Information is provided by Colorado Parks & Wildlife employees and local fishing enthusiasts. Keep in mind that fishing conditions change on a constant basis. Much can change in a week from the time this fishing conditions report is produced.
Metro Denver Area
Aurora Reservoir
Due to the warm weather and wind, ice conditions are extremely poor. Much of the shoreline has melted, leaving no access. The ranger staff advise anglers stay off the ice. There is plenty of open water along the dam for shore fishing. Trout fishing is rated as slow to fair. Anglers have reported a few trout being caught on PowerBait. For more information, call the park at 303-326-8425. A reminder: The reservoir is closed to all boating as of December 1st.
Chatfield Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 10) The recent warm weather and breezy conditions have made the ice unsafe. The walleye bite has been strong. Anglers have had success using jigging-style baits such as chicken wraps, play dates, and aggressive spoons. Walleye are being caught on contour changes at depths between 10 and 18 feet. Angers have been catching rainbow trout on flats at depths of six to 14 feet in areas like the marina, as well as the swim beach. Bright colored jigs tipped with wax worms have been working well. For more information and updated ice conditions, call the Chatfield State Park at 303-791-7275.
Cherry Creek Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Jan. 8) The recent warm weather and breezy conditions have made the ice unsafe. For more information and updated ice conditions, call the Cherry Creek State Park at 303-690-1166.
Northeast Colorado
Boyd Lake
A reminder: The lake is closed to all boating as of Dec. 1.
Cheesman Canyon
The water temperature is 35 degrees, with flows at 88 cubic feet per second. Anglers have been catching a mixed bag of rainbows and browns using San Juan worms either in pink or red, zebra midges, stoneflies, egg patterns, and scuds. Try focusing efforts on the deeper, slower pools.
Dream Stream
The flows are low, but fishing has been good, especially for small to medium sized fish. With the recent stocking, there is a surplus of trout in the eight to 12 inch range in the system right now. The smaller fish have been feeding on midge pupa (mid column) and eating single adults and clusters at surface level. The midge hatches have been incredible lately, especially on overcast days. Anglers have had success using Parachute Adams in the No. 24-26 range, or a No. 18 Griffith Gnat for the clusters. Make sure to pinch your barbs and watch your step in the shallow riffles to avoid stepping on redds. Recommended patterns include No. 20 Manhattan Midge, No. 18 Micro Egg, No. 18-22 Mercury Pheasant Tails, No. 18-20 Buckskins, No. 20-22 Barr Emergers, No. 20-22 Jujubaetis, No. 20-22 Flashback Black Beauty, No. 20-22 Minute Midge, No. 20-22 Tube Midge, No. 20-22 Chironoflash, No. 20-22 Mercury Blood Midge, No. 20-22 Foam Wing Chocolate Merger, No. 20-26 Parachute Adams, No. 18 Griffith Gnat, and No. 20-22 Mattap Midge.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has an ice thickness of 12 to 19 inches. Trout fishing has been fair. The recently stocked trout are moving around the lake, so expect to see them almost anywhere, although the highest concentrations are in the North Shore Marina area. Bigger fish are on the move and biting, but still seem to be spread out. Anglers have been having success using green and pink jigs. Eagle Claw Paddle Bug, Krystal Lazer, and Tiny Tots have all landed a fair number of trout in the 18 to 23 inch range. Kokanee fishing has been good to good. There is a strong bite that seems to be continually improving. The majority of the fish being caught are two year olds. For now, both North Shore straight out from the marina and Duck Island out from Coyote Ridge have brought consistent success with fish in the 14 to 16 inch range, with the occasional measuring up to 19 inches. Timing and location is everything. Anglers have found that between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and again between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. have been the most productive times. Most action is being found at 25 feet and deeper. Flash finders seem to be essential. Anglers have been using Kastmasters, Swedish Pimples, and Northland Buck Shot Rattle all tipped with meal or wax worms, or Gulp Waxies. They have been hitting smaller tube jigs and Paddle Bugs in pink or white. Northern pike fishing has been good. Action remains strong. The Water Dog has been the bait of choice for anglers. Size does not matter, but try to keep it between small to medium small. Tip Ups set just below the ice seem to work best. You can also angle one on a stiff rig. Try focusing efforts from Rocky Flats to Stoll Mountain, and from Cross Creek to Suckers Cove. There has also been good action reported from Rodgers Mountain to Rocking Chair. Some larger pike have been spotted in the cove that is just southwest of the buoy line by the dam.
Evergreen Lake
(Ice conditions as of Jan. 3) The lake has an ice thickness that varies from 8 to 10 inches. Some anglers have been successful with crawler tipped spoons in 10 to 15 feet of water. In addition, don’t overlook the opportunity to catch a tiger muskie in the 36 to 40 inch range.
Georgetown Lake
(Ice conditions as of Jan. 3) The lake has an ice thickness that varies from 10 to 12 inches. Rainbow trout have been caught using Ratfinkees tipped with wax worms in 12 to 14 feet of water. There have also been reports of some larger brown trout.
Jackson Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Jan. 3) The lake is at winter level and has dropped approximately 2 feet down. The current surface temperature is roughly 30 degrees. There is approximately 8 to 12 inches of ice at the outlet and 6 to 8 inches of ice at the inlet. Fishing has been fair to good for crappie, walleye, and trout.
Red Feathers Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) All of the lakes have solid ice cover, but anglers are advised to use caution and stay away from the islands that tend to have thin ice. Bellaire provides anglers with an opportunity to catch rainbows in the 10 inch range. Anglers at West Lake have been catching browns and rainbows when using small jigs. Parvin provides anglers with some more challenging fishing, but has browns and rainbows in excellent shape ranging from 12 to 16 inches. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Fort Collins CPW office at 970-472-4300.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
A reminder: The reservoir is closed for the winter season and will open back up in the spring after the lid has melted off. Tailwater fishing is still permitted.
St. Vrain State Park Ponds
(Ice conditions as of Jan. 3) The ponds have an average of 5 inches of ice. Anglers at Blue Heron Reservoir have been catching a mixed bag of crappie, bass, yellow perch, and walleye on small jigs and minnows. Sandpiper Pond has been producing some rapid action for rainbow trout and bluegill. Coot Pond has also been good for trout, and also offers anglers a chance to catch saugeye and walleye. The action at Mallard Pond has been slow, but is home to a decent yellow perch population.
Tarryall Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has an ice thickness of roughly 12 to 20 inches. Fishing for both trout and pike has been decent. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, please contact the CPW Denver Area office at 303-291-7227.
Southeast Colorado
Arkansas River Headwaters
Ice is beginning to form along the edges and on rocks with some ice dams forming across the river downstream of Salida. Ice blocks also are possible under the water surface, use caution when boating and/or walking or wade fishing. The upper river has a strong winter flow with 205 cubic feet per second coming out of Twin Lakes. This is underway to vacate additional space in the upper reservoirs in anticipation of the spring runoff between late May and June. The river is cold north of Stone Bridge, leading most anglers to focus their efforts in the Big Bend and Bighorn Sheep Canyon reaches. The upper river is not particularly productive during the winter between December and February, so anglers are better served by travelling downstream to the Salida area. The river drops about 1,000 feet in elevation between Buena Vista and Salida. At this time of the year, the resulting difference in water temperature is substantial and has an impact on the aquatic insect activity as well as the metabolic activity of the fish. Anglers will be best served to focus their efforts below Browns Canyon, in the Big Bend, Salida, or upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon areas. Even in these spots, fish have largely migrated into winter water, which would be the slower, deeper runs. Try focusing efforts on days with good sunshine, especially following a warm night. A cold front has moved into the valley at the lower river, and will cool us down into the 30s over the next couple of days. Direct sunlight is as important as air temperature, so focus on those blue-sky days. Warm, sunny days will still find plenty of fish on the feed in pocket water with mid-speed current and good structure, but expect most fish to be congregated in the deeper, slower runs we term “winter water”. There they can be best tempted by striated midge patterns like black beauties and zebras, golden stonefly nymphs, and “meat & potatoes” nymphs like pheasant tails and hares ears. Try focusing fishing efforts on the period of peak sun coverage and warmth between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Brush Hollow Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) Although the reservoir has ice on it, there is still plenty of open water, so the ice is currently unsafe for fishing at this time. Fishing has been slow. Anglers have reported catching yellow perch at the north end using jigs tipped with worms. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida area office at 719-530-5520.
Clear Creek Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has roughly 8 to 12 inches of ice covering the entire reservoir. There is a layer of slush on the surface that has been freezing at night, and melting by day. Fishing has been fair to good. Anglers have reported catching trout using jigs tipped with meal worms and PowerBait. Anglers have had more success near the boat ramp.
Cottonwood Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has about 20 inches of ice with reports of fishing for trout being good. Anglers have reported catching trout using jigs tipped with wax and mealworms and PowerBait.
Crystal Lakes
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lakes have about 10 inches of ice with reports of trout fishing being good. A reminder: Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.
De Weese Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 12) The warm weather and windy conditions have deteriorated the ice on the lake. The ice is considered unsafe at this time, and extreme caution is advised. Fishing has slowed, but people are still catching trout using bait such as nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. For current conditions, contact the CPW Pueblo area office at 719-561-5300.
Frantz Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lake has roughly 8 inches of ice. Fishing has been good for trout. Anglers have reported success using PowerBait, meal worms, and earth worms.
Hayden Meadows
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lake has roughly 10 inches of ice. Anglers are catching trout with PowerBait, grubs, and meal worms.
Manitou Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has iced over with a thickness of 12 inches. With the warmer weather this winter, ice conditions are subject to change.
Monument Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 9) The ice is currently unstable. High winds and warm temperatures have broken up the ice and there are large areas of open water. Ice fishing is not advised at this time.
North Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 9) Ice conditions have deteriorated with the recent warm temperatures and high winds. There is open water near the inlet. Ice fishing is considered unsafe at this time. Fishing has been good with a Swedish Pimple and an orange and white crappie jig. A reminder: Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.
Ohaver Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lake has iced over with a thickness of 12 inches. There is a spring located near the center of the lake that keeps the ice weak, so please use caution near the center. Fishing has been good. Anglers have reported catching trout using most types of bait. The lake is only accessible by snowmobile at this time.
Riverside Ponds
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) Both the lower and upper ponds at Riverside are frozen with about 8 inches of ice. Fishing has been good. Anglers have had success using PowerBait and worms.
San Isabel Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 13) Conditions have rapidly deteriorated and there is open water throughout the reservoir. The remaining ice has thinned and is extremely unsafe. If you venture out on to the ice, which is unadvised, please ensure you have the proper safety equipment. Fishing continues to be slow, but some trout are being caught in small jigs with either salmon eggs or wax worms.
Skaguay Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has roughly 17 to 20 inches of ice. Trout fishing is good. Anglers have been catching trout using nightcrawlers and green PowerBait. Most fish are being caught in 10 to 12 feet of water.
Trinidad Lake
The lake has roughly 25 to 30 percent ice coverage. Anglers have had success catching trout from the shoreline using PowerBait. A reminder: boating has closed for the season as of December 1.
Turquoise Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has about 8 inches of ice, with slush on the surface that freezes at night and melts throughout the day. Fishing has been fair. Anglers have been catching average sized trout using jigs, lures, PowerBait, and meal worms. Be advised: the USFS issued a travel advisory for the ice on Turquoise and does not recommend any vehicle traffic on the ice.
Twin Lakes
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lakes have about 12 to 14 inches of ice, which begins to thin out at the boat ramp. There are no vehicles allowed on the lake at this time. Fishing has been good. Anglers have had success using jigs tipped with sucker meat, grubs, PowerBait, or meal worms.
Northwest Colorado
Blue River
The water temperature is 35 degrees, with flows at 98 cubic feet per second near Silverthorne. Trout have been actively feeding on Mysis shrimp on a daily basis. Anglers should stick to a double nymph rig with 5x or 6x fluorocarbon. As for patterns, anglers are best served leading with a No.16-18 Epoxy Mysis, trailed by a red or black midge in the No.20-24 range. Egg and worm patterns are also producing bites.
Cowdrey Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has roughly 12 inches of ice, but caution is still advised. Fishing has been sporadic thus far; however, most fish have been in the 12 to 15 inch range. Anglers can expect to find rainbows in the 12 to 15 inch range making up the majority of their bag. Cowdrey does winterkill on occasion, so if fishing is slow try a different lake.
Delaney Butte Lakes
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lakes have an ice thickness of 12 inches, but caution is still advised. The East lake has been the most consistent thus far with action, with good numbers of rainbows being caught, but anglers can expect to find smaller fish in the East lake. Fishing has picked up through January at South Delaney, with a consistent bite from mid-sized rainbows during most of the day. North Delaney fishing has been decent with the majority of action being seen during the morning. Fish that are being caught are mostly in the 16 to 20 inch range, with an occasional measuring in at over 20 inches. Fish are likely to be at different depths throughout the day, so anglers are suggested to try moving if the fishing is slow. Anglers have found success using small tube jigs, atomic teasers, and kastmasters. Be advised: Special regulations exist for fishing this property, so anglers should consult their 2016 Fishing Regulations brochure.
Dillon Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) Wind and warm weather have slowed ice formation this year, but the lake is now fully covered. Ice conditions throughout the lake are good, and fishing pressure outside of the Dillon Marina and Snake River Inlet areas has been light to nonexistent. Anglers have reported slowdown for kokanee, but fishing for arctic char has been consistently good.
Harvey Gap
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has roughly 8 inches of ice with much thinner ice found around the shoreline. This ice will continue to thin out as the weather remains warm. Extreme caution should be used as ice conditions can be variable between locations and can change rapidly. Anglers have reported that fishing for yellow perch has been slow. A reminder: be sure to know how to identify tiger muskie from northern pike. All tiger muskie less than 36 inches must be release alive.
Fryingpan River
The current water temperature is at 42 degrees, with flows at 83 cubic feet per second. Angler should focus efforts near the dam between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Anglers have had success catching browns and rainbows using BWO’s, Mysis, and red and black midges.
Lake John
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 27) The lake currently has 20 inches of ice. Fishing thus far has been great, with all sizes of fish being caught. Anglers have had success using small jigs, tubes, and Kastmasters, and meal worms. Most action will be found in depths between 10 and 14 feet.
Mack Mesa Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) There is still no ice and anglers have been fishing from the shore. Highline Lake has little ice, none of which is thick enough for ice fishing. With the relatively warm temperatures in the Grand Valley area this year, there was not any fishable ice at either lake this winter. The boat ramps at Highline Lake opened on March 1
Rifle Gap
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has about 6 inches of ice with much thinner ice found near the shoreline. There is still some open water at the east side of the reservoir. Ice conditions have recently been deteriorating at a rapid pace with the warmer weather, so anglers should use extreme caution on the ice. Fishing has been slow to fair for trout and yellow perch. Anglers have reported catching yellow perch in the 13 to 15 inch range last month.
Roaring Fork
The current water temperature is about 36 degrees with flows at 230 cubic feet per second. There have been a few golden stone hatches, but trout have been feeding on midges mostly. Anglers have had success using hates ears, jujube midges and micro mays. As with most waters, focus efforts on the deeper, slower runs.
Seymour Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lake has an ice thickness of 12 inches. Fishing has been steady with anglers catching trout in the 10 to 14 inch range, with an occasional measuring in between 18 to 20 inches.
Stagecoach Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has 30 inches of ice at the coves, and 12 inches towards the middle of the lake. There is 10 to 14 inches of snow cover on the surface with minimal slush. Fishing has been good for catchable rainbow trout throughout the lake coves and at the inlet area in about 8 to 12 feet of water. Anglers have reported success using an assortment of terminal tackle, such as kastmasters, tube jigs, and jigs tipped with PowerBait, wax worms, night crawlers, etc. Northern pike fishing has been slow, but anglers have been catching sporadically catching some smaller ones.
Steamboat Lake
(Ice conditions as of 2/8/2017) The lake has about 36 inches of ice at the coves with thinner ice found towards the middle of the lake. There is roughly 14 to 20 inches of snow cover on the surface, with minimal slush. Fishing has been good for rainbows and Snake River cutthroat trout at depths of 3 to 12 feet. Fishing has been good at the bays and along the point bars. Mill Creek Bay, Meadow Point, and the marina cover have been providing anglers with catches, as well as Willow Creek Bay and the hump/point bar to the north of Large Island. Anglers have had success using kastmasters, jigging rapalas, and tube jigs tipped with PowerBait or wax and mealworms.
Vega Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lake has 14 to 16 inches of ice, with 5 to 6 inches of slush on the surface. Keep in mind that the ice thickness varies throughout the reservoir. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout and cuttbows. Anglers have been catching trout in the 12 to 16 inch range with the occasional fish in the 17 to 19 inch range using wax or mealworms on fluorescent ice jigs. A reminder: all three boat ramps are closed for the winter.
Wolford Mountain Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The lake has an ice thickness of 15 to 16 inches, with a small amount of snow on the surface. Slush can be found around the shorelines. Vehicles are currently allowed on the ice, but caution is advised, especially near the shoreline. Fishing has been good for 10 inch rainbows around the boat ramp, with some larger rainbows in the 16 inch range coming from the north end. Anglers have had success using larger jigs tipped with sucker meat, and Rapalas.
Williams Fork Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 8) The reservoir has an ice thickness of 10 to 12 inches. Reports from anglers have been good. Anglers have been catching lake trout, most being in the 9 to 16 inch range, with a few in the 18 to 24 inch range. Most anglers have been using tube jigs and sucker meat, jigging on or near the bottom at depths of 45 to 65 feet. Anglers have been catching rainbows at depths of 3 to 9 feet.
Williams Fork Tailwaters
The current temperature is roughly 36 degrees with flows at 75 cubic feet per second. Anglers have found success using leeches as the lead pattern, with beatis and midge imitations below them. Trout have been congregating in the slower, deeper runs. There is a possibility of a small midge or BWO hatch, but anglers are best served focusing efforts on nymphing.
Yampa
The temperature is 36 degrees, with flows at 79 cubic feet per second below Stagecoach. The water is crystal clear, so anglers are advised to carefully approach the water. Anglers should focus efforts on those deeper, slower pockets. Parachute Adams, Roy Palms, and Jujubee midges have all worked well for rising fish.
Southwest Colorado
Big Meadows Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has roughly 2 feet of thick ice with a layer of slush on the surface. Fishing has been good, and anglers have been catching rainbow trout at the upper end in the shallows. Fishing by the dam has also been productive for anglers.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 6) The reservoir has 15 inches of ice with a thin layer of slush on the surface and a few inches of snow in most spots. The good ice is still limited to the upper portions of the reservoir, from the inlet area near the Lake City Bridge, to just west of the Elk Creek Marina. Ice thickness and conditions may vary. Ice is starting to form on the Cebolla and Sapinero Basins, but most of the ice is thin and unsafe. Fishing has been good for brown and lake trout, with a large number of rainbows also being reported. Anglers are advised to use jigging machines and flasher to help improve chances of hooking a kokanee. Perch fishing has continually been slow.
Crawford Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has reported having over 6 inches of ice. For crappie and perch, anglers should try using smaller jigs in depths of 20 feet or more. There are still a few tagged northern pike in the reservoir from population monitoring work done back in 2014. Please report any tagged fish to the state park office or call (970) 252-6017.
Echo Canyon Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has 14 inches of ice. Fishing is fair for rainbow trout and anglers have reported a few largemouth bass and yellow perch as well.
Island Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7)The lake has 12 inches of ice with slushy conditions on the surface. Anglers have a good opportunity to catch 10 to 12 inch rainbow trout and a few wild cutthroat trout, brook trout, and splake. Most splake are less than 14 inches, but can weigh in at over 10 pounds. Anglers who are looking to catch larger splake should use tube jigs or bucktail jigs that imitate suckers. For fast action on the smaller splake, or rainbow and brook trout, anglers should use smaller jigs tipped with wax or meal worms.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 6) The reservoir has 8 inches of ice with 2 inches of slush on the surface. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout and yellow perch. Anglers have been catching some larger brown trout and yellow perch over the last few weeks.
Joe Moore Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has 7 inches of ice with some weak spots and open water, so anglers are advised to use caution. Fishing has been good for yellow perch this winter.
Miramonte Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has 8 inches of ice. Anglers have been catching a mixed bag of rainbow, brown, and Snake River cutthroat trout, with many of them ranging between 12 and 15 inches and the occasional fish reaching up to 18 inches. Anglers are recommended to use crayfish imitations such as small tube jigs. Tipping jogs with half of a wax or mealworm has been productive. Fish are currently spread through the reservoir in depths between 6 and 20 feet.
Mountain Home Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) Fishing has been moderate to good, with anglers catching rainbow trout in the 12 to 15 inch range using jigs tipped with meal worms. Anglers are encouraged to keep any northern pike they may catch due to their detrimental impact on the reservoir’s ecosystem.
Pastorius Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 6) The reservoir has 5 inches of ice. Fishing has been slow for bluegill.
Rito Hondo Lake
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir is 12 to 14 inches thick. Anglers can expect to catch brook trout with an occasional rainbow or cutthroat trout.
Road Canyon Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has 10 to 12 inches of ice, with an additional 3 to 4 inches of surface water. Anglers have had success catching rainbow and brook trout in the 10 to 20 inch range using jigs tipped with meal worms or wax worms. Try focusing fishing efforts earlier in the morning.
Sanchez Reservoir
A Fish Consumption advisory issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Safety recommends that anglers do not consume any northern pike from Sanchez Reservoir. Walleye over 15 inches in length should only be consumed for a maximum of one meal per month for the general population; children under 6 years old, pregnant women, nursing women, and women who plan on being pregnant are advised to not consume any walleye over 15 inches.
Summit Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has 10 inches of white ice with an additional 4 inches of clear ice underneath. Fishing has been good for yellow perch and trout.
Trujillo Meadows Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has 12 to 14 inches of ice. Anglers have been reported catching rainbow trout in the 12 to 14 inch range using ice jigs tipped with mealworms.
Vallecito Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 6) The reservoir has 8 inches of ice at the north end, but the ice is much thinner at the deeper areas and near the dam. Fishing has been good with anglers catching rainbow trout in the 12 to 16 inch range with an occasional brown trout.
Williams Creek Reservoir
(Ice conditions as of Feb. 7) The reservoir has about 18 inches of ice. Fishing has been slow, but anglers have been catching kokanee salmon and brook trout in the 9 to 10 inch range.
Statewide
Rivers and Creeks
We have noticed a shift in fishing conditions. With the arrival of winter, we see low flows and clear waters. This means anglers must be more careful not to spook the fish when approaching the water. Browns have also finished spawning for the season, so be cautious of redds when wading along the rivers. With most of the waters being iced over, anglers will have to primarily rely on tailwaters, which refer to the waters below dams or any other structure that regulates water flow. The regulated water flow keeps the spots from freezing over and provides warmth for the cold-blooded trout.
Even with the warmer conditions of these waters, the fish will still behave sluggishly. Fish diets in the winter are made up primarily of midges and an assortment of small blue-winged olive nymphs and are occasionally supplemented by larger mayflies, annelids, trout eggs, stoneflies, and even caddis larva. Winter fishing typically consists of a lot of nymph fishing since the trout are not overly active due to the cold water temperatures, so try using stonefly nymphs and imitation midges. Remember that the hatches are much smaller in the winter, so keep your flies in the No. 16-20 range. It is also important to be mindful of your split shot usage. With the fish being sluggish, they aren’t going to divert too much for food, so making sure those flies drift directly in their path is important.
Be sure not to use too much split shot though because the last thing you’ll want to do is to have to retrieve a snag in those cold waters. As the trout continue to get a later start, anglers should mirror that and look for ideal times to be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
