Colorado Fishing Report for October 1, 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: fly fishing for Stillwater trophies at Spinney Mountain Reservoir. For more videos, check out the next video in the “Fly Fishing Colorado” series. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPg_X43d_F8&list=PL8705D5C42BF2705F&index=29

 

CPW Fishing is Fun program awards more than $600,000 in grants

Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced $650,000 in funding awards for 17 fishing and shooting range improvement projects across the state. Funding was provided through the agency’s Fishing is Fun and Shooting Range Development Grants programs. Angling improvement projects awarded funding include $120,000 to develop in-stream habitat and angler access on Clear Creek adjacent to the on-going Twin Tunnels highway project near Idaho Springs, $80,000 towards a new fishing pond and angler access at the 88th Avenue Open Space in Thornton, $40,000 to establish fishing access on the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Paonia, and $25,000 for aquatic habitat improvements on Henson Creek in Lake City. Learn more about the grants, see the press release, or visit the Fishing is Fun webpage.

Zimmerman Lake Reclamation planned for lineage brood stock
The agency will complete reclamation of the fishery at Zimmerman Lake in Larimer County in order to restock the feral brood stock of the Bear Creek strain cutthroat trout (LineageBC). In an effort to support CPW work, the U.S. Forest Service is putting a closure in place that includes the area surrounding Zimmerman Lake, extending to 50 feet from the high water mark. Treated areas will be posted at the 50-foot high water mark to keep the public from coming in contact with treated waters. This order will go in place Sept. 29 through Oct.3. The usual catch and release limits will be reinstated the day of treatment. Fishing, however, will not be allowed until water testing has been completed and the lake is re-filled and stocked with trout, including extra-large brood stock early October.

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 more information, view the press release.

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
No stockings this week.
Northwest Region
Luster Basin Reservoir #1	Mesa County; 10 miles west of Pinon Mesa
Luster Basin Reservoir #2	Mesa County; 10 miles west of Pinon Mesa
Teal Lake	Jackson County; 12 miles west of Coalmont
Tiago Lake	Jackson County; 12 miles west of Coalmont
Wolford Mountain Reservoir	Grand County; 8 miles north of Kremmling
Southeast Region
Pike View Reservoir	Colorado Springs
Quail Lake	Colorado Springs
Willow Creek Pond #1	Fountain
Willow Creek Pond #2	Fountain
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 63 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 from shore is rated slow to fair at this time. However, from the dam try using power bait 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 and jigs. Most walleye being caught are under the eighteen 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)

Due to all of the debris in the lake from the storms and the access bridge that was washed out, boating has been stopped until further notice. However the reservoir is open for bank fishing. Because of the murky water trout fishing has been spotty but the catfish seem to love it. We have had some good catches of the catfish this week mostly running in the 2 to 5 pound range.

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)

Chatfield fishing has been excellent. The rains increased the water level six feet but the reservoir is still down 1.6 feet from normal levels. The water temperatures have dropped quickly and are holding around the low 60s. Trout of 16-plus inches have been caught on the west side of the reservoir with PowerBait. Perch have been very popular in the main gravel pond and the smaller one to the east. Bring lots of worms a small batch will be used quickly. Smallmouth bass have been consistent throughout the year along the rip-rap of the dam. Boaters have been landing many walleye along the south wakeless line and the centerline. Bottom bouncing a worm has produced the best action. Carp have been a very popular sport fish this year. Many large fish over 30 inches have been reported. Homemade dough baits have been productive.

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 3.50 feet above full.  Since the storms, the water has been mucky and fishing has been slow.  Water temperature is about 66 degrees. Anglers are recommended to fish high with warm and fluorescent colored lure.  The Marina has yielded some smalleyes and crappie with worms.  A few boaters have caught some walleye using jigs.  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. 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 65 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

Antero Reservoir (Park County)
Here’s an update from Brian: “Fishing at Antero last Tuesday was on fire! We launched the boat on the only ramp open on the North End and head southwest. We were catching fish within minutes and some rather large fat rainbows at that. One was 21 inches and fatter than a football that pushed 5 pounds. The action was good with lures and we released several more large fish. I actually had two break off which was a first and they were played well in my humble opinion and not horsed to the point where line would usually break. Fishing was excellent until the wind picked up, but even then strikes were had and fish were landed.

The only bad news is how quickly darkness overtakes the day and we were the last boat out. I am pretty sure everyone had a good day. We were fortunate, we were told, as the day before the winds kept everyone away and not a single boat launched. The browns seem ready to group and attempt to spawn but the catch was mainly rainbows and cutbows. Can’t wait to get out again; there’s still a good month before closure. Happy fishing!”

 

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 60s with a depth of 45.5 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)

Trout fishing is fair. The past week has seen plenty of frustrated anglers anticipating a great Fall, but the fish are not cooperating. The water remains unusually warm for this time of year & there was a full Harvest Moon which may have had some effect. There are still lots of successful fishermen, it just takes a bit more work and a willingness to change up gear frequently. There has been a strong bite from 8 to 10 p.m. for the shore anglers who love to night fish, but find it difficult to make it to the traditional 2 a.m. bite. Kastmasters, tube jigs and Marabou’s have been working well. Pumpkin pepper and white with a little dab of Smelly Jelly have seen big fish. With a waning moon and cooler water temperatures action should pick up. Salmong fishing is slow. There is still a stray salmon being caught here and there, but not many. For those looking forward to snagging season (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31), the story remains the same. Gill Lice takes its toll by the time they get to be four years old, so there aren’t many left. Pike fishing is fair, although there are those who have had a good season overall most find the Eleven Mile Northern a bit more challenging than the typical pike. Try trolling along the weed beds and pitching in the rocks. Fire tiger patterns have been better than most, along with the black and white/silver Rapala in size J-13. Timing is everything and mid morning has been consistent. (Courtesy of Eleven Mile Marina) Dream Stream is good. Stream flow is perfect; running at 102 CFS with excellent clarity and temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low-60s. Anglers are catching a mix of rainbows, cutbows, and browns in the 10 to 15 inch range. Effective flies have been #14-16 San Juan Worms, #18 Buckskins, #20 Barr’s Emerger (BWO), & #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tails. Hatches include midges, Tricos, & BWOs. The best fishing is between 7 AM & noon. Hopper/dropper fishing on downwind streambank is a good option in the afternoon when things slow down. (Courtesy of Blue Quill Anglers).

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 fair to good. Some anglers are doing fairly well, while others are struggling. Water temps in the reservoir are about normal (mid-50s to low-60s) for this time of year. The bulk of the fish are being hooked on Callibeatis. Chironomids are also working. (Courtesy of Cutthroat Anglers) Pike fishing is slow. Try using spoons, stickbaits or tube jigs. The best reports are coming from those fishing 100 to 150 meters from the shoreline. Dream Stream is good. Stream flow is perfect; running at 102 CFS with excellent clarity and temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low-60s. Anglers are catching a mix of rainbows, cutbows and browns in the 10 to 15 inch range. Effective flies have been #14-16 San Juan Worms, #18 Buckskins, #20 Barr’s Emerger (BWO), & #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tails. Hatches include midges, Tricos and BWOs. The best fishing is between 7 a.m. and noon. Hopper/dropper fishing on downwind streambank is a good option in the afternoon when things slow down. (Courtesy of Blue Quill Anglers).

St. Vrain State Park ponds (Weld County)
St. Vrain State Park is currently closed due to flood damage. We understand that fishermen are concerned about damage to the fisheries themselves, and we are working hard to assess the status of the fisheries, but we do not have any information – good or bad – regarding the flood impact on the fishery. We will update this section as soon as we have more information.

  

Conditions Report – Southeast Colorado

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

Fishing from shore is good for channel catfish using a variety of baits. Fishermen have reported catching a few crappie while fishing from a boat using minnows.

 

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area/Arkansas River (Lake, Chaffee and Fremont Counties)
Here’s an update from Greg at ArkAnglers: “With the arrival of high pressure and the clear, dry days of autumn, the unseasonably elevated flows on the Arkansas River have experienced a slow decline toward normal. As of the first of October, we have about 175 CFS in Hayden Meadows, 360 CFS in the Granite Gorge, 489 CFS in Browns Canyon and 514 CFS below Salida. These are high flows for October, the result of a prolonged monsoon season that has soaked the earth thoroughly, the return flows from which will continue until a deep and lasting freeze shuts it down. Meanwhile, many upper basin irrigators are finishing their work for the season, leaving more water in the tributaries to flow through the canyons. As a result, expect higher than normal flows through the rest of the fishing season. During the remaining fall season, four to six weeks depending on the weather, we will also see the brown trout spawn, a slow decline in water temperature, and the completion of our autumnal midge hatches and blue wing olive mayfly emergence. In those intervening weeks, expect strong trout feeding behavior, especially in the afternoons when water temperatures are warmest and mayfly nymphs will be drifting on the current. While it is possible to appeal to a trout’s opportunistic nature at those times, imitation of actual food is a good strategy and any offering should be trailed by a size 18-20 blue wing olive mayfly nymph/emerger.”

 

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: “Please note this report is for the last week of the summer that Clear Creek Reservoir is open to trailered boats. Until early next May the reservoir will be open only to fishing from shore, on the ice, or from watercraft that can be carried in or on a car, in the back of a truck, carried by hand to the water, and that do not use outboard motors. Despite periods of adverse winds and/or weather, fishing was improved over past weeks. From shore, limit catches of rainbow trout using PowerBait took two or three hours. From boats, trolling with night crawlers beneath cowbells did well. Those trolling with lures had success with Panther Martins, Mepps’ spinners, and various small spoons; however, the best results reported were using Tasmanian Devils, the pink or green and yellow color patterns. Other small lures produced some catches but they were smaller in numbers than those reported above. No one reported much success from fly fishing. There were also no reports of landing any tiger muskies or of catching more than the occasional kokanee salmon. Here’s hoping your fall and winter are pleasant; we look forward to seeing you again at Clear Creek Reservoir next Spring.”

 

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)

The off season has officially started. Dwindling crowds, cooling weather and a whole lot less pressure on the fish in both the reservoir and the river means the fishing is turning around. Bass, catfish and trout are all being caught in many different places on the reservoir. Boating seems to be the preferred method, but shore fishermen with patience are being rewarded as well. Don’t forget that the old Highway 96 parking lot is back open for the winter months. On the river the flows continue to fluctuate, meaning that, depending on the water level, either dry flies or nymphs/lures are the best way to go. As the water on the Arkansas gets higher and cloudier, get the tackle down in front of the mouths of the fish for the best results. 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 past week remained slow. A majority of the shore anglers reported not landing a single trout. Near the outlet of the reservoir, anglers typically experience tremendous success on either Gulp Salmon Eggs or pink PowerBait. Fishing the bottom of the lake with worms near the inlet can be very productive. Boat anglers may want to explore using either worms for rainbow trout, or jigs coupled with sucker meat for lake trout. Most of the catches comprised of 8 to 12 inch rainbow trout. 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)
Catch rate is still improving with baits from the shore and is rated fair to good. Boat ramp closed after Sept. 30.

 

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)

Throughout the past week, fishing conditions at Twin Lakes Reservoir were good from shore. A majority of shore anglers fishing near the power plant reported landing multiple fish with very few anglers experiencing minimal success. Between 100 to 200 feet away from the power plant, rainbow trout went for either Mepps spinners or pink PowerBait. Most of the landed rainbow trout ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Once Oct. 1 arrives, the hours for boat inspections will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dexter Point boat ramp will remain open until Oct. 21. Boat anglers targeting rainbow trout may want to consider trolling with Tasmanian Devil lures near the shorelines of the lower lake. Sometimes employing baits such as PowerBait and worms from a boat can be very productive at the lower lake. Midday water surface temperatures were in the high 50s.

Conditions Report – Northwest Colorado

 

Colorado River at Glenwood Springs (Garfield County)

Here’s the latest from the Taylor Creek Fly Shop: “The river is at 2,270 CFS in Glenwood Springs. The Colorado River has cleared slightly but is still experiencing varying water conditions and is too discolored to fish effectively. Look for the water clarity to improve in the next two weeks or so as daytime temperatures begin to drop.”

 

Crystal River (Gunnison County)

Here’s a report from the Taylor Creek Fly Shop: “The Crystal River is at 249 CFS below the fish hatchery in Carbondale.  Like the Colorado River, the Crystal is still too discolored to fish effectively.  Look for the water clarity to improve in the next two weeks or so as daytime temperatures begin to drop.”

 

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 river is at 144 CFS below Ruedi Reservoir. Flows were recently increased slightly this past week. Look for the heaviest hatches to take place closer to the dam. Green drakes, PMDs, BWOs and midges are the main hatches taking place along the river. As we move forward into fall, look for the BWOs and midges to dominate while the drakes and PMDs begin to fade away until next year. Crowds are fading, though the fishing is not. In fact, some of the year’s best dry fly fishing is occurring right now! Prior and thereafter the hatches, small BWO and midge nymph and emerger patterns like pheasant tails, RS2s, bling midges, and jujubaetis in sizes 20-22 are best. Enjoy the best dry fishing in Colorado along the Fryingpan River right now!”

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: “The Roaring Fork is at 324 CFS below Maroon Creek in Aspen, 537 CFS in Emma (Basalt) and 936 CFS in Glenwood Springs. Look for the most consistent fishing to take place along the upper river from Aspen to Basalt. Tiny and shiny is a good general rule of thumb when nymphing along the river. Fly patterns like BLMs, ultra-bling RS2s, freestone emergers, and the like are best in sizes 18-22. Below Basalt, the best fishing has been out of drift boats or rafts, where larger streamer and nymphs can be fished. Add in San Juan worms, rubberleg stones, autumn splendors and ziwi’s down here. Water clarity below Carbondale has been fluctuating with recent rains, so take advantage of those clear windows of opportunity.”

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)

Trout fishing between Hayden and Craig has picked up with cooler temperatures. The Yampa River continues to fish well with recent rains raising levels slightly.

Conditions Report – Southwest Colorado

Crawford State Park (Delta County)

No recent updates.

 

Gunnison Gorge, Gunnison River (Gunnison – Delta County)

Here’s an update from Gunnison River Expeditions: “The Gunnison Gorge is running around 401 CFS and clearing each day, there is about 4ft of visibility right now. Streamers, October Splendors, and killer mayflies seem to be the choice of fly. On certain days hopper droppers are working as well. The lower Gunnison is still running muddy. The North Fork just dropped and it seems that it should clear up in a few days.”

 

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.”

 

Join our new CPW Fishing community on Facebook

Colorado anglers can “like” the new CPW Fishing Facebook page to get tips, share stories and more. If you love fishing, this is the place to be. Before you head out fishing, head for facebook.com/cpwfishing.

Fish with us on Twitter

Colorado anglers can get fishing updates directly from CPW on Twitter. Follow @CPWfish.