshall) – Early in the week, river flows were around 300 cfs near Parshall and 700 at Kremmling, and the water was clear. Fishing has been fair. With hot daytime temperatures, eary mornings have been the best time to fish. Afternoons have been slow; evenings somwehat better. Caddis and yellow Sally stoneflies are the main hatches.
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Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) – The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs is clear and fishing very well, with current river flows around 4,030 cfs. Heavy hatches of PMDs and Yellow Sallies are taking place midday, with epic hatches of caddis and rusty spinners in the evening hours. Lots of suspended fish are being caught on dry/dropper setups in the afternoons, with superb dry fly fishing in the late evenings. Hot flies include: B/C Hoppers, Triple Deckers, Stimulators, Wulffs, Humpyies, Princes, BLMs, Rusty Spinners, Pheasant Tails, and Bead-head Sallies.
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Colorado River (near Granby) – Caddis, mosquito and blue dun dry patterns, and Gregg’s Emergers, RS-2s and black midge wet patterns are still working. Hotter weather has made early morning fishing best. The flow below Windy Gap is running around 238 cfs. The Williams Fork near Parshall is flowing around 43 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.
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Crystal River – The Crystal River finally is clear, with current river flows around 358 cfs in Carbondale. Concentrate on fishing the deeper pools using dry/dropper rigs or two-fly nymph set ups. The fishing has been best from Carbondale up to Redstone, where heavy caddis and PMD hatches are taking place. Hot flies include: Stimulators, Humpies, Ethawing Caddis, Pearl and Elk Caddis, Princes, 20 Inchers, Poxybiot Stones, Copper Johns, BLMs and Tungsten Baetis.
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Elk River – The river has dropped and cleared and fishing has been very good. Public access is availabe on the Christina State Wildlife Area and in its upper reaches. Both are accessed from Routt County Road 129.
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Fryingpan River – The Frying Pan River is in its prime now, with river flows at 110 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir. Green drakes are hatching in good numbers around the noon hour in addition to heavy hatches of PMDs and BWOs. Superb dry fly fishing is taking place in the afternoons into the evenings. During the last hour of light, blanketing hatches of rusty spinners, caddis, and drakes are making the river literally boil, with fish seemingly everywhere. Hot flies include: Drake Sparkleduns, BDE Drakes, Drake and PMD Cripples, Harrops Pink Thorax PMDs, Rusty Spinners, Pearl and Elk Caddis, Pheasant Tails, Poxyback PMDs, BTS Baetis, Biot Emergers, Hunchback PMDs, BLMs and Halfback Emergers. This is about as good as the Frying Pan gets!
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Granby Reservoir – Nighttime temperatures are in the 40s. With hotter daytime conditions, midday and afternoon catching of fish can be difficult. Shoreline fishing in certain areas remains good. Worms are working very well, both in bottom fishing and trolling. Vertical jigging is one of the best means of catching lake trout. Downriggers, used in the 30- to 60-foot range are producing fish. Kokanee are being caught, but not consistantly.
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Grand Lake – Conditions remain the same. Trolling can be productive. A few Kokanee were caught last week. Jigging can be productive. Kastmasters, Rapalas and worm harnesses are popular, as well as Power Bait and eggs. Fly fishing is also productive. The east end is an area that fishes well from the bank.
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Green Mountain Reservoir – Trout fishing is best in the evenings and nighttime using night crawlers, salmon eggs, or Power Bait. Kokannee fishing is best trolling from boats using bright-colored lures. Wedding rings are very popular. Kokannee are toward the inlet part of the lake.
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Harvey Gap Reservoir – Harvey Gap is 20 feet below full and the water temperature is 73 degrees. Crappie are being caught in the evening near the swim beach using gray sparkled jigs. Yellow perch also have been caught at Harvey Gap off shore near the boat dock using worms and salmon eggs. 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 Parks annual passes are available at the Rifle Gap visitor center.
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Highline Lake – The water temperature is about 79 degrees. Night fishing for catfish is really improving. A couple of 9-pound catfish have been pulled out near the dam using night crawlers and liver. Crappie still are excellent, as well. Bluegills are being caught on jigs and trout fishing is good, as well. Both boat ramps are open. Use caution on the east ramp because of a lot of silt and debris from the inlet.
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Lake Avery – Fishing has slowed significantly with the warm weather. Trout mostly are in deeper water. Trolling with deep-diving lures is the most effective approach.
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Mack Mesa Lake – The water temperature is about 79 degrees. Trout fishing is moderate because of the high temperatures. Mack Mesa is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small, electric trolling motors.
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Muddy Creek – Flows below Wolford Mountain Reservoir have been around 20 cfs. Fishing on hot, bright days has been challenging, but a few fish can be taken early in the morning and late afternoon.
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Pearl Lake – Fishermen are having success with black inline spinners. Early morning and sunset hours are the best times. Expect little to no action during the day unless you are fishing from a boat, dragging the bottom. An artificial-flies-and-lures restriction is in effect.
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Rifle Gap Reservoir – The lake is 20 feet below full. The water temperature is 73 degrees. For bass, try bottom fishing in the shallow water east of the boat ramp with night crawlers, spinners or tubes. Catfish are being caught near the spillway and on the north shore around dusk and throug the night. Try crawdads, chicken livers or any stink bait. Brown trout are hitting near the East Rifle Creek inlet and the points off Cedar Campground. Try fishing with flies, Panther Martins or Rooster Tails in the early morning or around dusk. 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 still are catching crappie and bass on spinnerbaits but weed growth is becoming a problem. Some northern pike are being taken on chartreuse and yellow buzzbaits in the mornings. Most of the pike are “hammer handles.”
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Roaring Fork River – The Roaring Fork River still has been fishing superbly and is clear from Aspen all the way down to Glenwood Springs. Green drakes are hatching along the upper river during evenings and sporadically during midday. Good hatches of PMDs, caddis and Yellow Sallyies are taking place in the afternoons. Evenings offer phenomenal dry fly fishing using caddis, rusty spinners, and green drakes. Nymph fishing has been excellent in the mornings, with dry/dropper set ups best in the afternoons. Hot flies include: BDE Drakes, Royal Wulffs, Rusty Spinners, Pearl and Elk Caddis, Ethawing Caddis, Stimulators, B/C Hoppers, Princes, BH Yellow Sallies, Halfback Emergers, Pheasant Tails, BLMs, Deep 6 Caddis, and Z-Wing Caddis.
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Shadow Mountain Reservoir – The only change is the daytime temperature, making early morning and late evening the most productive times. Fishing with slip-bobber setups has been very productive in the canal and at the mouth. Drifting a worm, especially when the pumps are on, has worked well. Kokanee salmon, rainbows, and browns are being caught. Trolling and fishing the east bank in the old river bed have been good. Water flow below the dam has been very low. Fishing down toward Columbine Bay continues to be good. Sow bugs and Mysis shrimp patterns, midges, RS-2s, and Copper Johns are working. Gregg’s Emergers have been very productive. Rapalas, Kastmasters and Panther Martins are popular lures.
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Stagecoach Reservoir – The fishing has been fair for shoreline anglers this week. Pink or orange Power Bait and worms have been working very well around the dam area in the mornings, while rainbow Power Bait and worms have been working well for anglers around the inlet. No big pike were reported during the past week. With the hot weather, fishermen might try the deeper parts of the lake. Some big trout have been reportededly have been caught at the tail waters this week. Red and green nymphs, as well as black midges, have been working well. Anglers fishing from boats are reminded to be courteous to other fishermen by staying at least 50 yards away from shoreline anglers while operating their watercraft, and to obey the no-wake zones. For more conditions information, please visit www.parks.state.co.us
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Steamboat Lake – Fly fisherman might want to try a damselfly, green grasshopper or tan soft-hackle. Bait fisherman continue to do well with worms. Silver spoons also are worth a try.
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Trappers Lake – Activity varies from day to day, but the summertime fishing for native cutthroat and some brook trout generally has been good. Fishing from float tubes or canoes has been more productive than shoreline fishing. Nymphing remains productive, and Royal Coachman, Royal Wulff and Adams patterns have taken fish on top. For spin-fishermen, brass-finish lures have worked best. 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.
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Vega Reservoir – Fishing continues to be fair as the lake still is turning. Most fish are running 13-18 inches. Worms seem to be the most effective. Stop by the Visitor Center and share your success story. The Early Settlers, Oak Point and Island boat ramps are open. Make reservations now by calling (800) 678-2267 or logging on to www.parks.state.co.us. All the latest conditions and events can also be found at this Web site.
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White River – The river is low and clear, and fishing has been very good. Grasshoppers are abundant along much of the river. Hopper patterns and hopper-dropper rigs have been producing well for fly fishermen. Red Copper Johns and similar nymphs have worked well as the dropper fly. Rainbows and cuttbows also have been taking black gnats. Some caddis activity has been occurring in the afternoons. Fishing should be prime and fishing should remain good through the summer.
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Williams Fork Reservoir – With lake trout in deep water and trout action having slowed, heavyweight northern pike are the main event this time of year. Look for pike in relatively shallow water near weed beds or other cover. Large streamer flies including Bunny, Clouser Minnow, Lefty’s Deceiver and Woolly Bugger patterns usually do well. Shallow-running Rapalas and similar crankbaits are good choices for spin-fishermen, along with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Midmorning through midafternoon tends to be the most productive time.
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Williams Fork River – Flows below Williams Fork Dam have come up slightly, and early in the week were around 83 cfs. Anglers have reported fair to good activity for mostly small- to medium-sized brown trout and an occasional larger rainbow. With midges, Baetis mayflies, caddis and yellow Sallies the dominant hatches, most of the action has been on small flies. Effective patterns have included Flashback Pheasant Tails, Mercury Baetis, Buckskins, RS-2s and Parachute Adams in sizes 18-22. San Juan worms may be effective in faster water. Days with subdued sunlight generally are best.
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Willow Creek Reservoir – The reservoir is a no-wake-boating lake. Here, as most other places, hot weather has slowed things down during the heat of the day. Power Bait and worms are the baits of choice. Rapalas, Kastmasters, and Panther Martins also have been doing well. Trolling also is a proven way of catching fish. This area is very beautiful and, because of easy bank access, great for kids.
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Wolford Reservoir – The water level remains good, and fishermen continue to enjoy fair to good action, especially early in the morning. Fly fishermen have been doing fairly well in some of the coves near the south shore. Deeper water along the old Muddy Creek channel, parallel to the east shore, has been productive for light-tackle trolling and spin-casting.
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Yampa River (Hayden through Craig) – The river generally has been running low and clear. 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 river is clear and fishing well, especially in the mornings, when water temperatures are cooler, and evenings, when the sun is off the water. PMD mayflies still are on the water early. Terrestrial patterns work well later in the day, especially as hayfields are being cut, and caddis are active in the evening.
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| Southeast Region |
Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) – Fishing for catfish is slow to fair. Anglers are catching a few nice-sized channel and blue catfish. No fires or fireworks are permitted on the wildlife area. Be aware of an endangered species enclosure (marked with signs). That area is closed to all public access. The water level is improved from last summer, but summer irrigation releases have already drawn the lake down to low-water conditions. 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. 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. Though activity has slowed with hot weather, fishermen have enjoyed fair success for pan-sized trout on Power Bait or worms off the bottom. Late afternoons into the evening, and cooler, overcast days have been the best times to fish, a pattern that is likely to continue into the summer.
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Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo) – The flow continues to fluctuate below the dam and the water is very muddy, with no visability. Midges have been in evidence and the fish were rising sporadically. Midge patterns in sizes 18 to 24 were productive. 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 last weekend were stable at 700 cfs in Buena Vista and 800 in Browns Canyon, with good visibility. Fishing in Browns Canyon and the Big Bend area has been very good – yellow Sally stoneflies, pale morning dun mayflies and evening caddis all have been bringing fish to the surface.
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Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) – Flows last weekend were 217 cfs at Hayden Meadows and 594 at Granite. Evening caddis (size 16) and afternoon pale morning dun mayflies have been the primary hatch on this reach. Fish have been taking many smaller nymphs and emergers, as well.
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Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) – Flows on the Arkansas have been stable, with 772 cfs at Wellsville and 813 at Parkdale. The summer flow-augmentation period is under way, so expect similar flows for the next 3 weeks or so. The murky water caused by recent “monsoons” has cleared out and the visibility is very good. Look for yellow Sally stoneflies, pale morning dun mayflies, and evening caddis to be emerging and bringing fish to the surface. Red quill mayflies should begin to hatch in the next week or so.
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Beckwith Reservoir – Fishing success largely depends on the periodic stocking of catchable-sized trout. Try salmon eggs, Power Bait or night crawlers, or small, shiny spoons and spinners.
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Bonny Reservoir – Even with the heat, people still are catching a few fish. Catfish in the 1- to 3-pound range are still biting well on typical baits. A few large walleyes and wipers have been taken by trolling crankbaits in the early morning. A few walleye and wipers were taken from the north shore with nightcrawlers. The surface water temperature is about 78 degrees. The two-lane marina ramp is open and the courtesy dock has been installed. The lake is still 19.7 feet below the full mark and slowly dropping. For current conditions, click on “more info,” below, and then on “conditions” on the left.
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Brush Hollow Reservoir – Recent havy rains raised the water level. Boat launching should be easier, though checking ramp conditions before attempting to launch still is recommended. Fishing for catfish and small bluegills remains good. Fishing has been fair for bass and poor for all other species. Some of the catfish have been in the 5-pound range, taken on chicken livers and other traditional catfish baits. A DOW creel census is being conducted at the lake and anglers are asked to participate in the study.
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Catamount Reservoirs, North & South – Water levels have improved from last year and fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout remains fair to good. Mackinaw have moved to somewhat deeper water. Olive Woolly Buggers and Kastmaster lures have been producing well, as have small Copper Johns and Prince nymphs. Both lakes are stocked with catchable-sized trout and both also have mackinaw and a few brook trout. North Catamount has a flies-and-lures restriction. The lakes are part of the Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area. An access fee for the Pikes Peak Highway is required to fish these lakes.
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Clear Creek Reservoir – Shoreline fishing for rainbow trout remains fair. Typically, the best actvity is in early morning and late afternoon. Night crawlers and salmon eggs have been productive baits, and Z-Rays and red-and-white Dardevles have been effective spinning lures. Fly-bubble fishing with Renegade patterns has been fair, primarily around the inlet area in the late afternoon. The lake typically produces very good fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and a few large brown trout. The water-supply reservoir was full last year and also will be filled to capacity in 2006.
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Cottonwood Lake – Fishing has been good in recent days. Trout have been taking salmon eggs, night crawlers, Power Bait and small spinning lures.
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Crystal Creek Reservoir – Fishing for catchable-sized trout has been fair to good on a variety of baits and lures. The water level has improved from the past few years. The reservoir is part of the North Slope Recreation Area, and access requires paying a fee at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate.
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Daigre Reservoir – Dark-colored flies and black Pistol Petes still are as effective as anything for catching trout. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at the lake.
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DeWeese Reservoir – Recently stocked, catchable-sized rainbow trout provide most of the action here. Try worms, Power Bait and other standard baits. A few holdover rainbow trout are in the 16- to 20-inch range. The lake has a few brown trout, some in the 16- to 18-inch range, smallmouth bass of 6-12 inches with, some larger, and a few tiger muskies. ATVs no longer are permitted in the state wildlife area.
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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 longer. No limit applies to northern pike. Trout action is fair to good. The lake turned over last week, so trout action has slowed down a little. Hot-colored Power Bait, night crawlers, marshmallows,and gold Kastmasters have been working best. Pike fishing should be heating up, especially using Rapalas, tube jigs, and Pike Bunnies. Kokanee salmon action is fair to good from boats using Pop Geer and various pink, orange, and green trolling spoons.
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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 but slows down during the summer months. The lake also has some catfish.
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Hayden Meadows Reservoir – The lake south of Leadville is regularly stocked with catchable-sized trout, and fishing usually is fair to good on a variety of baits and lures. Fly fishing, either with a fly-bubble outfit or a regular fly rod, can be especially good in the late afternoon.
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Horseshoe Reservoir – The water level is good and the water temperature is near 72 degrees. Shore and boat anglers have reported trout fishing slowing down because of the rising water temperature. Bass and catfish are starting to pick up. Popular baits are Fireballs, regular salmon eggs, worms, Power Bait, spinnerbaits and small minnows. The best time for fishing is nights and early mornings. The boat dock is in place. For current conditions, call (719) 738-2376.
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Jefferson Lake – Fishing for rainbow trout remains consistently good, but mornings and late afternoons are becomig the peak activity times. Shiny spinning lures, bright-colored Power Bait and night crawlers have worked well then. Boating fishermen generally have been less successful. Only a handful of small lake trout have been reported. The lake typically offers good fishing for stocked trout, as well as occasional holdover rainbows and brook trout through the summer. Large mackinaw can be taken from shore early in the season, but generally have retreated to deeper water. A few smaller lakers still are taken from the shore.
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John Martin Reservoir – Temperatures are still on the rise and the water level, though very low, has stabilized. Some pockets of water along the dam still are 10 feet deep, and some other areas are 6-7 feet. Boat launching still is possible from the east ramp, but avoid going too far west on the lake. The lake becomes unboatable even before the Point Overlook. Parts of the lake have rocks and other unmarked hazards in addition to very shallow water and mud. With the drawdown, the future of the fishery remains uncertain. DOW crews checked the lake on Tusesday and found no sign of stressed fish. Some good-sized catfish ar being caught in the spillway. The cats are being caught on shrimp, liver and stink bait.
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Lake Henry – The water level has been fair to good so far this summer. Fishing for catfish has been slow. 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. The shallow water has created large weed mats on the entire lake. Boating is imposssible because of inaccessibility and the weed beds.
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Manitou Lake – Fishing for catchable-sized trout has been fair, with most of the fish taken on worms. Success at this popular 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 water level is high. The temperature is about 72 degrees. Trout fishing remains fairly good on Fireballs, regular salmon eggs and worms. Northern pike are being caught both from boats and the shore, espeially near the spillway. Trolling crankbaits or casting spinnerbaits in the cattails has been the most productive. Fishing for saugeyes and walleyes, perch and catfish has been slow to fair by trolling or casting a jig tiped with a night crawler. The bass fishing is starting to pick up as the water temperature warms up. The fire ban has been lifted, so fires are allowed in designated areas, but caution still is needed. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
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Montgomery Reservoir – The lake is almost full and has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing for them has been fair to good on a variety of baits and lures. Fishermen are reminded of closures on the south side of the reservoir and west face of the dam.
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Monument Reservoir – Fishing success largely depends on the periodic stocking of catchable-sized rainbow trout. The usual variety of baits and lures have been producing fair fishing in recent days. Power Bait has been especially productive. The lake also has 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 – As water temperatures have warmed, fishing has slowed for wipers and saugeyes. Anglers are still catching some wipers on worms and trolled crankbaits, and saugeyes also are occassionally hitting trolled cranks and jigs tipped with worms or minnows. Anglers should be aware of new saugeye/walleye regulations at Nee Gronda. The limit is 5 fish; all must be at least 15 inches, but only one can be 21 inches or greater. A fire ban has been implemented for Kiowa County. No campfires or fireworks are allowed. The state boat ramp on the east shore is usable for launching small- to medium-sized 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 – Fishing is fair for catfish and wipers. Fish are being caught on worms and minnows fished on the bottom or slowly drifted. A fire ban has been implemented for Kiowa County. No campfires or fireworks are allowed. 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 consistently good for anglers hiking down from the trailhead at the Rampart Reservoir dam. Kastmasters in silver and gold or with some red have been the hot lures. The water level is improved from last year and fishing should remain good through the summer.
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North Lake – Fishing for rainbow trout and occasional splake has been fair to good. Effective patterns for fly fishermen have included yellow and bead-head nymphs, Irresistibles, Elk-hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and Hare’s Ears. Both fly-bubble and conventional fly tackle are commonly used. 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. 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. People are reminded of fire bans in the region, and that they are in bear country.
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Palmer Lake – The water level remains very low and the lake has not been stocked.
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Pikeview Reservoir – This Colorado Springs city lake is a developing warm-water fishery, with a variety of species present. Fishing for 12- to 14-inch catfish has been fair to good. The lake also is stocked with catchable-size trout, and fishing for trout and a few bluegills has been fair. Parking is limited because of nearby construction. Off-street parking is available off Mark Dabling Boulevard.
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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 slow with the warming water. Fishing for warm-water species is a year or two away.
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Pueblo Reservoir – Fishing for wipers has been good early in the morning in the Rock Creek and Boggs Creek coves. Fish can be taken by jigging in 10 feet of water, but the action usually is over by 7 a.m. Fishing for walleyes has improved. Two fish in the 10-pound range recently were checked at the north marina. Both were taken by trolling near the dam. One took a leech trailing cow bells; the other a Rapala. Bass fishing remains mediocre. Catfish up to 15 pounds are being taken in the upper end of the lake on a variety of baits in the evening. The entire lake is murky from heavy rains above. The west end, especially, has floating debris that can be hard to see because of the murkiness. Boaters are urged to be cautious.
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Quail Lake – Fishing for rainbow trout has slowed way down with the warming water temperatures. The lake also has a variety of warm-water fish, including largemouth bass. Fishing for them has been slow to fair.
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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 – Shoreline fishing for rainbow trout has been fairly good on Power Bait. Fishing for lake trout has been slow. The inlet area, accessible from Rainbow Gulch, also has provided fair fishing for trout. The water level is much improved for 2006. Boat-ramp access is available with the following restrictions: No rental vans; Class A, B or C motorhomes or trailers over 22 feet are allowed across the dam; and no stopping or fishing is be permitted within 500 feet of the dam. With little pressure the past few years and periodic stocking, fishing should be good to excellent this year.
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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 – Fishing has been slow to fair. Fishermen have been catching rainbow, brown and cuttbow trout averaging 10 inches. Zeke’s Gold and Rainbow Power Bait have been the most productive. Recent rains have increased the flow in the St. Charles inlet to the lake. While stocked trout comprise much of the catch, the lake southwest of Pueblo also has a fairly good population of brown trout that should be turning up in anglers’ catches, and some splake that are in the 12- to 14-inch range.
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Skaguay Reservoir – The lake has been stocked, and fishing for catchable-sized trout has been good. Most fishermen had fish last weekend, and a few had their daily limit. Rainbow Power Bait was the most productive bait, but other types of Power Bait were working, also. Fly-bubble fishermen have enjoyed some success, especially in late afternoon. The lake also has a fairly good population of northern pike, which fishermen are encouraged to catch and keep. The upper end of the lake might be the likeliest location to find a northern.
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South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) – Flows from Spinney Mountain Dam have been increased and are averaging 150 cfs. The river has been fishing well, with many anglers having success landing trout of 12 inches and up. The river is open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial flies and lures. Micro caddis, regular caddis and Tricos have been the prevalent hatches. Effective flies have included orange and yellow egg patterns, No. 18-20 scuds, No. 20-22 Miracle Nymphs, No. 20-22 RS-2s, No. 20-22 Midge Pupae (Black, gray and red), No. 18-22 Copper Johns, No. 20-22 Parachute Adams, No. 20-24 Mercury Midges, Callibaetis, and Woolly Buggers.
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South Platte River, Deckers area – Portions of the river above Deckers, including the Cheesman Canyon stretch were unaffected by the recent extreme flooding along the Horse Creek tributary. Fishing there, though challenging, has been fair to good for anglers who know the river, though rains can temporarily discolor the water. Pale morning duns, midges and yellow Sallies are the main hatches this time of year. Below Deckers, the water remains turbid. The flooding along Horse Creek washed out portions of Colorado Highway 67 above Deckers, leaving the area inaccessible by that route.
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South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon – Flows continue hovering around 150 cfs and insects are hatching throughout the day. Fishing is very good. Caddis and Tricos are active in the morning; caddis and PMDs in the afternoon. For the caddis, use No. 16-18 Elk Hair Caddis dries with a No. 16-18 Barr’s Graphic Caddis dropper. For Tricos, a standard spentwing spinner, No. 20-22, with a black RS-2 dropper. The Elk-hair Caddis or a small attractor pattern (Royal Wulff/H&L Variant/Stimulator) are effective in the afternoon; use a Barr’s PMD Emerger for the dropper. Anglers are reminded the upper canyon carries an artificial-flies-and-lures restriction, and all fish must immediately be returned to the water alive.
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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. Both the north and south boat ramps are in operation. The water level is 2.7 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 at least 20 inches long. Trout action is good using No. 14-18 Scuds, 18-20 Pheasant Tails, 18-20 Hare’s Ears, Callibaetis nymphs, Copper Johns, brown moose-tail jigs, Woolly Buggers and various egg patterns. Rapalas and Kastmasters have also been working well. Pike action shoould be heating up in shallow, weedy areas on tube jigs and Rapalas. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any pike they catch regardless of the size.
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Tarryall Reservoir – Fishing for trout has been fair to good, though success varies widely among fishermen. While some have reported slow fishing, others have enjoyed good action for trout up to 16 inches on night crawlers and salmon eggs. The southeast portion of the lake, near the dam, has been a good location for some fishermen. Rooster Tail spinners also have taken an occasional brown trout and northern pike. Visitors must have a habitat stamp to use the state wildlife area.
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Trinidad Reservoir – The water level has been pretty stable for the past week. Recent rains upstream continue to muddy the inlet but the rest of the lake is fairly clear. Trout fishing remains very good using baits and lures. Bass, walleyes and perch are good from shore and boats. Bass have been good with worms, lures and soft plastics. Walleyes are being caught mainly with worms or by jigging. Perch are good, as well, on lures or worms. Catfish still are spotty, but are being caught mainly at night using chicken livers and night crawlers, especially near the inlet. Note DOW fishing regulations for special size limits on bass and walleye at Trinidad Lake. Use caution when boating. As the lake drops, unmarked obstacles may appear.
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Turks Pond – Catfishing is fair. Fish are being caught on worms and dough baits. The lake level is coming up, now that repairs have been completed on the well. Currently, the ramp is in poor condition and suitable only for hand-launch craft. A new ramp is currently under construction and should be completed in the next couple of weeks. 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 – Fishing for trout remains slow. Mackinaw have moved to deeper water. Fishing from boats using lures or jigs tipped with sucker meat remains the likeliest technique. Most of the lake trout have been 18-20 inches. 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. A scenic mountain setting and ample U.S. Forest Service amenities make this a popular destination.
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Twin Lakes – Shoreline fishing for 8- to 15-inch rainbow trout has slowed, but fish still are taken on Power Bait, night crawlers, Kastmasters and Montera Marvels, especially near the power plant inlet and the channel connecting the two lakes. Mackinaw have moved to deeper water. The best action is from boats. Tube jigs tipped with sucker meat and large spoons trolled from downriggers have been the most effective. White and chartreuse have been the best colors for tubes jigs. The lake-trout fishery, once known for trophy fish but diminished in the 1990s, appears to be on its way back. Water levels should be normal in 2006.
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Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert) Forebay – Fishing for 8- to 15-inch rainbows has slowed somewhat but remains fairly good on Power Bait, Kastmasters and similar lures from the shore. Fly fishermen have been doing fairly well in late afternoon. The northwest shore, just west of the inlet pipe, and outlet areas have been best. Lake trout are in deeper water. Access is from the south shore; the north dam is closed to the public. Carry-on boats are permitted on the forebay, but with dramatic 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 has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Dark-colored flies and black Pistol Petes have produced some fairly good action.
Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures.
Boats with motors are prohibited.
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Animas River – The water is low and clear. Regular afternoon rains can temporarily discolor the river, but fishing is good, overall. Grasshopper patterns are recommended, as are attractor patterns. Hopper-dropped combinations also are effective. Use a hopper-dropper combination with a chartreuse Copper John, Prince nymph or caddis larvae imitations. Spin casters can use small spinners and spoons. With water temperatures warming, fish are staying deep and are wary. So be stealthy.
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Beaver Creek Reservoir – Fishing has been fairly good for 12- to 18-inch rainbow and brown trout using Power Bait, spinners and streamer flies. Some kokanee are being caught by boat anglers trolling lures.
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Big Meadows Reservoir – Fishing for rainbow and brook trout remains good to very good using Power Bait, worms and spinners.
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Blue Mesa Reservoir – Kokanee salmon are heading deeper and toward the inlets. Troll brightly colored spinners and spoons from 30-45 feet near the Gunnison, Lake Fork and Soap Creek channels. Perch are being found in most shallow-water bays around the lake and can be caught using light jigs tipped with mealworms. Shoreline trout fishing is best using Power Bait and worms near the bottom. Lake trout are being found around 130 feet.
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Conejos County (high country lakes) – Conejos County high lakes are open and accessible. Fishing should be good to excellent at Red, Trail, Green, and Blue lakes.
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Conejos County (small streams) – Conejos County has a large variety of small streams and creeks for the angler to explore. Streams hold a variety of trout, including brook, cutthroat and brown. Flows are good, and fishing has been fair to good on the Rio de los Pinos, La Jara Creek and Elk Creek.
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Conejos River – Recent rains have raised and discolored the river, but conditions should improve soon. Fishing had been excellent for brown trout and fair for rainbows on a variety of dry flies and nymphs such as BWO, Duns, Adams, and green Copper Johns. The Conejos has been seeing several insect hatches, and trout have been actively feeding. 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 level is low, the water temperature is high and fishing is poor.
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Dolores River (upper) – The river has been running low and clear at midsummer levels, though rains might temporarily raise and discolor the water. It’s a good time to fish with spinners. Fly casters should be ready with attractor patterns. Hooper-dropper combinations also are working well.
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East River – Monsoonal flows are back in the valley this week, with afternoon thunderstorms and potential runoff conditions in the late afternoon. Flows dropped below 300 cfs last week after rising over 500 during one storm. Use caution as lightning has been very common. Yellow Sallies, PMDs and caddis, sizes 14-18, and orange and yellow Stimulators, sizes 10-18, are working. For nymph fishing, try bead-head Pheasant Tails, Princes, olive Hare’s Ears, Caddis Pupae, 20 Inchers and double-beaded stoneflies, size 10-18.
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Echo Canyon Reservoir – The water level is dropping, so fishing is getting more challenging. Summer plant growth makes fishing from the bank a little more difficult. Use bait and a bobber and cast beyond the vegetation to catch perch, sunfish and bass. The trout have moved into deeper water, so those with boats are trolling. Float-tubers are casting weighted Woolly Buggers and using a slow retrieve. No limit applies to perch. No boat wake is allowed on the reservoir.
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Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) – Flow in the canyon below Crystal Dam has been bumped up to 1,400 cfs. Some repair work is going on. Lots of rain has fallen in the area the past week. Clarity has been affected on all local waters, as well. Otherwise, fishing has been good. On top, try caddis and PMDs. If nymphing, Halfbacks, Befus Wired Stones, Scuds, Caddis Pupa, Caddis Larva and Elk-hair Caddis, PMDs, RS-2s, Flashback Hare’s Ears, Pheasant Tails, Flashback Pheasant Tails and an assortment of different-colored midges have been the go-to patterns.
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Gunnison River (through the canyon) – The flow leveled off at 1,170 cfs last week and the water is nearly clear. The flow was projected to go down to 600 cfs for the weekend, then back to 1,100 cfs by Monday. Fishing has been very good the past few days. Anglers have been using red and green Copper Johns and RS-2s. Streamers and hopper droppers have been the hot items. 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.
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Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) – Flows have been in the upper 800’s (cfs) but can rise the day after afternoon thunderstorms and lose clarity. Dark caddis, Adams, PMD, Royal Coachman, Yellow Sally and Stimulator patterns all have been fishing well. Hopper/dropper rigs have been working, as well.
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Jackson Gulch Reservoir – The inlet is running, the lake level reached capacity and now is receding. Fishing in the inlet channel can be very productive for rainbow trout. Lake fishing has been good, with most people catching their daily limits. Try inline spinners (silver seems to be a favorite color) 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 and flows are good. Fishing has been good on worms, spinners and artificial flies. Water levels are lowering and the water is clear. Trout spook easily, so anglers should take a stealthy approach when fishing La Jara Creek.
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La Jara Reservoir – The reservoir is open. La Jara Reservoir’s water level is fair this year, with fluctuations because of drought conditions. The trout fishery at the reservoir continues to grow. A gill-net survey on June 29 found several 12- to 16-inch brook trout and several 12- to 15-inch splake in the reservoir. Fishing pressure has been light. Fishing has been fair to good. The reservoir is stocked with Rio Grande cutthroat trout, brook trout and splake.
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Los Pinos River – The river above Vallecito Reservoir is accessible. Hopper and attractor patterns work well. This is also a good time for spin-casting. Access to the river below the reservoir is restricted because of private property.
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McPhee Reservoir – Fishing for trout has been very good on almost any type of lure and bait. Bass fishing is slow, but plastic worms and surface lures are taking some fish. Fishermen are reminded of the new slot limit in effect for largemouth and smallmouth bass: All bass 10-15 inches in length must immediately be returned to the water alive. The standard limit applies to bass less than 10 inches or greater than 15 inches. Anglers are starting to troll for kokanee.
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Mountain Home Reservoir – The water level is low. The north boat ramp is inaccessible, but the south boat ramp is operative. Fishing reportedly has been very good for rainbow trout to 20 inches on Power Bait and salmon eggs, and by trolling lures.
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Navajo Reservoir – The lake is nearly full, with the water temperature at 70 degrees. On the Colorado side of the reservoir, the crappie have slowed down, but the pike and bass picked up and are biting on grubs and crankbaits. Catfish are fair, biting on worms and dough baits. The water has gotten warmer. Happy Fourth of July Fishing!
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Piedra River – Anglers are reporting nice catches of browns. Grasshoppers are working well, as are bead-head nymphs and caddis larvae imitations. Hopper-dropper combinations also are woking. Spinners and small spoons also are taking fish.
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Platoro Reservoir – The road to the reservoir is open and accessible. The fishing has been excellent for rainbow trout. Anglers have also been catching browns, splake, and kokanee salmon. The water level is fair 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.
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Ridgway Fishing Ponds – The fishing is very good. Worms, salmon eggs, gold-and-black-bladed spinners and small bead-headed 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 water below the dam that is not restricted to artificial flies and lures or catch-and-release fishing. A limit of four trout may be kept there.
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Ridgway Reservoir – The reservoir is almost full but slowly dropping. Fishing is fair to good at the inlet, at the seam of clear and cloudy water. Try using green sparkle Power Bait and 1/4-ounce rainbow Kastmasters. Boaters continue to catch some rainbow and brown trout trolling night crawlers behind a No. 3 Mepps spinner. Kastmasters and Rooster Tails are working, as well. 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 – Flows in high-country streams have dropped to normal and below-normal levels. Trout fishing is reported as good to excellent on most streams using flies and spinners. Good action was reported on the following artificial flies: Adams, Humpies, Elk-hair Caddis and small Stimulators.
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Rio Grande River – Recent rains have raised and discolored the river, but the conditions should be improving soon. The increased flows have made float fishing possible again. Before the rain, the river had been fishing very well. Most of the large-insect hatches are over, but fishing with terrestrial patterns, attractors and nymphs remains quite good. Scattered smaller mayflies, midges and summer caddis also still can be found on the water.
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Road Canyon Reservoir – Fishing remains good for 12- to 16-inch rainbow trout and a few brook trout. Boat anglers do best trolling Rooster Tail spinners, while bank anglers have reported some good success using Power Bait of various colors.
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San Juan high-country lakes, streams – Most high lakes are fishing well. Those willing to make the hike will be rewarded with fine fishing. Use attractor patterns – Royal Wulffs and Irresistibles. Streamer patterns that imitate bait fish also are a good choice. Regular bait – salmon eggs, Power Bait and night crawlers – also will work.
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San Juan River – In Pagosa Springs, the river recently was stocked with browns and rainbows weighing up to five pounds and measuring more than 18 inches. Use hoppers and hopper-dropper combinations with a bead-head nymph. Spin casters should use black and gold lures.
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Sanchez Reservoir – Fishing for walleyes, northern pike and yellow perch has been slow for many fishermen, but fairly good for some. Plastic jigs, Road Runners and crankbaits have worked fairly well for catching walleyes and pike. Some northerns also have been taken on buzzbaits and spinnerbaits fished among the weeds.
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Taylor Reservoir – Boating fishermen report good action for rainbow trout trolling lures in 5-20 feet of water. Some of the fish have been recent stockers; others ar larger holdover trout. Trolling with Pop Geer and worms also has been productive, and some trout are taken by spin-casters on a variety of hardware. Lake trout are deep, 50 feet or more, and difficult to catch. Trolling crankbaits off downriggers takes a few. Northern pike have been active on warm days with choppy water. Try erratically moving crankbaits in 10 feet of water or frozen sucker meat in the shallows. The fire ban has been lifted.
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Taylor River – The Taylor is still fishing well with green dakes, PMDs, caddis and yellow Sallies in the middle and upper sections. The terrestrial action has also been going on for weeks now, and hopper dropper rigs are the most effective way to cover the water. The flows are steady at 302 cfs out of the dam and 387 at Almont. As with the rest of the valley, be ready for the afternoon thunderstorms and lightning.
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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 into July. The best brown-trout fishing is in the early mornings and evenings using Rapalas, Kastmasters and streamer flies. The trout also have been taking dry flies during the mayfly hatch.
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Tucker Ponds – Anglers have reported fair to good action catching 10- to 12-inch stocked rainbow trout. Power Bait and salmon eggs have been the most productive.
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Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park – The flow is holding at 280 cfs. Fishing really is pretty good. Try using Prince nymphs and small emergers. Hoppers and Stimulators are working on top during the day. In the evenings, a caddis or gray drake hatch usually is happening. Nymphing still works best, with small (18- 22) emergers and a strike indicator. Some good-sized (14-to 20-inch)Colorado River cutthroats and rainbows reportedly have been caught. Good luck.
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Vallecito Reservoir – Fishing for trout is slow, but the action for northern pike continues to be excellent. The big fish are now being caught all over the reservoir. Anglers are using large Rapalas and water dogs for the northerns. Pike like to hang out along the mud line not far from the bank of the lake near drop-offs.
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Williams Creek Reservoir – Fishing for trout has been steady on bait, spinners and flies. The best spots are off the dam and near the inlet. In the creek below the dam, fishing is good for brooks, browns and rainbows. Use Woolly Buggers, hoppers, caddis and black and gold spinners.
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