Post by Whiskers on Jun 21, 2007 10:53:20 GMT -6
June 20, 2007
Conditions Report
Arvada Reservoir - Fishing for trout has been slow. A few still are being taken on Power Bait. Some catfish also are being caught from the shore. Only electric motors are permitted for boating. Belly boats may not be used.
Aurora Reservoir - The water temperature is 64 degrees. Trout fishing overall has been slow to fair, and good for some using rainbow Power Bait from a slip rig. Trout are deeper now. From boats, it has been hit-or-miss, with some success trolling with night crawlers and spoons or anchoring in 20-30 feet of water and dropping down crawlers or Power Bait. Walleye action at present is slow to fair. Some have been caught on bottom bouncers with crawlers and jigs. Wiper action is slow. All other species are slow or no reports have come in. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors.
Barr Lake - The level is high, the water is clear and the temperature is in the mid to upper 60s. Overall, the fishing has been slow, but boaters have taken some wipers off the north shore on crankbaits and jigs, and a few walleyes off the south shore. Otehrwise, trout are still hitting Power Bait off the bottom, and minnows have taken just about everything. Catfish are taking large dead shiners off the bottom.
Bear Creek - The river remain a little high. Fish the edges with olive Woolly Buggers or dry flies with droppers. Use caution in the high water.
Bear Creek Reservoir - Fishing in the reservoir has been good. Rainbow trout have been caught on orange Power Bait or by trolling with silver spoons.
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 - Crappie and bass are hitting well right now. Use a large crawler off the bottom for the bass or a minnow for crappie.
Chatfield Reservoir - The water remains high and discolored. The spillway can be a great place to get a limit of walleyes, however it's been hit-or-miss. The minimum size for walleyes at Chatfield is 18 inches, but only one per day can exceed 21 inches.
Cherry Creek Reservoir - Boaters are hitting walleyes off the face of the dam using Rapalas or a Lindy Rig tipped with a leech. Trout fisherman are doing pretty well using minnows off a bobber.
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) - The water level is high; use caution. Fish along the edges with black Woolly Buggers or dry flies with a dropper
Clear Lake - The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road is open and recently was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. It also has some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. The north shore often is the best location. No boats are permitted on the lake.
Evergreen Lake - Rooster Tail spinners have been taking some good-sized trout around the inlet. Watch for tiger muskies in the shallow areas.
Georgetown Lake - Trout are abundant here. Use a night crawler or pink Power Bait and you should catch a limit.
Gross Reservoir - The inlet area has always been good for trout, but also look to the shallow bays for tiger muskies. A 42-inch tiger was caught on Power Bait a few weeks ago. Try dead shiners off the bottom close to shore.
Jim Baker Reservoir - Trout have been hitting Woolly Worms and minnows off a bobber. The catfish should be hitting any day. Use a large dead shiner off the bottom; they're not likely to 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 temeratures. No boats are allowed on the lake.
Quincy Reservoir - The water temperature is 67 degrees. Trout fishing is fair to good using Callibaetis patterns, Woolly Buggers, bead-head Prince Nymphs and Hare's Ears. The best trout action has been in the evenings. Bass fishing is fair to good across the reservoir using jigs, spinnerbaits, crawfish imitations and crankbaits. Some topwater action for bass is occurring in the evenings. Perch action is fair to good using jigs. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. Please see the defintion of artificial in the Colorado Division of Wildlife's fishing regulations booklet. The limit for trout at Quincy is two. Bass must be at least 18 inches to keep. All boats must be hand-launched. Electric motors only. For rmation, call 303-693-5463.
Rocky Mountain Lake - Trout have been hitting minnows off a red-white-bobber. Power Bait is also a great bet. The lake also has bluegills, largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. The minimum aize for largemouths is 15 inches. No boats are allowed. Amenities at the city of Denver facility include a playground, restrooms and hard-surface foot trail.
Sloans Lake - Look to the shallows for bass on beds. Place a big night crawler in the bed and hold on. Stocked trout have been easy to catch, but look for that to slow down with warming temperatures.
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 at 65 degrees. Trout continue to be caught with Power Bait and salmon eggs fished off the bottom from the 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 this 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 rmation 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 Region
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. Memorial Day weekend was fair for fishing, with most trout caught on the north shore. Also, try near the inlet.
Barnes Meadow Reservoir - Barnes Meadow is ice-free. Fishing pressure has been light, with only a few fish caught. Power Baits, spinning lures, including Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, Mepps, Dardevles and the like, 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 - Flows have been steady at 127 cfs. Pale morning duns and green drakes are on. Size 16-20 PMD dries and nymphs are a good choice, or for the drakes, size 12 in both dry and wet flies. Stonefly patterns such as No. 12-16 Stimulators are working well as point flies on dropper rigs. For PMDs try size 16-18 Thorax, Parachute or Hatchmasters for dries, Pheasant Tails, Pickpockets or Hotwires for nymphs. For the Drakes - size 12 Wulffs, Ice Drakes or Crown Jewels, Anato Mays or Prince Nymphs. 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. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.
Boedecker Reservoir - Bass are still in the shallows hitting shiners below a bobber. Spinnerbaits with rabbit hair also are taking a few.
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. Boating fees for the reservoir have discouraged a number of fishermen.
Boyd Lake - The level is high and the inlets appear to have been shut down. Fishing for mostly small walleyes and for white bass has been fair to good. Bass and catfish are becoming more active, especially during cooler times of the day. Check the DOW's regulations booklet for size restrictions on walleyes and largemouth and smallmouth bass. 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 - Carter recently was stocked with 2,000 trout, including 500 that weighed between 2 and 5 pounds. Bass fishing is starting to pick up. Try tube jigs, grubs and other soft-plastic lures. The docks and slips make excellent areas to fish for bass. Walleye fishing has been picking up on the east side of the resevoir near Dam 1. Look for walleyes in 5-20 feet of water.
Chambers Lake - The ice is off the lake. Fishing for rainbow trout and mackinaw usually is very good 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 in the mid-50s and fishing is good. Regular midge hatches should be appearing on days with a light wind. look for Callibaetis to start hatching soon. Try small leech patterns, crayfish, Chironomids, Callibaetis nymphs and scuds.
Dixon Reservoir - The fishery appears healthy after some concerns about winter kill. Small largemouth bass and large bluegills have provided some good activity in recent days. The lake is very weedy and difficult to fish on the bottom or from shore. Fly-bubble rigs or topwater lures may be as effective as anything.
Douglas Reservoir - The water level is down slightly and has been murky. Lots of newly submerged vegetation is evident. Temperatures have ranged from the low 60s in the north end to the upper 60s in the south. Trout are hitting salmon eggs close to the boat ramp. Boaters are going deeper for some larger trout with fair success. Some wipers and walleyes have been taken by trolling with Rapala-style lures.
Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) - As the summer temperatures are rising, this is a great place to locate some trout on a pleasant day. Use Power Bait from shore or Kastmasters from a boat, casting back toward the shoreline.
East Delaney Lake - Fishing has been good to excellent. The west side has been best for anglers fishing from shore. Try crayfish patterns, scuds, Callibaetis, and midges in red and black. Dry fly action is sporadic. Stick with nymphs, fished 5-8 feet under an indicator, until you see rising fish; then try dries. 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 fishing well, especially in the mornings or evenings. For fly fishing, try midges in size 18-22 for surface activity in the mornings and evenings. Try Woolly Buggers, midges, caddis and beetles for cruising fish. For spin fishing, try flashy lures and bait, especially salmon eggs at the inlet. Fishing around the lake can be good with a worm or Power Bait, as well.
Flatiron Reservoir - Fishing has been picking up. Flatiron was recently stocked with trout. Fishing has been best using orange and green Power Bait.
Hidden Lakes - The lakes are free of ice and the road is open. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are open.
Hohnholz Lakes - The time is right for brown trout and large rainbows on Lake No. 3. The fish are big and hungry. Fish with a black Woolly Bugger or a copper-colored spoon. This is an articial-fly-and-lure lake. Go now, before the moss becomes a big problem.
Horsetooth Reservoir - Fishing has been great as of late. Smallmouth bass are very active in the western coves, with Eltuck Coves leading the way. Anglers have reported good walleye action in the Inlet Bay and South Bay areas. Reports also have come in of some large walleyes taken along Soldier Dam. Points off the coves have shown good results for bass and walleyes. Silver Rat-L-Traps and light-colored Mister Twisters are still a good bet. The water temperature is in the low 60s, with the coves several degrees higher. All walleyes must be at least 18 inches long, but only one can exceed 21 inches.
Jackson Reservoir - Fishing has slowed for all species. A few wipers and trout have been reported caught from the dam on worms and mussels. A 24-pound, 34-inch channel catfish recently was caught from the inlet on shrimp. Channel catfish are also being caught from the northeast corner of the lake using worms. The reservoir is at full capacity.
Joe Wright Reservoir - Ice-off has begun, and with warmer temperatures should continue quickly. Grayling are the primary species caught in the lake, although rainbow and cuttbow trout are commonly caught, as well. The lake has a special regulation that only artificial for flies and lures may be used (no bait fishing). The daily bag and possession limit is two trout at least 16 inches long.
Jumbo Reservoir - The reservoir is still full, and all the boat ramps are in the water and accessible. Trout fishing is good, with many rainbows averaging 14-15 inches. Trolling and using blue and silver crankbaits along the south dams have been the most successful. Some catfish also have been caught. Some crappie and walleyes have been stocked, but are too young to be catchable. A habitat stamp is required to enter Jumbo and Red Lion Annex.
Lake John - Fishing is good. This lake has been producing nice-sized fish. Midges and some Callibaetis have been hatching daily, dependent on the weather. Try throwing leeches, scuds, crayfish, Chironomid and Callibaetis patterns. Spin-fishermen try Tasmanian Devils, Kastmasters, Rapalas, 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 - Trout have been taking small Pheasant Tails and RS-2s. The best fishing has been reported around the camping area.
Lon Hagler Reservoir - White bass remain active in the west end near the brush, and some good-sized crappie still can be taken on jigs and minnows. Wipers have become more active, especially early and late in the day. Some bass have been taken along the dam face, and fishermen also have been catching some 3-to 6-pound catfish on the traditional catfish baits.
Lonetree Reservoir - The water is very clear, and sight fishing for bass has been fairly good for fishermen willing to work at it. Numbers have not been especially high, but the bass have been fairly good-sized. The best action has been late in the afternoon into the evening. Fishing for walleyes has slowed but remains fair during periods of low light. The minimum size is 15 inches, and fishermen may take only one walleye longer than 21 inches per day. Fishing for wipers, though spotty, has been fair early and late in the day.
Long Draw Reservoir - The lake usually remains frozen into early June and the access road is opened around June 22.
Lost Lake (at Chambers) - The lake is ice-free. A partial winter kill is possible here, as the lake is not too deep. How much, if any, over-winter mortality has occurred is unknown. The lake has a litter problem, so please pack out what you pack in.
North Delaney Lake - Fishing has been fair to good, and is getting better as water temperatures increase. Fishing has been best using scuds, black leeches, crayfish, Chironomids and Callibaetis. Nymphing with two to three flies fished 6-10 feet below an indicator is most productive during the day. Try large streamer and leech patterns at dawn and dusk. Chironomids are hatching daily, with sporadic Callibaetis hatches dependent on the weather. 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. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.
North Michigan Lake - The lake has been stocked. Fishing is good, with people catching trout on worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs. Fly fishing above and below the reservoir also has been very good. Anglers have been most successful using Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and a variety of caddisflies.
North Park Alpine Lakes - The high lakes still are ice-covered and remain generally inaccessible.
North Park Streams - The North Park streams are fishing well. Flows are high in all streams, but most have good clarity. Water temperatures have been good and fish seem very healthy. Try Woolly Buggers in black and bright colors (yellow, orange, red). Nymph with Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, 20-Incher Stones and leech patterns. The North Fork has been fishing best.
North Platte River - The North Platte is fishing very well. The river has been running at 1,270 cfs, with 1 to 2 feet of clarity. The only significant hatches at this time are caddis. Salmonfly nymphs are starting to work thir way to the banks and should start hatching within the next two weeks. Depending on flows and clarity, fishing could become excellent. Anglers are doing well fishing toward the banks with big bright streamers. The water temperatures are in the mid-50s. At high water, try fishing back eddies with big bright streamers such as Tequeely, Orange Blossom and Yellow Zonker flies. Also try nymphing with big stones and dragonfly nymphs.
North Sterling Reservoir - The lake is full, with both the inlet and outlet running. The water temperature is in the mid-70s on the surface, with about 8-10 feet of visibility. Wiper fishing is still fair, with shrimp and crayfish the best baits. Anglers are still catching some walleyes, with an occasional 6- to 7-pounder still being caught. Catfishing has improved on the flats, with cut bait working the best. A few crappie have started appearing along the north end of the lake.
Parvin Lake (Red Feather) - Gold Kastmasters fished along the south side should produce some nice-sized browns. A large Prince Nymph will do well, also.
Pinewood Reservoir - Pinewood was recenly stocked. Fishermans Cove remains the most reliable spot. Salmon eggs and pink Power Bait have been working best. Tiger-muskie fishing has been improving.
Poudre River - The Poudre has been high and tough to fish, but it appears to be dropping. A return of warmer weather might delay the clearing, however. An effective rig for the conditions might be a dry-dropper combination, with a Stimulator dry fly as the lead, trailed by a nymph. A bit of trial and error with popular nymph and emerger patterns is in order to determine what's working best.
Prewitt Reservoir - The reservoir is still full, and running enough to keep it full. The boat dock is in. Catfish and wipers have slowed down. Walleyes are biting in the inlet and fishing for them is good. They are being caught on a wide variety of tackle, from worms to Mister Twisters in various colors. An annual habitat stamp is required to enter Prewitt Reservoir.
Ranger Lakes - Ranger Lakes have been stocked, and the fishing is great. Renegades, Bumblebee flies, Rooster Tail spinners, yellow spinners, caddisflies, worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs all have been effective.
Rocky Mountain National Park - The water is clear, with flows fluctuating daily. The Big Thompson in Moraine is flowing at 216 cfs. Stoneflies, caddis and pale morning duns have appeared in select areas. Try PMD Hatchmasters and Thorax in sizes 16-20 for dry flies, and bead-head 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 it has special-regulations areas, and bait fishing is limited to kids in selected areas. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.
Seeley Lake - Look shallow for bass; they're on their beds close to shore. A simple crawler on a hook will provoke a bite. Buzzbaits after dark also are a good bet. Trout have been stocked, and a minnow off a bobber will work about as well as anything.
Seymour Reservoir - The lake is open and has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. A habitat stamp is required of everyone visiting the state wildlife area.
Simpson Ponds - The ponds recently have produced some 3- to 7-pound bass. Soft-plastic lures have been the most consistent. Also, try topwater baits such as Chug Bugs, poppers and buzzbaits in the evening. Catfish still are active in the evenings into the night.
South Delaney Lake - Fishing has been great, with many fish over 20 inches being landed daily. Chironomids have been hatching daily, with sporadic hatches of Callibaetis dependent on the weather. During the hatch, try a Chironomid just below the surface; also try fishing them with a very slow hand retreive. Also try scuds, leeches, midges, Chironomids, and Callibaetis patterns fished 5-10 feet below an indicator. 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 have been around 500 cfs at Lyons. 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 also are good choices. Stoneflies, size 12-16, and caddis, size 14-16, can make good point flies 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 are open for the season.
Union Reservoir (Calkins) - Fishing for wipers has slowed. Shore fishermen are having some success using mussels for bait. Trout are being caught on worms and other typical baits in deeper water, and by trolling in deeper water with small spinners and Rapalas. Fishing for channel catfish has picked up, with the best success using worms, stink bait and cut shad.
Watson Lake - Kastmasters are the key to catching trout here. Bass should hit black jigs. Fish a little faster as the water temperature rises.
Wellington Reservoir #4 - The lake recently was stocked. Trout are after salmon eggs off the bottom. A big worm will work, also. Kastmasters fished close to shore are doing the job, also.
Conditions Report
Arvada Reservoir - Fishing for trout has been slow. A few still are being taken on Power Bait. Some catfish also are being caught from the shore. Only electric motors are permitted for boating. Belly boats may not be used.
Aurora Reservoir - The water temperature is 64 degrees. Trout fishing overall has been slow to fair, and good for some using rainbow Power Bait from a slip rig. Trout are deeper now. From boats, it has been hit-or-miss, with some success trolling with night crawlers and spoons or anchoring in 20-30 feet of water and dropping down crawlers or Power Bait. Walleye action at present is slow to fair. Some have been caught on bottom bouncers with crawlers and jigs. Wiper action is slow. All other species are slow or no reports have come in. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors.
Barr Lake - The level is high, the water is clear and the temperature is in the mid to upper 60s. Overall, the fishing has been slow, but boaters have taken some wipers off the north shore on crankbaits and jigs, and a few walleyes off the south shore. Otehrwise, trout are still hitting Power Bait off the bottom, and minnows have taken just about everything. Catfish are taking large dead shiners off the bottom.
Bear Creek - The river remain a little high. Fish the edges with olive Woolly Buggers or dry flies with droppers. Use caution in the high water.
Bear Creek Reservoir - Fishing in the reservoir has been good. Rainbow trout have been caught on orange Power Bait or by trolling with silver spoons.
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 - Crappie and bass are hitting well right now. Use a large crawler off the bottom for the bass or a minnow for crappie.
Chatfield Reservoir - The water remains high and discolored. The spillway can be a great place to get a limit of walleyes, however it's been hit-or-miss. The minimum size for walleyes at Chatfield is 18 inches, but only one per day can exceed 21 inches.
Cherry Creek Reservoir - Boaters are hitting walleyes off the face of the dam using Rapalas or a Lindy Rig tipped with a leech. Trout fisherman are doing pretty well using minnows off a bobber.
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) - The water level is high; use caution. Fish along the edges with black Woolly Buggers or dry flies with a dropper
Clear Lake - The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road is open and recently was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. It also has some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. The north shore often is the best location. No boats are permitted on the lake.
Evergreen Lake - Rooster Tail spinners have been taking some good-sized trout around the inlet. Watch for tiger muskies in the shallow areas.
Georgetown Lake - Trout are abundant here. Use a night crawler or pink Power Bait and you should catch a limit.
Gross Reservoir - The inlet area has always been good for trout, but also look to the shallow bays for tiger muskies. A 42-inch tiger was caught on Power Bait a few weeks ago. Try dead shiners off the bottom close to shore.
Jim Baker Reservoir - Trout have been hitting Woolly Worms and minnows off a bobber. The catfish should be hitting any day. Use a large dead shiner off the bottom; they're not likely to 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 temeratures. No boats are allowed on the lake.
Quincy Reservoir - The water temperature is 67 degrees. Trout fishing is fair to good using Callibaetis patterns, Woolly Buggers, bead-head Prince Nymphs and Hare's Ears. The best trout action has been in the evenings. Bass fishing is fair to good across the reservoir using jigs, spinnerbaits, crawfish imitations and crankbaits. Some topwater action for bass is occurring in the evenings. Perch action is fair to good using jigs. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. Please see the defintion of artificial in the Colorado Division of Wildlife's fishing regulations booklet. The limit for trout at Quincy is two. Bass must be at least 18 inches to keep. All boats must be hand-launched. Electric motors only. For rmation, call 303-693-5463.
Rocky Mountain Lake - Trout have been hitting minnows off a red-white-bobber. Power Bait is also a great bet. The lake also has bluegills, largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. The minimum aize for largemouths is 15 inches. No boats are allowed. Amenities at the city of Denver facility include a playground, restrooms and hard-surface foot trail.
Sloans Lake - Look to the shallows for bass on beds. Place a big night crawler in the bed and hold on. Stocked trout have been easy to catch, but look for that to slow down with warming temperatures.
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 at 65 degrees. Trout continue to be caught with Power Bait and salmon eggs fished off the bottom from the 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 this 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 rmation 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 Region
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. Memorial Day weekend was fair for fishing, with most trout caught on the north shore. Also, try near the inlet.
Barnes Meadow Reservoir - Barnes Meadow is ice-free. Fishing pressure has been light, with only a few fish caught. Power Baits, spinning lures, including Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, Mepps, Dardevles and the like, 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 - Flows have been steady at 127 cfs. Pale morning duns and green drakes are on. Size 16-20 PMD dries and nymphs are a good choice, or for the drakes, size 12 in both dry and wet flies. Stonefly patterns such as No. 12-16 Stimulators are working well as point flies on dropper rigs. For PMDs try size 16-18 Thorax, Parachute or Hatchmasters for dries, Pheasant Tails, Pickpockets or Hotwires for nymphs. For the Drakes - size 12 Wulffs, Ice Drakes or Crown Jewels, Anato Mays or Prince Nymphs. 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. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.
Boedecker Reservoir - Bass are still in the shallows hitting shiners below a bobber. Spinnerbaits with rabbit hair also are taking a few.
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. Boating fees for the reservoir have discouraged a number of fishermen.
Boyd Lake - The level is high and the inlets appear to have been shut down. Fishing for mostly small walleyes and for white bass has been fair to good. Bass and catfish are becoming more active, especially during cooler times of the day. Check the DOW's regulations booklet for size restrictions on walleyes and largemouth and smallmouth bass. 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 - Carter recently was stocked with 2,000 trout, including 500 that weighed between 2 and 5 pounds. Bass fishing is starting to pick up. Try tube jigs, grubs and other soft-plastic lures. The docks and slips make excellent areas to fish for bass. Walleye fishing has been picking up on the east side of the resevoir near Dam 1. Look for walleyes in 5-20 feet of water.
Chambers Lake - The ice is off the lake. Fishing for rainbow trout and mackinaw usually is very good 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 in the mid-50s and fishing is good. Regular midge hatches should be appearing on days with a light wind. look for Callibaetis to start hatching soon. Try small leech patterns, crayfish, Chironomids, Callibaetis nymphs and scuds.
Dixon Reservoir - The fishery appears healthy after some concerns about winter kill. Small largemouth bass and large bluegills have provided some good activity in recent days. The lake is very weedy and difficult to fish on the bottom or from shore. Fly-bubble rigs or topwater lures may be as effective as anything.
Douglas Reservoir - The water level is down slightly and has been murky. Lots of newly submerged vegetation is evident. Temperatures have ranged from the low 60s in the north end to the upper 60s in the south. Trout are hitting salmon eggs close to the boat ramp. Boaters are going deeper for some larger trout with fair success. Some wipers and walleyes have been taken by trolling with Rapala-style lures.
Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) - As the summer temperatures are rising, this is a great place to locate some trout on a pleasant day. Use Power Bait from shore or Kastmasters from a boat, casting back toward the shoreline.
East Delaney Lake - Fishing has been good to excellent. The west side has been best for anglers fishing from shore. Try crayfish patterns, scuds, Callibaetis, and midges in red and black. Dry fly action is sporadic. Stick with nymphs, fished 5-8 feet under an indicator, until you see rising fish; then try dries. 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 fishing well, especially in the mornings or evenings. For fly fishing, try midges in size 18-22 for surface activity in the mornings and evenings. Try Woolly Buggers, midges, caddis and beetles for cruising fish. For spin fishing, try flashy lures and bait, especially salmon eggs at the inlet. Fishing around the lake can be good with a worm or Power Bait, as well.
Flatiron Reservoir - Fishing has been picking up. Flatiron was recently stocked with trout. Fishing has been best using orange and green Power Bait.
Hidden Lakes - The lakes are free of ice and the road is open. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are open.
Hohnholz Lakes - The time is right for brown trout and large rainbows on Lake No. 3. The fish are big and hungry. Fish with a black Woolly Bugger or a copper-colored spoon. This is an articial-fly-and-lure lake. Go now, before the moss becomes a big problem.
Horsetooth Reservoir - Fishing has been great as of late. Smallmouth bass are very active in the western coves, with Eltuck Coves leading the way. Anglers have reported good walleye action in the Inlet Bay and South Bay areas. Reports also have come in of some large walleyes taken along Soldier Dam. Points off the coves have shown good results for bass and walleyes. Silver Rat-L-Traps and light-colored Mister Twisters are still a good bet. The water temperature is in the low 60s, with the coves several degrees higher. All walleyes must be at least 18 inches long, but only one can exceed 21 inches.
Jackson Reservoir - Fishing has slowed for all species. A few wipers and trout have been reported caught from the dam on worms and mussels. A 24-pound, 34-inch channel catfish recently was caught from the inlet on shrimp. Channel catfish are also being caught from the northeast corner of the lake using worms. The reservoir is at full capacity.
Joe Wright Reservoir - Ice-off has begun, and with warmer temperatures should continue quickly. Grayling are the primary species caught in the lake, although rainbow and cuttbow trout are commonly caught, as well. The lake has a special regulation that only artificial for flies and lures may be used (no bait fishing). The daily bag and possession limit is two trout at least 16 inches long.
Jumbo Reservoir - The reservoir is still full, and all the boat ramps are in the water and accessible. Trout fishing is good, with many rainbows averaging 14-15 inches. Trolling and using blue and silver crankbaits along the south dams have been the most successful. Some catfish also have been caught. Some crappie and walleyes have been stocked, but are too young to be catchable. A habitat stamp is required to enter Jumbo and Red Lion Annex.
Lake John - Fishing is good. This lake has been producing nice-sized fish. Midges and some Callibaetis have been hatching daily, dependent on the weather. Try throwing leeches, scuds, crayfish, Chironomid and Callibaetis patterns. Spin-fishermen try Tasmanian Devils, Kastmasters, Rapalas, 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 - Trout have been taking small Pheasant Tails and RS-2s. The best fishing has been reported around the camping area.
Lon Hagler Reservoir - White bass remain active in the west end near the brush, and some good-sized crappie still can be taken on jigs and minnows. Wipers have become more active, especially early and late in the day. Some bass have been taken along the dam face, and fishermen also have been catching some 3-to 6-pound catfish on the traditional catfish baits.
Lonetree Reservoir - The water is very clear, and sight fishing for bass has been fairly good for fishermen willing to work at it. Numbers have not been especially high, but the bass have been fairly good-sized. The best action has been late in the afternoon into the evening. Fishing for walleyes has slowed but remains fair during periods of low light. The minimum size is 15 inches, and fishermen may take only one walleye longer than 21 inches per day. Fishing for wipers, though spotty, has been fair early and late in the day.
Long Draw Reservoir - The lake usually remains frozen into early June and the access road is opened around June 22.
Lost Lake (at Chambers) - The lake is ice-free. A partial winter kill is possible here, as the lake is not too deep. How much, if any, over-winter mortality has occurred is unknown. The lake has a litter problem, so please pack out what you pack in.
North Delaney Lake - Fishing has been fair to good, and is getting better as water temperatures increase. Fishing has been best using scuds, black leeches, crayfish, Chironomids and Callibaetis. Nymphing with two to three flies fished 6-10 feet below an indicator is most productive during the day. Try large streamer and leech patterns at dawn and dusk. Chironomids are hatching daily, with sporadic Callibaetis hatches dependent on the weather. 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. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.
North Michigan Lake - The lake has been stocked. Fishing is good, with people catching trout on worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs. Fly fishing above and below the reservoir also has been very good. Anglers have been most successful using Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and a variety of caddisflies.
North Park Alpine Lakes - The high lakes still are ice-covered and remain generally inaccessible.
North Park Streams - The North Park streams are fishing well. Flows are high in all streams, but most have good clarity. Water temperatures have been good and fish seem very healthy. Try Woolly Buggers in black and bright colors (yellow, orange, red). Nymph with Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, 20-Incher Stones and leech patterns. The North Fork has been fishing best.
North Platte River - The North Platte is fishing very well. The river has been running at 1,270 cfs, with 1 to 2 feet of clarity. The only significant hatches at this time are caddis. Salmonfly nymphs are starting to work thir way to the banks and should start hatching within the next two weeks. Depending on flows and clarity, fishing could become excellent. Anglers are doing well fishing toward the banks with big bright streamers. The water temperatures are in the mid-50s. At high water, try fishing back eddies with big bright streamers such as Tequeely, Orange Blossom and Yellow Zonker flies. Also try nymphing with big stones and dragonfly nymphs.
North Sterling Reservoir - The lake is full, with both the inlet and outlet running. The water temperature is in the mid-70s on the surface, with about 8-10 feet of visibility. Wiper fishing is still fair, with shrimp and crayfish the best baits. Anglers are still catching some walleyes, with an occasional 6- to 7-pounder still being caught. Catfishing has improved on the flats, with cut bait working the best. A few crappie have started appearing along the north end of the lake.
Parvin Lake (Red Feather) - Gold Kastmasters fished along the south side should produce some nice-sized browns. A large Prince Nymph will do well, also.
Pinewood Reservoir - Pinewood was recenly stocked. Fishermans Cove remains the most reliable spot. Salmon eggs and pink Power Bait have been working best. Tiger-muskie fishing has been improving.
Poudre River - The Poudre has been high and tough to fish, but it appears to be dropping. A return of warmer weather might delay the clearing, however. An effective rig for the conditions might be a dry-dropper combination, with a Stimulator dry fly as the lead, trailed by a nymph. A bit of trial and error with popular nymph and emerger patterns is in order to determine what's working best.
Prewitt Reservoir - The reservoir is still full, and running enough to keep it full. The boat dock is in. Catfish and wipers have slowed down. Walleyes are biting in the inlet and fishing for them is good. They are being caught on a wide variety of tackle, from worms to Mister Twisters in various colors. An annual habitat stamp is required to enter Prewitt Reservoir.
Ranger Lakes - Ranger Lakes have been stocked, and the fishing is great. Renegades, Bumblebee flies, Rooster Tail spinners, yellow spinners, caddisflies, worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs all have been effective.
Rocky Mountain National Park - The water is clear, with flows fluctuating daily. The Big Thompson in Moraine is flowing at 216 cfs. Stoneflies, caddis and pale morning duns have appeared in select areas. Try PMD Hatchmasters and Thorax in sizes 16-20 for dry flies, and bead-head 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 it has special-regulations areas, and bait fishing is limited to kids in selected areas. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.
Seeley Lake - Look shallow for bass; they're on their beds close to shore. A simple crawler on a hook will provoke a bite. Buzzbaits after dark also are a good bet. Trout have been stocked, and a minnow off a bobber will work about as well as anything.
Seymour Reservoir - The lake is open and has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. A habitat stamp is required of everyone visiting the state wildlife area.
Simpson Ponds - The ponds recently have produced some 3- to 7-pound bass. Soft-plastic lures have been the most consistent. Also, try topwater baits such as Chug Bugs, poppers and buzzbaits in the evening. Catfish still are active in the evenings into the night.
South Delaney Lake - Fishing has been great, with many fish over 20 inches being landed daily. Chironomids have been hatching daily, with sporadic hatches of Callibaetis dependent on the weather. During the hatch, try a Chironomid just below the surface; also try fishing them with a very slow hand retreive. Also try scuds, leeches, midges, Chironomids, and Callibaetis patterns fished 5-10 feet below an indicator. 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 have been around 500 cfs at Lyons. 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 also are good choices. Stoneflies, size 12-16, and caddis, size 14-16, can make good point flies 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 are open for the season.
Union Reservoir (Calkins) - Fishing for wipers has slowed. Shore fishermen are having some success using mussels for bait. Trout are being caught on worms and other typical baits in deeper water, and by trolling in deeper water with small spinners and Rapalas. Fishing for channel catfish has picked up, with the best success using worms, stink bait and cut shad.
Watson Lake - Kastmasters are the key to catching trout here. Bass should hit black jigs. Fish a little faster as the water temperature rises.
Wellington Reservoir #4 - The lake recently was stocked. Trout are after salmon eggs off the bottom. A big worm will work, also. Kastmasters fished close to shore are doing the job, also.