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Colorado statewide fishing report and conditions – June 18, 2021

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Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 6/17/2021, trout fishing from shore is slow. Trout will be deeper so casting out 40-50 yards with PowerBait with a slip rig is recommended. Boaters are reporting slow to fair fishing trolling with crawlers for trout. Some reports of smallmouth bass being caught off the points using jigs. All other species are slow or no reports. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for June 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, 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

As of 6/18/2021, 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 6/18/2021, bass fishing is slow to fair using jigs and soft plastics. Anglers should start to see some top water action this month. All other species slow or no report. Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand is permitted. Trailers and vehicles are not permitted in the water. Park hours for June are 5:00 am to 9:30 pm. For more information call 303-326-8424. 
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, The 11 Mile Marina reports “Trout fishing is good. The fish are packed with bugs and the hatch is on the wane. The fish have stretched their stomachs and will be in a biting frenzy soon enough. Lots of action on smaller fish 13 to 15 inches. Bigger fish moving into deeper water. Bite times vary we like 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Lots of baits working. Trollers do well on a variety of baits. Stop in for the latest update when you are here. Kokanee fishing is fair to poor. Most are not getting lucky. Try from North Shore to Deer Island in the channel areas. Norther pike fishing is good. Action is sporadic but hot when it happens. Try Rapala, Dardevle and big sticks trolling 10 feet of water mostly West. Look to the early afternoon. Wind is your friend. Bills Spinner Baits starting to come on.” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 6/18/2021, park staff reports Boyd Lake is at 96% capacity and water temperature is 62 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 6/18/2021, park staff reports fishing for walleye and crappie is reportedly good. Wiper and drum fishing have been okay and we have not received any catfish reports as of yet. 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 6/18/2021, 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 6/18/2021 park staff reports water clarity is around 6.5 feet and water temperature is 55 degrees F. Trout and walleye fishing has been good and some excellent wiper action is taking place. For the most current conditions, please contact park staff by calling 303-659-6005.
Barr Lake

Cheesman Canyon

As of 6/18/2021, fishing Cheesman Canyon is fishing very well producing regularly. Right now, be sure to cover as much water as possible, making sure to fish an entire pool before moving on to another or a different riffle. Starting with small insects is producing the best but larger patterns have also attracted hits. Flows: 183 CFS above Cheesman Lake (6/18/2021) 
Cheesman Canyon

Douglas Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, with the recent heat streak we are on, fish are heading to deeper, cooler waters during the heat of the day. Anglers are reporting more success when fishing early mornings or into the evening. 
Douglas Reservoir

Antero Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, the ANS inspection station is located at the south boat ramp. The hot bite continues at Antero with anglers reporting success both from shore and from boats using a variety of spoons and spinners. 
Antero Reservoir

Dream Stream - South Platte

As of 6/4/2021, low flows and clear water continue to make for technical fishing on the Dream Stream. Targeting deeper pools and slower riffles are key as well as making smart approaches to the water to not spook the fish. Anglers have reported success with Pheasant Tails, a variety of egg colors, and leech patterns. Flows: 102.2 CFS above Eleven Mile (6/18/2021) 
South Platte

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 6/4/2021, no new reports. The reservoir was recently stocked on 4/20/2021. As of 5/21/2021, anglers have reported success catching trout on a variety of lures as well as smallmouth bass action picking up. 
Horsetooth Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, park staff reports trout fishing has been very good on a variety of baits and lures.  
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Arvada Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, anglers report fishing is fair to good for smallmouth bass and sunfish. Trout fishing is poor for shore anglers as most trout head to the deeper areas of the reservoir during the heat of the day.
Arvada Reservoir

Bear Creek Lake

As of 6/18/2021, anglers have reported success catching walleye with a variety of baits. 
Bear Creek Lake

Evergreen Lake

As of 6/18/2021, anglers have reported success catching stocker rainbow trout. The trout have been holding in the deeper sections of the lake during the middle of the day. It’s recommended to fish early mornings or evenings. CPW also wants to warn anglers of aggressive elk behavior in the area. 
Evergreen Lake

Lon Hagler Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, we have received reports of anglers catching catfish using a variety of bait. 
Lon Hagler Reservoir

Waterton Canyon

As of 6/18/2021, there are an increasing number of caddis as well as blue-winged olive and midge hatches. 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: 62 CFS at Waterton (6/18/2021) 
Waterton Canyon

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 6/16/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper river is clear and fishing well. The river north of Buena Vista offers the best wade fishing conditions on the river, particularly above the Lake Creek confluence in Hayden Meadows. Tributary flows are dropping now and clarity is great on the small streams, leaving them in prime form for summer fishing. Yellow sally stoneflies are hatching and golden stonefly adults are beginning to make themselves knows. Brachycentrus caddis and gray drakes are also on the menu in the coming weeks. You'll likely see a lot of grasshoppers up north, too, especially in areas with grassy edges. Flows are still swift below the Lake Creek confluence so expect fish to be pushed out towards the edges into the slower pockets of softer water. Dry and dry dropper fishing will be a very effective tactic in this region moving forward. South Park reservoirs are fishing well with chironomid and callibaetis hatches. Spinney and Antero are both now open to motorized boats. These stillwaters are an excellent alternative while rivers are swollen.” Flows: 291 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 490 CFS at Granite (6/17/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 6/18/2021, park staff reports boaters are catching trout on jigs and trolling. There are some walleye being caught in deeper water using jigs. The bass fishing has reportedly picked up over the last couple of weeks. The South shore has produced good size trout regularly using PowerBait, doughballs, and nightcrawlers. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions at 719-846-6951.  
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 6/16/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The river is looking great this week as flows have cleared and continue to drop following our peak runoff last week. This is a great level for float fishing and though flows are a bit high to wade aggressively, wade anglers can be successful working their way along the edges picking apart the slow, soft water where fish will hold to get out of the swift current. As yellow sally and golden stonefly hatches begin and grasshoppers become more available as terrestrial food, dry dropper and shallow nymphing tactics will be effective right along the banks. There are lots of pale morning dun nymphs in the system, too. Expect fish to become more and more surface-oriented as our summer hatches intensify; the best is yet to come! The streamer fishing was excellent this weekend and will continue to be good with the higher flows. 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. Water temperatures are currently in the ideal range for our fisheries so anglers can confidently fish all day long without fear of overstressing the fish. Flows: 1100 CFS at Hecla Junction (6/17/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, both the East and West boat ramps are open. Anglers continue to report success catching walleye and white bass. 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 6/18/2021, anglers are reporting good bass fishing using a variety of lures.  
Lake Pueblo

Runyon & Fountain Lakes

The lakes were stocked on 5/10/2021, 4/19/2021, 3/19/2021, 2/26/2021, and 1/27/2021. Fishing overall has been fair to good with a variety of artificial lures. 
Runyon/Fountain Lakes SWA

Hugo SWA Ponds

As of 6/18/2021, anglers are reporting good bass action and some catfish being landed as well. Bass were caught with a variety of lures and crawlers. Catfish were caught using a variety of baits. 
Hugo SWA Ponds

Kissel Pond

As of 6/18/2021, anglers have reported fishing for catfish and crappie is good and trout fishing is currently poor.
Kissel Pond

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega Reservoir

Park staff reports as of 6/15/2021, The Island boat ramp is open at this time. Inspection hours are from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily. Fishing has slowed down a bit, however, anglers are reporting catching some nice rainbows in 16 - 20 inch range using silver spinners, PowerBait and worms. 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. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. 
Vega Reservoir

Steamboat Lake

As of 6/18/2021, park staff reports, “With the warmer temperatures, northern pike are being caught as well as smallmouth bass. Keep in mind that there are a couple of fishing regulations that are specific to Rifle Gap: Walleye: • Bag/possession limit= 1 fish • Size= Must be 18" or greater Call the visitor center, (970) 879-3922, for up-to-date information on lake conditions, open daily 8 am-4 pm.  
Steamboat Lake

Harvey Gap

As of 6/18/2021, the lake is open water and fishing fair to good. Anglers state that northern pike and smallmouth bass fishing is picking up with the warming water temperatures. Trout and perch have also been landed using PowerBait, worms, and a variety of lures. 
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 6/18/2021, park staff reports fishing for trout and northern pike is good and anglers are reporting success catching trout as well. Trout anglers are seeing success using spoons and spinners. There are reports of good perch fishing using jigs. 
Rifle Gap

Yampa River

As of 5/25/2021, 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 6/18/2021, early mornings continue to provide the best nymph fishing. Reports of later afternoon midge hatches are providing surface feeding and a lot of fun action. Flows: 67.2 CFS below Green Mountain Reservoir (6/18/2021) 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 6/18/2021, look for fish holding along the banks in areas protected from the more turbulent water. Caddis, leech, and stonefly presentations have worked for those who are nymphing. Flows: 849 CFS below Gypsum (6/18/2021) 
Eagle River

Green Mountain Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, reports indicate reservoir levels are still low, especially for this time of year. Few to no fishing reports and those received stated very slow and tough fishing. 
Green Mountain Reservoir

Lake John

As of 6/18/2021, Lake John Resort reports indicate fishing has picked up and anglers are landing some large trout! A variety of spinners, spoons, and jigs have been used as well as nightcrawlers. Shore angling and fishing from a boat have both provided some huge trout 5 to 7 pounds! https://lakejohnresort.com/
Lake John

Grand Lake

As of 6/18/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Jake Foos reports, “Fishing is about as good as I can ever remember right now so please get out and enjoy it! Lake traffic is very high so be cautious when traveling on the water in any type of watercraft. Surface temps are in the high 40s right now and that is a good sign that the fishing is red hot. The inlets continue to spill cold, clean water into the lake and that is helping the bite tremendously. Rainbows and Browns are very hungry and willing to eat a variety of baits in the morning. Small spoons, tazmainian devils and jerk baits continue to produce when casted in shallow water. The most important aspect of this bite is being on the water as early as possible. Once the sun hits the water, this bite seems to change so please remember to start early. The lake trout bite is very good right now. We have been finding fish in depths from 40- 80 feet and they are hungry. Tube jigs, spoons and hair jigs seem to be working best. Adding a small piece of sucker meat and/or scent has been contributing to high catch rates. This bite has been good for us all the way into the early afternoon.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 6/18/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Dan Shannon reports, “Fishing all over the lake is good to excellent right now. Water levels are rising steadily as well as temps, seeing surface temps into the 60’s already. Rainbow trout are biting well in the inlets and moving water areas of the lake, pink and silver spinners or spoons worked in erratic action have been working well. Brown trout are active along the rock/mud lines, work them with deep diving crankbaits bounced in the rocks. Lake trout bite has remained very good. Fish are being caught between 30-70’, small plastics in crayfish colors and your typical tubes will produce, add a small piece of sucker for extra enticement. Boat traffic has been heavy on the weekends use caution while headed out.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Lake Granby

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Randy H reports, “Ramp hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Water capacity is at 81%. The lake is 12 feet low. The surface is 56 warming to mid 60's in the afternoon. Now that the deep water Chironomid Midge hatch is over the Lake Trout bite has improved to fair to good. Laker's are being caught in 60 to 80 feet of water on plastics tipped with sucker meat. Bank fishing for Rainbows is slow as is trolling for Kokanee, both due to lack of population. Northerns can be found sunning in shallow water late morning, some fish are following but they're reluctant to bite. Slow-moving baits may entice a strike.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Williams Fork 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 6/18/2021, anglers have reported fun topwater action in the early mornings and evenings. Lake trout are still holding in deeper water t. The Blue Mesa Lake Trout tournament continues through July! The Lake Fork and Elk Creek boat ramps are open and have hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 6/18/2021, 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 6/18/2021 Duranglers report, “The float window on the Upper San Juan is here and quickly fading. It’s a short window. Streamers and dry droppers are a good option with some big bugs around.” Flows: 482 CFS at Pagosa Springs (6/18/2021) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 6/18/2021, Duranglers reports, “Peak flows have come and gone and it’s game time. Float fishing is here, streamers and dry/droppers would be the best, from a boat but nymph rigs may find a few more fish when wading. Watch for hatches of caddis and stoneflies as the water drops.” Flows: 1320 CFS at Durango (6/18/2021) Duranglers.com 
Animas River

Dolores River - above McPhee Reservoir

As of 6/18/2021 Duranglers reports, “The upper D is dropping and will be fishing pretty great in about a week. Dry droppers are your friend at this time of year.” Flows: 228 at Dolores (6/18/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Dolores River

Gunnison River

As of 6/18/2021 Duranglers reports, “Salmonflies have started to show along with Caddis hatches. Stonefly nymphs in the mornings until the fish start popping their snouts up.” Flows: 489 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (6/18/2021) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River

San Miguel River

As of 6/18/2021, Duranglers reports, “Flows are dropping and will be fishing pretty great in about a week. Dry Droppers are your friend at this time of year.” Flows: 439 CFS near Placerville (6/18/2021)
San Miguel River

Uncompahgre River

As of 6/18/2021, 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. Perhaps, try a streamer or bugger for some aggressive eats as well.” Flows: 229 CFS below Ridgway Reservoir (6/18/2021) Duranglers.com
Uncompahgre River