Colorado Hunting News

Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of the summer outdoor-recreation season, and in Colorado it just might be the most popular fishing weekend of the entire year.

Spring has arrived, despite an occasional setback in the weather. The school year is winding down. The season of traditional summer vacations is just beginning. Out-of-state visitors soon will be on their way, and some believe Coloradoans may be staying a little closer to home this year.

For many winter-weary Colorado fishermen, Memorial Day is both the first chance to get away for an extended weekend and the final holiday before the “tourist season.” Whether as a quick escape or a mini vacation, the upcoming holiday offers some potentially good fishing opportunities. With some exceptions, conditions are prime.

All but the highest lakes are free of ice. Trout and kokanee salmon are active, and the period soon after ice-out may be the best of the entire year to catch a mackinaw in relatively shallow water. Whether in the mountains or the lowlands, water levels in almost all major reservoirs are improved from last year. Some lakes have mainly resident fish; others have been stocked with catchable-sized trout from the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s hatchery system.

Mountain creeks and beaver ponds generally are open and accessible, although snowdrifts and muddy conditions may hamper access in some locations. Many creeks also are high and discolored from melting snow and difficult to fish.

Though the amount of winter snowpack varies across the state, most major rivers have been affected by the spring runoff. Some may be marginally fishable, but virtually all are less than optimal. A few are essentially impossible to fish.

High flows are evident even on some tailwaters such as the South Platte River below Cheesman Dam and the Blue below Dillon and Green Mountain dams. Volumes also are up on the upper Colorado, Williams Fork and Muddy Creek, among others. On the other extreme, flows in the South Platte below Elevenmile and Spinney Mountain reservoirs remained extremely low early in the week, but with reservoirs filling up, soon could increase significantly.

Warm-water fishing has come alive in most lower-elevation waters. Though warm-water interest has been increasing, the eastern-Colorado reservoirs still tend to be less crowded than mountain destinations.

Mountains or lowlands, campgrounds are open. Many get crowded during the holiday, and some may already be booked to capacity, For information about Colorado State Parks facilities and reservation, call 1-800-678-2267. For U.S. Forest Service campground information call the nearest ranger district office.

HABITAT STAMPS

All visitors to state wildlife areas must have a habitat stamp, whether or not they are fishing or hunting. The stamps cost $5 and are required on the first two hunting or fishing licenses bought by people aged 19-64 in a calendar year. The stamps cost $10 without a license, and are required to use state wildlife areas for wildlife viewing or other purposes besides hunting or fishing. Lifetime stamps are available for $200. People under 19 and over 64 are not required to have the stamps.

REGULATIONS CHANGES

The Colorado Wildlife Commission recently approved some changes to the fishing regulations that are not included in the 2007 fishing brochure. They went into effect on May 1.

On the lower Blue River, catch-and-release provisions were enacted from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. On the upper Blue and its Swan River tributary, long-standing closures in the fall to protect spawning brown trout from Dillon Reservoir have been removed.

On the lower Gunnison River, through the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, a slot limit protecting brown trout has been dropped. Flies-and-lures restrictions have been extended on the Gunnison from the North Fork confluence downstream four miles to the Relief Ditch diversion. Anglers there also have to release all rainbow trout.

Flies-and-lures and catch-and-release provisions were extended to the Poudre River through Gateway Park downstream to the North Fork confluence.

Quality fishing regulations were enacted for Johnstown Reservoir. A 15-inch minimum-size provision applies to walleye/saugeyes and bass, and a 10-inch minimum to crappie.

Artificial flies-and-lures fishing with a catch-and-release provision for bass were approved for the Bald Eagle Pond in St. Vrain State Park

ANTERO TO OPEN

Antero Reservoir will reopen to fishing at 9 a.m. on July 17, a Tuesday.

The reservoir has been closed since 2002, when it was drained. The Denver Water Board impoundment on the South Fork of the South Platte River has been restocked with rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, and splake, brook trout/lake trout hybrids.

A new fishing regulation will apply to Antero when it reopens. The bag and possession limit for trout is four. Of those, only one may exceed 16 inches. Fish caught and placed on a stringer, in a live well or other container, or not immediately returned to the water count in the daily bag and possession limit.

Antero is an exceptionally productive reservoir, where fish grow rapidly. It has long been a favorite of many fishermen.

“We are very confident that anglers will have a great experience at Antero,” said Jeff Spohn, the DOW’s aquatic biologist for the upper South Platte drainage. “It is, however, a limited-capacity site, so anyone looking for prime Colorado fishing should also consider the many other waters we manage in South Park.

Antero’s reopening also will provide access to a new channel of the South Fork on DWB property below the dam. The channel features habitat structures designed to provide improved holding water for trout. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures in that segment and all trout must immediately be returned to the water alive.

ELKHEAD REOPENING

Colorado State Parks has announced that Elkhead Reservoir in the Yampa River drainage of western Colorado will reopen in May, after two years of a draw down for dam reconstruction. Access for fishing and day use will be allowed this summer, with camping and other activities coming on line as construction is completed.

523FISHING REPORT

Denver Metro
Arvada Reservoir — Fishing for trout had been only fair, but recent stocking should improve the odds. Some catfish are being caught from shore, and a few trout were being taken on Power Bait. Only electric motors are permitted for boating. Belly boats may not be used.
Aurora Reservoir — The water temperature is 57 degrees. Trout fishing overall has been slow to fair. Large insect hatches are occurring, slowing down trout action. Some have been taken on Power Bait from the dam and by trolling slowly with night crawlers. Walleye action is slow to fair using tube jigs and Rapalas from the west end of the dam. Large schools of wipers are cruising the east and west ends of the dam. Working leeches off the bottom from the dam is working for some anglers. Smallmouth bass action is starting to pick up using crawler-tipped jigs and minnows. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors.
Barr Lake — Trout have been the featured attraction in recent weeks. A lot have been caught, and a few have been up to up 3-4 pounds. The time for catfish also is at hand. Large dead shiners are something they won’t pass up.
Bear Creek — The flow is high, so use caution. Find deep, slow holes or eddies to find the holding fish. Use the same Pheasant Tails or Princes as earlier, but go a little larger.
Bear Creek Reservoir — Fishing in the reservoir has been slow. Some rainbow trout have been caught on orange Power Bait or Power Corn.
Berkeley Lake — The 40-acre lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring, and the trout provide most of the early season action. The lake also has largemouth bass, bluegills crappie and channel catfish, among other warm-water species. Fishing for those improves as the water warms. Boats are not permitted. A recreation center, playground and other amenities are available on the south side of the lake.
Centennial Park Lake — The lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring. The lake also has a variety of warm-water fish, including bass, crappie, catfish and perch. No boats are allowed on the 15-acre lake. A playground, restrooms and handicapped-accessible fishing pier are available.
Chatfield Ponds — Bass have been hitting large shiners off a bobber. Keep your eyes open; they’re almost on shore. Crappie is hitting small jigs tipped with a minnow.
Chatfield Reservoir — The water is high and murky, with about a foot of visibility. The temperature is 57-60 degrees. Bass up to 16 inches are active around the riprap of the dam and Massey Draw, and taking a variety of crankbaits, plastic grubs and small tube jigs. Many have been in 6-10 feet of water. Leeches have been the key to catching walleyes. This is the year of the big fish, and a lot of the walleyes you catch will be legal-sized. The minimum size for walleyes is 18 inches; only one may exceed 21 inches. Boaters should do all right with Rapalas along the dam face. The spillway area can be a great place to get a limit, but it’s hit-or-miss.
Cherry Creek Reservoir — In late May, catfish should be moving into the inlet region. Use a large shiner off the bottom to get one. Boaters are picking up walleyes by trolling Rapalas along the dam.
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) — The river is running high; use caution. Caddis and red blood midges will trick some fish in the deeper holes.
Evergreen Lake — Try a Rooster Tail spinner around the inlet for decent-sized trout. Watch for tiger muskies in the shallows. A large Rapala might tempt one.
Georgetown Lake — Catching trout has not been much of a problem the past couple of weeks. Orange Power Bait or half a night crawler fished off the bottom has produced some limit catches by noon.
Gross Reservoir — The inlet remains fairly good for trout although the action tends to be hit-or-miss. Look to the shallow bays for the sunning muskies, and use large bucktails to get their attention. If you hit it right, you’re hooked.
Jim Baker Reservoir — Trout have been hitting Wooly Worms and minnows off a bobber. The catfish should begin hitting any day. Use a large dead shiner off the bottom; they’ll not pass it up.
Ketring Park Lake — The 15-acre lake is open and has a variety of mostly small warm-water fish. The action has been slow. Boats are not allowed.
Main Lake — The fluctuating 45-acre lake has bass up to 18 inches, crappie, bluegills, catfish and other warm-water species. Fishing has been slow but will improve with warmer water temperatures. No boats are allowed on the lake.
Quincy Reservoir — The water temperature is 61 degrees. The level is good at this time. Trout fishing has picked up using Callibaetis patterns, Woolly Buggers, bead-head Prince Nymphs and Hare’s Ears in the morning and evening. Bass fishing is good using jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits from the east coves and the west side. Bass are shallow and spawning. The best bass action also has been in the mornings and evenings. Perch fishing is slow at this time. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. Please see the definition 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. Electric motors only. For more information, call 303-693-5463.
Rocky Mountain Lake — Trout have been hitting minnows of a red-and-white bobber. Power Bait also remains a great bet.
Sloans Lake — Look to the shallows for bass on their spawning beds. Place a big night crawler in the bed and hold on.
Smith Reservoir — Warm-water fishing has been poor to fair. 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.
South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) — The river has been unusually high and discolored. Fishing is 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 often are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers usually are the most effective bait in the unrestricted lower stretch.
Standley Lake — The lake is at capacity and the water temperature has been in the low 60s. Trout continue to be caught with Power Bait and salmon eggs fished off the bottom from shore. Boaters are having good success trolling for walleyes, wipers, trout and bass, using a variety of spoons and spinners. Several large walleyes and wipers were caught last week. A $6 fee is required for drive-in access. Walk-in access is free. Permits for boats under 20 horsepower are available for $15 per day. For more information contact the Standley Lake Visitor Center at 303-425-1097.
Washington Park Lakes — The lakes are stocked with trout in the spring. Crappie running up to 10 inches, bass, bluegills and catfish can provide some interesting fishing in an urban-park setting later, as the water warms. Try a small Fle Fly jig or live minnow below a bobber about 3 feet down for crappie, among the first warm-water fish to become active in the spring.
Webster Lake — The lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout in spring and early summer and fishing for them usually is good. The lake also has channel catfish, bass, perch and crappie, and warm-water fishing will improve with gradually warming water temperatures. No boats are allowed. A handicapped-access fishing pier, playground and other facilities are available.
Northeast
Barker Reservoir — The water level has come up dramatically and the reservoir has been spilling. Spring is the best time to catch trout at Barker using worms and salmon eggs. Anglers usually also have some good success using spinnerbaits and small spoons.
Barnes Meadow Reservoir — Barnes Meadow is ice-free. Fishing pressure has been light, with only a few fish caught. Power Baits, spinnerbaits and Kastmasters, as well as fly fishing, will work well. No motorized boats are allowed, and please pack out what you pack in.
Big Creek Lakes — The lakes are free of ice and the road is open. Early season fishing for mackinaw usually is good. The bag and possession limit for lake trout and splake there is three fish, of which only one can exceed 26 inches.
Big Thompson Ponds — No recent reports have come in, but the ponds were affected by a winter kill, resulting in a loss of fish. Fishing could be slow this year.
Big Thompson River — The river has been running at about 127 cfs and should stay stable for several days. Stonefly patterns such as No. 12-16 Stimulators are working well as point flies on dropper rigs. With cloudy and rainy weather, blue-wing-olive mayflies are hatching heavily. Try patterns like BWO Thorax, Hatchmasters and Parachutes in sizes 18-22. Blue-wing-olive nymphs are heavy in the river, and size 18-20 Pheasant Tails, BH Baetis and Pickpockets in olive and brown are a great choice. Caddis also are showing. Try size 16 Elk Hairs and Z Wings. For spin-fishing, Mepps and Panther Martins will work well. In the non catch-and-release section, salmon eggs are an ideal bait to use. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.
Boedecker Reservoir — The crappie bite is on. Use small crappie jigs tipped with a minnow or a leech. Bass are on their spawning beds and can be seen close to shore. Use a night crawler on a hook with no weight.
Boulder Reservoir — Fishing for smallmouth bass remains fair to good along the dam on jigs of various colors, Gitzits and plastic worms. Some have been around 16-17 inches. Walleyes have been plentiful, but they tend to be relatively small.
Boyd Lake — The reservoir is filling and open for boating. Temperatures have been up to 67 degrees. Water has been coming in from Heinricy Lake, and the current has attracted white bass, crappie and largemouth bass. Fishing has been excellent on Clouser Minnows, crankbaits and jigs worked with a quick retrieve, and should stay good as long as the water is running. Crappie and some perch have been taken in 15 feet of water near the pump house at the south end. Some decent-sized trout and largemouth bass are in the marina inlet area. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a mercury advisory for large walleyes from the lake. Call the park office at (970) 669-1739 for additional information.
Carter Reservoir — Trout fishing has been really slow. It is best when using Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spoons. Bass fishing is starting to pick up. The docks and slips make excellent areas to fish for bass. Walleye fishing has been picking up on the east side of the reservoir.
Chambers Lake — The ice has begun coming off the lake and if the warm weather holds, it should be ice-free this week. Fishing for rainbow trout and mackinaw usually is very good right at and soon after ice-out. The campground will remain closed for several more weeks and the lake level is low, so be prepared to walk to the water’s edge.
Cowdrey Lake — The ice is completely off Cowdrey Lake. Water temperatures are coming up and fishing is fair to good. Regular midge hatches should be appearing on days with light wind. Try small leech patterns, crayfish, Chironomids and scuds.
Douglas Reservoir — The lake has wipers and they are big. Use large shiners off the bottom for them. Trollers have been hitting some nice-sized trout off the boat ramp and along the dam face. Troll slowly and use a small Rapala. Salmon eggs off the bottom are also taking a few.
Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) — Orange Power Bait has been the hot ticket for trout. Fish close to shore. Hardware fishermen should try a gold Kastmaster.
East Delaney Lake — The ice is completely gone and the lake is fishing well. The west side has been best for anglers fishing from shore. Try crayfish patterns, scuds, egg patterns, and midges in red and black. Trout typically feed vigorously after ice-out and will take a variety of presentations. Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only, and the limit is two trout. Brown trout of 14-20 inches must be released immediately, and rainbows and cutthroats of 18-22 inches must be returned to the water. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.
Estes Lake — Lake Estes is turning on and the fishing has been good. For fly fishing, try using midges in size 18-22 for surface activity in the mornings and evenings. However, the best bet is fishing in the inlet with Woolly Buggers and egg patterns. Fish are moving up out of the lake to spawn and some larger-than-average fish can be caught in the inlet this time of year. For spin fishing, try flashy lures and bait, especially eggs at the inlet. Fishing around the lake can be good with a worm, egg or Power Bait, as well.
Flatiron Reservoir — Flatiron recently was stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout. Fishing has been good using lime-green Power Bait and salmon eggs.
Hidden Lakes — The lakes are free of ice and the road is open. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds recently were opened.
Hohnholz Lakes — Lake No. 3 has turned on for brown trout and big rainbows. The fish are big and hungry; fish with a black Woolly Bugger or a copper-colored spoon. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures here, but the fish are large.
Horsetooth Reservoir — The temperatures is 59-62 degrees, and the water is very clear. Fishing for smallmouth bass has come alive across the lake. Inlet Bay remains the most productive for trout and walleyes. Worms, silver crankbaits and clear, shad-imitating jigs are the lures of choice. White Mister Twisters have seen success along steep banks on the west side of the reservoir. Silver Rat-L-Traps and Kastmasters also have been hot lures. The best bet for success is minnows or night crawlers, but suspended jerkbaits have been successful, as well. The inlet channel is closed to fishing through May 31. All walleyes must be at least 18 inches long, but only one can exceed 21 inches
Jackson Reservoir — Fishing most recently has been fair to good for wipers. Most are being caught from the dam using mussels for bait, but wipers also are being caught using worms, white Mister Twisters and jigs. Catfish are being caught from the west shoreline using worms. Fishing for all other species has been slow. Sudden weather changes still can have a negative effect on fishing success.
Joe Wright Reservoir — The lake remains ice-covered.
Jumbo Reservoir — The reservoir is still full, and all the boat ramps are in the water and accessible. Fishing is somewhat slow, though trout and some catfish are being caught. The Jumbo Annex (on Red Lion SWA) has seen more fishing pressure, with limited success. A Habitat Stamp is required for everyone on both properties.
Lake John — Lake John is completely ice-free and the water temperatures are just right. This lake has been producing nice-sized fish. Try throwing leeches, scuds, crayfish and eggs. Spin-fishermen try Tasmanian Devils, Kastmasters and Mepps Spinners. Early season fishing often is some of the best of the year. Inquire in Walden for the latest.
Laramie River at Hohnholz SWA — Fish have been taking small Pheasant Tail nymphs and RS-2s. The best fishing has been reported around the camping area.
Lon Hagler Reservoir — Fishing for crappie has been fair to good around the submerged trees at the west end of the reservoir. Live minnows and various crappie jigs have been the most effective. White bass and wipers up to 18 inches recently appeared in the same area, to the surprise of crappie fishermen. Bass have been on their spawning beds and taking a variety of jigs and plastic worms.
Lonetree Reservoir — Fishing for bass has been fairly good. Numbers have not been especially high, but the fish have been good-sized. Fishing for walleyes has remains fairly good. Fishermen have been taking some 18- to 21-inch fish off the dam and along weed lines on jigs and leeches and by trolling during low-light periods. The minimum size is 15 inches, and fishermen may take only one walleye longer than 21 inches per day. Fishing for wipers has been spotty.
Long Draw Reservoir — The lake usually remains frozen through May and the access road is opened around June 1.
Lost Lake (at Chambers) — The lake is ice-free. A partial winter kill is possible here as the lake in not too deep. How much, if any, over-winter mortality occurred is unknown. Please pack out what you pack in.
North Delaney Lake — North Delaney is completely ice-free. Fishing has been fair to good. The water temperatures are still a little cold. Fishing has been best using scuds, black leeches, crayfish, Chironomids and eggs. Early fishing for larger-than-average rainbows and browns usually is good. The lake is designated Gold Medal Water, and special regulations apply. Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. The limit is two trout. Brown trout of 14-20 inches must immediately be released. Rainbows and cutthroats of 18-22 inches must be returned to the water. Fishing is prohibited in the inlet upstream of the standing-water line and in the fall, from the dam. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.
North Michigan Lake — The lake is free of ice and has been stocked. The fishing is good, with people catching fish on worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs.
North Park Alpine Lakes — The high lakes still are ice-covered and remain generally inaccessible.
North Park Streams — The North Park streams are starting to fish well. All streams are a little high because of some early snow melt, but water temperatures have been good and fish seem very healthy. Try Woolly Buggers in bright colors (yellow, orange, red). Also try BWO dries and emergers, along with Gold-Ribbed Hare’s Ears and Prince Nymphs. The Roaring Fork and North Fork have been fishing the best.
North Platte River — The North Platte is fishing very well. The river was low at 437 cfs and clear last weekend. This is a great window to hit the Platte because the river generally is unfishable until June because of runoff. No significant hatches are coming off at this time due to cold water temperatures. Anglers are doing well fishing toward the banks with big bright streamers. Look for hatches to start coming off any day. The water was about 44 degrees late last week, and midges and BWOs should appear any day. At high water, try fishing back eddies with big bright streamers such as Tequeely, Orange Blossom and Yellow Zonker flies.
North Sterling Reservoir — The reservoir is full and both the inlet and outlet are running. The water temperature on the surface is in the low 70s. A few big fish were taken last week, as the fishing is starting to pick up. A few wipers and northern pike are being caught on the points. Crappie fishing should begin to pick up as the water temperature continues to rise.
Parvin Lake (Red Feather) — A gold Kastmaster fished along the south side should produce some nice-sized browns. A large Prince Nymph also will take lots of trout.
Pinewood Reservoir — Fishing has been decent. Pinewood recently was stocked with 2,000 catchable rainbow trout. Fishermans Cove remains the most reliable spot. Salmon eggs and night crawlers have been working the best.
Poudre River — The river is in its runoff stage. Flows have come up and on Tuesday were 1,580 cfs at the canyon mouth. Fishing is more difficult, but stoneflies may be active along the edges of main currents. No. 6 20-Inchers and similar nymphs to streamer flies still might take a few trout. With conditions deteriorating on the lower river, anglers might consider the upper reaches, where the water is colder but clearer. Midges and small blue-wing-olive mayflies are likely to be found there.
Prewitt Reservoir — The reservoir is still full. The boat dock is in. Catfish are starting to bite. Several over 10 pounds have been caught, especially from boats. Small walleyes also are also being caught. Most have been 10-13 inches. Wipers are big, but the activity is fairly slow. An annual habitat stamp is required to enter Prewitt Reservoir.
Ranger Lakes — Ranger Lakes have just iced off and have been stocked.
Rocky Mountain National Park — The water is clear and fishable, but getting higher. Look for areas of slack water to fish. Stoneflies, caddis and blue-wing-olives continue to be the main hatches. Try BWO Hatchmasters, and Thorax in sizes 18-20 for dry flies, and beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, and Pickpockets in size 18-20 for the nymphs. For stoneflies, a size 18 Elk Hair Caddis will work well. Spin fishing will take a few fish - go small and dark on your spinners. Check the regulations before you fish in the park because there are special-regulations areas, and bait fishing is restricted to kids in selected areas. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.
Seeley Lake — Look shallow for bass close to shore on their spawning beds. A black or white rabbit-hair jig will get their attention.
Simpson Ponds — Fishing for modest-sized bass has been very good. Soft-plastic lures are doing the trick. Try a dark-colored worm or lizard. Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits have been effective in late afternoon. Fishing for catfish remains slow but should be improving soon. A few have been taken on chicken livers at night.
South Delaney Lake — The water is warming and midge hatches are happening daily. Fishing has been great. During the hatch, try a Chironomid just below the surface; also try fishing them with a very slow hand retrieve. Try scuds, leeches, midges, Chironomids, eggs and water boatmen. The fish are spawning, so please be careful when handling them. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures, and the limit is two trout. Brown trout of 14-20 inches must be returned to the water immediately, and rainbows and cutthroats of 18-22 inches also must be released. Fishing is prohibited in the inlet upstream of the standing-water line. A habitat stamp is required of everyone using the state wildlife area. Inquire in Walden for the latest.
St. Vrain River — Flows on the Vrain were around 352 cfs at Lyons last week, but in recent days the river has been high and very discolored. When it’s clear, stonefly and caddis imitators are good bets - Stimulators, size 12-16, and Elk Hair Caddis, size 14-16, are good choices for dries. Nymphs such as Z-wing Caddis, Glo-bubble Caddis, Mangy Caddis, Prince Nymphs and Golden Stones are good choices. Stoneflies, size 12-16, and caddis, size 14-16, can make a good point fly for a dry-and-dropper rig. Spinners such as Mepps or Panther Martins will work well with the increased current.
Teal and Tiago Lakes — The lakes are open and the access road is clear. U.S. Forest Service camping facilities recently were opened for the season.
Union Reservoir (Calkins) — Anglers continue to catch 18- to 22-inch wipers. Shore fishermen are having the best success using mussels, and fly fishermen are having their best luck with Clouser Minnows. Some good action for crappie also has been reported. Trout are still being caught on worms and other typical baits and by trolling in deeper water with small spinners and Rapalas.
Watson Lake — Little Tasmanian Devils have been hitting some large trout. A fly-and-bobber rig has usually been effective here, and a Kastmaster is always a good choice.
Wellington Reservoir #4 — Trout have been taking salmon eggs off the bottom. A big worm will work, also, and Kastmasters fished close to shore are doing the job.
Northwest
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) — Flows below Green Mountain Dam have gone up, and late on Monday were 1,150 cfs, more than double of a week ago. A catch-and-release provision went into effect May 1 for the river from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. The river holds its share of trout, but through much of this section courses through private property.
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) — The river below Dillon Reservoir has been flowing at 720 cfs. This is big water for the Blue. When that happens, the number of Mysis shrimp in the system increases exponentially. Many of the giant rainbows, cutthroats, and browns that generally reside in the no-fishing zone will move down into town and feed with reckless abandon. Fish with San Juan Worms, large Mysis shrimp, egg patterns, red midges and larger nymphs. When flows go up on the Blue, many anglers are standing where they should be fishing. Walk the banks and look for fish feeding in the soft pockets along the edges of the river. When you find a pod of fish, cast from the bank. North of Silverthorne, conditions are starting to deteriorate from tributary creeks.
Colorado River (below Parshall) — Flows at Parshall, below the Williams Fork confluence, had gone up to 987 cfs Monday afternoon. Near Kremmling, the volume was 2,270 cfs. With significantly higher flows, fishing is more difficult and the water generally is discolored but on a given day, the river above Parshall still may be fishably clear. Larger nymph and streamer patterns still may take some trout in edge water, and spin-fishermen might do OK on Mepps and Panther Martin spinners.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) — The Colorado River has been flowing at 8,510 cfs below Glenwood Springs, where visibility into the water is ranging from 6-18 inches. Caddis are hatching in profound numbers in Glenwood Canyon during afternoons. Fish can be caught tight to the banks in the “softer” water. Stonefly and drake nymphs are also fishing well. In a change of pace, carp fishing has been very good from Rifle downstream to DeBeque along the backwater sloughs using Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, Princes, 20 Inchers and scuds.
Colorado River (near Granby) — Recent flows have been 507 cfs below Windy Gap and 524 near Parshall. The river is discolored in all but its immediate tailwater sections, but fishing San Juan worms, egg patterns, large nymphs and streamers still may be effective. The annual stonefly hatch is expected soon. Spinner and spoon-type lures also are working. 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. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.
Crystal River — The Crystal River has been flowing at 1,590 cfs in Carbondale and currently is not fishable. In the meantime, the Frying Pan and the upper Roaring Fork have both been fishing well.
Elk River — The runoff continues, with high and discolored water through most of the drainage. Some fishing may be available in the upper reaches, but at best it is difficult.
Elkhead Reservoir — The reservoir is open, after a two-year draw down for dam reconstruction. Access for fishing and day use will be allowed this summer, with camping and other activities coming on line as construction is completed. The lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout and smallmouth bass are on the way, as well. Please use caution if boating; large amounts of debris exist.
Fryingpan River — Flows have been hovering around 130 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir, where the water has been clear, cold and conducive to good hatches of BWOs and caddis. Midges and mysis shrimp continue to fool fish along the top mile below the dam, as well. The prime time has been 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Light tippets of 6x and 7x are mandatory to be successful. The river above the reservoir recently was stocked and has been fishing well with Woolly Buggers, Princes and Flashtop Coachmen.
Granby Reservoir — Overall fishing conditions are excellent. At present, the Sunset boat ramp is the only public ramp open but with the water level rising, additional facilities may be available by Memorial Day. A variety of baits and lures has been working for bank fishermen. Stream inlets flowing into the lake are prime areas. Spinners, Rapalas, slip-bobber rigs, bottom fishing and lateral jigging techniques all produce fish. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions. The first day of a recent contest went well despite afternoon wind. Several nice browns were caught. A final report on the tournament will be presented next week.
Grand Lake — Consistent fishing on this deep, natural lake requires some learning and experience, but can be highly rewarding. Spinners, Rapalas, vertical jigging, fly fishing, trolling and bait fishing all can produce brown trout, rainbows, large lake trout and kokanee. Boat access between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir is possible. The water level of this lake remains constant. Inquire in Granby for updates.
Green Mountain Reservoir — The water level still is coming up and is down only about 15 vertical feet. Fishing is good from the shore and boats. Night crawlers, sucker meat and silver or gold spinning lures are the preferred items.
Green River — No current reports are available. The Green, in the extreme northwest corner of Colorado, remains open the year-around, with some of the best fishing in early April and May, when spawning rainbows and cutthroats begin to feed aggressively. Bead-head nymphs, stonefly patterns and midge imitations all can be effective. Fishing usually slows down with warming water in the summer but picks up again in the fall, when brown trout become active.
Harvey Gap Reservoir — The weather is getting warmer and the fishing is getting better. The water temperature is about 65 degrees. Lots of reports have come in of crappie, trout and perch being caught. Most anglers have been using spinners and jigs. Some large northern pike reportedly have been spotted by the dam.
Highline Lake — Fishing has been excellent. Everything is biting. Trout are biting on almost anything, catfish are biting on worms and, finally, the crappie and bass are biting. A 5-pound bass was caught early in the week. The water temperature is 56 degrees. Highline is open for boating, so fishing usually is best early in the morning. Highline’s water level is at capacity and will be for the rest of the summer. Both boat ramps are open. Use caution on the east ramp because of a buildup of silt and debris from the inlet.
Lake Avery — Shoreline fishermen continue to report fair to good success for 1o- to 15-inch rainbow trout. Most of the catch has been on bait. Orange or pink Power Bait and worms have been the most consistent producers. Rainbow-finish Panther Martin spinners and small spoon-type lures also have taken some trout.
Mack Mesa Lake — The water temperature is 64 degrees. Mack has been heavily stocked with rainbow trout this spring and fishing has been excellent. Folks are still catching their limits, and some of the trout have been around 17 inches. People have had great success using Power Bait of any color, but the trout should be taking just about anything. Conditions are great for young fishermen. No word has come in yet on the bass. Mack Mesa is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small, electric trolling motors. Don’t forget your PFDs if you are fishing from a boat.
Muddy Creek — Flows below Wolford Mountain Reservoir recently went up to 253 cfs. Spinners, streamers flies and larger nymphs should take some trout when conditions stabilize.
Pearl Lake — Pearl Lake is ice-free. The roads into Pearl Lake and the campgrounds are closed because of tree spraying, but will open on May 24th. The lake is fishing well. Try Woolly Buggers or small Panther Martins. For up-to-date reports, please check the conditions page at www.parks.state.co.us/pearl lake.
Rifle Gap Reservoir — Conditions at Rifle Gap are excellent. The water temperature is about 65 degrees. The boat ramps are in the water and accessible. The buoys are also out in the water, so please pay attention to the no-wake areas. Early trout fishing from the bank has been good on Power Bait and worms. A few walleyes have been caught by the inlet. Boating fishermen have taken some northern pike by trolling large Rapalas and similar lures, or gold or silver spoons. Smaller pike also have been taken on streamer flies. Some 8- to 13-inch yellow perch have been taken on jigs and by fly fishermen using Clouser Minnows off the bottom in 5-8 feet of water.
Rio Blanco Lake — Crappie have become active, though most have been on the small side. Fishermen also have been getting some small northern pike and a few bass. Chartreuse jigs have been effective for all three species.
Roaring Fork River — The Roaring Fork has been day-to-day in terms of water clarity, but the caddis hatch has been in full swing from Basalt down to Carbondale. Though the lower river below Basalt is day-to-day, the upper river below Aspen has been consistently clear, with solid nymphing opportunities. Hot flies include: 20 Inchers, Princes, red Copper Johns, Deep 6 Caddis, BLMs and STDs. Look for any pieces of “softer” water, which is where the fish are concentrated.
Shadow Mountain Reservoir — Early season fishing has slowed a little but remains quite good. Quite a few decent-sized rainbow and brown trout have been taken in recent weeks, along with some mackinaw. Worms fished on the bottom have been productive, but slip-bobber rigs work very well, also. Spinners, Rapalas and other lures work well in the main reservoir. Conditions below Shadow Mountain Dam also are excellent. The flow rate is up, improving fishing action. Sow bugs, nymphs and even some caddis patterns have been doing well for fly fishermen, and lures and bait also are productive. Brown trout are plentiful in this area. Some kokanee also are being caught in this location.
Stagecoach Reservoir — Trout fishing has been fair to good with worms and Power Bait. Coves and the inlet area are the best locations. Small northern pike have been taking spinners and small crankbaits. The reservoir is almost full. Fishing at the Tailwaters is still very good using small (No. 20-24) midge patterns, scuds and eggs. For more conditions information, please visit www.parks.state.co.us
Steamboat Lake — Large fish still are being taken from the lake and inlets, though the inlet fishing is slowing down. Olive Woolly Buggers are providing success for fly fishers. Power Bait, worms and salmon eggs are seeing success, also. Rooster Tail and Mepps spinners and Dardevles also are worth a try. For up-to-date information, check the conditions page at www.parks.state.co.us/steamboat lake.
Trappers Lake — The lake is open. A handful of early fishermen to visit the lake have reported good ice-out fishing. Campgrounds are unlikely to be open for the weekend. The lake is an outstanding fishery for naturally reproducing cutthroat trout. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures. The limit on cutthroats is two fish. All cutts longer than 11 inches must immediately be returned to the water alive. Fishermen are encouraged to keep all the brook trout they catch.
Vega Reservoir — The fishing at Vega Reservoir has been excellent the past few weeks. Anglers are catching mostly rainbow trout on night crawlers. Gold and copper Kastmaster lures and gold or copper bead-head flies also have been productive. Two boat ramps are open: Early Settlers and the Island. The weather has been sunny and warm, springtime colors abound, and the lake level is full and spilling. All the creeks are high.
White River — The river remains high with spring runoff and discolored. Even so, a few fishermen still are reporting some success on No. 12-14 Prince Nymphs, green Copper Johns and black Woolly Buggers. Where bait fishing is permitted, salmon eggs have worked well. Runoff conditions probably will continue into early June.
Williams Fork Reservoir — The water level has been steadily rising and the reservoir soon will be full. Fishing for rainbow trout has been fair to good. Anglers have been using Dardevle-type spoons, small crankbaits and an assortment of baits from shore. Northern pike should become active soon. The reservoir also has some large mackinaw.
Williams Fork River — Flows below Williams Fork Dam on Monday afternoon were 215 cfs, still within a good fishing range for the river. Midges still are the dominant hatch and provide most of the action for brown trout, but some small blue-wing-olive mayflies have been coming off in the afternoons. Likely fly-fishing patterns include beadhead Barr’s Emergers, Black Beauties and Pheasant Tails in sizes 20-24.
Willow Creek Reservoir — The reservoir is clear, and shoreline fishermen have reported very good success. Trolling is producing results, as usual. This is a beautiful area with a very nice campground and easy fishing access. It generally gets less fishing pressure than other area lakes. Worms, Power Bait and eggs are commonly used, as well as spinners, spoons and crankbaits. Fly fishing also is very productive. Inquire in Granby for updates.
Wolford Reservoir — The water level is high and may be discolored around the inlet areas. Shoreline anglers have been doing well for rainbow and brown trout in the mornings and late afternoons. Trolling with crankbaits and Pop Geer has been effective for boating fishermen.
Yampa River (Hayden through Craig) — The runoff is under way, and the river is very difficult to fish. When clear, it offers potentially good fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Much of it flows through private property with limited public access. Float-fishing trips are popular here. See Yampa River State Park for more information.
Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) — With a relatively low snowpack last winter, the river through Steamboat Springs appears to have crested but still is high and discolored. Fishing is difficult and wading is not recommended. The best choice is the .6-mile tailwater below Stagecoach Dam. Midges and a few blue-wing-olives are on the water there, but with runoff affecting other streams in the region, the area is very popular with fishermen.
Southeast
Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) — Winter storage has filled Blue Lake. High-water boat ramps are in service. Anglers should enjoy good water levels until irrigation draw downs lower the lake. Fishing has been fair for catfish and fair for crappie.
Anticline Lake — Fishing has improved with warmer weather. Trout have been taking several varieties of Power Bait. The popular lake below Pueblo Dam is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring and early summer. Most of the typical baits and lures are effective here, but success often depends on periodic stocking.
Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo) — The flow below the dam has come up to more than 2,500 cfs. Wading is impossible and fishing is difficult. Large nymphs or streamers fished along the edges may take a few fish. Habitat improvements have created deeper pools and structure for the fish to thrive in even when releases from Pueblo Dam are minimal. Standard fishing regulations and limits are in effect on this section of the river.
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) — Flows are high but stable on the Arkansas, and should recede with this week’s cooler weather. Flows on Monday were 1,660 cfs at Buena Vista and 1,740 cfs in Browns Canyon. Visibility varies, but has been about 24 inches, on average, along the edges. Because of current velocity and visibility, most fish are holding tight to the banks or on the bottom of slower pools. Fishing right on the edge or bumping the bottom is key - use a dry-dropper rig with stonefly patterns or a double nymph/streamer-nymph rig for deeper situations.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) — Flows on Monday were 480 cfs in Hayden Meadows, 1,400 cfs at Granite and 1,660 cfs above Buena Vista. Clarity is fair to good, with the better water below the clear inflow from Twin Lakes. Tributary flows are dropping while dam releases remain stable, so this week should show real improvement in conditions. Large dark stoneflies have been emerging on the upper river - use large Prince Nymphs, 20-Inchers and dark stones for the nymphs. On the surface, try a large peacock Parachute Madam X or Stimulator. Fishing close to the edge, where fish can hold position, is the most important factor to success.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) — The Arkansas River below Salida has experienced high flows and murky water lately. Fishing can still be quite good, as the fish are hungry, but one must work close to the edges to get at the areas where fish can hold out of the high-velocity current. Stonefly patterns, both nymph and dry, and attractors/streamers are the way to go. With Monday flows of 1,970 cfs at Wellsville and 2,320 cfs at Parkdale, fishing close to the bank is critical.
Beckwith Reservoir — Fishing for 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout has slowed but remains fair on Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms. The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Warm-water fishing is improving but not yet great. Boaters have access near the south end of the dam. Only electric motors may be used.
Bonny Reservoir — Fishing has really picked up in the last week. A good number of 1- to 5-pound catfish are being caught in the shallows on the north side. A few white bass and wipers have been taken off the face of the dam on minnows or jigs. Walleyes have started being taken from boats in 7-10 feet of water on night crawlers. The lake is still very much usable for boats. The two-lane boat ramp is open and the courtesy dock is installed. The boat-ramp depth is 4-6 feet, and the channel going out to the main lake is 3.5 feet deep. Most boats are having no trouble with the ramp. The lake came up 2 feet last winter but is still approximately 19.3 feet below the full mark.
Brush Hollow Reservoir — The water level remains excellent, and with gradually warming temperatures, crappie have become increasingly active. The brushy upper end generally is best. The lake also is stocked with rainbow trout, which provide most of the early season fishing. Other warm-water species include largemouth bass, walleyes, channel catfish and bluegills. Warm-water fishing usually peaks in May and June and tapers off during the heat of summer. Water draw downs by early June are common. A mercury advisory by the Colorado Department of Public Health is in effect for walleyes of a certain size.
Catamount Reservoirs, North & South — Success varies from day to day, but anglers have been catching 16- to 17-inch lake trout and some large rainbows and cuttbows at North Cat on Woolly Buggers and jigs. Pistol Petes have been effective on South Cat. Water levels should be very good. Fishing at both should be very good for trout species including mackinaw. North Catamount also has some cuttbows of 2-3 pounds. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures on North Catamount. Access to both is from the Pikes Peak Highway and requires paying a fee. Hours of operation will be: through My 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; May 25-Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sept. 4-30, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. The area is closed during the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race.
Clear Creek Reservoir — Shoreline fishing for trout has been fair to good on salmon eggs, worms and Dardevles. Trollers also have done OK. The city of Pueblo will drain the reservoir to its conservation pool from July to mid-August. Fish will survive in the pool but angler access may be affected. Stocking will be reduced then but fishing should remain good. This traditionally is one of the most productive and dependable reservoirs in the upper Arkansas River basin, producing excellent fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout with occasional larger browns. Kokanee salmon fishing should be very good in 2007. Most will be less than 13 inches with a few over 15. Tiger muskies recently were introduced to prey on abundant suckers and provide opportunities to catch larger fish. Anglers should start seeing them in 2007.
Cottonwood Lake — Shoreline fishermen have had good success with worms, salmon eggs, Z-Rays and Pistol Petes.
Crystal Creek Reservoir — The water level has improved from the past few years, and fishing for catchable-sized trout should be good through the summer. The reservoir is part of the North Slope Recreation Area, and access requires paying a fee at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate. The highway crosses the dam. See the entry for the Catamount reservoirs for hours of operation.
Daigre Reservoir — Fishing for rainbow trout has been good on light-green flies, various nymphs and Pistol Petes. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at the lake. To the south, the roads to Blue and Bear lakes and the upper Huerfano River remain closed.
DeWeese Reservoir — Shoreline bait fishing has slowed down a bit. The best results lately have been on silver or gold Kastmasters or by trolling Dick Nites and Kastmasters. Fly fishermen havge done OK on midge patterns. Fishing in Grape Creek above and below the reservoir has been good on Prince Nymphs. Catchable-sized trout provide much of the fishing at DeWeese, but holdover rainbows of 16-20 inches and a few 16- to 18-inch browns are present. The lake also has abundant smallmouth bass, mostly of 6-12 inches but with a few up to 16.
Elevenmile Reservoir — Overall trout-fishing success ranges from poor to fair. Worms, marshmallows, various Power Baits and assorted spinners have been the best baits. Trout that have been caught recently are ranging from 18- to 20-plus inches. Northern pike fishing has picked up, with the majority of fish less than 20 inches. 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. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Fountain Lake — Like other urban lakes in Pueblo, this one is stocked most months the year. Trout fishing typically is good in the spring, usually slows down during the summer months, but picks up in the fall. The lake also has some catfish that can grow quite large.
Hayden Meadows Reservoir — The lake south of Leadville offers fair to good fishing for catchable-size trout. The usual assortment of baits and lures has been effective early in the year and recent stocking should keep the fishing good. Fly fishermen should enjoy good success as the season progresses.
Horseshoe Reservoir — The water level is good and the temperature is about 57 degrees. Trout fishing has been excellent on various baits and lures. Fishing for warm-water species has been slow, but fishermen are starting to get some action. The boat dock is in place on the north side of Horseshoe. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
Jefferson Lake — The road was being cleared on Monday. Camping should be available by the weekend. The lake has open water around the edges but some ice remains. The lake offers very good fishing for catchable-sized rainbows and occasional brook trout. Small (12- to 18-inch) lake trout can be taken from shore throughout the season. Larger lake trout are available to shoreline fishermen soon after ice-out.
John Martin Reservoir — The water level has dropped a little but remains at 73,000 acre feet. The temperatures is around 63 degrees. Wipers are reported off the dam face and crappie have been active near the trestle, where the depth is about 10 feet. Some white bass have been taken in the west end of the reservoir, as well as a few catfish. Dam gates have been opened and fishing in the stilling basin has slowed down. Lake Hasty below the dam has been stocked with catchable trout several times and fishing remains fair to good.
Karval and Kinney lakes — Both lakes and the nearby Hugo SWA ponds recently were stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing for them has been fair to good. All also have most of the common warm-water species, and fishing for largemouth bass, bluegills and channel catfish should be improving as the water warms.
Lake Henry — Water levels at Henry currently are good. Fishing is slow for all species. Fishing should improve as spring progresses and temperatures warm. Fall inventory sampling revealed good numbers of crappie, saugeyes and catfish.
Lake Meredith — The water level at Meredith currently is good. Fishing is slow for all species. This is the third year since the lake was restocked after having been drained. Fish should be approaching catchable size. Crappie, saugeyes, catfish and wipers have been stocked in good numbers since the lake was refilled.
Manitou Lake — Fishermen have had fairly good luck in recent days using worms. The popular U.S. Forest Service lake north of Woodland Park is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout through the summer. Weekdays are less crowded. Excellent water levels are expected this year. Payment of an entry fee is required. Campgrounds and other amenities are nearby.
Martin Lake — The water level is good. Fishing for trout has been good using Power Bait and lures. The lake has been stocked several times, and the kids’ pond also has been stocked with trout. The water temperature is about 58 degrees. Northern pike are becoming active, and several catfish have recently been caught. The boat dock is in. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
Montgomery Reservoir — The lake is closed to all access until June 1.
Monument Lake — This 40-acre lake filled last year and should provide very good fishing for catchable-sized trout in 2007. The level remains high. Warm-water fish were stocked as fingerlings last year, but will not be large enough to interest fishermen for another year or two.
Monument Reservoir — Shoreline fishing for rainbow and brown trout has been good. Try Power Bait, night crawlers and Super Duper and Kastmaster lures. Rainbow trout will comprise much of the catch through the summer, but the lake also has a good population of browns running 8-12 inches, with an occasional fish up to 20. Kokanee-salmon stocking has increased in recent years and should provide some fishing in late summer and fall.
Nee Gronda Reservoir — Boat access now is available with the completion of a new low-water ramp on the east side. Fishing has been improving for wipers and catfish. The saugeye bite has started, with fish biting on trolled or drifted worm harnesses and jigs in 10-12 feet of water. Typically, spring saugeye fishing is good from now until mid-June.
Nee Noshe Reservoir — Nee Noshe is very low, at less than 500 acres. Boat access is available, but launching is difficult for all but the smaller-sized boats. Fishing is improving for wipers and catfish. A few nice-sized saugeyes have been caught recently. Good spring fishing for catfish, saugeyes and wipers is expected as the water warms.
Nichols Reservoir — Nichols is accessed by a hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. The access road to the dam has opened for the season. The reservoir is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout and offers better than average fishing through the summer.
North Lake — Catch-and-release fishing from the shore and belly boats has been excellent on a variety of flies and lures. Productive fly patterns have included Renegades, Prince Nymphs, bead-head and Flashback Pheasant Tails, and an assortment of black patterns. Most of the fish have been rainbow trout, but the lake has an improving population of splake. Good fishing for both species is expected this season. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at North Lake. Habitat stamps are required of all visitors to the state wildlife area.
Palmer Lake — The water level has been very low the past few years and the lake has not been stocked. Very few fish remain. No fish will be stocked until the water level is suitable.
Pikeview Reservoir — Fishing for catchable-sized trout has been fair to good. This Colorado Springs city lake also is a developing warm-water fishery, with a variety of species present, including some saugeyes up to five pounds. Parking is limited because of nearby construction. Anglers must park along Mark Dabling Boulevard, at Goose Gossage Park or along the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail.
Prospect Lake — The lake in Colorado Springs has been refilled and stocked with trout. Fishing for catchable-sized rainbows and an occasional larger fish has been good. Rebuilding the warm-water fishery continues, but fishing for bass, catfish, panfish and wipers still is a year or two away.
Pueblo Reservoir — Fishing for wipers has come alive in the west end of the lake, where the visibility is unusually good. Minnows and leeches have been working well, and a few have been taken topwater. The north shore marina recently checked five wipers in the 10- to 14-pound range. Walleyes have been active along the dam and crappie have been biting lake wide. The level is the best in recent years. Walleye numbers remain high, but most are not legal-sized. Wipers are stable, with many in the 15- to 22-inch range. Smallmouth and spotted bass are doing very well, and largemouths have been increasing with higher water. Catch rates will be high, but most bass will be under 15 inches. Catfish numbers are low to moderate but many are good-sized. The lake has both channel and flathead catfish.
Quail Lake — The Colorado Springs city lake has been stocked with catchable-size trout, and fishing for 9- to 10-inch fish has been good in recent days. An occasional larger trout also has been taken. The lake also has a variety of warm-water fish, including largemouth bass, catfish and bluegills. Fishing for them has been slow but should improve with warmer water temperatures.
Queens Reservoirs — Upper and Lower Queens reservoirs are dry.
Rampart Reservoir — The main access road and other facilities are open for the season. The ice is gone. Excellent water levels are expected in 2007. The lake is heavily stocked with rainbow trout and also has mackinaw. Fishing for mackinaw from shore is especially good soon after ice-out. Access to the boat ramp requires crossing the dam and can be affected by Homeland Security considerations. In general, it is available from mid-May to early October, but restrictions apply to some types of vehicles. Recreation facilities are managed by a U.S. Forest Service concessionaire and entry requires payment of a fee.
Runyon Lake — This is one of several Pueblo-area lakes stocked 12 months a year. Fishing for catchable-sized trout should be fairly good through the spring, early summer and fall. The lake also has some catfish that can grow to impressive size.
San Isabel Lake — Though early season fishing usually is good, few fishermen have been out, probably because of wind and recent cool temperatures. The lake is at the high-water mark. The main parking lot at the northwest corner of the lake is open. The east parking lot and road around the lake remain closed. Access roads and campgrounds are managed for the U.S. Forest Service by Rocky Mountain Recreation, which likely will open all facilities sometime in May. At that time, a $5 per vehicle daily use fee will be charged. The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout in May. It also offers browns, cutthroats, brook trout and splake.
Skaguay Reservoir — Shoreline fishing for trout up to 15 inches has been fair to good. Green Power Bait recently has produced the best results. Fishing pressure during the week has been light. The water level is very good after several years of drought and likely will remain that way through the summer. The lake also has some northern pike up to 40 inches, and anglers are encouraged to keep all the pike they catch. The inlet area offers the best pike habitat. Facilities include a boat ramp. Wakeless boating is required. The creek below the dam offers fishing for brown trout.
South Platte River (between Spinney and Elevenmile) — Flows continue to be low, averaging approximately 38 cfs above Elevenmile Reservoir. Fish that are in the river are pooled up and have been difficult to entice. Though conditions are demanding, some trophy catches still are being reported. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures below Spinney, and catch-and-release rules apply. Brown trout catches have been abundant above Spinney. As usual, this area attracts large crowds this time of year.
South Platte River, Deckers area — Flows below Cheesman Dam remain high, and on Tuesday morning were 691 cfs. Though somewhat turbid, the water through Cheesman Canyon generally is fishably clear. San Juan worms and scud patterns may take some fish, and midge activity around the edges of the main current is possible. A small nymph or midge emerger trailing a San Juan worm or larger Pheasant Tail can be an effective rig. The river gains sediment from tributaries, and below Deckers it becomes virtually unfishable.
South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon — Flows remain extremely low. On Tuesday morning the volume was 38.1 cfs, but with the reservoirs above either full or filling, an increase in flow seems likely. With continued low flows, conditions are demanding. Trout are concentrated, very spooky and difficult to catch, rejecting most of the standard nymph patterns drifted by veteran canyon fishermen. No dry fly activity has been evident.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir — Fishing at Spinney is by artificial flies and lures only, with a bag and possession limit of one trout at least 20 inches long. The action is improving as water temperatures rise. The water level continues to rise and the upper end seems a little roily. Fishing has been good throughout the day, with average trout catches in the 18- to 22-inch range. The most successful flies have been scud patterns, various streamers and white jigs. As usual, marabou jigs are hot. This is a day use park, opening 1/2 hour before sunrise and closing one hour after sunset. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Tarryall Reservoir — Shoreline fishermen have enjoyed fairly good action for trout, primarily on worms, salmon eggs and small, shiny spoons. The creek above and below the reservoir is rising and gaining color. Look for some discoloration in the upper end of the lake. The lake has rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout in the 11- to 16-inch range and an occasional larger brown. Its northern pike have been growing in size and turning up in the catch more frequently. Anglers are encouraged to keep all the pike they catch. Wakeless boating is permitted. A habitat stamp is required of all visitors to the state wildlife area.
Trinidad Reservoir — The lake has come up slightly but still is around 860 surface acres. The surface temperature is around 60 degrees, with subsurface temperatures around 50-55 degrees. Fishing has been very good for trout with Power Bait, worms or lures from shore and boats. Walleyes have picked up a little. Most walleyes caught are short of the 15-inch minimum, but a few keepers have been caught. Catfish have been good, with several in the 5- to 7-pound range taken. Perch, wipers and smallmouth bass also are showing up more regularly. Boaters are reminded to use caution because of some unmarked hazards and floating debris. Anglers are reminded to check for special size and possession limits for bass and walleyes at the lake. Contact Trinidad Lake State Park at 719-846-6951 for more information.
Turks Pond — Well repairs have helped improve the water level at Turks Pond. A new boat ramp extension was added last summer. Fishing has been fair for trout and catfish. A few crappie also have been caught, but fishing for them has been slow.
Turquoise Lake — On Monday, the reservoir was mostly free of ice. With warming weather and a high volume of water coming in, remaining ice should quickly melt. Fishermen have been taking some rainbow trout and mackinaw in the open water. The road has been cleared to the inlet. Campgrounds are to open on Friday. Turquoise has an abundant population of lake trout, but many are small, less than 20 inches. Fishing for mackinaw usually is good from the south and east shores from ice-out through June, when they move into deeper water and deep-trolling gear is the key to catching them. The bag and possession limit is two lake trout. The lake also has rainbow trout and an occasional large brown. Stocking of catchable-sized trout will increase this summer. Two boat ramps are available.
Twin Lakes — Fishing for rainbow trout from the shore and boats has been good on salmon eggs, night crawlers, Dardevles and Krocodile lures. Lake trout still are active, especially around the power plant and the inlet to the lower lake. Rapalas, other large lures and large tube jigs tipped with sucker meat have been working best for the lakers. The mackinaw population continues to rebound, with the average size approaching 20 inches and some approaching 40. Fishing for rainbow trout averaging 12 inches but running up to 20 also has improved in recent years. Catchable-sized trout are stocked through the summer.
Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert) Forebay — Fishing for lake trout and some decent-sized rainbows remains fairly good in the forebay just to the north of Twin Lakes. The forebay has the best population of lakers in the Arkansas River basin, and the early season is the best time to fish for them from the south shore. The average size is 17 inches and the largest exceed 40. The Forebay also has abundant rainbow trout and fishing is especially good early in the season. Recent stockers average 11 inches, but surviving fish are around 15. Hand-carried boats including float tubes are permitted. However, boaters should be aware of potential fluctuations and strong currents. The best boater access is at the southwest corner of the reservoir. Park along the edge of the road but do not block the locked gate.
Two Buttes Reservoir — Two Buttes Reservoir is dry.
Valco Ponds — Three of the old dredge ponds along the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir are open for fishing. They offer saugeyes and channel catfish, as well as some decent-sized bass and bluegills. Limited-harvest fishing for the bass is strongly encouraged to protect their population.
Wahatoya Reservoir — Fishing for rainbow trout has been good. Anglers have been using a variety of nymphs, light-green flies and Pistol Petes. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. Boats with motors are prohibited. To the south of Walsenburg, the roads to Blue and Bear lakes and the upper Huerfano River remain closed.
Southwest
Animas River — The river is high with spring runoff and muddy. Expect tough fishing conditions through mid-June.
Beaver Creek Reservoir — Fishing has improved with the warmer weather in the area. Shore anglers reported fair action for 10- to 14-inch rainbow trout using Power Bait, and a few 13- to 15-inch brown trout. Boat and float-tube anglers reported fair to good action for brown trout using flies and Kastmaster lures.
Big Meadows Reservoir — The lake is inaccessible to vehicles because of snow. The U.S. Forest Service expects to open the gate next week. Fishing is reported good for brook and brown trout using lures and bait in the South Fork of the Rio Grande below Big Meadows Reservoir.
Blue Mesa Reservoir — The water level is slowly rising. Trout fishing remains fairly good along the shorelines with marabou jigs and Rapalas. Lake-trout fishing still is fairly still slow, with a few fish taken by jigging Gitzits or trolling large Rapalas. Kokanee salmon are being caught in the Cebolla and Sapinero basins by trolling at 20-30 feet (4-5 colors of lead-core line) with brightly colored spoons and spinners. All facilities are open for the holiday weekend.
Conejos County (high country lakes) — The high lakes remain frozen or partially frozen and generally inaccessible. Look for ice-out in late May early June.
Conejos County (small streams) — Most streams are open, but a few remain inaccessible because of snow. Flows are high because of runoff.
Conejos River — The Conejos is open and accessible from Mogote to Platoro. However, fishing is poor because of high water levels. The river has been running high and murky at approximately 1,000 cfs. Fishing for trout will improve after runoff. Angling pressure has been light.
Crawford Reservoir — The lake offers fishing for trout, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish. Fishing was reported as fair to good over the weekend, with all species being caught at least by the serious fishermen. A variety of baits was used. Worms, Power Bait, lures and jigs all had some success. Water temperatures are rising slowly. The incoming streams are starting to slow down slightly, but at present the lake is still full.
Dolores River (lower) — With little water flowing out of McPhee Reservoir, the level is low and fishing is poor.
East River — The East remains in its runoff stage. Monday’s flow at Almont was 1,130 cfs and the water was muddy. Expect runoff conditions and difficult fishing through mid-June.
Echo Canyon Reservoir — The lake has been stocked with catchable-size trout, and fishing for them has been fair to good. The lake also has warm-water fish including some large, largemouth bass, which typically become more active a little later in the season. Fishing conditions usually are good through May. Dense weed beds begin to pose problems for anglers in June.
Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) — Flows have been around at 476 cfs. Water clarity has been pretty good despite the Cimarron feeding a huge volume into Crystal Reservoir. Fishing has been good to excellent. Nice blue-wing-olive hatches still have been coming off mid afternoon or later, around 5:30, especially on days with a cloud cover. For the BWOs, try nymphs like Copper Johns, Flashback PTs and RS-2 emergers. For adult patterns, try Adams, Parachute Adams, BWOs and Thorax versions. A nice caddis hatch also has been coming off. Try green Pulsating Caddis, Foam Caddis and Peacock Caddis. Lots of midges are around, especially later in the afternoon. Try an adult midge or a Griffiths Gnat. Look for the big stonefly nymphs to begin forming up and moving to the edges around the Memorial Day weekend.
Gunnison River (through the canyon) — The flow in the Gunnison Gorge has been around 456 cfs. Caddis are still coming off and caddis patterns are hot right now. Caddis dry/dropper rigs are hot, and streamers also are working. Size 8 Parachute Adams have done well, and emergers and stoneflies are being used. A few small stoneflies are coming off. Fishing has been fair from the Smith Fork downstream to Pleasure Park. The North Fork is still too high to wade safely. A commercial shuttle/return-boat service is available through the Pleasure Park.
Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) — The Gunnison was flowing at 1,720 cfs late Monday, and the water was dirty. Expect runoff conditions and very difficult fishing at least through mid-June.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir — Rainbow trout recently were stocked and fishing conditions are very good. The water level remains near capacity, but has stabilized. Perch continue to be plentiful, but mostly small. Action along the dam for both trout and perch has been good. For trout, typical baits (salmon eggs and Power Bait) fished just off bottom, as well as small crankbaits and in-line spinners, have been producing. For consistent perch action, suspend a small jig tipped with a worm under a slip bobber at about 15 feet or cast small flies along the shallow flooded timber. The boat ramp is open, and camping and other facilities are available. Call 970-533-7065, 970-882-2213 or check the link below for current conditions.
Joe Moore Reservoir — The reservoir near Mancos is full and recently was stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Recent population sampling by the DOW revealed an abundance of 8- to 10-inch yellow perch in spawning condition and several nice-sized black crappie. Most of the perch were along the lake bottom.
La Jara Creek — La Jara Creek is high but has been fishing well for brown trout. Fishing has been good on worms, spinners and artificial flies. La Jara Creek State Wildlife Area is closed to vehicle access until the Thursday before Memorial Day. Walk-in access is allowed from the state wildlife area. Water levels are dropping and the water is clear. Trout spook easily, so anglers should take a stealthy approach when fishing La Jara Creek. Expect good fishing well into the fall.
La Jara Reservoir — The reservoir is open and the fishing has been fair for brook trout and splake. Fishing pressure has been light. Last year’s gill-net surveys showed the splake and brook trout populations to be doing well. Splake and brook trout averaged 16 inches. Fish have been feeding on freshwater shrimp, leeches and damselflies.
McPhee Reservoir — The level is eight feet below the high-water mark, and the reservoir probably will fill this year. The lake is stocked with catchable trout in the spring, and fishing for them has been has been fair to good. McPhee also has warm-water species including smallmouth bass and crappie. The bass usually become active in early June. A slot limit applies to bass. All smallmouth and largemouth bass 10-15 inches long must immediately be returned to the lake.
Miramonte Reservoir — The 405-acre lake south of Norwood is part of the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area and offers potentially good fishing for larger-than-average rainbow trout. The DOW stocks subcatchable rainbows, which grow to size in the lake. Crayfish are a primary source of forage for the trout, and crayfish-imitating flies and lures generally work well. While catch rates appear to be down somewhat in the past year or two, the average fish size has been larger.
Mountain Home Reservoir — The lake is open and fishing for rainbow trout is reported as good on the typical baits and lures.
Navajo Reservoir — The lake level is at 6075.49. The water temperature on the Colorado side is 61 degrees. Crappie have become active at the Navajo State Park breakwater and in the coves near the boat ramp. The northern pike and largemouth and smallmouth bass also have been picking up lake wide. Nothern pike are biting on anything chartreuse.
Piedra River — The water has come up and become discolored during the past week.
Platoro Reservoir — The reservoir is mostly open and fishable. Some ice remains on the water near the dam, but it is melting fast and should be gone by Memorial Weekend. Forest Service Road 250 is open to Platoro. Platoro Reservoir is expected to fish well for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. A boat ramp is being constructed near the dam starting May 29. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of June. The primitive old boat ramp will be inaccessible while the new ramp is being constructed. Launching a boat will be difficult during construction.
Ridgway Fishing Ponds — The ponds were stocked periodically throug last summer. Many of those fish held over through the winter and are available this spring. 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, both by children and licensed adults (16 years or older).
Ridgway Reservoir — The lake level is being lowered to accommodate the spring runoff. Rainbow trout are biting on pretty much anything. Fishing is best around the boat ramp. About 10,000 3-inch splake were put into the lake last week. Additional 10-inch rainbows also were stocked.
Rio Grande High Country Streams — Some high-country streams are beginning to open up and are running high. Access is limited and no fishing reports are available.
Rio Grande River — The river is high and off-color because of the recent warm weather in the area. The flow at Del Norte on Tuesday was 4,410 cfs. Fishing is practical by drift boat or raft only. Fishing is slow to fair for brown trout using Woolly Buggers, Girdle Bugs stonefly nymphs and spinners.
Road Canyon Reservoir — Fishing is reported as good for 14- to 16-inch rainbow trout and fair for cutthroat trout and brook trout using worms, Power Bait and spinners.
San Juan high-country lakes, streams — Most of the high country remains snow-covered and inaccessible. High lakes and streams still have an ice cover.
San Juan River — The river has risen and the water become discolored during the past week.
San Luis Lake — The San Luis Lake water level is low and the boat ramp is not usable. Catchable (9-inch) rainbow trout were stocked in early April.
Sanchez Reservoir — The lake is clear and water level is rising. Fishing is reported as slow for walleyes and northern pike. The action should pick up as the water warms.
Smith Reservoir (San Luis Valley) — The lake south of Blanca has adequate water after several years of drought. Over the years, it has been very productive and its trout grow rapidly. That trend was evident during the ice-fishing season, when numerous good-sized fish were taken, and good fishing should continue through the spring and summer.
Taylor Reservoir — Early season fishing for mackinaw and rainbow and brown trout remains very good. Lake trout of 23.5, 24.9 and 19.3 pounds, and a 12-pound northern pike recently were checked at the marina. White-pearl Flatfish and rainbow-finish Rapalas have been effective lures for trolling. Sucker meat and night crawlers have taken lake trout off the bottom. Northern pike generally are not active yet.
Taylor River — The river has come from tributary flows and increased releases from the dam. Late on Monday, the flow at Almont was 570 cfs and wading was difficult. Below Taylor Dam, flows have come up to 258 cfs. Above Almont, No. 8-12 stonefly nymphs, No. 14-20 Pheasant Tails and midges have been taking some fish. When the water is less than clear, Woolly Buggers or Western Coachmen can be effective, as can Mepps and Panther Martin spinners. The tailwater directly below the dam offers good fishing for exceptionally large rainbows, but the area attracts large crowds. Mysis shrimp and midges are the go-to patterns, and some blue-wing-olive mayflies can appear this time of year. Think small - sizes 18-24 for midges, BWOs and Mysis imitators.
Trujillo Meadows Reservoir — Ice-out usually occurs in mid to late May. Current access is difficult because of snow drifts. The snow is melting fast and road conditions are changing daily. The road is expected to be open by Memorial Weekend. Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is usually excellent just after ice-off.
Tucker Ponds — The gate on Pass Creek Road remains closed, therefore Tucker Ponds are inaccessible to vehicles at this time.
Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park — The flows are picking up and have been around 400 cfs. The spring runoff has started. Fishing has slowed down. The Bureau of Reclamation will raise the river up to 500 cfs if needed. Colorado River cutthroat, Snake River cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout all call this section of the Uncompahgre home.
Vallecito Reservoir — Fishing for 13- to 15-inch rainbow trout has been very good in recent days, but few northern pike, kokanee salmon or walleyes were reported last week. Through a change in stocking policy, larger (12-inch) trout were stocked last fall in hopes of reducing predation by northern pike. That approach has been effective in other waters having both trout and pike. Fishing for both species and for kokanee salmon should be better after the water has warmed up a little. The DOW is conducting a creel census at Vallecito this year. Anglers are asked to cooperate. A mercury advisory has been issued for northern pike from the lake.
Williams Creek Reservoir — The road to the lake has been opened. Few fishermen have been on the water, but the early fishing has been fairly good.

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