Colorado Fishing Report for September 24, 2013

Check out Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing videos

 “Fly Fishing Colorado” is a feature length video journal highlighting major fly-fishing events and top destinations throughout the state. Fly fishermen of all skill levels will benefit from this comprehensive look at Colorado’s year-round fly-fishing opportunities. Each monthly entry is filled with action at recommended destinations, fly-fishing techniques, major insect hatches and proven fly patterns. This week, check out our video with more fall fishing tips: fishing for native Mountain Whitefish near Meeker. For more videos, check out the next video in the “Fly Fishing Colorado” series.

 

Road to Beaver Creek Reservoir closed temporarily

The road to Beaver Creek Reservoir will be closed temporarily from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11 because of construction work to repair the reservoir dam. The closure could be extended to Oct. 16, depending on progress of construction crews. The road, Rio Grande County Road 20, will be closed at the base of the dam. The entry to the Beaver Creek Road is about one mile west of South Fork off U.S. Highway 160. For those who need to access the area south of the reservoir during that time, two alternate routes are available. The Del Norte Park Road, also known as Forest Service Road 345, is accessed about 1.5 miles west of South Fork from U.S. Highway 160. The other access road is County Road 14, the Pinos Creek Road which is accessed just west of Del Norte. It connects with Forest Service Road 330 and then Forest Service Road 332 which leads to the reservoir. Fishing will continue at the reservoir, but anglers must take the alternative roads to the south side of the lake during the closure. No access will be allowed to the reservoir from the north side. The reservoir will be drained completely later this year and construction will continue through 2014. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

Public fish salvage at Barr Lake State Park cancelled

Due to the recent rainfall, the reservoir levels have risen enough to make the public fish salvage no longer necessary. The reservoir is still open to fishing, and both a state park pass and valid fishing license are required.

 

Aurora Fall Fishing Classic Cancelled

The Fall Fishing Classic held at Aurora Reservoir has been cancelled due to lack of participants. All associated fees will be refunded to those who have already registered for the event. For more information, please visit the city’s website.

 

2013 Kokanee Giveaway

Fish hatcheries around the state will be giving away free kokanee salmon during the months of October and November. To receive the fish, a valid fishing license is needed. Because kokanee die when they spawn, the agency would rather see the fish be used than wasted. Giveaways will take place at the following locations: Roaring Judy Hatchery (970-641-7070) – Oct. 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1, 8. You must be in line by 9 a.m. to receive fish. Vallecito Reservoir (970-247-0855) – Vallecito Community Center at 3 p.m. Oct. 11, 18, 25; Nov. 1. Wolford Mountain Reservoir (970-725-6200) – Oct. 21, 24, 28, 31; Nov. 4. If fish available: Granby at Shadow Mountain (970-725-6200) – Nov. 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25.

Stocking Report

The following waters were recently stocked with catchable (approximately 10″) trout:

Metro Denver
No stockings this week.
Northeast Region
Boyd Lake	Boyd Lake State Park
Douglass Reservoir	Wellington
Northwest Region
Big Creek Lake, Lower	Jackson County; 12 miles southwest of Pearl
Breckenridge Reservoir	Breckenridge ski area
Dillon Reservoir	Dillon
Lon Hagler Reservoir	Loveland
Muddy Pass Lake	Jackson County; 28 miles north of Kremmling
Ruedi Reservoir	Eagle County; 9 miles northwest of Norrie
Williams Fork Reservoir	Parshall
Yampa River #6	Routt County; Stagecoach Res. to Bear River
Southeast Region
Beckwith Reservoir	Taylor Park
Brush Hollow Reservoir	Penrose
Catamount Reservoir, North	Teller County; southwest of Green Mountain Falls
Crystal Creek Reservoir	Teller County; southwest of Green Mountain Falls
Monument Reservoir	Las Animas County; 30 miles west of Trinidad
Pueblo Reservoir	Pueblo Lake State Park
Southwest Region
No stockings this week.

Conditions Report – Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir (City of Aurora)

Aurora Reservoir is open to boating. Water temperature is 68 degrees. All watercraft must be inspected prior to launch in the lower parking lot at the entrance of the boat ramp. This includes all hand launched watercraft. Trout fishing has started to pick up and is rated fair to good at this time. From the dam try using PowerBait casted out deep using a slip rig with PowerBait and crawlers. Boaters have been reporting success ranging from fair to good trolling with various spoons and crawlers. Also some reports of anchoring and dropping down PowerBait. Walleye action is reported as ranging from slow to fair to good — some reports trolling with bottom bouncers and crawlers. Most walleye being caught are under the 18-inch size limit. Perch action is fair to good using jigs tipped with worms. Slow on all other species. Restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-690-1286. Park hours for September are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Arvada Reservoir (City of Arvada)

The reservoir was closed last week due to the flooding but we are once again open. Not sure what the fishing will be like. Also, we have new hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until the last day of the season on Oct. 31.

Barr Lake State Park (Adams County)

Due to recent rainfall, the reservoir is coming up again and the public fish salvage is no longer necessary. Catfish are very active right now, and as the water cools (it is currently 68 degrees), the trout and walleye should become more active.

Chatfield State Park (South of Littleton in Douglas and Jefferson Counties)

Fishing at Chatfield has been getting better. Water levels still remain low and are down eight feet, but the river is flowing at a higher rate both in and out of the reservoir. Water temperatures are holding in and around 70 degrees. Perch have been the most popular fish of late. Both shore and boat fishermen have been landing on average 9-inch fish with worms. The east side of the lake has produced the most reports of this species. Walleye have also been producing along the roadbeds, bottom bouncing with a worm. Not many fish over 15 inches have been reported. Smallmouth bass remain easy catches along the dam face with worms or a variety of jigs or spinner lures. Sunfish have been fun for the kids to catch in the ponds with worms. Carp have given some kayakers some fun rides as of late. Several fish over 25 inches have given free rides to some of the smaller vessels. These large fish have been hitting worms lately. Trout and catfish have been on the decline with not many reports being received. Reminder the Swim Beach at Chatfield is now closed for the season.

Cherry Creek State Park (South of I-225, East of I-25 in Arapahoe County)

With all of the recent storm activity, the Lake is currently 3.14 feet above full. Since the storms, the water has been mucky and there has been plenty of food floating around for the fish. The fishing has been slow. However, as the water clears up and the temperature goes back to between 60 and 70 degrees, there has been some action. At the East Shades, three bluegill have been caught with worms. Along the dam front bass are being caught with worms. At Tower Loop trout are being caught using worms and fireballs. Just a reminder, boaters must stay at least 60 feet away from in front of the tower structure at Tower Loop. Both ramps are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Just a reminder, inspection times will change on Oct. 1. No launching is permitted outside the posted hours without previous inspection.

Quincy Reservoir (City of Aurora)

Water temperature is 70 degrees. The water level is good at this time but starting to drop. Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted and electric motors only. All watercraft must be inspected prior to launch. Trout fishing is slow at this time. Try flies in the morning and evening. Bass fishing is slow to fair using top water lures and soft plastics. No other reports at this time. For more information call 303-693-5463. Park hours for September are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Standley Lake (City of Westminster, Jefferson County)

Standley Lake is open for day boating and permit holders until Sept. 30. There will be no boating or camping allowed starting Oct. 1. The current lake temperature is approximately 74 degrees. Fishing times are 6:30 a.m. to sunset and will be strictly enforced. Aquatic bait is not allowed at Standley Lake; this includes salamanders, leeches, crayfish, frogs and minnows. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) regulations are in effect. Call for more details. A $7 fee is charged for all drive-in traffic. A $15 fee for daily boating is required for canoes, kayaks and small fishing vessels. No belly boats are allowed. Any trailered boat must meet ANS program protocols and are subject to a fifteen day quarantine. Walleye fishing is very slow this time of year but the trout and bass have been biting on worms and blue/silver Kastmasters this week. Drive-in access is available from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. For more information, contact the Standley Lake Nature Center at (303) 425-1097.

Conditions Report – Northeast Colorado

Boyd Lake State Park (North of Loveland, Larimer County)

Largemouth fishing is fair using plastic lures on the flats. Smallmouth are also fair, using lures in deeper water. White bass is good using shad-like lures in schools near the south side. Blue Gill is good from shore with no specific lure report. Carp fishing is fair using bows in shallow waters. Catfish are good using livers in deep waters. Crappie fishing is fair using gold Kastmasters at the south end. Trout is good using worms lake-wide. Walleye are fair using bottom bouncers with worms in deep water in the early evening. Yellow perch is poor lake-wide. Note: fishing from shore has been poor overall. On boats, many are still catching multiple species. The current water temperature is estimated to be in the mid 70s with a depth of 41.19 feet. Estimate approximately 1000+ surface acres. Please note: any live fish collected for use as bait may only be used in the same body of water from which they were collected. All live baitfish from a commercial source and transported by anglers must at all times be accompanied by a receipt for the source. See the Colorado fishing regulations for further clarification and information.

Carter Lake (Larimer County)

Fishing for walleye remains good in the evening and morning from shoreline using worms. Anglers are having the most luck using trolling harnesses on boat. Fishing restrictions have changed for lengths and possession limits of Walleye so be sure to check signs prior to keeping any fish. Trout are biting on everything. Crappie are plentiful and biting on everything. The water levels are at a season low. If you’re fishing from shore you’ll get a nice drop in depth off of green cove by the North Pines Sun dance trail head. Local fishermen report the most activity at a depth of 20 feet.

Eldorado Canyon State Park (South Boulder Creek, Boulder County)

The park until further notice.

Eleven Mile State Park (Park County)

Big fish continue to hit with 4-6# cuttbows showing up occassionally. Trollers are seeing smaller fish than those using tube and marabou jigs, although you can still land a big one by trolling. Tasmanian Devils, Flatfish and Kastmasters are very productive. Color matters, so be prepared to switch if what you chose is not seeing action. The color patterns they want are changing daily and sometimes hourly. Salmon is slow to fair. A few anglers are picking up a couple here and there. There have been some three and four year olds popping up – mostly on the #55 Tasmanian Devil using a lead core rig or downrigger. North Shore Marina straight out has been decent. Lazy Boy – Rocking Chair are still seeing action. Pike fishing is fair. Those who are trolling are doing better than most. Last week, 22 out of 30 teams at the pike tourney weighed in fish with the winners posting over 40 pounds of total weight. Dream Stream is good. Large fish are being caught using midges and Barr’s emergers. The Dream Stream: The fishing has slowed down during the bright sunny mid-days. Morning and evening dry fly fishing is still possible with tricos and caddis hatching pretty prolifically. Flows are decent but somewhat erratic. The water is clear, so sight fishing is possible. The fish are holding to the banks and in holes. Nymphing is suggested with #5 fluorocarbon tippet or smaller. Use an attractor pattern such as a San Juan Worm or Flash Back PT up top and trail a small midge pattern for your nymph rig. For top water action, stick to size #20 or #22 or smaller Tricos or #18-20 Caddis. Other suggested patterns include Flashback Pheasant Tail #20-22, Amy’s Ant #12-14, Thorax Trico #22-26, Spinner Pearl Black Trico #20-26, Drowned Trico Spinner #22-24, and Graphic Caddis #18-20 (from South Platte Fly Shop 8/19 report).

Flatiron Reservoir (Larimer County)

Flatiron produces best with PowerBait and worms from the shoreline. Cheyenne day use is open and allows for fishing from the southern shore of Flatiron. Pinewood continues to fish very well from the cove with flies especially midge imitations. Use Griffins Gnat and small Zebra Midges in the evening. A 40-inch musky was reported from Pinewood and the possibility remains to catch the largest fish of the year. Other parts of the lake fish best with baits and worms and a limit of fish can be caught from the shore. You’ll have the best luck just before the sun comes up! Day passes are available 24/7 at either entrance to the park through an automated pay station next to the gate!

Golden Gate Canyon State Park Ponds (Jefferson and Gilpin Counties)

Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers five fishing ponds open year-round to all park visitors. The ponds are Kriley, Slough, Ranch Ponds East and West, and Dude’s Fishing Hole. Each angler is allowed four fish per day with eight being the maximum number in possession. No live baits are allowed with the exception of worms. Please call the Visitor Center for directions at 303-582-3707.

Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park (Larimer County)

Trout have remained at a low to medium density continuing to go after spinners to worms. Bass are still out in force. Large bass are moving out of the coves early in the morning with the small ones staying in the coves during the day. Warmer water temperatures are continuing to provide very good smallmouth bass fishing. They are going after crank baits, minnows, jigs and worms. Walleye are still hitting hard with a majority of activity in the coves especially in Inlet Bay.

Jackson Lake State Park (Morgan County)

The park is open, but can be accessed from the south by Highway 144 only, and from Exit 70 at Fort Morgan from the east only. Highway 144 at Orchard and Highway 39 are closed due to the flood on the South Platte River.

 

Jumbo Reservoir (Logan and Sedgwick Counties)

Jumbo is now closed to boating; water levels are too low, and still dropping. A few bullheads are being caught, fishing is poor. Jumbo requires an annual fishing license or a state wildlife area permit for anyone 19-64.

North Sterling State Park (Logan County)

Water levels are good with the south boat ramp still in the water. Crappie fishing is slow along the dam, marina and outlet areas on jigs and minnows. Best fishing has been in the mornings and evenings. Lots of catfish are being caught at Balanced Rock, Darby Arm and Elks Bay on worms.

Prewitt Reservoir (Washington County)

Prewitt is closed to boating water levels are down to the pool in the middle. The outlet is not running. A few drums are being caught, otherwise fishing is poor. Prewitt requires an annual fishing license or a state wildlife area permit for anyone 19-64.

Spinney Mountain State Park (Park County)            

Trout fishing is good. Fishermen are reporting the most success in the deep waters. Good catches are being seen in the inlets and closer to the dam. Try using a drake fly, hopper dry flies or a black tube jig. Pike fishing is also good. Try using spoons, stickbaits or tube jigs. The best reports are coming from those fishing 100 to 150 meters from the shoreline.

St. Vrain State Park ponds (Weld County)
Believe it or not, there are still plenty of fish to be caught at St. Vrain State Park! This time of the year, most of the ponds are producing primarily warm-water species. Bluegill and crappie are a good place to start. Get a worm and a bobber (and a fishing pole of course) and throw it out there. Sandpiper, Mallard, Killdeer, Coot, Redtail, and even Pelican Ponds are all good places for “panfish.” If bass are more to your liking, try Bald Eagle and Coot Ponds. There are lots of largemouths in each! Lucky Tip: Be either as natural as you can, or as bright/loud as you can because these fish have been playing the “avoid the hook” game all summer. The trout bite is slim but there’s still a chance if you can find a deep/cool channel in one of our ponds. But beware, the few that are left are smart! Try flies/rooster tails/panther martins or some kind of legal bait to bag ’em. Coot, Sandpiper or Mallard ponds are your best bet. If catfish are more to your liking, you’re in luck! There are catfish in every accessible pond on our park. Try stink bait and liver, or something else with a smell! Good luck! Please remember that Bald Eagle Pond has the following restrictions: 1) Fishing with artificial flies and lures only, 2) Scented plastics must be one and a half inches long or longer, and 3) ALL bass must be returned to the water immediately. On that note, the bass are still producing. Try senko’s, drop shots, and crawdad immitations (weedless) for some good morning/evening results. The mid-day bite is slow. Lucky Tip: The bass have been biting on flies too (be as natural as possible and try dragon-fly immitations). The sunfish are still playing the “take the worm” game and can be caught in every accessible pond on our park. Try worms below a bobber around the shorelines and rocks/structure. Good Luck! If you’re planning on coming out, please bring your fishing license and keep it with you.

Conditions Report – Southeast Colorado

Adobe Creek Reservoir/Blue Lake (Kiowa and Bent Counties)

Fair to good for channel catfish and drum. One lower boat ramp is usable.

 

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area/Arkansas River (Lake, Chaffee and Fremont Counties)
Here’s an update from Greg at ArkAnglers: “Rains on Sunday night raised the water level on the upper Arkansas and contributed more sediment to the current. However, the forecast for a mostly dry week ahead suggests that the river will quickly clear and return to good conditions. Expect Bighorn Sheep Canyon flows in the 500 CFS range for the last week of September, and then slowly diminishing through the month of October. Morning midge hatches and afternoon blue wing olive mayfly activity continue to be the major food sources driving fish behavior. Expect to find trout in fast broken water when these pupae/nymphs are active, and probably in deeper water around mid-day. Early and late attractor dries trailing caddis continue to take a lot of fish off the edges.”

 

Brush Hollow Reservoir (Fremont County)

The water level has come up and some boats are able to launch from the boat ramp. However, the water level can fluctuate daily. Consequently, access to the boat ramp may also change rapidly. Fishing has been good for bluegill and a small number of bass have been reported being caught.

 

Clear Creek Reservoir (Chaffee County)

Clear Creek Reservoir boat ramp is open Thursday through Monday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here is an update from Jerry Hornbuckle: “Fishing has been suppressed by something this past week. Perhaps the rainy weather, winds, or cooler temperatures; despite Monday, Sept. 23 forecast to continue with 70 percent chance of rain showers, the next six days following it are predicted to be sunny and mild, with a slight chance of rain. However, this Monday is predicted to have winds from 15 to 20 mph and gusts to 35 mph. Unpleasant weather this past week was the likely cause for few shore fishermen at Clear Creek Reservoir. For those who did brave the cooler temperatures, typical catches were one to three or four trout landed for three hours of fishing with PowerBait. Fishing with a wide variety of lures did not produce very much at all. The few fly fishermen fishing from shore landed one or two rainbow trout each, using a Stimulator fly pattern or a Wooly Booger. From boats, one pair trolling with Tasmanian Devils landed 42 trout; all but two of the fish were rainbow stockers and the other two were cutbows. The most productive colored lures they used were hot pink and another one colored dark green and yellow. Tiger muskie fishermen did not fare well this week either. Most did not report any strikes, but the few that did hook a muskie lost it before it was boated. On the other hand, two fly fishermen wading in the uppermost part of the lake did well with “hopper” patterns just 30 feet into the lake from where the Creek enters it. Please note the reservoir is closed to trailered boats after Sept. 30 but does remain open over the winter to “watercraft” that can be hand-launched from cars or trucks, and that do not use outboard motors. Good luck and good fishing.”

 

Lake Henry (Crowley County)

Henry Lake is closed to fishing and all other wildlife-related recreation.

John Martin Reservoir State Park (Bent County)

The stilling basin and the Arkansas River below the dam have produced large catfish, saugeye, and striper using minnows and worms. White bass and wiper are being caught by the dozens out of the reservoir on jigs, minnows, crawfish, and shrimp. Drum, bluegill, carp and walleye have also been caught in the reservoir, but with varying frequency. Please be mindful of all regulations concerning size and creel limits. Good Luck!

 

Lake Pueblo State Park (Pueblo County)

As the crowds recede and the summer starts to dwindle, the fishing at Lake Pueblo should start to gain some traction. The loss of boats and crowds should reduce the pressure on the on the fish in the reservoir and allow them to continue their normal habits. The weekend saw some fish coming in, but the number have reduced since the beginning of the year. Walleye and wiper are still the hot fish in the water, and fishing from the newly opened for the season old highway 96 access may be the place to try. Below the dam the fish continue to lay low during the hot days, but dusk and dawn continue to provide the angler with hatches. As always please be considerate of all other users here at the park and know they are out enjoying our natural resources just as you are. This is important this time of year as hunting has officially opened on ours and the adjoining wildlife lands. Also, please continue to follow the rules and regulations regarding method of take and bait use while on the river. If you have any questions please stop in at our visitor center or ask a ranger on the park. Tight lines everyone!

 

Lathrop State Park, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake (Huerfano County)

The fishing is picking up on both Martin and Horseshoe. The pike bite is starting to pick up a bit, along with the bass bite as the weather cools off. Overnight fishing isn’t producing quite as much as it was earlier in the summer, but both lakes fishing is picking up. This is a reminder, though, that if you are fishing overnight, you must be actively fishing, and not camping on shore.

 

Lake Meredith (Crowley County)         

Meredith Reservoir is closed to fishing and all other wildlife-related recreation.

 

Mt. Elbert Forebay (Lake County)

Fishing conditions at Mt. Elbert Forebay over the weekend remained slow. Around half of the surveyed shore anglers reported not landing a single trout. Most of the catches comprised of 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout with an occasional cutthroat trout. Successful shore anglers caught several rainbow trout on either live crickets or dry flies coupled with worms at the eastern section of the reservoir. Near the outlet of the reservoir, golden Kastmasters were very productive. Midday water surface temperatures were in the high 50s.

 

Nee Gronde Reservoir (Kiowa County)

Carp are biting well, catfish are fair to good. Slow for all other species. Water levels continue to decline and temps are in the mid 70s. Access is difficult around much of the lake due to low water and muddy shorelines.

 

Rampart Reservoir (El Paso County)
The U.S. Forest Service opened the reservoir to shoreline anglers and hand launched watercraft on May 24. The road across the dam is now open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday. It will not be open during the week. Motorized boats are not allowed across the dam and cannot be launched from the boat ramp. Fishing continues to be fair to good for cutbows and rainbows.

 

Turquoise Lake (Lake County)
Water level is at highest for the year. Catch rates are improving with a lot of stocked fish being caught. Rated as fair for shore fishermen.

 

Trinidad Lake State Park (Las Animas County)

Trinidad Lake is approximately 482 surface acres and the surface temp is in the low to mid 70s. The water is beginning to clear up. We are starting to get more reports of the trout biting. The catfish are biting on chicken liver. Two 30-inch catfish were caught this week. Anglers are reminded to check the regulations for bass and walleye.

 

Twin Lakes Reservoir (Lake County)

Fishing conditions at Twin Lakes Reservoir over the weekend were fair from shore. However, boat fishing remains very slow. Near the power plant, rainbow trout were taking Kastmasters and brass Big Jake lures. A majority of anglers fishing near the power plant reported landing a fish. At the Red Rooster boat ramp of the upper lake, shore anglers detected a scintilla of trout activity on Pistol Petes. The previous hours for boat inspections has changed to 7 a.m. to 7p.m. at the Dexter Point boat ramp. Once Oct. 1 arrives, the hours for boat inspections will change to 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Midday water surface temperatures were in the low 60s.

Conditions Report – Northwest Colorado 

Colorado River at Glenwood Springs (Garfield County)

Here’s the latest from the Taylor Creek Fly Shop: “The Colorado is running at 2,370 CFS in Glenwood Springs. The river is still too discolored to fish effectively. Look for water clarity to improve as long as the weather continues to be dry.”

 

Crystal River (Gunnison County)

Here’s a report from the Taylor Creek Fly Shop: “Flow is at 163 CFS in Carbondale. The Crystal River is still too discolored to fish effectively. Look for water clarity to improve as long as the weather continues to be dry.”

 

Delaney Buttes, Cowdrey Reservoir and Lake John (Jackson County)

No recent updates.

 

Elkhead Reservoir State Park (Moffat County)          

Pike are biting at Elkhead Reservoir with anglers reporting success five or six feet below the surface. A couple of 23-inch northerns caught by an angler this weekend looked small compared to the 40-inch pulled out by a father and son team on Sunday. Crappie and blue gill are being caught with jigs at the north end of Elkhead Reservoir.

 

Fryingpan River (Eagle County)

Here’s a report from Taylor Creek Fly Shop: “The Fryginpan is running 116 CFS below Ruedi Reservoir. The river is seeing the year’s best hatches right now! Overcast days are certainly best, though even bright, sunny days are still seeing good hatches. Solid midge hatches are present in the morning hours followed by blue wing olives, pale morning duns and green drakes. Look for the best dry fly fishing to be occurring closer to the dam (above mile marker 8). Light tippets of 6x and 7x, coupled with downstream drifts are paramount to success. Mornings and evenings are yielding the best nymph fishing. Small and dark BWO and midge patterns in sizes 20 through 22 are best.”

Harvey Gap State Park (Garfield County)          

No recent reports.

Highline Lake State Park and Mack Mesa Reservoir (Mesa County)

No recent updates.

 

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park (Mesa County)                                      

No recent updates.

 

Lake Granby (Grand County)

Here’s an update from Tracy Featherston: “Lake Granby is minus-26 feet below full, surface temperature is 62 degrees and clarity is to six feet depending on where you are at. Laker fishing is starting to improve finding fish in 120 to 70 feet of water and the Kokanee are starting to school in Columbine Bay.”

 

Pearl Lake State Park (Routt County)

No recent updates.

 

Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap State Park (Garfield County)

No recent updates.

 

Roaring Fork River (Garfield County)

Latest info from Taylor Creek Fly Shop: “Roaring Fork is running at 319 CFS below Maroon Creek, 510 CFS in Basalt, and 862 CFS in Glenwood Springs. The fishing is beginning to pick back up with the cooler weather and water temperatures. As we approach fall, anglers can anticipate on having very good streamer fishing, especially when floating the river. The large insects of summer are now being replaced with the more numerous and smaller blue wing olives. “Tiny and shiny” is a good general rule of thumb when nymphing the river right now as far as flies go. As river flows continue to drop, more and more fish are holding in the middle of the river in the “deep and green” with lesser numbers of fish along the banks. Some decent caddis hatches are being seen below Basalt during the late afternoons for dry fly junkies.”

Stagecoach State Park (Routt County)

The Tailwaters will be closed to all public access beginning Sept. 16, 2013 for the restoration project. It is expected to be closed through the end of the year. Contact the park office for more information. Trout have moved to deeper, cooler water. Orange or green PowerBait, wooly buggers, Tasmanian devils, and worms are working well for trout. Anglers have been successful fishing from the shore or a boat. Pike activity has picked up with a few 20-plus pound fish being landed in the shallows at the inlet. Buzz baits have been working well for pike. The harvest of pike at Stagecoach is encouraged. Please don’t throw them on shore or in the dumpsters but take as many as you like for the fryer. Algae are beginning to bloom. Emergers, midges, and prince nymphs in dark colors have yielded some beautiful rainbows at the tailwaters below the dam. Small sections of shoreline have been roped off to help prevent erosion. If the tailwaters parking lot is full, please park at the dam or come back another time to avoid overcrowding.

 

State Forest State Park (Jackson County)

No recent updates.

 

Steamboat Lake State Park (Routt County)

Bank fishermen have been hitting Meadow Point and Rainbow Ridge area pretty hard with worms and eggs being the bait of choice. SPinners have been working very well also I have not heard from boat fisherman lately, so no report for them.

 

Sylvan Lake State Park (Eagle County)

Last stocked with catchable rainbow trout on Sept. 13. Gold spinners and nightcrawlers are working well. Small grey/white caddis or nymphs, too. A good mix of rainbow, cutthroat and even a few browns. The Inlet Creek is closed Sept.1 through Nov. 30.

 

Vega State Park (Mesa County)
Fishing is excellent at the gravel pit area and off of Fisherman’s Flats. The Island boat ramp will close on Sept. 30. Hand launching of small, non-trailered watercraft will be allowed after that from accessible areas. Please remember to have your boat inspected prior to launching. The inspection station is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

 

Yampa River State Park (Routt County)

The Yampa River continues to fish well with recent rains raising levels slightly. Brown trout between Hayden and Craig are fishing well, anglers are reporting.

Conditions Report – Southwest Colorado

Crawford State Park (Delta County)

No recent updates.

 

Gunnison Gorge, Gunnison River (Gunnison – Delta County)

No recent updates.

 

Mancos State Park, Jackson Gulch Reservoir (Montezuma County)

Due to recent rains the Jackson Gulch Reservoir has risen several feet. However, the lake is still very low and the water level is below the boat ramp. In spite of the low lake level fishing has been excellent for 10 to 12 inch rainbow trout and 6 to 7 inch yellow perch with an occasional large brown trout. Trout are biting on several types of PowerBait but especially pink, as well as worms, grasshoppers, corn, and salmon eggs. Some small spinners have seen success. Fly fisherfolk have been successful especially in the early morning and late evening hours along the dam. Perch love all kinds of worms: nightcrawlers, mealworms, or waxworms. Perch are small, averaging about 6 to 7 inches, but anglers should keep them if they’ll eat them, they make yummy fish tacos! There is no limit on the number of perch you keep; the daily limit for trout is four. A park pass is required when utilizing the park. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay post at the park entrance.

 

Navajo State Park (Archuleta County)                

Channel catfish are biting well, and the smallmouth bass have slowed some recently. Water temperature is currently approximately 75 degrees. Colorado and New Mexico fishing licenses for 2013-14 are available at the Visitor Center at this time. Please remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.

Ridgway State Park (Ouray County)

The reservoir is 86.6 percent capacity and falling. Our most recent stocking of the reservoir, with 2,000 catchable rainbow trout, occurred on July 23. Both shore fishermen and boaters are reporting very good fishing for stocker-sized fish (eight to 12 inches) with a few larger fish (18 to 20 inches) being caught. The catch is mostly rainbows, but there have also been some browns and smallmouth bass.

 

 Rio Grande River (Rio Grande County)

No recent updates.

 

Taylor Reservoir (Gunnison County)

Here’s an update from Dee Dee at Taylor Park Marina: “Trolling for rainbows is still very good. Try lead line with about 3 1/2 colors with cowbells and nightcrawlers. A couple of guys did really well with the lead line and Dick Nites. Still not a lot going on with Macks, as I think they are starting their spawn. Northern Pike are getting active. We saw about half a dozen caught this weekend in the 4 to 6 pound range. They were trolling on the north end of the lake and over by the Willow Creek cove.”