Along the northern reaches of the Laramie River, near the Wyoming state line, the Hohnholz Lakes State Wildlife Area (SWA) offers anglers river and reservoir fishing practically within walking distance of each other.
The two reservoirs have distinct characteristics. One is a put-and-take fishery with general regulations for rainbows and the occasional Snake River Cutthroat, whereas the other is only fly-and-lure and is primarily a brown fishery with the occasional cutthroat and rainbow.
A visitor’s first view of Hohnholz Lakes SWA is of the mile of river access. With its willow-lined banks meandering between hay meadows, the river practically cries out, “Fish me.”
During a recent outing, hoppers and other dries failed to produce, so I made the switch to nymphs, and it wasn’t long before the first small brown came to hand, fooled by a small Copper John.
However, after turning over a couple of stones, the abundance of caddis cases was noted and demonstrated the effectiveness of a caddis pupa. After numerous browns and a nice rainbow, it was time to check out the reservoirs.
In the primitive camping area, Tony and Sheri Maxwell were fixing a freshly caught trout for lunch.
“We’ve been visiting Hohnholz for over 30 years,” Tony said. “It’s one of our favorite places to fish, hunt and just relax.”
Then it was time to give Hohnholz No. 2 a try.
Managed primarily as a put-and-take fishery, the second reservoir — the first dries up regularly and isn’t a fishery — receives regular stockings throughout the season.
As we launched our tubes, it was obvious that despite the relative isolation, the area is a popular fishing destination, with several people fishing the shore and a few more on the water. With its treeless shore, this middle water is ideal for those without a boat. Watercraft are restricted to hand-launched.
After we used a couple of small streamers and tossing a gang of nymphs, it quickly became obvious there was no shortage of fish. Everything we tried produced, but large dark nymphs were most productive in the choppy water, as winds are the norm.
The day’s highlight was watching a bald eagle circle the area a couple of times before skimming the lake to snatch a fish right in front of a pair of white pelicans.
The day grew short, and it was time to visit the upper pond, a fly-and-lure-only water.
Slightly larger and deeper, Hohnholz No. 3 offers anglers a shot at better fish — 16 to 18 inches are possible. Callibaetis, caddis and streamers are popular with anglers this time of year. Some managed a few fish using ant patterns, after noting good numbers of them on the water. But a threatening afternoon storm forced an end to the day before sunset.
Fishing may have ended, but on our way out of Hohnholz, we watched a trio of sandhill cranes land in a meadow. A few deer also showed themselves, although we failed to spot any of the moose that are common in the area.
The best way to get there is Colorado 14 up the Poudre River to Chambers Lake, then east on Laramie Road (gravel) for about 30 miles. An alternate route is to head to Laramie, head west on Wyoming 230 to Woods Landing and then south on Wyoming 10 to the SWA just 10 miles south of the state line.
Three good fishing options (albeit few trophy fish), scenic country and great wildlife viewing are among the reasons to visit this Colorado gem.
Where to fish
South Park sizzling
Fishing has picked up over the last week on all reservoirs, including Antero, Eleven Mile, Spinney, and Jefferson, with the best reports coming in from fly-fishers. Best bets are callibaetis, ants, caddis, damsels and woolly buggers. North Park and Cameron Pass waters are also good bets. Front Range waters are slow, except for catfish, yellow perch and wipers. Consider Bonny (no limits), North Sterling, or John Martin.
David Coulson,
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STOCK AND DROP REPORT
Catchable trout
Some waters recently stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife:
Northeast region:Golden Gate State Park Ponds, west of Arvada.
Northwest region:Beaver Lake, Island Lake and McKee Lake, Marble; Breckenridge Reservoir; Copper Mountain Reservoir; Green Mountain Reservoir, Kremmling; Cowdrey Lake and Walden Kids Pond, Walden; Meadow Lake, north of New Castle; Monarch Lake, southeast of Granby; Officers Gulch Pond and Ten Mile Creek, Frisco; Ranger Lake, Gould; Willow Creek No. 2 and Willow Creek Reservoir, north of Granby.
Southeast region:Chalk Creek and Wrights Lake, west of Nathrop; Fooses Lake, west of Poncha Springs; Skaguay Reservoir, east of Victor; Turquoise Reservoir and Twin Lakes, Leadville.
Southwest region:Beaver Creek Reservoir, Big Meadows Reservoir, Millions Lake, South Fork; Fruita Pond No. 1; Road Canyon Reservoir, Creede; San Cristobal Lake, Lake City.
Fishing
