| Green Mountain Reservoir - The lake is filling, with the level down about 10 feet. Trout are being caught on night crawlers, and silver/green or blue Kastmasters are working. All but the McDonald's Flats boat ramps are open. Interactive Map |
| Gypsum Ponds - Fishing on the state wildlife area ponds has been consistently good on many types of baits and lures. The wildlife area bag and possession limit is two trout. Check the fishing regulations brochure for other restrictions. |
| Harvey Gap Reservoir - The lake is open for boating. Crappie and sunfish have become very active, and catfish are starting to become active in the evenings. Trout fishing has been good with Power Bait and worms. Some large pike are being caught on crankbaits. More info | Interactive Map |
| Highline Lake - Weather has warmed up and the water temperature on the lake is 71 degrees. The crappie and catfish are biting, with reports of some channel cats over 6 pounds being caught. The bass are being caught on plastics and spinnerbaits. With 10,000 trout having been stocked this spring, fishing for them has slowed down with warmer water but still is fair. Both boat ramps are open. Use caution on the east ramp because of a build-up of silt and debris from the inlet. More info | Interactive Map |
| Jerry Creek Reservoirs - The Mesa County reservoirs near Molina have closed to public access for dam and spillway reconstruction. They are unlikely to reopen before July, at the earliest. |
| Lake Avery - Fishing for rainbow trout remains good. Most fishermen use bait here, and salmon eggs and pink or orange Power Bait have been working well. Boaters have done well trolling bronze or gold Kastmasters. Interactive Map |
| Lake John - Though the pace is not spectacular, shore fishermen still are catching some large rainbow trout. A variety of baits, including flavored marshmallows, night crawlers dipped in shrimp oil and Power Bait enhanced with anise oil has been effective. Trolling is picking up and should continue to improve into the summer. Inquire in Walden for the latest. Interactive Map |
| Mack Mesa Lake - About 6,000 trout were stocked this spring, but with water temperatures at 72 degrees the trout fishing has dropped off. Fishing has been slow to fair using salmon eggs, Power Bait and spinners. Fishing has been best in the early morning. The lake is full and shore access is good. 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. More info | Interactive Map |
| Muddy Creek - Flows below Wolford Mountain Reservoir are still high but gradually dropping. On Monday, the volume was 237 cfs. Interactive Map |
| North Delaney Lake - Chironomids and Callibaetis have been the norm at the Buttes. Look for fish to be feeding early and late in the day on Chironomids just under the surface. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you should find a wonderful Callibaetis hatch. These hatches are very weather-dependent but produce great fishing when the weather is right. Fish near shore and in 4-6 feet of water early and late in the day. A Chironomid pattern fished just below the surface using a slight hand retrieve will be the ticket. From 10-2, try fishing Callibaetis nymph patterns under an indicator or on an intermediate line. Try No. 12-14 Copper Johns, Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails. When fishing is tough or the sun is high with few clouds, go deeper, 10-12 feet, as fish will retreat to hide from the sun and pelicans. Interactive Map |
| North Michigan Lake - The lake is open and full of hungry fish. Several folks fishing from the bank with worms have caught limits of 10- to 12-inch rainbows. The water level below the spillway has dropped and the water has cleared up. Fish are being caught in the tailwaters on worms and Power Bait. Fly fishing on the beaver dams below the spillway has picked up. Anglers have had success using mostly wet flies, especially beaded Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails. With the water clearing up, reports of some good topwater action have started coming in. The reservoir was stocked on June 7. Interactive Map |
| North Park Alpine Lakes - All Alpine lakes are completely frozen-over and trails still are covered with deep snow. |
| North Park Streams - Flows are up, and clarity on North Platte tributaries such as the Illinois, Michigan, Roaring Fork and North Fork varies from day to day. Try dead-drifting Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, leeches and scuds in size 14-16, or working olive, black or white streamer flies. As weather warms the fishing will be better in high country streams. As for now, stick to the valley. Interactive Map |
| North Platte River - The North Platte has fluctuated much over the past two weeks. Last week brought the salmon fly hatch, which was truly amazing. Due to higher temperatures, the river is on its way up and fishing will be tough. Look for cold snaps to lower and clear the river, bringing great windows for good fishing. During such windows, try stonefly nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns and Prince Nymphs. Also try big, ugly streamers to trigger big browns. This river should be great through July and August. Interactive Map |
| Pearl Lake - Fishing has been spotty, but anglers have been catching some trout. Most of the area is dry, and early season conditions exist, depending on weather. Campgrounds are open but early in the week, the water had not yet been turned on. Two yurts are available for camping at Pearl Lake. For current conditions, call the visitor center at 970-879-3922 More info | Interactive Map |
| Ranger Lakes - The lakes are open. The fishing has really picked up over the past week. Several anglers took limits of 10- to 15-inch rainbows. Most anglers have been using worms and Power Bait. Fly fishermen have had success using several different kinds of flies, including wets and dries, mostly Elk-Hair-Caddis, Woolly Buggers, Parachute Adams and a variety of bead-heads. Both lakes were stocked on June 11. Interactive Map |
| Rifle Gap Reservoir - The reservoir is open for boating and both courtesy ramps are in the water. Walleyes have been active by the boat ramp. Smallmouth bass have been active, but remember they must be 15 inches or bigger to keep. Trout have been very active and are hitting on worms, rainbow-colored Power Bait and silver or gold spoons. The perch and pike are becoming more active, mainly by the swim beach and island. More info | Interactive Map |
| Rio Blanco Lake - Fishermen have begun catching small northern pike on red-and-white and black-and-white spoons and red-and-gold or black-and-white spinners. Crappie still are active, taking white or chartreuse jigs, and some small bass also have been turning up in the catch. More info | Interactive Map |
| Roaring Fork River - The Roaring Fork is running at 4,810 cfs through Basalt and 916 cfs in Aspen. The river is at the peak of runoff. It is unfishable around Basalt and touch-and-go, at best, upstream near Aspen. Hot flies include Stoneflies, RS-2s, Flashtail Eggs, STDs and San Juan worms. Interactive Map |
| Shadow Mountain Reservoir - The canal and the area where it dumps into the reservoir are prime fishing areas; however, bright, sunny days and reduced pumping can cause difficult conditions. Many fish have been caught in the canal, including a 6 1/2-pound rainbow and browns from 3 to 4 1/2 pounds. Browns and rainbows are being caught along the eastern shore. Fishing below Shadow Mountain Dam has been good, especially down toward Granby Reservoir. The water flow has been high and many kokanee, browns, macks and rainbows are in the spillway; however, the conditions change according to how much water is being let out. Different patterns of flies, lures and baits are productive at different times. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions. Interactive Map |
| South Delaney Lake - Chironomids and Callibaetis have been the norm at the Buttes. Look for the fish to be feeding early and late in the day on Chironomids just under the surface. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you should find a wonderful Callibaetis hatch. These hatches are very weather-dependent but produce great fishing when the weather is right. Fish near shore and in 4-6 feet of water early and late in the day. A Chironomid pattern just below the surface with a slight hand retrieve will be the ticket. From 10-2 fish Callibaetis nymph patterns under an indicator or on an intermediate line. Try No. 12-14 Copper Johns, Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails. When fishing is tough or the sun is high, get deeper, 10-12 feet, as fish will retreat to hide from the sun and pelicans. Interactive Map |
| Stagecoach Reservoir - Shoreline fishing at the inlet and along the north shoreline has been steady, especially in the mornings and evenings, with Power Bait or worms tipped with marshmallows. Spinners and dark-colored Woolly Buggers also have been working well on the lake. Boat fishing for trout and pike has been slow. Tailwaters fishing still is good using nymphs and mosquito-imitation dry flies. More info | Interactive Map |
| Steamboat Lake - The inlets have opened up and are flowing heavily. Water levels are pretty high. Fish have started biting fairly well, with several trout over 18 inches caught on worms. Fly fishing in the streams has been pretty good, as well. Some anglers did very well from the bank at Rainbow Ridge for 15- to 17-inch trout. For current conditions, please call the visitor center at 970-879-3922. More info | Interactive Map |
| Sylvan Lake - Sylvan Lake was recently stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout of varying sizes. Fishing has been excellent on days when the weather has permitted. Although there have been a few days where the park has still been getting snow, temperatures have been reaching the 70s. Open- and closed-reel fishing has been successful using Power Bait and salmon eggs. Pink, orange and yellow typically have been the colors of choice. Night crawlers also have been a popular bait, especially by the dam. Fly fishing also has been successful. Anglers have been catching trout on Woolly Buggers and leeches. Small black flies have taken over the banks, so anything that resembles that description should get a strike as well. |
| Trappers Lake - The lake is free of ice and the road is open. Few fishermen have been on the water, but early season fishing usually is quite good. 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. Interactive Map |
| Vega Reservoir - Summer is in full swing at Vega Reservoir. The lake is full and spilling and all three boat ramps open. Anglers have been having lots of success with worms and Pautzke's salmon eggs all around the lake. The days have been sunny, cool and breezy with high temperatures reaching into the mid-60s, perfect for fishing. More info | Interactive Map |
| White River - The river on Monday was flowing at 2,330 cfs near Meeker. The river is running bank-full, and the water is fast and discolored. Fishing is tough and few fishermen are on the river. Upper reaches are comparatively clear, but the high water is difficult to fish. Interactive Map |
| Williams Fork Reservoir - At last report the lake is closed to all motorized and trailered boating, pending an inspection plan for the control of zebra mussels. The closure might be in place until sometime in July. Nonmotorized and nontrailered craft are allowed. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout by the inlet and the west boat ramp area has been good. Fishing for pike keeps improving. The east boat ramp area is also fishing well. Rainbows of 3-6 pounds have been caught. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions. More info | Interactive Map |
| Williams Fork River - Tuesday morning's flow was 900 cfs. Fishing at best is difficult. Interactive Map |
| Willow Creek Reservoir - This is a "no-wake" body of water. Fishing from the bank has been good. Trolling, fly fishing and jigging all can be productive. Nice-sized rainbows, browns and kokanee are available. This is a beautiful area with easy fishing access. It is a good place to take kids. It generally gets less fishing pressure than other area lakes. Worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs are commonly used. Inquire in Granby for updates. Interactive Map |
| Wolford Reservoir - The reservoir is open to all boats and the ramp is in and usable. Fishermen have been doing well from shore, mostly on Power Bait and spinners. Because of the runoff, the north inlet area has been very murky. Better fishing is found from the campground toward the dam. Interactive Map |
| Yampa River (Hayden through Craig) - State-park-managed boat ramps are open. A long runoff appears in store, so get your gear in line but be patient. Some good fishing is likely this season, with consistent flows lasting long into summer. Currently, the river is very muddy with very high flows, please use caution when floating or wading. More info | Interactive Map |
| Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) - The Yampa through Steamboat Springs on Monday was flowing at 2,180 cfs and off-color. The runoff continues, but the river has dropped somewhat during the past week. Fishing still is difficult. The tailwater below Stagecoach Dam offers the only reliable conditions. Mayflies and some caddis have been noted there. The tailwater can become crowded, however. Interactive Map |
| Southeast Region |
| Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) - Fishing for all species has been slow. Some catfish are being caught, primarily from boats, and some small bluegills have been reported. The level has been dropping because of irrigation. The high-water ramps are not usable, but one low-water ramp still is serviceable. A fire ban applies to the area and ATVs are not permitted. Endangered-bird closures remain in effect. Interactive Map |
| Antero Reservoir - The lake is closed to trailered boats until further notice in an effort to control the spread of zebra mussels. Recent sampling by the Colorado Division of Wildlife revealed a 53 percent drop in the trout population from last year, especially among larger fish. The lake has been restocked, and the trout are expected to grow quickly. |
| Anticline Lake - The small lake below Pueblo Dam is stocked with catchable-sized trout through the spring, until the water becomes too warm. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spinning lures. Interactive Map |
| Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo) - Flows in the tailwater remain high. Current releases are around 3,880 cfs. The water is murky and a good amount of debris is coming down. Fishing is difficult. Fishing only the edges about six inches from shore has produced some results on hoppers. More info | Interactive Map |
| Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) - Sunday afternoon, flows were 3,380 cfs above Buena Vista and 4,020 cfs in Browns Canyon. The peak of runoff likely has passed and the river should begin to drop and clear over the course of this week. As visibility returns, fish will be found along the edges in softer water, where they can hold and feed without too much effort. Dry-dropper rigs and stonefly combos will be the most effective as conditions improve. More info | Interactive Map |
| Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) - As of Sunday, the Arkansas River flow appeared to be leveling off after peaking on Friday. Flows were 1,230 cfs in Hayden Meadows and 2,720 cfs at Granite. In the week ahead, expect flows to slowly recede and visibility to improve. Fishing above the inflow from Twin Lakes may provide some of the best conditions while the river is high. Work the side channels with a large dry-dropper rig. Strong caddis hatches still are on this reach late in the day and fish are feeding aggressively. More info | Interactive Map |
| Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) - The Arkansas River appeared to peak last Friday and flows on Sunday had receded a bit, with 3,420 cfs in Browns Canyon, 4,020 cfs at Wellsville and 4,010 cfs at Parkdale. Clarity is poor but should improve over the course of the week as flows continue to decline. Stoneflies are becoming active and fish are positioning in velocity shelters along the edges, opportunistically feeding on whatever they can get. Dry-droppers (big) and stonefly combos are working best. More info | Interactive Map |
| Beckwith Reservoir - The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized trout this spring. The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and bluegills, which become more active with warmer temperatures. Boaters have access near the south end of the dam. Only electric motors may be used. Interactive Map |
| Blue and Bear Lakes - The lakes are open and have been stocked. |
| Bonny Reservoir - Fishing for 1- to 3-pound catfish from the north shore on the typical baits has been good. A few cats in the 5- to 8-pound range were taken last week. A few white bass and wipers are being taken from the north shore and off the dam. Fishing for walleyes from the north shore has been good with night crawlers. A few large walleyes (3-6 pounds) were taken last week by shore fishermen on the north side. The current water temperature is 67 degrees and rising. Bring your four-wheeler to North Cove to access the northeast corner of the lake. The lake level is below the boat ramp, but hand-launch boating is allowed. Check the State Parks Web site (the more-info link below) for current boating conditions. More info | Interactive Map |
| Catamount Reservoirs, North & South - The reservoirs have reopened for the season. See the entry for Crystal Creek Reservoir for hours. Water levels are rising, and fishing for rainbow, cuttbow, brook and lake trout remains good. Many of the fish have been nice-sized holdovers from last year. Most standard flies and lures have been productive. Prince Nymphs and gold-colored spinners have been especially effective. North Cat is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. More info |
| Cheesman Reservoir - The north side of the Goose Creek arm has reopened for fishing. Current reports are unavailable; however, fishing for trout likely will be slow, but fish will be large. Fishing for 12- to 17-inch smallmouth bass should be fairly good. The reservoir also has kokanee salmon, northern pike and yellow perch. |
| Clear Creek Reservoir - The reservoir is closed to motorized and trailered boats. Fishing for rainbow trout has been good. Spinners have been best, but almost any kind of bait can produce a limit, as well. |
| Cottonwood Lake - The lake is free of ice and has been stocked. Fishing for pan-sized trout has been fairly good. Small, shiny spinners and spoons have been working especially well. |
| Crystal Creek Reservoir - The water level is a little low to prepare for dam-maintenance work in August, but fishing for pan-sized rainbow trout has been good on worms and lime, orange or yellow Power Bait. Regular stocking should keep the fishing good. The lake is part of the Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area, accessible from the Pikes Peak Highway and requiring payment of a fee at the highway tollgate. Hours of operation are: May 1-22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; May 23-Sept. 1, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sept. 2-30, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; closed on July 20 for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb auto race. A trails system offers easy shoreline access. More info |
| Daigre Reservoir - Though fishing pressure has been light, fishing for trout has been fairly good. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at the lake. Interactive Map |
| DeWeese Reservoir - Fishing still is good at DeWeese. Power Bait and salmon eggs seem to work best. Cuttbows and rainbows are averaging 13 inches, with a few of 16-18. The water still a bit cool for the smallmouth bass, but several tiger muskies in the 35- to 30-inch have been caught on crawfish lures. Habitat stamps are required of everyone using the wildlife area. Interactive Map |
| Elevenmile Reservoir - Trout action has been best on the south side during morning hours and from midnight to 2 a.m. Boats have seen the most action at depths of 15-20 feet toward the west end. Coyote Ridge has been producing in early morning. Rocking Chair and the North Cove ramp seem to be hot spots for shoreline fishing. No significant kokanee action is reported yet, but a few have been caught here and there. Northern pike can be found at the west end near the inlet, but also expect good action around Witcher's Cove, Parking Lot Cove and Stoll Mountain. Water dogs and sucker meat are producing, as well as Pike Bunnies and medium-to-large Rapalas. A perch pattern seems to be the most popular. More info | Interactive Map |
| Fountain Lake - Like other urban lakes in Pueblo, this one is stocked with catchable trout through much of the year except during the heat of summer. Most standard baits and lures are effective. The lake also has some catfish that can grow quite large. More info | Interactive Map |
| Hale Ponds - The series of small ponds east of Bonny Reservoir has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing for them has been fair to good on night crawlers, Balls of Fire and Power Bait. The water level of all the ponds has been good. Good fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish and small bluegills is expected this summer. |
| Hayden Meadows Reservoir - Fishing for catchable-sized trout has been good. Early mornings and evenings have been the best times; midday has been slower. Lure fishermen have been catching more fish than bait fishermen. |
| Horseshoe Reservoir - The water level is good and boating is possible. The dock is in place for the season. The water temperature is 62 degrees. Fishing for pan-sized trout has been good to excellent. Tiger muskies and warm-water fish have not become especially active with the cold water temperature. The lake has good populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, including some exceptional quality fish, as well as bluegills, sauger and catfish. Call the park office at (719) 738-2376 for current conditions. More info | Interactive Map |
| Huerfano River - The main public access to the primarily brown trout fishery is on the Huerfano State Wildlife Area southwest of Gardner. Runoff flows are almost back to normal and fishing has been good. Fishing generally can be good, but conditions are very brushy. The upper river, from the national forest boundary to the headwaters, has a flies-and-lures restriction and a two-fish limit. |
| Jefferson Lake - The lake is free of ice. Trailered and gasoline-powered boats are not permitted in an effort to control the spread of zebra mussels. Shoreline fishing for rainbow trout, mackinaw and a few brook trout has been good. Pautzke's salmon eggs, Zeke's garlic baits, night crawlers and Kastmasters all have been effective. Interactive Map |
| John Martin Reservoir - Plenty of 10-inch white bass and some wipers are being caught from the dam and from boats. The dam also has been producing some 15-inch crappie, though limits are not being taken. Fishing for catfish is improving, but most still are taken below the dam. The action for other species has been slow. The state park boat ramps still are usable. Endangered-bird closures are in effect on the south shore, and a fire ban is in effect for the area. ATVs are not permitted. More info | Interactive Map |
| Karval and Kinney lakes - Fishing for stocked trout at both lakes and the nearby Hugo State Wildlife Area ponds has slowed with rising water temperatures. All also have most of the common warm-water species. Small channel catfish are beginning to bite on night crawlers. Bluegills are taking night crawlers and an assortment of dry flies. |
| Lake Henry - Few fishermen have been trying their luck at Lake Henry. Fishing has been slow. A few bullheads and small catfish are being caught on shrimp, worms and cut bait. Water temperatures are in the upper 60s. The water level at present is good, and the boat ramp is in good shape. The lake has a growing number of crappie, catfish that average 2 1/2 pounds and lesser populations of saugeyes and wipers. |
| Lake Meredith - Few fishermen have been on the water this spring. A few bullheads have been taken on worms and cut bait. Fishing otherwise has been poor. Water levels currently are good, boat ramps are usable and water temperatures are in the upper 60s. DOW sampling last fall revealed a good number of small crappie, as well as saugeyes, bass, channel catfish and sunfish, but the majority of fish were nongame species. More info | Interactive Map |
| Manitou Lake - The lake is ice-free. The popular U.S. Forest Service lake north of Woodland Park is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout through the summer. Fishing success largely depends on the stocking. Weekdays are less crowded. The water level is good, but some weed growth can hamper fishing. Payment of an entry fee is required. Campgrounds and other amenities are nearby. |
| Martin Lake - The boat ramp is open and the dock is in for the season. With the water temperature at 60 degrees, the time for fishing is prime. Trout fishing remains very good. Fishing for walleyes has improved. Most are 12-15 inches, with some good-sized fish also taken. Fishermen also report some yellow perch, northern pike and channel catfish. Though heavy recreational boating can make fishing a challenge, this small lake has populations of bass, bluegills, catfish, northern pike, walleyes, saugeyes, wipers and yellow perch, all of which have some quality fish. Weed beds are expanding, improving fish habitat but making fishing more difficult. Expect some excellent pike-fishing opportunities this summer. Call the park office at (719)738-2376 for current conditions. More info | Interactive Map |
| Montgomery Reservoir - The lake near Hoosier Pass has reopened to fishing for the season. Regular stocking keeps the fishing for rainbow trout good. Fishing for brook and brown trout generally is slow. Fishing is prohibited on the south side of the reservoir and the west face of the dam. Interactive Map |
| Monument Reservoir - Fishing has been good. Chartreuse Power Bait has been the most effective, but salmon eggs and flies also have been taking rainbow trout and splake. Live minnows may not be used as bait in Eastern Slope waters above 7,000 feet in elevation and on virtually the entire Western Slope. More info | Interactive Map |
| Nee Gronda Reservoir - Construction of the ramp extension is completed and it is usable for launching. Fishing for saugeyes has slowed somewhat but some fish of 20-plus inches still are being taken. Smallmouth bass action has been good in the submerged trees, and a few nice-sized wipers also are being caught. While May and June are the prime times for saugeyes and wipers, a late-arriving spring might extend the action a little this year. Slow trolling or drifting with jigs or crankbaits tend to get the best results. Nee Gronda also has good populations of white bass, crappie, smallmouth bass and catfish. More info | Interactive Map |
| Nee Noshe Reservoir - Some nice-sized blue catfish are being taken, but fishing for other species has been slow. Nee Noshe is very low, at less than 500 acres and dropping. Anglers should be aware of very soft mud on the north and west sides. The boat ramp no longer is usable. Construction of a low-water ramp is planned, but until that is completed, anglers must use hand-launched boats or float tubes. The lake still has some larger-than-average wipers, saugeyes and catfish. A large carp die-off occurred this spring and the shore is littered with dead fish. More info | Interactive Map |
| Nichols Reservoir - Nichols is accessed by a hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. The reservoir is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout and generally offers better-than-average fishing through the summer. |
| North Lake - Fishing has been good on a variety of flies. Caddis, blue-wing-olive and mosquito patterns all have been effective. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at North Lake. Habitat stamps are required of all visitors to the state wildlife area, unless excluded by age or disability. Interactive Map |
| Palmer Lake - The water level has improved significantly. Catchable-sized trout were stocked last week. Anglers also report catching some holdover trout the past few weeks. Additional trout will be stocked as long as good water conditions remain. Re-establishment of the warm-water fishery will require some time. |
| Pikeview Reservoir - Fishing for rainbow trout has been fair to good on the usual baits and small lures, but is slowing down. The lake also has some saugeyes up to five pounds, a few sublegal tiger muskies and catfish. A paved, designated parking area is available. Other amenities include a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk to one of two fishing piers and enclosed pit toilets. |
| Prospect Lake - Stocked rainbow trout are the main attraction, but the lake in Colorado Springs also has crappie, channel catfish, saugeyes and wipers, which should be approaching size of interest to fishermen this summer. In addition to catchable-sized trout, the lake usually also gets some larger (15- to 20-inch) brood fish from the state hatchery system. |
| Pueblo Reservoir - The reservoir remains full and fishing for everything but the catfish has come alive. Walleyes are being taken across the lake, but trolling Lindy Rigs with night crawlers along the north side of the dam has been especially productive. Crappie have been in 20 feet of water in the west end, and bass are above them, in 15 feet. Wipers up to 10 pounds have been hitting jigs and leeches. Late afternoons into the evening and early mornings have been best. Inspection of boats for zebra mussel containment has begun. The reservoir has a good population of mostly sublegal walleyes and a stable population of wipers in the 12- to 26-inch range, in addition to smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass. The reservoir also has channel and flathead catfish and some yellow perch and crappie. More info | Interactive Map |
| Quail Lake - The Colorado Springs city lake is heavily stocked with catchable-size trout in the spring. Catfish become active when the water temperature reaches 60 degrees, and fishing for bluegills and yellow perch should be fair after May 1. |
| Queens Reservoirs - Upper and Lower Queens reservoirs are dry. More info | Interactive Map |
| Rampart Reservoir - A temporary ban on trailered and motorized boats is in effect, as part of the effort to control the spread of zebra mussels. Early season fishing for rainbow trout and mackinaw has been fair to good. The reservoir is stocked with catchable-size trout through the summer. The DOW will be conducting a creel-census survey this summer. Anglers are asked to cooperate. |
| Rosemont Reservoir - The 90-acre city of Colorado Springs water-supply lake off Gold Camp Road has a good population of rainbow trout and an occasional cutthroat. Anglers are reminded that fishing is by artificial flies and lures only, and dogs are not allowed on the watershed. |
| Runyon Lake - This is one of several Pueblo-area lakes stocked with catchable-size trout through much of the year. Try night crawlers, Power Bait, salmon eggs and a variety of small spinning lures. The lake also has some channel catfish that can grow to impressive size. More info | Interactive Map |
| South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) - Flows have been around 325 cfs, and the action remains excellent. Fish are found in river bends that yield plenty of room to hide. Many nice catches have happened along the bank, so aim close to the shoreline. Interactive Map |
| South Platte River, Deckers area - Flows below Cheesman Dam have been steady at 104 cfs and the water is very clear. Caddis are mostly gone, and no significant mayfly hatches have been evident. Pale-morning duns should be appearing soon, however. Trout are feeding early and late in the day, but can be very selective. Short-line nymphing and fishing a dry-dropper rig sill can be effective. Small fly patterns and fine leader tippets remain the rule. |
| Spinney Mountain Reservoir - Zebra mussel inspections are conducted 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset at the entrance, and are mandatory before launching any trailered vessel until a tagging system is implemented. Hatches are few and far between, but action remains good in the morning, at noon and at sunset. Parking Lot 1, by the north end of the reservoir, has been a hot spot for shoreline and boat fishermen. Hot fishing lures and flies include Banjo Minnows, Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, various scuds and gold-and-red Kastmasters. More info | Interactive Map |
| Tarryall Reservoir - Fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and occasional brown trout has been good. Salmon eggs, garlic baits, night crawlers, Panther Martin spinners and Kastmasters have been taking fish. Some northern pike also have appeared in the catch. Good fishing for 11- to 16-inch rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout and occasional larger browns is expected through the summer. Northern pike are growing in size and numbers. Anglers are encouraged to keep all the pike they catch. Wakeless boating is permitted. A habitat stamp is required of all visitors to the state wildlife area. |
| Trinidad Reservoir - Trinidad Lake covers about 740 surface acres, with the temperature around 64 degrees. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout. More legal-sized bass and walleyes, caught from boats and shore, are being noted. Catfish and yellow perch also are starting to pick up. The boat dock has been installed and all the park facilities are open. Boaters beware of floating debris and unmarked hazards as the water level starts to drop. Anglers are reminded to always have the proper PFD accessible, preferably worn at all times, and to check the regulations for bass and walleyes at Trinidad Lake. For further information call the visitors center at 719-846-6951. More info | Interactive Map |
| Turks Pond - With higher water temperatures, trout fishing is over for the season. Large wipers still are being taken, but the bite has slowed. Fishing for catfish and bullheads has been improving, and a few 9- to 10-inch bluegills are being caught. The well has been repaired and fresh water is being pumped into the pond. The water level is slowly rising. More info | Interactive Map |
| Turquoise Lake - The water level is rising, but still low. Both boat ramps now are usable for larger boats. Fishing still is good but starting to slow down a little. Virtually any type of lure has been taking small mackinaw and rainbows. Some larger rainbows and cutthroats still are being taken. The lake has an abundance of mostly small lake trout. Most anglers fish for them from the east and south shorelines, finding good action through June, before mackinaw move into deeper water. The bag and possession limit is two lake trout. Stocking catchable trout from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery resumed last year and will continue in 2008. Occasional large brown trout also are taken here. Two boat ramps and U.S. Forest Service camping facilities are available. |
| Twin Lakes - Fishing for good-sized rainbow trout has been fair. The population of lake trout is on the rebound, with fish averaging just under 20 inches, but with some up to 40. At ice-out, the areas near the hydropower plant and where the channel from the upper lake enters the lower provide some of the best mackinaw action. Casting large Rapalas is effective then. Later, fishing from boats with downriggers or deep-water jigging with sucker-tipped Gitzits works best. The lakes are stocked with catchable trout, and fishing for rainbows generally is good through the summer. |
| Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert) Forebay - Fishing for catchable-sized and larger rainbows and a few cutthroats has been very good. Power Bait and worms are working for bait fishermen, but lures are catching more fish faster. Larger mackinaw are being taken from float tubes and small boats. The forebay has a good population of mackinaw that average 17 inches but run up to 40. Early season fishing for lake trout usually is good for anglers casting large Rapalas from the south shore. The forebay also has a good number of rainbows and is stocked through the summer. The lake-trout limit is one fish. All mackinaw between 22 and 34 inches must be released. Carry-on boats and float tubes are permitted, but boaters should be mindful of the potential for extreme fluctuations. |
| Two Buttes Reservoir - Precipitation from last summer has evaporated and Two Buttes Reservoir again is dry. More info | Interactive Map |
| 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, and are a great place to take kids. Limited-harvest fishing for the bass is strongly encouraged to protect their population. |
| Wahatoya Reservoir - Early season fishing for trout has been fairly good. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. Boats with motors are prohibited. More info | Interactive Map |
