Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

Now that the end of February is nearing, we have and will continue to notice a shift in fishing conditions. We are seeing lower flows and clear waters. Anglers must be more careful not to spook the fish when approaching the water. Browns will begin to finish spawning for the season at the end of the month, so be cautious of redds when wading along the rivers. With the lack of the waters iced over, anglers are not necessarily restricted to rely on tailwaters. The regulated water flow keeps the tailwaters from freezing over and provides warmth for the cold-blooded trout. Even with the warmer conditions of these waters, the fish will still behave sluggishly. Fish diets in the winter are comprised primarily of midges and an assortment of small blue-winged olive nymphs and occasionally supplemented by larger mayflies, annelids, trout eggs, stoneflies, and caddis larva. Winter fishing typically consists of nymph fishing since the trout are not overly active due to the cold-water temperatures, so try using stonefly nymphs and imitation midges. Remember, the hatches are much smaller in the winter, keep your flies in the #16 to #20 range. It is also important to be mindful of your split shot usage. With the fish being sluggish, they are not going to divert too much energy for food, so making sure those flies drift directly in their path is important. Do not use too much split shot because the last thing you want to do is to have to retrieve a snag in those cold waters. As the trout continue to get a later start, anglers should mirror that and look for ideal times to be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

Report from the Eleven Mile Marina Weekly Fishing Report. As of 2/13/2020, “ice thickness is running 18 to 27 inches thick. New snow accumulations up to 8 inches. Roads are plowed and clear but snow packed with icy spots in some areas. Some wind drifts on south side. Trekking on ice a bit of a chore. It has also been cold so the snow is fluffy. Winter conditions perfect for ice fishing. Look to all of February and into March for continued hard water angling. Trout fishing is good. Lots of fish caught in the South Park Ice Masters. Many running 2 to 4 lbs. Anglers report many different baits working. Pautzke Trout eggs did very well overall. We are sold out of jars but have some pre tied still available. Black Marabou jigs in 1/4 and 1/8 also did well along with Paddle Bugs, Kastmasters, and jigging Rapalas. Shallow water caught the biggest fish. Many on bait i.e. Pautzke Trout or salmon eggs, Gulp and PowerBait products. Kokanee fishing is fair. With the fresh snow on the lake, the hike to the spots is brutal. Wax your skis. After a few strong anglers make it out follow the path of least resistance and help make a highway to the bite. We did OK before the snow and have not made it back out yet. You can always seem to catch a couple but limits are elusive. The fish are not elusive but their interest to bite is. Large schools show up but do not stay long. Spoons work best but pink sparkle tubes and white paddle bugs have caught a few for us. The Gulp Maggots in natural and Chartreuse have done well as a bait for kokes and Trout when the mealworms will not work. We have also had good luck with the Mummy Wax Worms in pink and orange. Northern Pike is fair to poor. Some improvement but that is relative to the time put in. Even the little ones are turning their nose. All you can do is try. Look to mid-morning and early afternoon. Witchers Cove, Cross Creek, North Shore Marina and Coyote Ridge best bets. We like Waterdogs or whole suckers. When it comes to Pike size matters. The dogs are just right and we finally got in the suckers of choice. Just the right size. Be sure to stop in at the Eleven Mile Marina!”
Eleven Mile State Park

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 2/14/2020, there is good ice at the reservoir, 16 inches in some places with snow on top. Trout fishing has been good in 7 to 15 feet of water using small tungsten jig heads tipped with meal, wax, or an earthworm. PowerBait and salmon eggs will also do the trick. There has been a lot of anglers at the reservoir but crowds have lessened as more bodies of water around the state have safe ice. Kastmasters and jigging spoons should also do the trick and can even catch the occasional pike. Pink and white/glow jigs have been working well and try keeping them around a foot off the bottom.  
Tarryall Reservoir

Antero Reservoir 

Reported on 2/14/2020, Antero Reservoir continues to hold good ice but the bite has slowed down a bit with recent cold temperatures. It is best to get out early in the day. Anglers have had success catching rainbows, cutbows, and browns with reports of some up to 20 inches being caught! Small tungsten jigs (chartreuse and pink) have been working the best when tipped with a meal, wax, or earth worm. Look for deep weed beds to fish for larger trout. Keep an eye on approaching storm fronts to change the barometric pressure and increase success. Normal dead sticking techniques will work here and try dead sticking a jig with a meal worm.  
Antero Reservoir 

Georgetown Lake

This 55 acre reservoir offers good fishing for wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. From Idaho Springs, continue west on I-70 to Georgetown exit. Go south under I-70 to second stop sign. Turn east and continue to the lake. Reported 2/14/2020, the lake is completely capped with good ice and there have not been any recent reports. Things have slowed down a bit as temperatures increase in the afternoon and do not be afraid to move around and check new areas. Use caution near the bridge. Anglers have had success catching browns with small jigs tipped with meal worms and Kastmasters. Rainbows have been biting on small jig heads with plastics. Pink and white jigs have been the best. Bring your shelter, if you have one, to give you a break from the wind. 
Georgetown Lake

St. Vrain State Park 

As of 2/11/2020, with the recent cold snap, ice started forming and thickness is around 2 to 3 inches on most ponds. There are several ponds that are not stocked with trout for more well-rounded anglers: Bald Eagle, Blue Heron, Pelican (this year), and Pintail. Two of which are trophy bass ponds, the other two have pike, respectively; Bass in ‘B’ ponds, Pike in ‘P’ ponds. Check the park conditions page for St. Vrain for more up to date information on the ice conditions. There are 11 fishable ponds at St. Vrain that are stocked on a regular basis. Ice fishing is allowed on all ponds except Pelican Pond, which has an aeration system that makes ice extremely dangerous. Ice fishing is not recommended when ice is less than 4 inches thick, cracking, or pocked. Bald Eagle Pond is artificial flies and lures only. 
St. Vrain State Park 

Boyd Lake

As of 2/14/2020, be advised that extreme caution is needed when venturing out onto ice. There is approximately 6 inches in Heinricy Inlet. Open water on northeast side of lake. Use small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms to catch trout and other panfish. Fishing is good for trout using spoons or small jigs tipped with waxworms. Anglers have also reported success during the low light hours catching walleye in the deeper portions of the marina area. Reports of Yellow Perch and Crappie have been few and far between. No snowmobiles or Off Highway Vehicles are allowed on Boyd Lake State Park. Any live fish collected for use as bait may only be used in the same body of water from which they were collected. All live bait/fish from a commercial source and transported by anglers must at all times be accompanied by a receipt for the source. If you do not use all live aquatic bait in one trip, you must provide your own distilled water to transport from each body of water. No fishing from Marina slips or docks. 
Boyd Lake 

Deckers and Cheesman Canyon 

As of 2/14/2020, fishing has been decent and some larger trout have been caught. This time of year, patience is key and anglers won’t catch a lot of fish throughout the day but there is the opportunity for some larger fish. Look for small midges and emerger patterns to be productive in the open runs and deeper pools. During the winter season it is important to try to drift flies mid water column rather than along the bottom. Fishing during the warmest times of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Flows: 182 CFS below Cheesman Reservoir (2/13/2020) 
Deckers and Cheesman Canyon 

Jefferson Lake 

As of 2/14/2020, this is usually one of the first bodies of water to form solid ice in Colorado because of its elevation. There is good ice at the lake and over 18 inches of ice has been reported in some areas. Anglers have reported marking fish in deeper water (40 or more feet) and that a variety of presentations have been producing a bite. Tungsten jigs, jigging shad raps, Kastmasters, and various spoons can entice trout here. If the bite is slow, move around! White tubes tipped with sucker meat have been working well.  
Jefferson Lake 

North Sterling Reservoir 

As of 2/13/2020, there is a lot of open water and very thin ice. Approximately an additional inch of snow accumulated 2/13/2020. Ice fishing is NOT recommended at this time. Ice conditions are unstable due to high winds and warming temperatures. The Reservoir is CLOSED to BOATING. The Inlet is ON and the Outlet is OFF. There have been reports of skim ice but nothing safe enough to fish on. It is going to take more time before ice fishing will be safe here.  
North Sterling Reservoir 

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River- Salida to Canon City 

As of 1/31/2020, water temperatures are in the high 30s with clear water clarity. Flows on this stretch of the river have not changed much. Fish will be more active during the warmest parts of the day so pay attention to weather and plan accordingly. Target deep pools and runs for hungry trout when the sun is shining. At this point, midges will make up the majority of a trout’s diet but do not be afraid to try stonefly nymphs or caddis larva imitations. The area of the river near Salida will produce the best bite during the winter months. Flows should be higher than usual throughout the winter. Anglers should focus on fishing close to Salida to find open water and better fishing opportunities. Flows: 460 CFS at Wellsville (2/12/2020) 
Arkansas River - Salida to Canon City 

Lake Pueblo

As of 2/14/2020, the fishing remains fair for the warm water species that inhabit Pueblo Reservoir. Smallmouth Bass can be caught by slowly working finesse presentations out on the deeper flats and deeper structure. Walleye fishing has slowed but fish are still being caught in deeper water using jigging minnows and jigging spoons. Walleye are going to be found in deep water this time of year and there are reports that lots of shad are still being marked. If fishing from shore look for points to fish from and fishing on the bottom can catch rainbows. Rainbows can also be caught from the boat by trolling deep running crank.  
Lake Pueblo

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista 

As of 2/14/2020, this stretch of the river is frozen and icy and there is more open water reported near Buena Vista. Most of the upper part of the basin has now frozen over and it can be extremely difficult to find open water during this time of the year. If you are trying to fish this part of the river, wait for warmer days where thin ice has melted to find an opportunity to fish. If you can find open water, midges will be the most common food source. Flows: N/A CFS at Hayden Meadows with ice reported and 270 CFS at Granite (2/12/2020) 
Arkansas River 

DeWeese Reservoir 

Located just north of Westcliffe. As of 2/14/2020, reports that fishing has been slow but a few nice trout around 20 inches are being caught. The ice is about 12 inches thick in some areas and anglers have had success in 15 to 20 feet of water. Slush is being reported so bring waterproof boots. Trout were caught on rat finkies tipped with meal and wax worms. There were some being caught on silver Swedish pimples as well. For current conditions, contact the CPW Pueblo Area Office (719-561-5300). 
DeWeese Reservoir 

Taylor Park Reservoir 

As of 2/9/2020, ice thickness 20-24 inches with 10-16 inches of snow on top. Reports of 2-10 inches of slush in some areas. Fishing for smaller lake trout is typically fair using darker colored tube jigs as close to the bottom as you can jig them. There have been 24 and 30-inch lake trout caught the last couple of weeks. Trout can be caught suspended off the bottom. Look to the east part of the reservoir for pike fishing as there are some large pike present in this reservoir that will slide up shallow as spring approaches. 
Taylor Park Reservoir 

Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

This 762-acre impoundment is located off of E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. As of 2/9/2020, iced over currently and there is no open water for shore fishing. Recent cold front has iced up the reservoir. The snow has camouflaged the distinction between the older and new ice. The thickest ice is in the back of the coves and is 4-6 inches thick. The new ice is approximately 1.5-2.0 inches thick. The water level is coming up quickly and there is open water along the shoreline making it difficult at times to on and off the ice. Trout fishing is slow to fair and is slow for all other species. For more information call 303-326-8425. January Park Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed to boating for the season – this also includes all hand launched watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, rafts, paddle boards, etc. 
Aurora Reservoir

Cherry Creek

This 881-acre impoundment is located in Cherry Creek State Park, in Aurora. There are two entrances to the park, the east entrance off S. Dayton St. and the west entrance off S. Parker Rd. As of 2/14/2020, there is about 6-8 inches reported near the tower area. The shore edges however are getting soft with the warm temperatures. Anglers have reported success catching walleyes and crappie in the evenings and after dark. The lake is closed to boating and park office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

This 1,356 impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park. As of 2/14/2020, ice thickness varies around the reservoir from skim to 10 inches. Please use caution. Warmer days are melting the shorelines quickly so use caution if you head out as the shorelines may be unstable. It is recommended to take a spud bar with you and check the ice as you venture out. Ice conditions on the Front Range can change quickly and recent warm temperatures have likely further melt and reduced the amount of ice on the reservoir. Anglers have had success catching trout through the ice using a variety of techniques. Small, tungsten jigs tipped with meal, wax, or earth worms have been working well for trout. There have been reports of a few walleye and perch being caught as well. Jigging raps are a great way to catch walleye through the ice.
Chatfield Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir 

As of 2/14/2020, Quincy Reservoir closed for the season. For more information call 303-326-8425. 
Quincy Reservoir 

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River

As of 2/10/2020, fishing has been reported as slow lately but there have been ideal flows and excellent water clarity. While this river can be extremely challenging, there are massive trout and a more technical approach can lead to success. Dredging a midge along the bottom in deeper water (pools and runs) will get to the most fish however so take advantage of the sight fishing opportunities and cast the rig up stream enough so the terminal fly gets to the bottom before reaching the trout. The fishing will be the best in Silverthorne during the winter. Mysis shrimp are also a good option and use size #18-20. Size #22 Medallion, Mercury, Juju, and Minute Midges are some of the best options. Flows: 100.00 CFS below Dillion and 234 below Green Mountain Reservoir (2/13/2020) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Lake Granby

Report from the Grand County Fishing Report from Fishing with Bernie. As of 2/11/2020, “the lake trout are fishing very well. Target 50-100 feet of water using tube jigs, twisters, spoons, plastic leeches all tipped with a small piece of sucker meat. Pay close attention to your rod tip for bites. Rainbows and browns are in 3-10 feet of water, try inside turns and the back of bays. Small jigs tipped with a wax worms are getting bit till around 9 am.” www.fishingwithbernie.com 
Lake Granby

Delaney Buttes 

There have not been any recent reports. As of 2/6/2020, North Delaney, near the boat ramp there is 13-14 inches of ice with 2-6 inches of snow on ice. West side 17-18 inches of ice with 2-6 inches of snow on ice. Anglers reporting the bite is very slow and it is key to fish very early morning and late evening. Anglers using HD Ice Dynamic Lures in white and brook trout and tube jigs doing well. South Delaney capped with solid 16-18 inches of ice with 2-6 inches of snow on top. Anglers reporting steady bite other than from 2 to 3:30 p.m. using white Berkeley tubes in 16 feet-of-water and spoons. East Delaney has 14-16 inches of ice near the parking area, no recent fishing information shared. Please remember these conditions and ice are changing by the hour with wind, snow and sun. Would you like to know more about spawn-take operations at North Delaney Butte Lake? Visit the Colorado Outdoors Magazine Blog Post, “Raising Colorado’s Brown Trout – North Delaney Butte Lake”
Delaney Buttes 

Lake John 

As of 2/6/2020, the lake has 17-18 inches of ice with 0-4 inches of snow on top of the ice depending on pockets drifted from wind. . Atvs, snowmobiles, and side by sides are venturing onto the lake daily. No vehicles yet. Roads accessible with some drifting near the edges. Many anglers fishing this lake, reporting is that fishing is very slow but some doing very well with monster fish pictures. A mix of baits talked about: everyone is using something different right now, mealworms, wax worms, Kastmasters, various colored jig heads with shrimp, tubes with garlic oil, HD Ice Dynamic lures. Cowdrey capped with 16 to 18 inches of ice. Most anglers reporting no fish movement on cameras or anything being caught. Big Creek is only accessible by snowmobile at this point. Last measurement of ice reported to us was 8 inches with fishing being active. Please remember these conditions and ice are changing by the hour with wind, snow and sun.
Lake John 

Dillon Reservoir 

As of 1/31/2020, ice reported at 14 inches on various parts of the reservoir with a few feet of snow on top. Cleats are still recommended in areas where snow is not covering the ice and there has also been reports of slush and water on top of the ice so wear waterproof boots. Water is reported as clear and anglers can see down about 5 feet once they drill. Fishing has been slow but tungsten jigs with worms have been working well for trout with a constant jigging motion. Try using pink, chartreuse, or red jigs tipped with wax or meal worms or salmon eggs. Fishing has been reported as the best near the Snake River inlet. Anglers are reporting success catching kokanee but not sure what the best tactic has been.  
Dillon Reservoir 

Roaring Fork River

As of 2/14/2020, fish are still being caught and the water is low and clear. Use stealth when fishing so you do not spook the fish in the area and use light tippet. The primary hatches at this point in time are BWOs and midges. Look for deeper pools and runs where the water is moving at a slower pace to target fish. Streamers will also work on this river and try using smaller one and then transitioning to larger ones if those are not working. There is ice forming on the edges of the river so use caution. The river has entered winter mode and it is important to be aware of ice that has broken off and is floating down the river. Flows: 480 in Glenwood Springs (2/13/2020) 
Roaring Fork River

Vega State Park

As of 2/8/2020, the lake is frozen with approximately a foot of ice near the dam and the Island. Always use caution when accessing the lake as ice depths can vary. Fishing is excellent with anglers reporting catching nice rainbows and cutthroats in the 14-17 inch range with ice jigs and mealworms. We have 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
Vega State Park

Green Mountain Reservoir 

This a 2,125- acre storage reservoir, is operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson project. It provides good fishing for lake trout, rainbow, cutbow, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Approximately 13 miles south of Kremmling, CO. Colorado Highway 9 runs along the east side of the reservoir. As of 2/14/2020, reports of fish being caught suspended in deep water (over 60 feet of water). Success was also reported fishing around 90 feet of water on marina side if you are willing to do the walk back afterwards. Jigs tipped with sucker meat will catch smaller lakes at this reservoir.
Green Mountain Reservoir 

Harvey Gap Reservoir 

This reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full. As of 2/8/2020, every species in the reservoir has been caught but the bite is currently slow. Ice conditions are 5-8 inches of ice with 3-4 inches of snow on top. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy.
Harvey Gap Reservoir 

Wolford Mountain Reservoir 

This 1550 acre storage reservoir, is owned and operated by the Colorado River Water Conservation District. It provides good fishing for rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon and a few other assorted species. It is approximately 5 miles north of Kremmling, CO on US highway 40. As of 2/14/2020, there are reports of 15 inches in some places with an additional 4-8 inches of snow. Use extreme caution near the dam and there are reports of open water. Anglers are having success with extremely small jigs in deeper water.  
Wolford Mountain Reservoir 

Rifle Gap Reservoir 

As of 2/8/2020, there is a 4-8 inch layer of ice covering most of the lake. The ice thickness varies and there are still areas of open water at the East end. Always use caution when fishing on the ice and be sure to fish with a buddy. Ice fishing on the lake can be tricky here at Rifle Gap. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy. Fishing has been slow with mostly trout being caught. Keep in mind there are a couple fishing regulations specific to Rifle Gap. Walleye: Bag/possession limit=1fish, size must be 18 inches or greater. 
Rifle Gap Reservoir 

Stagecoach Reservoir 

As of 2/10/2020, the reservoir has more than 15 inches of snow and another 15 inches of ice is some places. Be aware of changing conditions and slush. Anglers are reporting high success with rainbows at the Inlet, Morrison Cove, Keystone Point, and in the Marina area. Successful anglers are primarily reporting luck with PowerBait, night crawlers, spoons, and jigs. Tail Waters Fishing (c/o the Steamboat FlyFisher) on 2/10/2020 – The road to the tailwater is now closed. You can still walk in about 2 miles from the entrance to the park. We have seen great nymphing all day and some fish rising to blue wing olives and midges midday or on any warmer days. Make sure you are using 6x fluorocarbon, micro split shot and small indicators as these fish can be spooky. Give a call down to the shop for up to the hour information, (970)879-6552. Nymphs that are working right now are Barr’s Emerger, Zebra Midge, Medallion Midge, Brassie, RS2, BTS nymph, Buck Skin, JuJu Baetis, Scuds, and Bling Midge. Dries that are producing are Pablo’s cripple, Blue Ribbon Foam Baetis, BWO. Streamers to use are Jake’s Leech, Hale Bop Leech, and Slump Buster. 
Stagecoach Reservoir 

Vega State Park

As of 2/8/2020, the lake is frozen with approximately a foot of ice near the dam and the Island. Always use caution when accessing the lake as ice depths can vary. Fishing is excellent with anglers reporting catching nice rainbows and cutthroats in the 14-17 inch range with ice jigs and mealworms. We have 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
Vega State Park

Grand Lake 

Report from the Grand County Fishing Report from Fishing with Bernie. As of 2/11/2020, with all of the fresh snow in the area there is a lot of slush on the lakes, making travel difficult for walkers and some snowmobiles. ATV’s are nearly impossible to get around. “The latest snow has made it difficult cover a lot of water, especially for the anglers who are limited by foot access. The slush is becoming somewhat of a major factor and is testing many anglers. Right now is a great time to study a map and plan out a day that you are comfortable with and keeping you able to hit a couple of key areas where you think the fish are biting. Rainbows and Browns continue to eat small jigs tipped wax worms, spikes and small pieces of sucker meat continue to produce the best results. Plan on fishing very early in the day for the best results. Drilling before the sun comes up should be considered and the bite generally tapers off by 9 am or so. Suggested jigs are the CLAM caviar, drop kick and the maggot drop. The lake trout bite has been a little bit sporadic but plenty of fish are still being caught. The fish are running a little bit deeper than they were during first ice. Keep your eyes on your fish finders because there are quite a few fish coming in suspended. The 70-100 foot of water zones continue to produce. Spoons and small tube jigs tipped with sucker have been the best producers as of late. Good luck and stay safe. Do not forget to stay plenty hydrated, as you will be burning a lot of calories with the current conditions. www.fishingwithbernie.com 
Grand Lake 

Harvey Gap Reservoir 

This reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full. As of 2/8/2020, every species in the reservoir has been caught but the bite is currently slow. Ice conditions are 5-8 inches of ice with 3-4 inches of snow on top. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy.
Harvey Gap Reservoir 

Williams Fork Reservoir 

Report courtesy of the Grand County Fishing Report from Fishing with Bernie. As of 2/11/2020, “14 to 17 inch lake trout are being caught in 40 to 70 feet of water. Keep moving around structure in these depths until you find the concentration of fish. Small plastics and spoons tipped with sucker meat have produced most of the fish. It has snowed 2 feet or more in the last week so expect slush and very difficult walking conditions.” www.fishingwithbernie.com 
Williams Fork Reservoir 

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This is a 9000 acre storage reservoir that offers good fishing for kokanee salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, and lake trout. Blue Mesa Reservoir is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area. As of 2/13/2020, Colorado Fishing Guides reported 14-18 inches of ice in Ioloa Basin. Dry creek has 10-16 inches of ice. Elk Creek has 10-12.5 inches and Bay of Chickens has 10-14 inches. Middle Bridge has 4.5 to 11 inches of ice. Mac Island-Lake Fork Marina has 4-8 inches and Lake Fork Arm has 12 to 16 inches of ice. Be safe and do not fish alone if you venture out on this new Blue Mesa ice! Fishing has been good for rainbow and brown trout. Action for smaller lake trout has been good, but the bigger fish have been work to find and entice. There are a few kokanee salmon showing up, but they too have been showing up one day and then hard to find the next as have their tasty friends the yellow perch. Higher water levels and flooded brush have made finding fish a little more challenging some days, but it will be greatly beneficial to the fishery in the next few years to come! The best thing you can do right now is cover a lot of water until you find the fish traffic you are looking for. Good luck and be safe! Ice conditions provided by Colorado Fishing Guides. Fishing conditions reported by Sport Fish Colorado.
Blue Mesa Reservoir

Jackson Gulch Reservoir 

Mancos is a great place for consistent action from trout and yellow perch. Most of the trout action is from 10 to 12 inch fish, but there is very good opportunity at an 18 to 20 inch trout and a few 12 inch plus perch. Great opportunity for kids to catch fish. Most anglers are finding success with bait (PowerBait, salmon eggs, and crawlers) fishing just off bottom or under a slip bobber. For a chance at the yellow perch and trout, a small jig fished under a bobber on a long leader and tipped with a piece of worm is a good bet. As of 2/09/2020, ice is approximately 7 inches near the boat ramp and northeast corner of the dam. Ice thickness is HIGHLY VARIABLE, especially mid-lake. Use caution and check ice thickness with an auger as you proceed on it and move across it. The main lake ice may be very thin despite the ice closer to shore being thick enough to support weight. We are seeing consistent action from trout and yellow perch. Most of the trout action is from 10-12 inch fish, but there is good opportunity at an 18-20 inch trout and a few 12-plus inch perch. Most perch are 5-inch length neighborhood. Great opportunity for kids to catch fish. Small teardrop jigs tipped with mealworm, waxworms or crawler, small spoons and bare crawlers are catching fish. A small ball of PowerBait on a 1/16oz jig will select for the trout and reduce the number of the very small perch. The perch are excellent eating and even the small ones make nice fish tacos. In the interest of managing their population, we do encourage you to keep them if you will use them. Colorado ice is very unpredictable. A park pass is required on vehicles in the park. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay station at the park entrance. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay station at the park entrance.  
Mancos State Park

Crawford Reservoir 

As of 2/8/2020, there have been a few 7-8 pound catfish and a few 28-30 inch pike, caught in the last week. Anglers are also reporting good numbers of perch (some 5-6 inches and others in the 10-inch range). Crappie have been biting on chartreuse jigs, also silver spoons with a mealworm. The trout have been about 12-16 inches. Remember that there is a lake-specific limit on the bass. They must be 18 inches or larger to keep, and you can only keep ONE. Statewide limits pertain to all other species. There are still reports of about 10 inches near the dam, and about 5-6 inches at the end of the Peninsula. The lake level is rising making the ice give way at the shoreline. It is advised to bring a plank in order to get on and off the ice. Please be sure to drill test holes as you make your way out, so you can determine if the ice is safe at your location. 
Crawford Reservoir 

East River 

As of 2/14/2020, the dropping temperatures have greatly reduced terrestrial activity. Double nymphing is the go to setup during this time of year on the East. From the upstream property boundary at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery and downstream to the Roaring Judy Hatchery outlet: fishing is only allowed with artificial flies/lures, the taking of kokanee salmon is prohibited, and the bag/possession limit and maximum size for trout is 2 fish that are at least 12 inches in length. Flows: 75.7 (Ice-Affected Reading) CFS at Almont (2/13/2020) 
East River 

Taylor River 

As of 1/16/2020, reports are coming in that the catch and release section of the river is fishing really well as of late. As one of the best tail waters in the state the fish are weary and it may take a lot of work to get a strike. The best time of day has been between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fish have really started to stack up in their winter positions in preparation of the upcoming season. Mysis Shrimp patterns should be an effective fly for the winter months. Flows have remained pretty low and clear so lighter rigs and tippet will be a good idea. Brown trout will also be looking for high calorie meals once the spawn wraps up so a few streamers in your arsenal will be a good idea to have on you for the next few weeks. Ice is forming in the canyon. Midges will be the main hatch this time of year. Flows: CFS 203 (Ice-Affected Reading) at Almont (2/13/2020) 
Taylor River