Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 8/13/2021, trout fishing from shore is slow with a handful of reports of some trout being caught off the dam using power bait. Trout are deeper this time of the year. Boaters are having fair to good success trolling with crawlers and spoons for trout. Walleye action is slow with a few reports of some fish being caught trolling with bottom bouncers and crawlers. All other species are slow or no reports. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for August 5:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, boaters are reporting increased success trolling for walleye. We have also received reports of successful bass fishing in the southern portion of the reservoir and a handful of catfish have been landed as well using a variety of baits. For more information, contact park staff by calling 303-791-7275.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports anglers having increased success catching walleye, crappie, trout and bluegill. Common baits being used are mealworms, wax worms, Gulp worms, and nightcrawlers on Rapala raps, buck-shot flutter spoons, blade baits, and others. No other reports on any other species at this time. For more information please call (303) 690-1166. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Standley Lake

Please call ahead prior to heading to the reservoir to get up-to-date lake and shoreline fishing conditions. Contact park staff at 303-425-1097. 
Standley Lake

Quincy Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, bass fishing has been slow to fair. Using jigs, topwater lures and soft plastics in the early morning and evening. All other species slow or no report. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted. Trailers and vehicles are not permitted in the water. Park hours for August 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information call 303-326-8424.  
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, The 11 Mile Marina reports “Trout fishing is far to good. The mornings have been calm and hot. The bite has been cold. But as the afternoon rolls around and a little breeze comes on the bite also turns on. We found early afternoon to be strong and it continues to be. Many anglers leaving disappointed because they gave up before 1:30 PM. We went two days ago at 1:00 PM and caught fish nonstop until 3:00 PM. Many days at Eleven Mile timing is everything. Chartreuse is a good color particularly the Tas Devil, Needlefish and Arnies Dynamac. Weeds make trolling difficult in some areas but the fish like hanging around them. Work 20 to 35 feet with many fish suspended in 20 to 35 feet in water up to 60 feet deep. Shore action good early late and at night. Salmon Peach Power bait has been good and the Eleven Mile Nightcrawler sandwich. Kokanee fishing is fair to poor. The bite has dropped off with fewer fish being landed. Early AM seems to be a better time. Work the channel areas from Goose to Duck and Duck to Deer Island. Pro Troll e-chips on lead core or downrigger. Sling blades, dodgers and green rainbow pop gear can help the cause. Patience and finding the fish help. Northern pike fishing is fair to poor. It’s not that you can’t catch them but it takes work and persistent effort. Mostly smaller fish with the bigger ones teasing with follow-ups. Bills Spinnerbaits and big sticks have produced. Rock drop-offs and weed beds, We like the overflow channel west of Stoll.” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports Boyd Lake is at 96% capacity and water temperature is 76 degrees. The lake is OPEN to boating. Anglers continue to report success catching walleye and white bass using a variety of spoons, spinners, jerkbaits, and crank-baits. There is no fishing permitted from marina slips or docks. Please call Boyd Lake State Park at 970-669-1739 to get the most up-to-date ice conditions. 
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports fishing for drum and bass is good. A few reports of sizeable carp caught last couple weeks as well. The reservoir is OPEN to boating. The Inlet is OFF and the Outlet is OFF. Contact the park for the latest ice conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 8/13/2021, bluegill, sunfish, pumpkin seed, and other smaller fish and panfish will do well on small jigs, flies, and spinning lures; anglers also have luck with small live bait on ponds where it is legal to use bait. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date conditions by calling 303-678-9402. 
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 8/13/2021 park staff reports good wiper action. For the most current conditions, please contact park staff by calling 303-659-6005.
Barr Lake

Cheesman Canyon

As of 8/13/2021, Cheesman Canyon is fishing very well. Hatches are occurring in abundance and allowing for some awesome dry fly patterns to be used. However, your go-to is still nymphing in the deeper pools and runs. Flows: 283 CFS above Cheesman Lake (8/13/2021) 
Cheesman Canyon

Douglas Reservoir

As of 7/30/2021, anglers are reporting more success when fishing early mornings or into the evening. 
Douglas Reservoir

Antero Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, the ANS inspection station is located at the south boat ramp. Anglers have reported a few good-sized browns lately.  
Antero Reservoir

Dream Stream - South Platte

As of 8/13/2021, look for holding pockets and focus on deeper sections of water. Surface feeding has become more consistent with the current invertebrate activity. Flows: 170 CFS above Eleven Mile (8/13/2021) 
South Platte

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, anglers have reported success catching smallmouth bass with soft plastics.
Horsetooth Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports northern pike fishing is excellent in the shallows currently. Trout fishing continues to produce very well. Scuds and leeches have worked well for nymphing and woolly buggers have been the go-to for streamers.  
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Arvada Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, anglers reported success catching trout in the mornings and bass in the evenings.
Arvada Reservoir

Bear Creek Lake

As of 8/13/2021, anglers have reported success catching walleye with a variety of lures. Trout fishing has been poor to fair in the mornings.
Bear Creek Lake

Evergreen Lake

As of 8/13/2021, anglers have reported success catching rainbow trout with PowerBait and worms.  
Evergreen Lake

Lon Hagler Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, no new catfish reports, but anglers continue to catch bass regularly.
Lon Hagler Reservoir

Waterton Canyon

As of 8/13/2021, there are good hatches of caddis as well as blue-winged olive and midges. Work pools and slow riffles and be ready for aggressively feeding fish. Anglers have also reported success nymphing while others have tried dry droppers. Flows: 210 CFS at Waterton (8/13/2021) 
Waterton Canyon

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 8/13/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper Arkansas is in great shape this morning following a few days of sunny, dry weather. Flows are declining and clarity is excellent above Buena Vista. Hayden Meadows is still the most wadeable section of the Arkansas, though most everywhere else offers great shoreline fishing access. The low, clear flows in Hayden Meadows can make for more technical fishing and spookier fish, so be very thoughtful in your approach. This area is seeing a fair amount of pressure, so be very courteous to fellow anglers and try to give your neighbors plenty of their own room to fish. Be prepared primarily for caddis, grasshoppers, golden stoneflies, and pale morning duns above Buena Vista. Guides and DIY anglers are reporting very good dry and dry-dropper fishing this week, but nymphing through the deeper pools and pockets will also be effective. Streamers can also be a great way to probe some of the deeper pockets north of Buena Vista.” Flows: 124 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 475 CFS at Granite (8/12/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports boaters have had luck trolling rapalas and worm harnesses. South Shore has produced good size trout very regularly using PowerBait and doughballs. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions at 719-846-6951.  
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 8/13/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “Clarity is excellent in the middle basin and flows have receded now that we are back to sunny, dry weather. Flows are great for floating but the edges are getting more and more workable for wade fisherman. Expect flows to drop slightly after August 15 as VFMP flow augmentation ends and the river s drops to native flow. Expect fish to hold in velocity shelters along the banks, in mid-stream pocket water, or slower runs near drop-offs where food is carried to them without their having to expend much energy. Fresh golden stonefly shucks are on the rocks above the water most mornings, and the presence of these insects alongside grasshoppers has given us some fun action on larger attractor dry flies. Caddis and pale morning duns make up the smaller food items, with sporadic midge and trico hatches taking the microscopic award. Expect more and more red quill activity in the coming weeks. Dry dropper and shallow nymphing tactics are generally the most productive, but streamer fishing has been very effective lately, as well. At times fish are incredibly surface-oriented, yielding windows of great dry and double-dry fly fishing. There are lots of pale morning dun nymphs in the system and hatches mid-day into the afternoon, especially on cloudier days. The next few weeks should provide some of the best fishing of the whole summer! Following a low water spring and an underwhelming runoff, fish are healthy and have fared well through the high water.” Flows: 856 CFS at Hecla Junction (8/12/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, both the East and West boat ramps are open. Anglers report good bass and bluegill fishing lately. As a reminder to anglers, underwater spearfishing may be used as a method of fishing in accordance with regulations issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Underwater spearfishing is prohibited within 100 feet of any marina, boat ramp, swim beach, or dam infrastructure.
John Martin Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 8/13/2021, Lake Pueblo has been rated a fishing “hot spot,” and provides over 4,600 surface acres of water, 60 miles of shoreline and almost 10,000 acres of land.
Lake Pueblo

Runyon & Fountain Lakes

As of 7/30/2021, anglers have reported success catching bass, carp, and bluegill. Trout fishing has been poor. 
Runyon/Fountain Lakes SWA

Hugo SWA Ponds

As of 8/13/2021, anglers are reporting success catching bass with topwater action and roostertails.  
Hugo SWA Ponds

Kissel Pond

As of 8/13/2021, anglers have reported good catfishing in the later parts of the day. 
Kissel Pond

Blue Lake

As of 8/13/2021, bass fishing continues to be good using a variety of baits and lures. Anglers have also reported success catching catfish, walleye, and carp. 
Blue Lake

Rosemont Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, hot dry temperatures have force trout to the deeper sections of the reservoir. Fishing early mornings and evenings can prove to be beneficial for both the angler and fish.
Rosemont Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega Reservoir

Park staff reports as of 8/13/2021, The Island boat ramp is open at this time. Inspection hours are from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily. NOTICE: The Island boat ramp will close for the season at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 29th due to extreme low water levels. Fishing has slowed down a bit, however, anglers are reporting catching some nice rainbows in 16 - 20 inch range using silver spinners. Lake levels are below normal. In order to prevent boats from launching during hours that ANS inspections are not available, the park has installed new gates and one-way spike strips. The spike strips will allow boats to exit the lake after hours at the Island boat ramp but will prevent anyone from entering the lake during non-inspection hours. Boaters that plan to exit the lake after inspection hours should park and use the Island boat ramp so that they are not behind locked gates after hours. The south road and the gravel pit area are open for the season.  
Vega Reservoir

Harvey Gap

As of 8/13/2021, the lake is open water and fishing fair to good. Anglers state that the norther pike bite continues and bass are hitting a variety of lures. Trout and perch have also been landed using PowerBait, worms, and a variety of lures. 
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports “walleye, northern pike, perch and smallmouth bass fishing is good.” 
Rifle Gap

Yampa River

Due to critically low water flows caused by dry conditions and minimal snowpack levels, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented a mandatory fishing closure on a 0.6-mile stretch of the Yampa River between the dam at Stagecoach State Park downstream to the lowermost park boundary. The closure began on May 25 and will continue until further notice. 
Yampa River

Blue River

As of 8/13/2021, there are good hatches of caddis as well as blue-winged olive and midges. Work pools and slow riffles and be ready for aggressively feeding fish. Anglers have also reported success nymphing while others have tried dry droppers. Flows: 210 CFS at Waterton (8/13/2021) 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 8/13/2021, flows dropped over the last two weeks allowing for more fishable waters. Nymphing is proving to be very successful even with the increase in surface activity. Flows: 194 CFS below Gypsum (8/13/2021) 
Eagle River

Green Mountain Reservoir

As of 7/30/2021, reports indicate reservoir levels are still low, especially for this time of year. No new fishing reports and those received stated very slow and tough fishing. 
Green Mountain Reservoir

Lake John

As of 8/13/2021, Lake John Resort reports that sizeable trout continue to be landed regularly at the lake. https://lakejohnresort.com/
Lake John

Grand Lake

As of 8/13/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, reports, “With the heavy rains last week came lots of ash and debris in the lake. Water clarity is minimal and fishing is slow for all species right now.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 8/13/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Dan Shannon reports, “Granby weathered the rainy weather better than Grand Lake, the water is cloudy in the area around Stillwater Creek inlet, but other areas of the lake were not effected. Fishing has remained fair to good for all species. Rainbow and Brown trout continue the pattern of biting best during the low light hours, dry flies, wooly buggers and small crankbaits in rainbow trout color worked along rocky shorelines have been producing best. Lake trout have moved to their deep summer spots. Focus on 65-100ft of water, small plastics and jigging spoons tipped with sucker worked on the bottom will produce strikes, color does not seem to matter, but when the fish start looking instead of biting swap to a glow color.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Lake Granby

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Randy H reports, “Ramp hours are 6 AM to 8 PM daily. Water capacity is at 88%. Inflow is 60 CFS, outflow is 67 CFS, the lake is 8 feet low. Surface temp is 67 early AM warming to low to mid 70's in the afternoon. Lake Trout have been slow to fair. Groups of fish are difficult to locate on sonar as they are holding tight to the bottom-most of the day. Look for them in 70 to 90 feet of water. Patience and frequent moves are key right now. Small plastics or tubes tipped with sucker meat on the bottom is producing some bites. Rainbow and Kokanee fishing is slow mainly due to low numbers. Northern's are pretty tough to come by, but some are being caught in deeper water along the rocks and steep drop-offs.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Williams Fork Reservoir

Mack Mesa Reservoir

After months of hard work, Mack Mesa Reservoir is now refilled and has been restocked with bluegill to start developing a forage base for the largemouth bass and other species to be stocked later this summer. Those warm water species include largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. CPW also plans to stock trout in time for the fall and ice fishing seasons.
Mack Mesa Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Jackson Gulch Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021, the staff at Mancos State Park report, “Most of the fishing right now has been happening from the bank with typical baits: rainbow or green PowerBait, worms, and 'crawlers. A double-hook rig with PowerBait on one hook and a worm on the other will open up your odds of both trout and yellow perch. Fishing has been good for 10-12-inch trout and small yellow perch. A few splake (brooke trout/lake trout crosses) have been caught using the same baits or small lures. In-line spinners (Mepps, Panther Martins) are working. Let the spinner sink for a count of five or six, then reel mid-speed (enough to get the blade turning but not too fast). Trout should start surfacing in the still mornings and evenings, making for good action with the fly rod, especially from a float tube or kayak.”
Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021, the reservoir continues to produce kokes and lake trout on a variety of lures. 
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 8/13/2021, park staff reports, “Fishing has begun to slow due to warmer temperatures. Trout will be deeper. Bluegill and Sunfish will be more productive. Please ensure the responsible and ethical release of fish and properly dispose of fishing line. Remember, the daily limit for trout is four fish per person.”  
James M. Robb Colorado River

San Juan River

As of 8/13/2021 Duranglers report, “Solitude on the river in town Pagosa is limited to the first and last hours of the day. Expect lots of tubers and swimmers. Midday will be the busiest on the river. PMD, mayflies, caddis, and even terrestrials are out. Dry dropper setups are best.” Flows: 57.9 CFS at Pagosa Springs (8/13/2021) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 8/13/2021, Duranglers reports, “We have seen a lot of rain the past few weeks and it’s caused some big flow bumps and clarity issues. This is indeed impacted the fishing currently, but more water means decreased water temps and better fishing into the late summer! Hopper season has arrived so a hopper/dropper is a good go-to, but streamer fishing has also been fantastic.” Flows: 277 CFS at Durango (8/13/2021) Duranglers.com 
Animas River

Dolores River - above McPhee Reservoir

As of 8/13/2021 Duranglers reports, “The upper Dolores drainage is fishing solid. Dry dropper all day every day. Watch for hatches of caddis, PMDs, and moths. Rain events can blow it out. Terrestrials such as hoppers, ants, and beetles will be out as well.” Flows: 83.9 at Dolores (8/13/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Dolores River

Gunnison River

As of 8/13/2021 Duranglers reports, “If you want to catch more fish, put on the nymph rig and fish deep with weight. Fish a dry/dropper for the best of both worlds.” Flows: 601 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (8/13/2021) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River

San Miguel River

As of 8/13/2021, Duranglers reports, “Flows are pretty solid right now for this high country river. Don’t overthink it too much: dry/droppers on your favorite 4 weight and have fun!” Flows: 131 CFS near Placerville (8/13/2021) Duranglers.com 
San Miguel River

Uncompahgre River

As of 8/13/2021, Duranglers reports, “The small bugs will still work, but flows have been bumped so make sure to try some bigger stuff like leeches and SJ worms with the midge and mayfly nymphs. Watch for Caddis in the afternoons, or put on a streamer or bugger!” Flows: 350 CFS below Ridgway Reservoir (8/13/2021) Duranglers.com
Uncompahgre River