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DROP IN A LINE on Grand Mesa

Colorado Division of Wildlife Fishing Report April 24, 2007

Springtime fishing in Colorado remains about as predictable as the weather.

About the time the promise of good, springtime fishing seems about to be fulfilled, the weather takes a downturn and delays things yet again. On the other hand, just when the prospects appear ever-gloomy, some bright spots emerge. Even with rain, snow and wind affecting many parts of the state early this week, anglers can take heart. Good opportunities remain plentiful, and the weather most likely will have improved by the weekend.

Lake fishermen willing to brave a sometimes-biting wind have enjoyed some very good fishing for early season trout at the North Park lakes and at Elevenmile and Spinney Mountain reservoirs in South Park . The trout typically are cruising close to shore and willing to take a variety of fishermen?s offerings.

Springtime is the favorite time for mackinaw fishermen. The lake trout generally are in shallower water and closer to shore than they will be later in the year. Twin Lakes and the Mount Elbert Forebay, and Blue Mesa, Granby and Green Mountain reservoirs are likely locations to try for a big mack. For other lake-trout possibilities, the Catamount reservoirs on the north slope of Pikes Peak will open for the season on Saturday, and ice-out at Taylor Reservoir is not too far away.

Stream fishermen still are facing a day-to-day outlook for the runoff and springtime hatches. Recent weather may have delayed the main caddis hatch on the Arkansas River , but a blizzard of caddis could be in the weekend forecast. Cooler days and nights generally translate to clearer water on the Colorado , Roaring Fork and other rivers. Midges and blue-wing-olive mayflies still are common on cloudy days. Warming temperatures, however, are likely to discolor the water, if not to trigger the main runoff.

Warm-water fishermen may be the most affected by the weather patterns. The wiper bite at Union Reservoir began in earnest over the weekend, but with dropping temperatures, who knows? Jackson Reservoir also has produced some spurts of good activity for wipers, but state-parks officials emphasize that cold fronts can quickly put a damper on things.

Walleyes are becoming a bit more active at lakes such as Horsetooth, Carter and Chatfield reservoirs, but lagging behind at Pueblo . A week or two of warmer weather should improve the activity almost everywhere.

Crappie are among the first warm-water fish to become active in spring. While some anglers have been catching a few, the main bite should begin with a few consecutive days of warm weather.

Catchable-sized trout from the DOW?s hatchery system are being stocked in many moderate-elevation lakes on both sides of the Continental Divide. They provide ready source of enjoyment for many anglers ? and a chance to talk about the weather.  

REGULATIONS CHANGES

The Colorado Wildlife Commission recently approved some changes to the fishing regulations that are not included in the 2007 fishing brochure. They go into effect 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 to Austin . 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

ELKHEAD REOPENING

Colorado State Parks has announced that Elkhead Reservoir in the Yampa River drainage of western Colorado will reopen in early 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.

Parks officials report that the water is very muddy, and that fishing comparable to what existed before the draw down probably will take some time to rebuild.    

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.

STOCKING UNDER WAY

With the arrival spring, the Colorado Division of Wildlife?s hatchery trucks are rolling. Catchable-sized trout have been stocked in low-elevation waters including many urban ponds. Periodic stocking in low-elevation waters will continue through late spring, when many of the lakes become too warm for trout.

As the ice recedes, higher-elevation waters will be stocked. Stocking of designated waters will continue through the summer.

In addition to catchable trout, the DOW also stocks thousands of smaller trout on a put-to-grow basis in suitable waters. Many Alpine lakes are stocked from the air with newly hatched cutthroat trout, and an extensive warm-water program places walleye fry and other species in lowland waters.

ANTERO RESERVOIR STATUS

The reservoir remains closed until further notice. In late February it was 86 percent full and likely will fill this summer. Some brown, rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout and fingerling splake were stocked last summer in hopes that they would survive the winter. If that happened, additional fish will be stocked and an opening date will be announced. If winter losses were significant, the reservoir may not open in 2007.   

Denver Metro

Arvada Reservoir -- Shoreline fishing for trout remains fairly good on worms and salmon eggs. The recent unsettled weather largely has discouraged boat fishermen. Only electric motors are permitted for boating. Belly boats may not be used.
Aurora Reservoir -- The water temperature is 46 degrees. Trout fishing is fair to good. Night crawlers, eggs and Power Bait have worked best from the dam, Marina Bay and east shore. Trolling slowly with perch- and rainbow-colored Rapalas has worked for some. Walleye action is fair to good using tube jigs and Rapalas from the west end of the dam. Not many reports have come in from boaters on walleyes. All other species are slow or no reports. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors only.
Barr Lake -- Catfish are on the move into more-shallow water. Use large dead shiners with a little salt to get them. The lake recently was stocked. Use orange Power Bait off the bottom by the boat ramp to catch a limit of trout. A 4 1/2-pound wiper recently was caught from a boat, and boaters have been taking some walleyes 200 feet out from the ramp and near the dam. The lake is full and the water temperature is about 57 degrees.
Bear Creek -- The water is higher but remains mostly clear. Use small Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, Brassies and caddis-pattern dry flies.
Bear Creek Reservoir -- Fishing in the reservoir has been fair. Some rainbows have been caught on silver or gold spinners and rainbow Power Bait.
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 perch have been taking minnows off a bobber. Bass have been hitting small Rapalas.
Chatfield Reservoir -- This has been a good year for keeper-sized walleyes. Fish close to the dam with camo- or smoke-color Power Bait tube jigs. Rat-L-Traps trolled off the dam face are hanging them, also.
Cherry Creek Reservoir -- The lake recently was stocked with trout. Go after your limit with orange Power Bait. Walleyes have been taking tube jigs off the bottom close to the dam.
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) -- The water is a little high but generally clear. Use Prince Nymphs or small Pheasant Tails. Keep some caddis on hand; the time is here.
Clear Lake -- At last report the lake still had ice of questionable thickness. The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road has catchable-sized rainbow trout and also some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. The north shore often is the best location. No boats are permitted on the lake.
Evergreen Lake -- Fishing for muskies is getting a lot of people excited. They can be seen in the shallows, but you need large Rapalas to get them. Don?t forget steel leaders.
Georgetown Lake -- Using rainbow Power Bait off the bottom is almost a sure thing for catching trout. Night crawlers also have been doing really well lately.
Gross Reservoir -- The inlet area has been hit-and-miss. When the trout are there, use night crawlers or Power Bait to get some fish. Some folks are catching muskies on large spoons and Rapalas; give it a shot.
Jim Baker Reservoir -- Trout fishing has been exceptionally good. The lake recently was stocked with trout and people have been catching their limit within a hour. Things might change fast, though, so go now. Use Power Bait or a crawler off the bottom.
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 50 degrees. The water level has come up some more. Trout fishing is fair using Woolly Buggers, bead-head Prince Nymphs and Hare's Ears. Spinners and spoons are also producing some action. Bass fishing has been fair to good using jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits from the coves and off the dam. Some smallmouths have been caught from the dam. Perch fishing is slow to fair. 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 -- Recently stocked, people are catching trout with Power Bait off the bottom. Small minnows off a bobber will also produce a fair catch.
Sloans Lake -- Trout fishing has been great. The lake recently was stocked. Use Power Bait or night crawlers to get a limit, or a big, fat minnow will work just fine.
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 often is discolored, possibly as a lingering effect from last year's flooding above Deckers, making fishing difficult. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen 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 50s. Trout, some of decent size, have provided virtually all the early season action. Power Bait and salmon eggs fished off the bottom from shore continue to be the most effective. The lake will open to boating on May 1. A $6 fee is required to enter the north parking area. Walk-in access is free. 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. For catching channel catfish on liver baits, night crawlers and stink baits, with the best activity in the evenings. The lake also has channel catfish bass, perch and crappie. Warm-water fishing will improve with gradually warming water. No boats are allowed. A handicapped-access fishing pier, playground and other facilities are available.

Northeast

Barker Reservoir -- Spring is the best time to catch trout at Barker Reservoir, using worms, salmon eggs, and lures. The water level is still low. Anglers had good success over the weekend using spinnerbaits.
Barnes Meadow Reservoir -- Barnes Meadow is still iced over. Melt-off usually occurs between the end of April to the end of May. Ice fishing has been productive this winter, with a few 12- to 15-inch cutbows caught daily. At ice-off Power Baits, spinnerbaits and Kastmasters, as well as fly fishing, will work well.
Big Creek Lakes -- The lakes remain frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out typically occurs in mid to late May.
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 74.6 cfs and fishing well. Dry fly fishing has been great - BWO Thorax, Hatchmasters and Parachutes are working great in sizes 18-22. Blue-wing-olive nymphs are heavy in the river, and size 18-20 Pheasant Tails, BH Baetis, Green Machines and Pickpockets in olive/brown are a great choice. 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 -- Crappie have been hitting minnows off white crappie jigs. Fish close to structure to pick them up. Keep in mind, where there's one there's two.
Boulder Reservoir -- Walleye fishing has been slow, but anglers have had good success catching smallmouth bass on jigs of various colors (watermelon has been working well). Worms and minnows also work well. Try boating or bellyboating just off the dam, or shore fishing by the inlet.
Boyd Lake -- The reservoir is filling and on Friday it opened for boating. However, exiting the marina still requires navigating a shallow area approximately 2 feet deep. Stay on the south side of the marina channel for the best clearance. With the water temperature at about 40 degrees, fishing has been improving. Fishing for trout has been good, especially in the early morning. Anglers also have been taking some yellow perch and bluegills near the pump house at the south end. The perch have been in about 15 feet of water. Call the park office at (970) 669-1739 for additional information.
Carter Reservoir -- Fishing is improving daily. Trout fishing is great using Power Bait and small spoons. Walleye fishing is also improving. Some impressive walleyes were seen during spawning operations and post-spawn feeding frenzies should be on soon. Bass fishing still is slow. The docks and slips make excellent areas to fish for bass.
Chambers Lake -- The lake is covered with unsafe ice. Fishing for rainbow trout and mackinaw usually is very good right after ice-out. This usually occurs between the end of April and the end of May.
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 -- Power Bait has been a good bet lately for trout. Salmon eggs off the bottom also are productive. Boaters are trolling Kastmasters and filling their limits.
Dowdy Lake (Red Feather) -- Boaters are fishing close to the islands, where they are catching some big trout. Shore fisherman using Super Dupers are also doing fine. Cast side-to-side for the best results. The fish are close to shorelines.
East Del aney 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, your 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 catchable-sized trout. Fishing is good using most methods.
Hidden Lakes -- The lakes are frozen and accessible only by snowmobile.
Hohnholz Lakes -- This is a good time to hit Lake No. 3. The browns are big and hungry. Remember, this is a fly-and-lure lake. Use black Woolly Buggers and fish close to the shore line. No. 2 is producing some nice rainbows on salmon eggs off the bottom.
Horsetooth Reservoir -- Anglers were tested last week with slower fishing, and the shore fishing has been notably slower than fishing from boats. Some nice-sized rainbows are still being caught in the Inlet Bay and South Bay areas. Rat-L-Traps have been a hot lure of late. The points off the western coves have shown some action for walleyes. Most have been in the Inlet Bay area, and a few off points up around Satanka Cove. 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 in recent days has been good to excellent for wipers from the shore, dam and from boat. Wipers are hitting on worms, shrimp, white Mister Twisters, Rapala lures and imitation or live minnows. Fishing for all other species is fair. Cold fronts can dramatically change fishing conditions this time of year. If a cold front moves in, conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Joe Wright Reservoir -- The lake remains ice-covered.
Jumbo Reservoir -- The reservoir is currently full and all the boat ramps are in the water and accessible. Fishing pressure has been slow so far this spring, but is likely to pick up with warmer weather. Some trout are being caught from the shore, mostly using Power Bait and worms. Jumbo has been stocked with several thousand trout. Some warm-water fish have also been stocked. The Jumbo Annex (on Red Lion SWA) has seen more fishing pressure, with limited success. It may still be too cold for good bass action and the crappie have not begun to bite hard. Still, anglers are having some success with both, fishing from the dam. A Habitat Stamp is required for everyone on both properties.
Lake John -- Lake John is completely ice-free and 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 -- Use small midges, chocolate WD40s or size 20 flash-back RS-2s. Also, have some BWOs in your box for overcast days.
Lon Hagler Reservoir -- Warm-water fishing remains slow. Fishermen have been catching mostly small trout.
Lonetree Reservoir -- A few walleyes have been taken recently, but with chilly weather and low water temperatures, fishing remains generally slow.
Long Draw Reservoir -- The lake usually remains frozen through April and the access road is opened around June 1.
Lost Lake (at Chambers) -- The lake remains ice-covered.
North Del aney Lake -- North Del aney is completely ice-free. Fishing has been fair to good. The water temperatures are still a little cold. Fishing has been good 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 remains ice-covered, but ice fishing is not recommended.
North Park Alpine Lakes -- The high lakes remain ice-covered and 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 went down during the past week because of colder temperatures. The river has cleared some and has been fishing well. This is a great window to hit the Platte . 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 inlet is slowing down and the reservoir is nearing full. Walleyes are still hitting along the dam and south boat ramp areas. The wipers have finally started running up the inlet, with a few of them over 25 inches. With the inlet slowing down, this run might not last long this year. A few nice walleyes have also been caught in and around the inlet. A few trout are still being caught around the south boat ramp and north end of the dam. Some catfish still are in the inlet, but you might look toward the mud flats on the south end of the reservoir as the water warms.
Parvin Lake (Red Feather) -- A fly and bobber probably has been the most effective technique lately. Use two flies - a Prince and a brown Woolly Bugger. Streamers are also a great bet.
Pinewood Reservoir -- Trout fishing is great. Fishermans Cove remains the most reliable spot. Salmon eggs and rainbow Power Bait are working best. Pinewood recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout.
Poudre River -- Prerunoff fishing has been fairly good. Recent flows have been around 100 cfs, and the river generally is clear. Midges and small brown stoneflies have been evident, and some Baetis mayflies have been hatching on warm, cloudy days. Nymphing with bead-head Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, 20-Inchers and RS-2s has been the most effective approach. The upper reaches are open but the water is very cold, fish are sluggish and significant snow remains on the ground.
Prewitt Reservoir -- The reservoir is full. Fishing pressure has been light. Most people are fishing the inlet. Fishing is fair for wipers and catfish. Boats can be launched from the ramp but the dock will not be in the water until late April or early May. A habitat stamp is required to enter Prewitt Reservoir.
Ranger Lakes -- Upper Ranger Lake was drained for dam repairs last year. It is expected to refill this year and will be stocked when spring arrives.
Rocky Mountain National Park -- Rocky Mountain National Park is opening up to fishing. Streams are iced-off for the most part, especially in open areas like the Moraine and Fall River . Hatches of little brown stoneflies (size 18) and midges (18-22) have been good on non-windy days, and blue-wing-olive, stonefly and midge nymph patterns will work well, too. Use similar sizes to the dries. Expect technical fishing this time of year, but the scenery will be great and fishing pressure is light. 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 -- The largemouth bass are becoming more active with last week's nice weather. Use black jigs tipped with a minnow to get a strike. A large shiner off a bobber has been an effective way to fish and enjoy the weather.
Seymour Reservoir -- No report.
Simpson Ponds -- Fishing for crappie and a few bass had been fair, but cold weather has slowed things down
Slack Weiss Reservoir -- No current report.
South Del aney Lake -- The lake is completely ice-free. Fishing has been great. 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 have been at 120 cfs at Lyons and 12 at Allenspark. Blue-wing-olive mayfly activity has been good with a size 18 BWO Thorax, Hatchmaster or Parachute Adams being a good choice. Nymphs such as Pheasant Tails, Pickpockets, Hotwires or BH Baetis are other good choices, all in sizes 18-20. Caddis are starting to move around and an Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 16-18 can make a good searching pattern 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 still have ice, but ice fishing is not recommended.
Union Reservoir (Calkins) -- The wipers started up last weekend, with fish ranging from 16 to 22 inches. Shore fishermen are having the best success using mussels, and fly fishermen are having the best luck with Clouser Minnows. Trout are still being caught on worms and other typical baits. The reservoir continues to fill and water temperatures are about 58 degrees.
Watson Lake -- A black jig is a great way to finesse a bite. Black Dardevles also are producing some nice trout.
Wellington Reservoir #4 -- Put your boat in the water and cast back toward shore. Work a Kastmaster as slowly as possible, and you?re into the fish. Shore fishermen are doing well with eggs.

Northwest

Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) -- Recent flows below Green Mountain Dam consistently have been around 350 cfs. Egg patterns and Barr's Emergers have been taking some fish in the canyon section. A catch-and-release provision goes 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 flow from Dillon Reservoir is 116 cfs. Increased flows from the reservoir still are awaited. Cooler temperatures have kept the water clear. Nymphing with the usual Mysis shrimp, midges, Baetis mayflies and egg patterns has been producing well. Look for midge hatches in early afternoon. Reports of blue-winged-olive hatches have been increasing, mostly downstream near the Blue River Campground and the Eagles Nest and Sutton units of the state wildlife area.
Colorado River (below Parshall) -- Flows at Parshall, below the Williams Fork confluence, were at 253 cfs on Tuesday, and near Kremmling, the volume was 721 cfs. Water clarity has been a day-to-day thing. Midges have been active in the afternoons, and midge and Baetis patterns have been taking some fish. Larger nymph patterns still may take some trout on days with lower visibility into the water. Spin-fishermen have enjoyed some success on Mepps and Panther Martin spinners.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) -- Current river flows below Glenwood Springs are about 2,510 cfs. Warm weather has made the river discolored. If cooler weather comes this week, expect the river to clear some and become fishable. The best fishing has been from Glenwood Springs to New Castle . Large attractor patterns like 20 Inchers, Molting Stones, Princes and Copper Johns have all been fishing well, in addition to smaller flies like various caddis and BWO patterns used as droppers.
Colorado River (near Granby ) -- The spring season is in full swing. Recent flow rates have been: Williams Fork (below reservoir/near Parshall), 61 cfs/146 cfs, respectively; Windy Gap, 70 cfs. Some murky conditions, as usual, exist. However, fishing San Juan worms and egg patterns is highly effective. Steak & Egg flies are deadly. Many nymph patterns, Woolly Buggers and other streamers also work. Spinning and spoon lures are also 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 is heavily discolored and not fishable. Recent flows have been at 432 cfs in Carbondale . As the river clears below Redstone, general attractor nymphs in sizes 12-18 such as Princes, Copper Johns, 20-Inchers, Tungstones, BLMs, STDs and Pheasant Tails will fish well. The upper stretches of river below Marble are clear and fishable, but still are fishing somewhat on the slow side.
Elk River -- The runoff is under way, with high and discolored water in the lower river. Some fishing is available in the upper reaches, but at best it is difficult.
Elkhead Reservoir -- The reservoir is scheduled to reopen in early May, but its fishing prospects are uncertain due to 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.
Fryingpan River -- The Frying Pan has been flowing at 92 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir. With these lower flows, the dry fly fishing has really heated up. Good hatches of midges are coming off near the dam, with sporadic hatches of BWOs, as well. On the lower stretches of river look for heavier numbers of BWOs, with fewer midges. A few caddis are also being seen on the lower half of the river during sunny afternoons. Sight-nymphing with small BWO and midge patterns is filling in the gaps between hatches. With the lower flows be certain to fish light tippets of 6X and 7X. Hot flies include: CDC Baetis, Perfect Baetis, Sprout Midges, Ethawing Caddis, Poxyback Baetis, Sparklewing RS2s, STDs, and Jujubees.
Granby Reservoir -- Ice conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Open cracks and pockets of water are evident throughout the ice layer. Fishable areas can be found in A-Bay and along Dike 3. Many fish are being caught. Streams flowing into the lake are beginning to produce open water, especially in Rainbow Bay , where water pumped from Willow Creek Reservoir or Windy Gap is breaking up the ice. Fishing these areas as the ice recedes will be some of the best of the entire year. Spinners, Rapalas, slip-bobber rigs, bottom fishing and lateral jigging techniques all produce fish. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.
Grand Lake -- The ice continues to recede - the lake is more than half open now - and some boat access already is available. Fishing this deep, natural lake takes research, learning and experience but it 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. Inquire in Granby for updates.
Green Mountain Reservoir -- The reservoir is free of ice. Early season usually is a good time for mackinaw, and some lake trout are being caught on sucker meat and night crawlers. The shoreline tends to be muddy and U.S. Forest Service campground closures have made access more difficult. Those are to open in mid-May. Fly fishermen have enjoyed fairly good success for rainbow trout around the inlet.
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 fishing is picking up and doing well. A lot of reports have come in of crappie, trout and perch being caught. Most anglers have been using spinners and jigs. The rainbow trout are spawning, and anglers are asked not to disrupt them too much. The reported hot spot for northern pike has been in the shallows on the north shore. Conditions have been very windy during the past week. Feel free to check with the visitor's center for a weather update.
Highline Lake -- Highline Lake is free of ice and the water temperature is 54 degrees. 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. Highline has been stocked twice with a total of 10,000 rainbow trout. Although there are plenty of fish, not many folks have come out fishing. The few that have are catching trout on worms and spinners. No word has come in yet on bass or crappie. Highline is open for boating, so fishing is best early in the morning. The largest trout are being caught at the dam and off the pier at the west boat ramp.
Lake Avery -- The ice is gone. Fishing pressure has been light, but early season anglers have had good success on rainbow-finish Panther Martin spinners, salmon eggs and worms.
Mack Mesa Lake -- Mack Mesa is free of ice and the water temperature is 58 degrees. Mack has been stocked three times this spring with a total of 6,000 rainbow trout. Fishing has been excellent. Almost everyone is catching a limit. Many trout have been around 17 inches. People have had great success using Power Bait of any color. With 6,000 trout in the lake, they should be biting on just about anything. Still no word 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 have been steady, at about 21 cfs. The water is clear and cold, and midge patterns may interest a few trout.
Pearl Lake -- Pearl Lake was only 5 percent ice-free late last week. The road into Pearl Lake is closed because of snow. For up-to-date reports, please check the conditions page at www.parks.state.co.us/pearl lake.
Rifle Gap Reservoir -- Conditions are great at Rifle Gap. The lake is free of ice and full. The boat ramp is accessible. Early trout fishing from the bank has been good on Power Bait and worms. The rainbow trout are spawning, and the parks office asks that they be allowed to do so without much disruption. Boating fishermen have taken some northern pike by trolling large Rapalas and similar lures, or gold or silver spoons. Some yellow perch have been taken on jigs fished near the bottom near the island. No walleyes have been reported yet. Please be aware that conditions have been very windy during the past week. Feel free to check with the parks office for a weather update.
Rio Blanco Lake -- Fishing for northern pike, crappie and other warm-water fish has been slow. Activity should pick up with warmer temperatures.
Roaring Fork River -- The best fishing along the Roaring Fork has been from Basalt up to Aspen , where solid hatches of BWOs are taking place midday . The lower river below Carbondale is still on a day-to-day basis in terms of water clarity. Given cool nights, the river has been in great shape and fishing very well. Hot flies include: 20 Inchers, Molting Stones, Princes, San Juan Worms, Flashtail Eggs, STDs, Red Copper Johns, Biot Baetis, Colletts BWO, Sparkledun BWO, Stimis, King Kongs, Stingin Sculpins and Buggers.
Shadow Mountain Reservoir -- The reservoir has no ice and boating is going strong. The canal has been flowing frequently and fishing is great. Several 4 1/2-pound rainbows have been caught, along with some browns and a 31-inch mackinaw. Bottom fishing has 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 are also excellent. 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 -- Shoreline fishermen are doing fair to good around the inlet for rainbow trout on worms and Power Bait. Coves and the inlet are the best locations. Pike activity is fair, but no big ones have been reported yet. Pike are being caught on Rapalas and spinners in the coves. Fishing at the Tailwaters is still very good using small midge patterns (20-24), scuds and eggs. Rainbows are still spawning, so do not disturb the redds. For more conditions information, please visit www.parks.state.co.us
Steamboat Lake -- Steamboat Lake was about 40 percent ice-free late last week. Access is mostly by foot. The only open roads into the park are to the visitor center and the marina area. All other roads remain closed due to snow and mud. Sporadic fishing success has been reported. Woolly Buggers work well this time of year. For up-to-date information, check the conditions page at www.parks.state.co.us/steamboat lake.
Trappers Lake -- The lake is frozen and remains essentially inaccessible. The ice usually goes off around Memorial Day, but an earlier ice-out is possible this year. 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 ice is gone and the Early Settlers and Island boat ramps are available. The water is clear and rising, though it remains an estimated 30 feet below capacity. Fishing from shore and boats has been fair to good on the standard assortment of baits and lures. Some of the trout have been quite nice-sized. Spawning trout have been moving toward the Plateau Creek inlet.
White River -- The river is rising and has been off-color, but remained fishable into the weekend. Fishermen had been taking some trout on worms, spinning lures and large flies such as Woolly Buggers and Prince Nymphs. Clarity is a day-to-day thing, with clearer water during cooler weather.
Williams Fork Reservoir -- Open water has appeared around most of the shoreline, though some rapidly deteriorating ice might remain on some middle portions of the lake. That should quickly melt with warm weather and wind. The "pike flats" on the south side have open water. Northerns should be on the move as the ice recedes, but will become more active later. The reservoir also has rainbow trout and some large mackinaw.
Williams Fork River -- Flows below Williams Fork Dam have come up and on Tuesday were at 64 cfs. Fishing has been inconsistent, but beadhead Barr's Emergers, Black Beauties and Pheasant Tails in sizes 20-24 have been taking some trout. Higher flows should make the trout less skittish.
Willow Creek Reservoir -- The reservoir now has fishable areas along the shoreline, especially by the boat ramp. This is a beautiful area with a very nice campground and easy fishing access. Also, it does not get a lot of fishing pressure. Worms, Power Bait and eggs are commonly used, as well as spinners, spoons and crankbaits. Fly fishing is also very productive. Inquire in Granby for updates.
Wolford Reservoir -- The lake is free of ice. Shoreline fishermen have been taking some trout on the typical baits and lures. Trolling with crankbaits 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, smallmouth bass and northern pike. 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) -- The Yampa through Steamboat Springs is high and discolored. Though a few fish are being taken in slower water, fishing generally is poor. The best choice is the .6-mile tailwater below Stagecoach Dam. Midges and a few blue-wing-olives are on the water there, but anglers should expect a social experience with the crowds.

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. Little to no fishing activity has occurred so far this spring. Water temperatures are in the low 50s. Fishing should improve as the water warms. Fall inventories conducted by the DOW revealed increasing numbers of crappie and saugeyes. Good numbers of channel and blue catfish should also be available.
Anticline Lake -- With warmer temperatures, the catch rate has improved and many anglers have had a few trout on their stringers. One recently even had a 25-inch rainbow. Orange and chartreuse Power Baits seem to be the most effective. 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 ) -- Tailwater flows have started to rise in the last few days, gaining 150 cfs last week to 560 cfs. Weather conditions should be conducive to lots of mayfly activity and the fish should remain receptive to emerger patterns. Try Brook's Sprout Baetis, 16-18; Pheasant Tail, 18-20; Barr's Wet Emerger, 18-20; Tung. Biot Midge, #18-20. Fish have been taken in the drop-offs to deeper pools. The area above the Nature Center continues to produce nice 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) -- Tuesday's flows were 275 cfs at Buena Vista, 330 in Browns Canyon, and 371 at Wellsville, with good clarity. Recent snow may temporarily raise the flows a little, but conditions should be good for the next 3-4 weeks. Blue-wing-olive mayflies are hatching in great numbers along this stretch, and mayfly, stonefly, midge and caddis patterns are working subsurface. Look for caddis to begin emerging in the lower end of this stretch early next week.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista ) -- Tuesday's flows in this reach were 170 cfs at Granite and 275 into Buena Vista . Blue-wing-olives now are hatching up through Granite on cloudy days, with good to outstanding nymphing on many sunny days. The recent snow may temporarily add a little to the flow, but no significant change to the flows is expected until May 15-20.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) -- As of Tuesday, flows were 371 cfs at Wellsville and 439 at Parkdale.Clarity has been good to green, but we may see a little short-term runoff midweek on the lower river, as Tuesday's snow melts off. The weekend looks to be warm and sunny, which should reignite the caddis hatch and advance it significantly upstream. The bugs should be in the Wellsville area by the weekend.
Beckwith Reservoir -- Fishing for 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout has been fair to good on Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms. Fishing pressure has been light because of wind and cooler weather. The lake is at its high-water mark. The lake is accessible for boaters near the south end of the dam. Only electric motors may be used. The water temperature needs to warm up a few degrees for the largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill fishing to improve.
Bonny Reservoir -- A few 1- to 5-pound catfish are being caught in the shallows. A few white bass/wipers have been taken off the face of the dam with minnows or jigs. The two-lane boat ramp is open and the courtesy dock is installed. The boat-ramp depth is 3-5 feet, and the channel going out to the main lake is 3 feet deep. Most boats under 20 feet and pontoon boats are having no trouble with the ramp. The lake came up 1.5 feet this winter but is still approximately 19.5 feet below the full mark.
Brush Hollow Reservoir -- The early season water level is good, but drawdowns by early June are common. Stocked catchable-sized trout provide much of the early activity. The lake also has warm-water species including largemouth bass, walleyes, crappie, channel catfish and bluegills. Warm-water fishing usually peaks in May and June and tapers off during the heat of summer. A mercury advisory by the Colorado Department of Public Health is in effect for walleyes of a certain size.
Catamount Reservoirs, North & South -- The lakes will open for the season Saturday but last Friday were 80 percent ice-covered. Neither has been stocked but both should have plenty of holdover fish. Water levels should be very good. Fishing should be very good for trout species including mackinaw. North Catamount should be best for mackinaw; South Catamount should be excellent for rainbows. North Catamount also has some cuttbows that should be 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: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 1; 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. , June 2-Aug. 31; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Sept. 1-29, weekends; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Sept. 1-29, weekdays. The area is closed during the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race.
Clear Creek Reservoir -- The lake is free of ice. Fishing has been fair to good on the typical baits and lures. 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 -- Though some ice still was evident last week, the small lake west of Buena Vista also had ample open water for shoreline fishing and likely will be completely ice-free very soon. Some fishermen have had good luck using worms or salmon eggs.
Crystal Creek Reservoir -- The lake will open for the season on Saturday. Some ice remained on Monday, but it was thawing fairly quickly. The water level has improved from the past few years. Fishing for catchable-sized trout usually is good, but none have yet been stocked this year. 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 -- The ice is off. Fishing remains fair to good on gold-finish spinning lures and dark, woolly flies. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at the lake.
DeWeese Reservoir -- The lake is completely free of ice. Early bird fishermen have enjoyed good results on orange Power Bait, night crawlers, spinning lures and Woolly Buggers. Access to higher-elevation lakes in the region remains snowed in. Stocked 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 -- The boating season has begun. Boating is now permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. The spring spawn is now on the tail end. Tout fishing has picked up and has been fair to good. Northern pike fishing is poor, with the majority of fish less than 12 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.
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 is free of ice and soon will be stocked with catchable-sized trout. Early reports indicate fair fishing for rainbows on a variety of baits and lures.
Horseshoe Reservoir -- The water level is good. Trout fishing has been better than usual and DOW is stocking regularly. The ice has been off for several weeks and fishing conditions are very good. Fishing for warm-water species is slow but will improve as the water warms up. The water temperature currently is about 46 degrees. The peak fishing for warm-water species is around May 1. The boat dock is in on the north side of Horseshoe. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
Jefferson Lake -- The road to the lake remains closed and will not open until sometime in May. Ice usually remains on the lake until late May or early June. The lake offers very good fishing for catchable-sized rainbows and occasional brook trout. Small (12- to 18-inch) lake trout be taken from shore throughout the season. Larger lake trout are available to shoreline fishermen soon after ice-out.
John Martin Reservoir -- John Martin's water level now is 70,000 acre feet. Fishing in the settling basin has been fair to good for wipers and white bass and poor to fair for saugeyes and channel catfish. Shrimp baits and cut shad have produced some good catches of wipers. Fishing in the main reservoir has been poor.
Karval and Kinney lakes -- With the recent cold weather, fishing has been slow and few fishermen have been out. Both lakes and the nearby Hugo SWA ponds have been stocked with catchable-sized trout. All also have most common warm-water species. Fishing for them should improve with rising water temperatures. Low water created some water-quality problems at Karval, but recent testing indicates a return to normal conditions.
Lake Henry -- Water levels at Henry currently are good. Water temperatures are in the low 50s. Fishing should improve as temperatures warm. Fall inventory sampling revealed good numbers of crappie, saugeyes and catfish.
Lake Meredith -- The waterlevels at Meredith currently are good. 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 -- The popular U.S. Forest Service lake north of Woodland Park is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout through the summer and fishing usually is quite good. 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 excellent using live bait. The DOW is stocking regularly. The kids pond recently was stocked with trout. The water temperature is about 46 degrees. Northern pike are becoming active, but fishing for other warm-water species remains slow and will be until the water warms up, around May 1. The boat dock is in. Call the park office at 719-738-2376 for current conditions.
Montgomery Reservoir -- The lake is frozen and 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. 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 -- Fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout has been fair, but fishing pressure has been very light. 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. Browns should become active soon. Kokanee-salmon stocking has increased in recent years and should provide some fishing in late summer and fall.
Nee Gronda Reservoir -- Nee Gronde opened to public access on April 1. Boat access will be impossible until the ramps are repaired. Ramps should be repaired within the next couple of weeks. Fishing has been slow for all species. Good spring fishing for wipers and saugeyes is expected as the water warms.
Nee Noshe Reservoir -- Nee Noshe is very low, at less than 500 acres. Boat access will be difficult until ramp repairs are made. Nee Noshe opened for public access on April 1. Fishing has been slow for all species. 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. At present, that requires a significantly longer trek from the Rampart Range Road . The road to Rampart Dam is to open in mid-May. At last report, Nichols still had some ice. After ice-out, the reservoir is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout and offers better than average fishing through the summer.
North Lake -- Despite recent snow and wind, fishing for 10-inch trout has been good. Belly-boating fishermen have enjoyed good success on white plastic grubs and spinners, and other have been catching and mostly releasing fish on Pheasant Tail and Prince nymphs, olive Woolly Buggers and olive Pistol Petes. The lake has an improving population of splake in addition to catchable rainbows. 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 -- This Colorado Springs city lake is a developing warm-water fishery, with a variety of species present, including some saugeyes up to five pounds. The lake also is stocked with catchable-size trout. 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 catchable-sized trout. Rebuilding the warm-water fishery continues, but fishing for bass, catfish, panfish and wipers still is a year or two away.
Pueblo Reservoir -- With water temperatures around 50 degrees, fishing has been unusually slow this year. Some hard-fishing local anglers have taken an occasional wiper, but the overall action remains slow. The water level is the best in recent years. Fishing for bass, walleyes, crappie and other warm-water fish should improve as the water warms. The walleye population remains high but most are not of legal (18-inch) size. 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. It 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 -- Last weekend the reservoir still was 80 percent ice-covered. Access is limited to walking in to Rainbow Gulch or the dam from the Rampart Range Road . The access road to the lake will not open for at least three weeks. 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. Campgrounds and other amenities will open around Memorial Day. They 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 ctachable-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 fishing usually is good soon after the ice melts, pressure has been very light, possibly 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 -- The lake east of Victor is free of ice. After several years of drought, the reservoir will be full in 2007. Stocked trout and holdover fish up to 15 inches comprise most of the catch. 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 (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) -- Flows have been low all week, at about 48 cfs. Though some spawners from Elevenmile Reservoir are in the river, the low flows appear to be discouraging many fish from moving into the stream. Fish that are in the river are pooled up and difficult to entice. As usual, the area attracts large crowds this time of year.
South Platte River , Deckers area -- The flows on Tuesday were 242 cfs. The water remains slightly discolored above Deckers and distinctly off-color below. A few fish have been rising to blue-wing-olive mayflies, but the most effective rig remains a scud, egg or San Juan worm as the lead fly, trailed by a small RS-2 or midge emerger. As usual, success varies from day to day and from angler to angler.
South Platte River , Elevenmile Canyon -- Flows were at a low, 38 cfs on Tuesday. Blue-wing-olive mayflies in sizes 18-20 still are hatching, and fishing has been quite good despite the low flow. The usual midges also have been evident and if trout are feeding on the surface, fishing has been good. If not, nymph fishing remains a challenge.
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 increasing rapidly as water temperatures rise. Fishing has been good throughout 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. This is a day use park, opening 1/2 hour before sunrise and closing one hour after sunset.
Tarryall Reservoir -- All the ice is gone and the lake is open to fishing and wakeless boating. Fly fishermen have been taking some trout on midges, Pheasant Tail and Prince nymphs and Woolly Buggers. Northern pike should be moving into shallow grassy areas soon. 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. A habitat stamp is required of all visitors to the state wildlife area.
Trinidad Reservoir -- Trinidad Lake is holding at approximately 860 surface acres with a surface temperature around 45 to 47 degrees. Fishing has been good for trout both from shore and boats using various baits and lures. A few walleyes and bass, and one large catfish taken on night crawlers, have been reported, but no real consistency in the warm-water fishing is evident yet. Boaters are asked to use caution as there is a lot of floating and partially submerged debris, as well as some unmarked obstacles, in the lake. The visitor?s center is open for license and pass sales and the campground is partially open. Anglers are reminded to check for special size and possession limits for bass and walleyes at Trinidad Lake .
Turks Pond -- Well repairs have helped improve the water level at Turks Pond. A new boat ramp extension was added last summer. The pond was stocked with trout last week. Fishing is usually good for trout after the stocking. Fishing has been slow for all other species but should improve as the water warms.
Turquoise Lake -- The lake remains ice-covered. Ice fishing may still be possible, but caution is urged. 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-szed trout will increase this summer. Two boat ramps and two campgrounds are available.
Twin Lakes -- The ice is gone and fishing for lake trout has been fairly good. Shoreline fishermen also have been catching some rainbow trout on worms and salmon eggs. The power plant area and the inlet to the lower lake usually are the best locations for early season lake trout. Rapalas, other large crankbaits and tube jigs tipped with sucker meat usually work best. The lake-trout 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 -- The Forebay is free of ice and fishing for lake trout and rainbows has been fairly good. 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 -- The lake is free of ice. Early season fishermen have had fair to good success on gold-finish lures and dark, bushy flies. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. Boats with motors are prohibited.

Southwest

Animas River -- No reports available.
Beaver Creek Reservoir -- The lake is open and fishing reportedly is slow for brown trout and rainbows using worms and salmon eggs from the shore.
Big Meadows Reservoir -- The lake is inaccessible to vehicles because of snow. Ice fishing is not recommended because of the thin ice conditions at this time of year.
Blue Mesa Reservoir -- The lake is completely open. All boat ramps are usable. Brown-trout fishing is good along the shorelines with marabou jigs and Rapalas. Lake-trout fishing is still slow, with a few fish being caught by jigging tube jigs or trolling large Rapalas.
Conejos County (high country lakes) -- The high lakes remain frozen and generally inaccessible. Look for ice-out in May.
Conejos County (small streams) -- Virtually all remain iced-up and inaccessible because of snow. Most become accessible in late April or early May.
Conejos River -- The Conejos River is open and accessible from Mogote to Rocky Mountain Lodge. Forest Service Road 250 is closed above Rocky Mountain Lodge. Pre-runoff fishing for brown trout is fair to good on a variety of nymphs from Pheasant Tails to golden stonefly patterns, and spinners. Angling pressure is light.
Dolores River (lower) -- With little water flowing out of McPhee Reservoir, the level is low and fishing is poor.
Dolores River (upper) -- No reports yet.
East River -- Tuesday's flow at Almont was 390 cfs, up somewhat from last week. The water has been less than clear, especially in the afternoons, but fishable. Midges and a handful of blue-wing-olive mayflies reportedly have been on the water. Brown and olive streamers have been effective. Large nymphs suggesting stoneflies or immature green drakes also have taken some fish.
Echo Canyon Reservoir -- Still no reports.
Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) -- Flows are stable at around 460 cfs. Water clarity is as good as it gets, helped in large part by last week's cool weather. Blue-wing-olive hatches in the late afternoon into the night have been outstanding for browns. In addition to BWO nymphs, emergers and adults, try Wooly Buggers, San Juan Worms, egg patterns and green Pulsating Caddis. Lots of midges are around, especially later in the afternoon. Try an adult midge or Griffiths Gnat if else fails. Respect the fish on the redds!
Gunnison River (through the canyon) -- The flow in the Gunnison Gorge currently is around 464 cfs. Mayflies, No. 18; Stimulators, caddis, emergers and stoneflies are being used. The Smith Fork runoff is over and water below the Smith Fork is clearing. Fishing now is good below the Smith Fork. Rainbows are on the spawning beds. Fishing has been very good on the Smith Fork to Pleasure Park stretch.
Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa ) -- Flows have varied with the temperature, but in general they are rising. On Tuesday, the flow in Gunnison was 480 cfs. Clarity varies with the weather, but visibility into the water has been about one foot. Large streamers and nymphs have been taking some fish, as have slowly retrieved spinners. Rainbow trout from Blue Mesa Reservoir usually enter the river this time of year. Try attractors, Woolly Buggers and egg patterns.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir -- The inlet is still running, but with the lake at approximately 90 percent of capacity, it likely will cease by the end of April. Fishing has been spotty around the inlet and along the dam. Some days have produced good action for rainbow trout to 14 inches and small yellow perch. Low-and-slow has been the rule - crankbaits worked slowly and deep, or jigs tipped with a 'crawler or worm and fished vertically in about 30 feet of water. Things should really pick up in a week or two. 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.
La Jara Creek -- La Jara Creek is fishing well for brown trout and flows are good. Fishing has been good on worms, spinners and artificial flies. 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 lowering 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 remains ice-covered and generally inaccessible. This time of year the road to the reservoir is unpredictable. It is often blocked by snow or wet and muddy. 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.
Los Pinos River -- No reports available.
McPhee Reservoir -- The reservoir recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout. It also has warm-water species including bass and crappie. Fishing for them should improve with rising water temperatures.
Mountain Home Reservoir -- The lake is open and fishing is reported as good for rainbow trout using the typical baits and lures.
Navajo Reservoir -- The lake level is at 6079.32 feet and rising. Water temperatures currently are averaging 50 degrees. Crappie have been biting intermittently in Bancos Canyon , and catfish are being caught at Arboles Point. The northern pike are biting now off the Miller Mesa tip and in the mooring cove at Navajo State Park .
Piedra River -- No reports received yet.
Platoro Reservoir -- The reservoir is partially frozen and inaccessible. Forest Service Road 250 is closed above Rocky Mountain Lodge. Platoro Reservoir is expected to fish well for kokanee salmon and rainbow and brown trout once open. Water levels are expected to be good. A boat ramp is being constructed near the dam. The "old" primitive boat ramp will be inaccessible while the new boat ramp is being constructed. Launching a boat will be difficult during construction.
Ridgway Fishing Ponds -- The ponds were stocked periodically throughout the summer. Many of those fish will hold over through the winter and be 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 browns are being caught in about 25 feet of water. A 12-pound brown was taken last week on a large black-and-brown Rapala. They are biting on pretty much anything. Fishing is best around the boat ramp.
Rio Grande High Country Streams -- High-country streams are inaccessible because of snow and ice.
Rio Grande River -- The flow at Del Norte was 956 cfs on Monday. The river is accessible by boat or raft from Del Norte to Creede. Water temperatures are still cold. Fishing reportedly is fair to good for brown trout by drifting stonefly nymphs in deep runs and pools.
Road Canyon Reservoir -- The lake is open. Fishing is reported as good for rainbow trout and fair for brook trout using bait and marabou jigs.
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 -- Few anglers have been active and no reports have been received.
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 open. Fishing is reported as slow for walleyes and northern pike. The action should pick up in 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 -- Lots of open water is evident along the shallow areas. Ice-off appears about a week away. The marina will open on May 5.
Taylor River -- The river relatively clear but cold. On Tuesday, the flow at Almont was 134 cfs. Below Taylor Dam flows have been steady 78 cfs. Stonefly nymphs and midges have taken a few fish. 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.
Trujillo Meadows Reservoir -- Ice-out usually occurs in mid to late May. Current access is difficult. Fishing for brown and rainbow trout is excellent just after ice-off.
Tucker Ponds -- The ponds are inaccessible to vehicles because of snow. Ice fishing is not recommended due to the thin ice conditions at this time of year.
Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park -- The flows are picking up and have been around 225 cfs. The spring runoff has started. The 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 -- At last report, the ice was breaking up and open water had appeared. 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 good after the water has warmed up a little. A mercury advisory has been issued for northern pike from the lake.
Williams Creek Reservoir -- The lake remains ice-covered and inaccessible.