Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 8/27/2021, trout fishing from shore is currently slow. A few reports of some trout being caught off the dam using power bait. Try casting out 40-50 yards using a slip rig with power bait. Boaters are having fair to good success trolling with crawlers and spoons for trout. Also anchoring in 30-45’ of water and dropping down crawlers and power bait has been working well for some boaters. 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 8/27/2021, there have been a lot of reports of success catching walleye on a variety of lures. For more information, contact park staff by calling 303-791-7275.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, 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 8/27/2021, bass fishing has been slow. A few reports of some bass caught early morning and evenings. All other species slow or no report. Shoreline in some areas is difficult to fish due to aquatic vegetation. Try the dam with jigs and soft plastics. 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 8/27/2021, The 11 Mile Marina reports “Trout fishing is good. Mornings have improved and mid to late afternoon continues to be surprisingly good. Many methods are productive from boat and shore. Weeds make trolling lead line less productive since a lot of time is checking for and removing weeds that ride down the line. Down Riggers are more productive since the bait is less likely to receive a weed even though the cable above the ball may grab some. Kastmasters and Tas Devils pitched from a stationary position out of a boat on the West End in 25’ water or less have done well. Hatches throughout the day make fly fishing lots of fun. Night angling continues to be good as it often is. Salmon Peach PowerBait or nightcrawlers seem to be the bait of choice. Kokanee fishing is fair. The bite is sporadic but we are still seeing some caught here and there. A few surprises also as our Guide Carl caught a big 4-year-old on the West end fishing for trout on a recent trip. Not uncommon this time of year as any four-year-olds that have survived gill lice and there are a fair number will begin working their way up the river as we move into fall. Other smaller fish have been caught off Howbert in water depth 35 to 45 feet with fish suspended 15 to 25 feet down. Others caught around Duck Island. Many fish are in deep water but not deep. Northern pike fishing is good. The action has picked up dramatically. Lots of fish being landed in the 24 to 31-inch range. Tube jigs and spinner baits working well. The whites and chartreuse have been particularly good. Tube jigs are cheap you will get bit off from time to time but it is worth the effort and minimal expense. They are also hitting Daredelves and Kastmasters. We have caught them in the morning and late afternoon. West end along the overflow channel on the Eastside and Cross Creek to the washout on the Northside. Howbert to Witchers Cove and Rocky Flats also a good bet.” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 8/27/2021, park staff reports Boyd Lake is at 78% capacity and water temperature is 75 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. 
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, park staff reports fishing for walleye and crappie is fair, drum and wiper are okay and fishing for catfish is currently good. The reservoir is OPEN to boating. The Inlet is OFF and the Outlet is ON. Contact the park for the latest ice conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 8/27/2021, pike and walleye/saugeye will also chase larger swimbaits and spoons, but we recommend suspending only a few feet down, as most ponds with Pike are very shallow at St. Vrain. Pike and Walleye will also chase streamers and poppers, but will usually require some form of a leader to prevent breaking free. 
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 8/27/2021 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 8/27/2021, Cheesman Canyon continues to fish very well. With flows dropping over the last two weeks, but careful on your approach to the water so as to not scare away any potential targets. Flows: 164 CFS above Cheesman Lake (8/26/2021) 
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 8/27/2021, 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 8/27/2021, look for holding pockets and focus on deeper sections of water. Surface feeding has become more consistent with the current invertebrate activity. Flows: 164 CFS above Eleven Mile Canyon (8/26/2021)
South Platte

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, anglers have reported success trolling for walleye.
Horsetooth Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, 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 8/27/2021, anglers reported success catching trout in the mornings and bass in the evenings. Our Catch of the Week catfish was pulled out of Arvada Reservoir!
Arvada Reservoir

Bear Creek Lake

As of 8/27/2021, anglers have reported success catching walleye with a variety of lures. Trout fishing has improved to fair in the mornings.
Bear Creek Lake

Evergreen Lake

As of 8/27/2021, anglers have reported success catching rainbow trout with PowerBait and worms.  
Evergreen Lake

Lon Hagler Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, no new catfish reports, but anglers continue to catch bass regularly.
Lon Hagler Reservoir

Waterton Canyon

As of 8/27/2021, 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: 206 CFS at Waterton (8/26/2021) 
Waterton Canyon

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 8/25/2021, 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: 89 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 126 CFS at Granite (8/25/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 8/24/2021, park staff reports the lake is at 838 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6193.01, and the water level is decreasing. Boaters have had luck trolling rapalas and worm harnesses. Surface water temperature is around 72-74 degrees. Perch and walleye are abundant. South shore has produced good-sized trout very regularly using PowerBait and doughballs. Reilly canyon road remains closed to vehicles, however, foot access is allowed. Anglers have reported good-size catfish, perch, and trout closer to the inlet. The river is shallow and running slowly. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions at 719-846-6951.  
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 8/27/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The Voluntary Flow Management Program has ended and the river is now dropping down to native flows. Monday through Friday this week the Twin Lakes release will drop in small increments daily until native flow is reached, so expect the river to look a little different day by day until we stabilize at the new flow. This adjustment will move the river back into the ideal flow range for our local trout (240-400 cfs at the Wellsville gauge) and they will be able to maximize their use of the river to their benefit. We will still have enough water to float fish the Arkansas but this adjustment is definitely welcome news to wade anglers who will have more flexibility on wadeable water the rest of the summer. Clarity is excellent in the middle basin and flows have receded now that we are back to sunny, dry weather. With flows dropping to native levels this week, expect fish to be able to occupy more of the river rather than just the edges like they do during high summer flows. 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: 315 CFS at Hecla Junction (8/25/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, 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 8/27/2021, walleye fishing has picked up and anglers are reporting success on a variety of lures.
Lake Pueblo

Hugo SWA Ponds

As of 8/27/2021, anglers are reporting success catching bass with topwater action and roostertails.  
Hugo SWA Ponds

Kissel Pond

As of 8/27/2021, anglers have reported good catfishing in the later parts of the day. 
Kissel Pond

Blue Lake

As of 8/27/2021, anglers have reported success catching catfish, walleye, and carp. 
Blue Lake

Rosemont Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, 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 8/27/2021, all boat ramps are closed for the season. Anglers on shore are reporting catching some nice trout in 16 - 20 inch range using silver spinners, worms and PowerBait. Lake levels are below normal.  
Vega Reservoir

Harvey Gap

As of 8/27/2021, park staff reports pike, smallmouth bass and perch are being caught. 
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 8/27/2021, 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 8/27/2021, anglers have reported success with caddis imitations and flows are allowing for dry flies. Flows: 437 CFS below Green Mountain Reservoir (8/26/2021) 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 8/27/2021, 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: 140 CFS below Gypsum (8/26/2021) 
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 8/27/2021, reports indicate that sizeable trout continue to be landed regularly at the lake.
Lake John

Grand Lake

As of 8/27/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide Dan Shannon reports, “Fishing has returned to somewhat normal since we have not been getting constant heavy rains. Expect Fair to slow conditions, which can be normal for this time of year on Grand Lake. Focus your best efforts early and late in the day for best success. Lake trout are being caught jigging and trolling with some suspended fish. Use your electronics to locate fish, for suspended fish look for them 70-85’ over the deeper water, trolling downriggers with spoons, squids and dodgers tipped with sucker at the level you are marking the fish. Jigging we are finding fish hugging tight to the bottom in 70-100’ Glow colored plastics tipped with sucker has been producing the most consistent. For rainbows and browns look for them shallow in the inlets early, then deeper later in the day. Small spoons trolled 10-15’ or cast from shore has been working, pink and blue have been the best colors.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 8/13/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Dan Shannon reports, “Fishing for all species has slowed a bit with the water temps peaking. The rainbow bite has been best in the early mornings, worms, and bright colored spinners are best producers. Brown Trout bite has really picked up in late evenings and into the night, crankbaits and small tubes worked along rocks has been the pattern. Lake trout are using deep structure to find the cooler water, focus on depths in the 70-90’ range and even deeper if not finding active fish. Bright colored or glow grubs tipped with sucker worked along deeper structure has been producing fish.” 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 86%. Inflow is 21 CFS, outflow is 251 CFS, the lake is 10 feet low. Surface temp has cooled a bit running in the mid 60's early AM warming to the low 70's in the afternoon. The Lake Trout bite has been hit miss with mostly juvenile fish biting. Small tubes or twister type grubs fished in 70 to 100 foot tipped with sucker meat is getting some hits. The fish are holding tight to the bottom and difficult to locate a group on sonar. Rainbow and Kokanee fishing is slow mainly due to low numbers. Northerns are pretty tough to come by, but some are being caught in deeper water along the rocks and steep drop-offs on jerk baits.” 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

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021, the reservoir continues to produce kokes and lake trout on a variety of lures. 
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 8/27/2021, park staff reports, “Look for fishing to pick up as temperatures begin to be cooler in the evenings. 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 8/27/2021 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. Hopper/droppers are your friend right now” Flows: 36.1 CFS at Pagosa Springs (8/26/2021) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 8/27/2021, Duranglers reports, “The monsoon rains have helped the Animas flows, but keep an eye on those temps throughout sunny days. Hopper season has arrived so a hopper/dropper is a good go-to, but streamer fishing has also been fantastic.” Flows: 246 CFS at Durango (8/26/2021) Duranglers.com 
Animas River

Dolores River - above McPhee Reservoir

As of 8/27/2021 Duranglers reports, “The upper Dolores drainage is fishing solid. Dry droppers into the fall Caddis and small mayflies can be around. Terrestrials such as hoppers, ants, and beetles will be out as well.” Flows: 76.7 at Dolores (8/26/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Dolores River

Gunnison River

As of 8/27/2021 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. Some discoloration of the water means use some bigger bugs.” Flows: 601 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (8/26/2021) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River

San Miguel River

As of 8/27/2021, 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! Hoppers and caddis should be out” Flows: 111 CFS near Placerville (8/26/2021) Duranglers.com 
San Miguel River

Uncompahgre River

As of 8/27/2021, Duranglers reports, “Nymphing smaller bugs is not a bad idea, but try a leech or SJ worm too. Watch for PMDs in the afternoons! Or, put on a streamer or bugger!” Flows: 151 CFS below Ridgway Reservoir (8/26/2021) Duranglers.com
Uncompahgre River