Southeast Colorado Fishing Conditions – January 31
Arkansas River Headwaters
The upper river has a fairly strong winter flow with around 205 cfs coming out of Twin Lakes. This is underway to vacate additional space in the upper reservoirs in anticipation of the spring runoff between late May and June. The river is pretty cold north of Stone Bridge, leading most anglers to focus their efforts in the Big Bend and Bighorn Sheep Canyon reaches. The flows on the lower river have risen due to increased releases from Twin Lakes. Direct sunlight is as important as air temperature, so focus on those clear blue sky days. Warm, sunny days will still find plenty of fish on the feed in the pocket water with mid-speed current and good structure, but expect more and more fish to be congregating in the deeper, slower runs. There they can be best tempted by striated midge patterns (black beauties, zebras, etc…), golden stonefly nymphs, and pheasant tails. Focus fishing efforts during the period of peak sun and warmth between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Courtesy of ArkAnglers).
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Clear Creek Reservoir*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The reservoir has about 10 inches of ice. Anglers have had success catching trout near the boat ramp using meal worms, jigs, and PowerBait.
Cottonwood Reservoir*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The reservoir has about 12 inches of ice. Anglers have had success catching trout using meal worms, earth worms, PowerBait, and jigs.
Crystal Lakes*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The lakes have about 10 inches of ice.
Just a reminder: Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.
De Weese Reservoir*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) There is about 6 to 12 inches of ice varying throughout the reservoir. The best ice is below the lodge (12 inches) and by the dam (6 to 8 inches). Anglers have had success catching average sized trout with a few in the 18 to 20 inch range using jigs tipped with meal and wax worms.
Hayden Meadows*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The reservoir has about 10 inches of ice. Anglers have had success catching trout using PowerBait, grubs, and meal worms.
Ohaver Lake*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The lake has about 12 inches of ice. There is a spring near the center of the lake that keeps the ice weak in that area, so please use caution. Anglers have had success catching trout with most types of bait.
Pueblo Reservoir
The current surface temperature is roughly 34 degrees. The west end of the reservoir is capped with a thin layer of ice, but is still unsafe for ice fishing. Fishing for all species has slowed down considerably during the past weeks due to cold conditions. Anglers should focus efforts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is the warmest. Anglers should try vertical jigging in 25 to 50 feet of water. Trout fishing has been fair from the shore for anglers using bait and spoons. The Arkansas River tail water is running at 75 cfs with temperatures around 39 degrees. The clarity has been good and the fish have been feeding on midges and BWO’s.
San Isabel Lake*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The lake has about 5 to 10 inches of ice. There is open water near the spillway and the shorelines are still soft, with cracks and ridges along the ice due to windy conditions. The action has been slow recently, but anglers have had success catching few trout. While ice fishing is possible, extreme caution is advised.
Skaguay Reservoir*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The reservoir has about 10 inches of ice. Anglers have had success catching trout with jigs and PowerBait.
Trinidad Lake
The current temperature is in the low 30 degree range. Anglers have had success catching trout along the shoreline using PowerBait, doughbait, and worms. There have been a few reports of perch as well. Ice has started forming in the Reilly Canyon area and along the south shore. At the moment, it is extremely thin, but has been staying throughout the day and continuing forming over night.
Just a reminder: boating has closed for the season as of December 1st.
Turquoise Reservoir*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The reservoir has about 8 inches of ice. Anglers have been catching average sized trout using jigs, lures, PowerBait, and meal worms.
Twin Lakes*
(Ice conditions as of 1/3/2017) The lakes have about 8 inches of ice. The ice is still very thin near the boat ramp and no vehicles are allowed on the lake at this time. Anglers have had success catching trout using jigs with sucker meat, grubs, PowerBait, and meal worms.
(*) Indicates to contact the CPW Colorado Springs Area Office at 719-227-5200 for current ice conditions
