Southeast Colorado Fishing Conditions – August 4
Arkansas River Headwaters
The upper river is in excellent shape, and the fishing here has been really productive lately. Through the releases at Clear Creek and Twin Lakes have increased some due to the recent rains, this is still the best place for the wade angler to get in the water, especially when compared to the higher flow rates of the lower river. We are seeing a lot of caddis and yellow sally stonefly activity mixed with late drakes through Hayden Meadows down to Granite. Grasshoppers are beginning to become more important as the larger aquatic insect activity in the river slows down. Flows at the middle river have risen considerably due to recent rainfall, but the river is still fishing extremely well. Chalk Creek has settled back down and clarity is immensely better than this past weekend. Though challenging to wade in places at this flow, the corresponding movement of the fish back towards the banks can make for great shoreline fishing opportunities. The fish are still responding well to large dry flies, as grasshoppers and terrestrials have begun to take the place of golden stoneflies in the category of big food.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Clear Creek Reservoir
The trout fishing at Clear Creek Reservoir remains fair from both boat and shore. Shore anglers targeting trout enjoyed success on rainbow PowerBait and worms. A majority of boat anglers reported catching 2 to 4 rainbow trout per boat. The size of the rainbow trout ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Successful boat anglers caught trout by trolling worms and flashers. Landing a kokanee salmon from a boat has been a herculean task. No boat anglers reported catching a kokanee salmon this week. The reservoir is closed to trailer motorized watercrafts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The current boating hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lake Pueblo
The current surface temperature is around 76 degrees. Fishing has been fair to good lately. Look for the walleye in deeper water now that temperatures have gone up. Lindy rigs, grubs, worms, and live bait are producing walleye. The bass fishing has slowed down, so anglers will have to work a little harder. Soft plastics, spinner baits, and crank baits will still produce a few fish. Top water baits are working well early and late in the day. Fishing early and late in the day will produce better results now that the water has warmed up. We have not received many reports on trout fishing lately. The catfish are being caught on the west end using chicken liver and worms. The wiper have been far and few between.
Lathrop
Martin Lake is currently around 68 degrees and Horseshoe Lake is currently around 64 degrees. The water level is full on both lakes. The fishing has been steady in the park, but the northern pike fishing has been excellent at Martin Lake. One angler caught a 13 pound pike. The catfish are biting on normal catfish bait and liver at Horseshoe Lake.
North Gateway Park
The fishing is currently slow to fair for all species. Anglers are still catching catfish at night and during the day some bass and bluegill are being caught. The trout fishing has slowed down due to high temperatures and constant pressure.
Trinidad Lake
The current surface temperature remains near 70 degrees. Fishing from the south shore has been slow. Anglers are catching fish around the lake using worms and PowerBait. The Reilly Canyon inlet has slowed down and some catfish are being caught with worms and chicken liver. Boat anglers have been catching mostly trout and walleye. Worm harnesses and trolling have worked for boat anglers fishing around 15 to 20 feet in depth.
