Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

It is still not time to hang up the waders and fly rods. Winter can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of the year to fish. Trout throughout the state slow their feeding patterns as the metabolism decreases. Another tough part of winter fishing is less than ideal conditions on the rivers. Flows are low, water temperatures are cold, and water is crystal clear. We are seeing these typical conditions across many of the flowing waters in the state. Tail waters are still available for fishing and will keep rivers relatively ice free for varied distances downstream. Top release tail waters are releasing much cooler water so the open water below does not extend very far. Bottom release tail waters release warmer water in comparison and can keep rivers open for much longer stretches. Statewide we are really starting to see the canyon sections of rivers and streams with a lot of shelf ice that makes fishing very tough. Stretches of rivers that receive more sunlight throughout the day are staying open better but may have some slush flow in the mornings that will dissipate by around 11:00 a.m. Most of the high country bodies of water have good ice conditions at this point. Warm weather on the Front Range has made ice conditions questionable at many lakes and extreme caution should be used if venturing onto the ice. Warm conditions are expected this weekend with temperatures in the mid to high 40’s. There is a high wind warning for late Friday night and early Saturday morning for the eastern part of the state. The mountains should also get some wind and this can create blizzard conditions on the roads so use caution if traveling. Send us pictures of those catches so you can show off your angling fame to your friends and family! 
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

Report from the Eleven Mile Marina Weekly Fishing Report. As of 1/30/2020 barely a dusting of new snow. It might be warm on the Front Range but it is still winter here. We have had some very mild days but the ice is as thick as it has been running 18 to 24 inches with anglers at Cross Creek wishing they had extensions for the auger. Don’t let that Front Range weather make you even think for a minute that there will be open water any time soon. Trout fishing has been very good. Action typically slows as we move into February but so far, that has not occurred. Plenty of people come in and say they got skunked. For sure, Eleven Mile can humble the best of us, but if you are not catching you must move. Not even far but if you don’t you can’t complain about getting skunked because sometimes it takes a little work. Kastmasters have been flat out great for us. Color patterns can change daily but you cannot seem to miss with the Master. Lots of other baits doing well. Trout Traps, Rapala, Krystal Lazers for sure. Kokanee fishing is fair. It is right on the cusp of being good but the rejection can drive you mad. Schools a plenty, bites not as many. If you are not on your game and cannot anticipate the hit you just flat out miss your opportunity. Nothing is more exhilarating than seeing that flasher light up. Deer Island, Duck Island and North Shore are the places to be. No hike is short. Get a map and we will put you on the spot. You will need a GPS to find it once we give it to you. Jigging machine with strings of pop gear is not required but we will not fish without one. Kastmasters, Swedish Pimples, Krocodiles are the best. We fish spoons almost exclusively so we can get down fast when you have to. Northern Pike fishing is poor. Some improvement but that is relative to the time put in. Look to mid-morning and early afternoon. Howbert, Cross Creek, Rocky Flats and Coyote Ridge are good 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. Tubes and spoons will also work but the big fish require patience. Action will pick up by the end of February and into March, we predict. Be sure to stop in at the Eleven Mile Marina!
Eleven Mile State Park

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 1/31/2020, there is good ice at the reservoir (14 inches in some places with snow on top) and 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 1/31/2020, 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 1/30/2020, the lake is completely capped with good ice and there haven’t 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 1/27/2020, all bodies of water are 30-50% open water. With all of the open water, a few carp have been caught the past couple of weeks. Crappie and Saugeye have been a little slow but mostly because the stocked trout have been so eager to bite. 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 1/31/2020, be advised that extreme caution is needed when venturing out onto ice. There is 3 to 5 inches of ice in the Marina and north of Marina. There is approximately 6 inches in Heinricy Inlet. Some open water on northeast side of lake. There is no snow packed on the ice so ice cleats are suggested to safely walk across. 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 1/31/2020, 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: 214 CFS below Cheesman Reservoir (1/30/2020) 
Deckers and Cheesman Canyon 

Jefferson Lake 

As of 1/30/2020, 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 16 inches of ice has been reported in some areas. The lake no longer has snow coverage so cleats are needed to transverse the lake safely. 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 1/28/2020, there is a lot of open water and very thin ice. 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: 542 CFS at Wellsville (1/30/2020) 
Arkansas River - Salida to Canon City 

Lake Pueblo

As of 1/31/2020, 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 1/31/2020, 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: 70 CFS at Hayden Meadows with ice reported and 274 CFS at Granite (1/30/2020) 
Arkansas River 

DeWeese Reservoir 

Located just north of Westcliffe. As of 1/31/2020, 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 

Trinidad Reservoir

As of 1/24/2020, the lake is at 747 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6186.15 feet. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “SAFE” ICE. Higher temperatures and windier conditions have formed large cracks and fractures in the ice. Fishing from shoreline is now an option. South Shore anglers were catching trout using jigs tipped with shrimp, corn, or worms. Trout between 12 and 15 inches have been common. Ice thickness is varying between 2 to 5 inches. At Reilly Canyon, decent seized trout are being caught jigs tipped with worms. Ice thickness is less than 2 inches and there are weaker spots above the river. Ice is weaker in the middle of the lake. Boating is closed for the season. 
Trinidad Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir 

As of 1/17/2020, no reports on ice but fishing for smaller lake trout is typically fair using darker colored tube jigs as close to the bottom as you can jig them. 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 1/26/2020, open water throughout the reservoir. No open water for shore anglers except for the south side of the reservoir. The thickest ice is in the back of the coves 4-5 inches. The water level is coming up quickly and there is open water along the shoreline making it difficult to get on and off the ice. Ice conditions are currently poor. Ice conditions are changing daily. 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 1/31/2020, some reports of ice forming and most of the reservoir is capped at this point in time. 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 1/31/2020, 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. Ice Addiction Tournament has been moved from Jackson Lake State Park to Chatfield State Park for Saturday February 1st, 2020.
Chatfield Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir 

As of 1/31/2020, Quincy Reservoir is closed for the season. For more information call 303-326-8425. 
Quincy Reservoir 

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River

As of 1/16/2020, 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: 90.5 CFS below Dillion and 182 below Green Mountain Reservoir (1/30/2020) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Lake Granby

Report from the Grand County Fishing Report from Fishing with Bernie. As of 1/25/2020, there is very little slush on Lake Granby; however, there are areas of very slick ice on the lake. Be careful traveling over these areas. Rainbows are eating small jigs tipped with sucker meat in the morning near shore. Lake trout are eating small white jigs, bait, spoons, and other lures tipped with sucker meat. That bite dies off when the sun hits the ice. Lake trout have been active most of the day. Tubes, twisters, spoons and bait have all been successful. Fishing in 40 to 80 feet of water has been very good.
Lake Granby

Delaney Buttes 

There have not been any recent reports. As of 12/30/2019, North Delaney, near the boat ramp there is 5 inches of ice, west side 10 inches of ice, and 6 inches of snow on top of the ice. Anglers pulling some fatties out right now from this lake. Key is to fish it very early morning and late evening. Anglers using HD Ice Dynamic Lures in white and brook trout and tube jigs doing well. South Delaney is capped with solid 5 inches of clear ice, 2 inches of cloudy ice on top in the previously open water areas. West side has 10 inches of ice. About 2 to 3 inches of snow on ice makes for easy walking. Roads into the Buttes are plowed and easily passable. Water clarity is slightly off, but visibility good to 12 feet. Anglers reporting good action on tube jigs & spoons. East Delaney has 10 inches of ice near the parking area. Deeper snow 150 yards from the boat ramp making it hard to access. 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 

There have not been any recent reports. As of 12/30/2019, the lake is still sitting at 10 inches of ice with 4 inches of slush in areas and 6 inches of snow on top of the ice. Atvs, snowmobiles, and side by sides are venturing onto the lake daily. No vehicles yet. Roads accessible with some drifting near the edges. Lots of anglers fishing this lake, some doing very well with monster fish pictures but most people reporting it to be very slow. 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 is capped with 8 to 12 inches of ice. Some anglers reporting it active with smaller fish 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 1/31/2020, 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: 408 in Glenwood Springs (1/30/2020) 
Roaring Fork River

Vega State Park

As of 1/14/2020, the lake is frozen with approximately 10 to 12 inches 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 to 17 inch range with ice jigs and meal worms. We have 1 to 2 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 1/25/2020, 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. There were reports from January 6th that ice was around 9 inches in some areas but nothing more recently on current ice conditions at the reservoir.  
Green Mountain Reservoir 

Harvey Gap Reservoir 

This reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full. As of 1/18/2020, every species in the reservoir has been caught. Ice conditions remain the same, 4-6 inches and 8 inches in some spots. A few inches of snow present as well. 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 1/09/2020, there are reports of ice anywhere from 9 to 10 inches in some places but 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 1/18/2020, there is a 4 to 6 inch layer of ice covering most of the lake and 8 inches in some spots. The ice thickness varies and there are still areas of open water. Every species has been caught in the reservoir and there is a few inches of snow on the reservoir as well. 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, a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy. Anglers may also contact Harvey Gap/Rifle Gap State Park, 5775 Hwy 325, and Rifle, CO, 81650; Phone: 970-625-1607 for updates on fishing conditions. 
Rifle Gap Reservoir 

Stagecoach Reservoir 

As of 1/17/2020, the reservoir is iced over (as of 12/16/2019). 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 January 8, 2020 – the road to the tail water is now closed. You can still walk in about 2 miles from the entrance to the park. We have been seeing great nymphing all day and some fish rising to blue wing olives and midges mid-day or on any warmer, overcast 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 info at 970-879-6552. Flows have be around 57 C.F.S. In terms of nymphs Barr’s Emerger, Zebra Midge, Medallion Midge, Brassie, RS2, BTS Nymph, Buck Skin, JuJu Baetis, Scuds, Bling Midge have been working. Pablo’s Cripple, Blue Ribbon Foam Baetis, and BWO Fripple are dries that have been working. Jake’s Leech, Hale Bop Leech, Slump Buster streamers are also good options. Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area (c/o The Steamboat Flyfisher), just one mile downstream of the Stagecoach tail waters this stretch of river can be very productive year round. This state wildlife area is about 2.5 miles of idyllic trout stream habitat. There is a high density of fish in this area so do not walk past any structure without first casting in for a try. Sight casting this stretch of river is popular. As of January 8, 2020 - the road to Sarvis is now closed. It is about a 45 minute hike to the bridge. At this time we would recommend snowshoes or cross country skis. We have seen great fishing from 10 am to dark. Nymphing all day has been very productive with a good midge hatch mid-morning and again in the evening. Give a call down to the shop for up to the hour info 970-879-6552. Flows have been around 75 C.F.S. Barr’s Emerger, JuJu Baetis, Juans Hi Def, Hot Bead Prince, Z Wing Caddis, Translucent Emerger, Edwards Black, RS2, Black Beauty, and Buckskin nymphs have been working. In terms of dries the Last Chance Cripple, Mole Fly, BWO Fripple, and Pink Parachute are good options. Beldar Bugger, Slumpbuster, and Zonkers streamers have been working. As of 12/16/2019, Stagecoach Reservoir is frozen over. At this time here is traversable ice spanning across the lake. Specific ice thicknesses by area: Morrison Cove (12 inches), Inlet (12 inches), Keystone Cove (10 to 12 inches), Arrowhead (10 to 12 inches), Harding Cove (12 inches), Marina (12 inches), and other areas, such as Main Reservoir and Dam are too thin to access). Please remember that Stagecoach State Park allows the use of snowmobiles and OHVs for ice fishing access only. Please exercise caution, be safe and check ice thickness often. Happy fishing!
Stagecoach Reservoir 

Vega State Park

As of 1/14/2020, the lake is frozen with approximately 10 to 12 inches 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 to 17 inch range with ice jigs and meal worms. We have 1 to 2 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

Bear Creek Reservoir 

As of 1/16/2020, this reservoir is now frozen and reports that ice is around 6 inches by Coyote Gulch. Fishing has been slow but should pick up in the future. Keep an eye on weather as Front Range ice conditions can change quickly. This reservoir offers great opportunities to catch rainbows and some perch can also be picked up. Anglers had success in shallow water. The minimum size for walleye and saugeye is 15 inches in length. No more than one walleye or saugeye in the aggregate greater than 21 inches in length may be taken per day.
Bear Creek Reservoir 

Grand Lake 

Report from the Grand County Fishing Report from Fishing with Bernie. As of 1/25/2020, ice season is in full swing on Grand Lake. The lake has 10 inches plus of ice on it, with open water in the typical areas in front of canal to Shadow Mountain as well as the north east corner by the inlet of the Adams tunnel. Use caution if venturing near the open water. The pond hockey rinks in front of the swim beach area are up so this area is bit congested if trying to fish here. Conditions are great for walking and pulling a sled, not many areas of slush. Tipping your jigs with sucker meat has been critical for getting strikes from the fish. Pressure has been high on Grand Lake as of late but the bite continues to be steady. The best time to fish for all species is early in the morning. Plan to drill before dark and be set up early for best success. Rainbow and browns have been taking small jigs near the bottom using tungsten jigs and small spoons. Tip your lures with a wax worm or salmon egg for best success. Target the water in the 10-15 foot range. Lake trout continue to eat small tubes and spoons tipped with a small piece of sucker meat. As the season goes on, more and more fish are starting to show up suspended. It is very important to keep your jigs about the fish and moving while fishing these fish. The Fishing with Bernie team has been guiding in Grand County for over 25 years. For more information, please check https://www.instagram.com/fishing_with_bernie. 
Grand Lake 

Harvey Gap Reservoir 

This reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full. As of 1/18/2020, every species in the reservoir has been caught. Ice conditions remain the same, 4-6 inches and 8 inches in some spots. A few inches of snow present as well. 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 curiosity of the Grand County Fishing Report from Fishing with Bernie. As of 1/25/2020, the bite from the 15 to 17 inch lake trout in 40 to 70 feet of water has been solid most days. Small jigs in 3-inch profiles have been producing most of the fish. Tipping your jigs with sucker meat has been critical for getting strikes from the fish. Rainbows have been in 3 to 7 feet of water, bite is best from first light until the sun hits the ice and then it dies off pretty quick. - Sam Hochevar, Guide-Fishing with Bernie. https://www.instagram.com/fishing_with_bernie 
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 1/28/2020, ice is slowly but surely forming. Nearly 80% of the reservoir is capped. The original ice cap stretched from the Gunnison River inlet to a little west of Elk Creek boat ramp. Now we have ice continuing from Elk Creek boat ramp west to the Dillon Pinnacles where it turns back into open water at this time. This newer ice varies from 3-10 inches as the middle and eastern part of Cebolla basin freezing last. Use extreme caution on this section and check ice thickness frequently as ice thickness varies! There is also a little open water at the mouth of Soap Creek and then the rest of the lake is iced. Ice is running 7? by Lake Fork Marina but drops to 3-5 inches just past the breakwater. 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! This report brought to you by: Robby Richardson of 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 1/09/2020, ice is approximately 7 inches near the boat ramp and northeast corner of the dam. The lake had open water in places as recently as December 28th, so the ice thickness is HIGHLY VARIABLE. Use extreme caution and check ice thickness with an auger as you proceed on it and move across it. The main lake ice will be very thin despite the ice closer to shore being thick enough to support weight. We're seeing consistent action from trout and yellow perch. Most of the trout action is from 10 to 12 inch fish, but there's good opportunity at an 18 to 20 inch trout and a few 12 inch - plus perch. Most perch are around 5 inches. 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 1/16 Oz 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'll use them. Colorado ice is very unpredictable. Check out this website for additional ice safety tips. 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.  
Mancos State Park

Crawford Reservoir 

As of 1/26/2020, currently we have had reports of about 10 inches near the dam, and about 5-6 inches at the end of the Peninsula. Snow on top of the ice has been flooded and has refrozen. Please be sure to drill test holes so you can determine if the ice is safe at your location. The shorelines have been weakening throughout the day so use caution. Anglers have reported catching perch, catfish and largemouth bass and pike. On January 26th, a 10 pound 34 inch pike was iced! 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. Reports that water clarity has been 3 to 5 feet. Anglers have had success in 30 feet of water. The bite has been light and it is important to recognize those subtle bites to land fish through the ice.  
Crawford Reservoir 

East River 

As of 1/31/2020, 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: 120 CFS at Almont (1/30/2020) 
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 145 at Almont with Ice Reported (1/30/2020) 
Taylor River