Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

River flows have picked up around the state due to high runoff coming from our heavy winter snowfall. Fish are still being caught in streams but it has become more difficult. Anglers around the state will be looking to sections of the river where water flow is at its slowest, think banks and pockets. Majority of anglers will be turning toward lake fishing until the flows start to settle down. Lakes have been fair in clarity as they are also seeing a great increase in runoff feeding in. Water body temperatures are on the rise and it is producing more and more hatches. Keep an eye on these hatches so you can throw your most qualified fly or lure.
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 6/20/2019, water temperatures are being reported around 56 degrees. TROUT: EXCELLENT: The fishing is great and the bite even better. Lots of Cuttbows ranging 14 to 20 inches. Occasional Browns and Cutthroats have also been landed. Most methods are working from shore or boat. Boaters are having a grand time on the troll but you can drift and pitch and still do OK. Bite times vary through out the day. Early and mid morning is the best. Same baits are working with color pattern variations depending on time of day. Can’t go wrong with Pink. Chartreuse Dynamac by Arnies or the Arnies Reflecto in Green have caught some big fish. This is a great time to go through the tackle box and see which lure catches the biggest. Cowbells and pop gear for those that like that angle are best trolled super slow with a 3 foot leader tipped with crawler. Since the rivers are most difficult if not impossible to fish a fly rod from a boat is both successful and avoids the elbow to elbow crowd seen on the dream stream. Kalibeatis hatch coming on daily late morning. Work two flies on one rig. Gold bead nymphs are a favorite. KOKANEE SALMON:FAIR: They have been showing up in shallow water. This is a bad sign of things to come. These fish are disoriented and dying from Gill Lice. We have seen it before. They are typically by themselves and are not biting. You can net them if you wanted. Meanwhile out in the deep action continues to be sporadic but you can still catch them if you are in the right place at the right time. The backside of Duck Island has been consistent but you need to be careful of the rocks. They seem to be holding right at the drop offs from the island. You can be in 60 feet of water and hit 30 just like that. Also work the channel from Duck through North Shore to Goose Island. Tas Devils, Macks’s Wedding Rings, Dick Nite’s, Needledish and Kastmasters have all caught fish. We have been tipping our hooks and that seems to help. Pautzke Fire Corn in Natural or Pink has performed well. NORTHERN PIKE:FAIR TO GOOD: More fish being reported by more anglers. Although a few big ones have been tagged most are running 24 to 30 inches. Work the weed line along the overflow channel West of Stoll or the channel from Suckers Cove East to the wash out and then down to Lazy Boy. WE still like Howbert to Witchers and coves in between. Big sticks, big tubes and Spinner Baits have done well. Mid morning to early afternoon. Wind is your friend if you can handle it. Water gets murky fish get aggressive.
Eleven Mile State Park

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 6/20/2019, flows have significantly increased throughout the week (mid 100’s) to right around 579CFS. With increasing flow, look for fish near the banks and any pockets. Dry fly action has been inconsistent as of late and with increased flows anglers will have best luck with nymphing rigs. With high water take extra precaution when wading. Flows: 579 CFS (6/20/2019) 
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

Antero Reservoir

As of 6/20/2019, water temperatures are in the high 50’s. An increase in water temperature translates to more and more hatches occurring. Anglers are reporting Callibaetis and Damselflies being the next to hatch. There have been a lot of reports of nice browns being caught as well as a few real quality cutbows. Anglers are having the most success fishing the deeper sections of this shallow reservoir.
Antero Reservoir 

Jackson Lake

As of 6/5/2019, Surface water temperature is approximately 65 ??degrees. The water has cleared from the recent algae bloom. Fishermen are reporting success along the north shore in shallower areas of the lake. Walleye are doing fair; while Wipers are being reported as good. Most Wipers are under the 15" limit however, fishermen are reporting catching high numbers of them. Twister tails and jigs are the lures of choice.
Jackson Lake State Park

Barr Lake State Park

As of 6/14/2019, water temperatures are in the high 50’s and fishing success is beginning to increase. Anglers reported catching more walleye and wiper than in previous weeks. Water clarity is still considered good for this reservoir at 5 to 6 feet. Weeds are starting to grow in the shallower sections of the reservoir, which can make the fishing tough but gives anglers a starting point when trying to find the fish. The fish will use these weed beds for cover and can be a tough, but good area to target when getting started. 
Barr Lake

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 6/14/2019, fishing continues to be excellent for trout. The most productive baits have been PowerBait or artificial salmon eggs. Anglers have reported quick limits of fish being caught. Anglers fishing with lures have had the most success using small blue and silver Kastmasters. 
Tarryall Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River- Below Pueblo Reservoir

As of 6/20/2019, The tailwater is currently running above 4000 cfs, as water is being moved downstream due to heavy runoff from this winter's snowpack. It appears the heavy flows will continue for at least the next month. With the high flows, fishermen should use caution while fishing the tailwater. Flows: 3960 CFS (6/20/2019) 
Arkansas River at Pueblo Reservoir 

Lake Pueblo

As of 6/20/2019, Surface temperature is 65 degrees. Fishing for walleye and bass has been good lately due to the cooler spring temperatures. Mister twisters, jerkbaits, and crankbaits are good bets for walleye and bass. Trout fishing with bait has been fair from the shore. There have been a few reports of wipers being caught while trolling. Boaters are reminded that the boat ramps open at 5 AM and close at 12 AM daily. 
Lake Pueblo

Arkansas River Buena Vista to Canon City

As of 6/14/2019, water temperatures are hanging in the 40s. Flows are way up compared to last week as a lot of runoff has been entering the waterway. This is causing poor visibility and challenging conditions for anglers to compete with. Due to fast flows, fish will be looking for any slower moving sections of river (banks, pockets etc). Large streamers, large dries with droppers will likely be the most productive route. With fast high water, be extra careful if you find yourself wading. Flows: 4500 CFS (6/14/2019) 
Arkansas River – Near Salida 

Trinidad Lake State Park

As of 6/14/2019, the lake is at 778 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6188.83. Water temperature is sitting in the low 60’s. Boaters are having excellent success catching trout. Trolling with worms or spinners seems to be the go to rig. There are reports of walleye being caught in 15 to 20 feet of water. Water clarity is slightly off color due to recent snowmelt and rain. The boat ramp is open, inspection hours are from 8:00am to 4:00pm daily. If there is not an inspector at the ramp, please call the ranger cell phone numbers at 719-859-0480 or 719-989-7194 or the visitor center at 719-846-6951 from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Trinidad Lake

John Martin Reservoir

As of 6/14/2019, the lake is about 20 feet low. The recent stretch of consistent weather has the fishing picking up with anglers reporting days of catching over 30 white bass with ease. Reports indicate the number of crappie being caught are steadily increasing from both boat and the shore.
John Martin Reservoir

Horse Creek Reservoir

As of 6/20/2019, A few white bass and largemouth bass are being caught from both boats and shore. 
Horse Creek Reservoir

Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake)

As of 6/20/19, Some crappie and white bass are being caught from boats. Blue Lake has always been a popular catfish destination, and plenty of large channel cats and blue cats inhabit this lake. Carp are being caught from shore.
Adobe Creek Reservoir

Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

This 762-acre impoundment is located off E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. Open to boating. Electric trolling motors only. As of 6/14/2019, Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair with a handful of some good reports using Powerbait and crawlers. The trout are deeper now, so focus on casting out 40-50 yards. Boaters are reporting fair to good success on trout trolling with pop gear and crawlers and fishing with crawlers/power bait off the bottom in 20-30’ of water. Walleye action has been slow. A few reports of smallmouth and largemouth bass being caught off the points and in the coves using soft plastics, flies and swim baits. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours June 5:00am-9:30pm. Restricted to electric motors only.
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 6/20/2019, water temperatures are reaching upper 60s. The reservoir was stocked on 6/3/2019. Walleye bite has been consistent with the majority of anglers having greatest success in the mid morning.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir This 1,356-acre impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park. As of 6/14/2019, water temperatures are in the high 50’s to low 60’s. The dry and warm start to the week has improved the fishing. Anglers targeting smallmouth are having success on tube jigs and swimbaits along rocky shorelines. Walleye anglers have been reporting a lot of success using live bait rigs along the underwater roadbeds. Jigging with paddletails has also produced some good walleye action and some slightly larger fish. Trout fishing has been fair with most fish being caught on nightcrawlers floated about a foot off bottom. Fish have seemed to be most active in the evening hours. 
Chatfield Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 6/20/2019, Bass fishing is fair to good. Best action has been in the early morning and evening. Reports of smallmouth bass being caught off the dam using jigs. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Some reports of perch being caught using jigs. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted. Vehicles and trailers are mot permitted in the water. For more information call 303-326- 8424. Park Hours June 5:00am-9:30pm.
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River

As of 6/21/2019, flows have increased to above 900 cfs. Although flows are up some anglers have still been able to get into some nice fish. With high water, fish will be looking for any area that offers some slower pockets that offer some current relief. Banks and pockets should hold the majority of the fish. With increased flows out of the dam be sure to have your mysis shrimp ready to go. Warm weather should produce decent hatches so don’t be afraid to throw a few dries at actively feeding fish, nymphing heavy rigs will still be the most productive this week. Flows: 922 CFS (6/21/2019) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Colorado River

As of 6/14/2019, flows continue to increase steadily. Fishing on the Colorado River has been tough but dedicated anglers can have success. The only few reports of success are coming from anglers using spoons, or jerk baits fished in the current. Fly anglers are also having some success nymphing large flashy flies such as flashback pheasant tails or stonefly imitations. Try out a multiple nymph rig to test fish in various depths. Flows: 2390 CFS (6/14/2019) 
Colorado River - Near Kremmling 

Vega Reservoir

As of 6/14/2019, fishing is good with anglers reporting catching some nice rainbows and cutthroats in the 12-16 inch range. The lake is full and spilling. The Island and Early Settlers boat ramps are open at this time. Oak Point Boat ramp will remain closed this summer due to a silting problem at the bottom of the ramp. All boats must be inspected prior to launching. The ANS inspection station and entrance gate open at 7:00am and close at 8:30pm daily. If you have a valid pre-inspection receipt and seal then you may launch prior to 8:00 a.m.  
Vega State Park

Lake Granby

As of 6/14/2019, fishing for lake trout has been successful with sucker tipped jigs. Anglers are also reporting excellent rainbow fishing from shore using a variety of baits and lures. 
Lake Granby

Lake John

As of 6/20/2019, Lake John is fishing better and better, day by day but it’s still slower fishing then most are used to here for this time of the season. It’s just been a colder start to the season and it’s taking its sweet time warming up. This is both good and bad…. Good that the mosquitoes aren’t horrible yet and really just barely starting to show up but bad in the sense that fishing is taking a little bit linger to become as active as people are used to. We do have some pictures to share and the average size is continuing to be nicer this year compared to last year. Still a mix of items working well right now including flatfish, Kastmasters, Rapala’s, nightcrawlers, green garlic Powerbait and salmon egg peach Powerbait. We are seeing top water action on midges, chronomids, and mini leeches. 
Lake John

Steamboat Lake State Park

As of 6/14/19, creeks are continuing to run quickly. The lake is ice-free and fishing has been great so far! Please use caution when fishing near moving water. Flows this time of year can be dangerous. 
Steamboat Lake State Park

Grand Lake

As of 6/14/2019, fishing for brown trout reported to be fair to good early and late in the day. There are reports of rainbow trout being caught with worms and spoons in and around the inlets. Jigging is still probably one of the best techniques for targeting lakers in these deep mountain reservoirs. A jig tipped with sucker meat, meal, or wax worms should entice a bite from the lake trout right now.
Grand Lake

James M. Robb

As of 6/14/2019, trout fishing is good on all lakes using a variety of baits, flies and lures. Please ensure the responsible and ethical release of fish and properly dispose of fishing line.
James M. Robb Colorado River

South Delaney Lake

As of 6/20/19, South Delaney is still reporting very active and North doing well on its usual schedule of early morning and late evening. Kastmasters are seeing some nice fish right now at the Delaney’s along with the fly fisherman doing well on olive wooley buggers, chironomids, mini leeches and midges.
South Delaney Lake

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir 

As of 6/14/2019, the water level has started to stabilize as outflows through the dam have increased. There is still a large amount of floating debris present in the reservoir so anglers are encouraged to use caution when navigating on a boat. The reservoir is open for boating, boat inspection hours are 6:00am to 8:00pm 7 days a week, launching will be available at the Elk Creek Boat Ramp as well as the Lake Fork Boat Ramp. Reports are coming in from anglers stating that trolling has been excellent. Fishing for trout has still been good casting jigs and jerk baits along shore, if you are not having success look a bit deeper as the fish are staying slightly deeper with rising water levels. Trolling for kokanee salmon has been getting better each day. For more information, contact Curecanti National Recreation Area at 970-641-2337.
Blue Mesa Reservoir 

Crawford State Park

As of 6/4/2019, we have had many anglers, both shore fishing and fishing from boats. They have reported catching pike and largemouth bass, as well as perch and crappie. 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.
Crawford Reservoir

Taylor River - Below Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 6/14/2019, flows out of Taylor Park Reservoir are increasing and the water is gaining size daily. Reports have been coming in from anglers using emergers, mysis shrimp and baetis nymphs with success. With the increased flow, fish are moving to deeper waters and some in pocket water. Do not be afraid to try stonefly nymphs and midges in these sections. Flows: 619 CFS (6/14/2019) 
Taylor River

Gunnison River - near Gunnison

As of 6/14/2019, flows have increased dramatically over the past two weeks. Snowmelt and increased precipitation is causing the river to gain size every day. Anglers are still having the most success using nymphs in the slower deeper pools. Other anglers have had some limited success fishing the small pockets of slack water behind larger rocks. Worms, stonefly, and mayfly nymphs as well as caddis larva have been working on trout. Look for flows to increase as the Gunnison Basin has well above average snowpack. Flows: 5000 CFS (6/14/2019) 
Gunnison River

Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 6/7/2019, the lake is open to boating with ANS Inspectors present 8:00am to 6:00pm daily. Fishing has been slow to start the season. Anglers have been reporting occasional success jigging deep water for Lake Trout. Water levels are still low but with a lot of snowpack on the surrounding peaks water levels are expected to rise quickly!
Taylor Park Reservoir

Navajo Lake State Park

As of 6/20/19, Fishing at Navajo has been good. The lake is rising every day. The current lake level is 6061.33, up 13.13 feet from one year ago. The water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is 64 degrees. Fishing for small mouth bass and pike has been good. The best fishing has been in the shallow coves as the lake rises. The best lures are crank bait and large lures resembling bait fish for pike. Some crappie are still being caught along structures. John Deere green jigs are good.
Navajo Lake State Park

Ridgway Reservoir

As of 6/20/19, Ridgway Reservoir: fishing for trout is good has been most productive lures of choice are worms, salmon eggs, spinners, and Rapala’s. Fishing Ponds: at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk have been fishing well with small worms, Powerbait, and egg imitations. Recent stocking of catchable size rainbow trout. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River: Higher flow rates have the water at a higher level than last year. Bigger “bugs” are fishing well. Leeches, San Juan worms, and similar. Be advised current is high and traditional crossing spots may be more difficult use caution. 
Ridgway Reservoir