Image
PROMO Outdoors - Fishing Man Stream - iStock - ViktorCap

Colorado statewide fishing report and conditions – June 6, 2020

© iStock - ViktorCap

Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

As of 6/4/2020, trout fishing from shore at Aurora Reservoir is fair to good using PowerBait. An angler recently recorded water temperature at 67.5 degrees. The reservoir was also reported to be at full pool. For more information, call 303-326-8425. Park Hours for June are 5am-9:30pm. Restricted to electric motors only and portable gas tanks must be removed.
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 6/4/2020, water temperature was recently recorded at 55 degrees. Chatfield is open to boating. Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections will be conducted at North Ramps and South Ramps from 6am -10pm seven days a week. Vessel Decontamination will only be performed during day light hours.
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 6/4/2020, the water temperature at Cherry Creek Reservoir was recorded at 67 degrees. Park staff report that they are experience heavy usage and frequently reach capacity. When at capacity, the park will restrict entrance to visitors until verified park becomes available. Temporary closures may restrict angler’s ability to access the reservoir. The reservoir is open for boating with two boat ramps and ANS inspections stations open daily from 6am – 10 pm. The West boat ramp will be closed on Wednesdays. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 6/4/2020, anglers at Quincy Reservoir have experienced fair to good success while targeting trout with spoons and spinners. Bass fishing has been fair to good using soft plastics. There are some reports of smallmouth bass being caught from the dam using jigs. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Watercraft restrictions-Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted. Vehicles and trailers are not permitted in the water. Park Hours for June are 5am-9:30pm. For more information, call 303-326-8424.  
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 5/28/2020, fishing has been good at Eleven Mile Reservoir for trout only. The Eleven Mile Marina notes that “boaters are having good luck on the troll. Many different baits are working. Tas Devils have been hot. Pop Gear crowd jingling and jangling with fish on. Rapalas are still doing their spring fling and hooking anglers up. Many of the fish caught measure 16 to 20 inches. Tube jigs and flies are always a good bet. West end is fun but anglers have done well all around the lake.” They also reported that current water temperature has been recorded between 54-55 degrees. https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report 
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 5/30/2020, Boyd Lake has been an excellent spot to fish for white bass and trout. Anglers have been able to attract white bass by using a combination of jigs and deep runners at a depth of about 20 to 30 feet. Meanwhile, trout have been biting on both spinners and worms along shorelines and near the Pumphouse. There has been some action among crappie biting on Kastmasters and Rapalas also near the Pumphouse. The main boat ramp and Heron Cove (north) ramp are currently open for launching. 
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 6/1/2020, fishing appears to be good at North Sterling Reservoir. Crappie have been noted to be particularly active as of recent. In addition, walleye also appear to be biting. A recent measurement recorded water temperature as high as 70 degrees. The reservoir has attracted many water recreationists and can be very busy at times. ANS inspections are required for boats before entering North Sterling Reservoir. ANS inspection station hours are the following: Elks Ramp (North): 7am – 9 pm, daily. South Ramp: 8am – 8 pm, Friday – Monday; closed, Tuesday – Thursday.
North Sterling Reservoir

Antero Reservoir

As of 6/4/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers suggests Antero Reservoir as an alternative for fishing moving water during the spring runoff. For fly anglers, “Antero Reservoirs is kicking into gear with the start of their summer hatches. Currently, small chironomids are the ticket. As the weeks progress, the larger sizes will become increasingly effective. Then come the callibaetis and damselflies. Mostly you'll want to rely on subsurface patterns to imitate the juvenile insects, but later in the season there can be times when the large resident fish can be persuaded to come to the surface in search of adult flies.” 
Antero Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 5/29/2020, Horsetooth Reservoir was reported to be good fishing among a variety of species. One angler had the most success catching smallmouth bass on a combination of leeches and fatheads. Water temperature was recently recorded at 63 degrees. Similar to other bodies of water on the Front Range, Horsetooth Reservoir has been reported to experience high rates of visitation for a variety of recreational opportunities. Anglers are advised to arrive at the reservoir early in the morning for the best chance to avoid crowds and take advantage of optimal fishing conditions. 
Horsetooth Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Information provided by Braden Baker with Ark Anglers. As of 6/4/2020, “runoff is definitely underway, and right on schedule. Tributary flows are starting to leap upward on a daily basis, and the reservoir releases to the north are matching their outflows to incoming snowmelt. The upper Arkansas north of Buena Vista to Hayden Meadows is definitely offering the best conditions today, with anglers reporting good success fishing dry-dropper rigs and streamers right along the banks. Some anglers swear by bright, flashy attractor flies during high water while others prefer black and white patterns for maximum contrast. For the next month, your stillwaters will be the best alternatives while we melt some snow! We anticipate quality float fishing conditions to return by June 20. ” Flows: 590 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 1,390 CFS at Granite (6/4/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

Information provided by Braden Baker with Ark Anglers. As of 5/20/2020, “runoff is definitely underway, and right on schedule. Tributary flows are starting to leap upward on a daily basis, and the reservoir releases to the north are matching their outflows to incoming snowmelt. If you have to fish moving water, trying to time your outing to coincide with the downward trend in the diurnal cycle will give you the best chance at any improvement (though marginal) in clarity. You will want to focus on fishing the few soft pockets of slower water along the edges, and your best luck will probably come with flies that contrast the dark water. Some anglers swear by bright, flashy attractor flies during high water while others prefer black and white patterns for maximum contrast. For the next month, your stillwaters will be the best alternatives while we melt some snow! We anticipate quality float fishing conditions to return by June 20.” Flows: 461 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 1,340 CFS at Hecla Junction, 1,540 CFS at Wellsville (5/20/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 5/30/2020, the water temperature at John Martin Reservoir continues to rise while water level drops. One angler reported water temperature measurements at 68 degrees in main portion of the reservoir and 70 degrees in shallow water. Trolling a combination of minnows and crankbaits was reported to be productive for reeling in crappie and white bass. Currently, the east and west boat ramps are open, however, boat ramps may close if water levels in the reservoir are low. All boats must be inspected prior to launching.
John Martin Reservoir

Pueblo Reservoir

As of 5/31/2020, water temperature was recorded between 64-65 degrees at Pueblo Reservoir. An angler noted spring runoff has brought in cold and cloudy water into the reservoir. Subsequently, there may be some changes to water level, temperature and clarity associated with the inflow of spring runoff in the coming weeks. Anglers have recently reported having success shore fishing for walleye, bass, and wiper. Popular baits to fish Lake Pueblo at this time of year include leeches and night crawlers on a slip bobber or jig.
Pueblo Reservoir

Lake Trinidad

As of 6/4/2020, Trinidad Lake has reported good fishing. Anglers have been hauling in trout using a combination of PowerBait or homemade doughbaits. The bite has been active among bass as well. Jigs and crankbaits were noted by park staff to be a good option for anglers targeting bass. Walleye activity has been increasing recently. As of right now, the majority of walleye being caught are small and thin, however, it is expected that bigger fish will become more active in the coming weeks. The boat ramp is open and inspections are required before every launch. Hours of inspection are daily from 6AM - 8PM. 
Lake Trinidad

James M. Robb Colorado River - Lakes

As of 6/2/2020, the staff at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park report that “all lakes are reporting good fishing. All types of bait are working well. Corn Lake was stocked with another 8000 catchable fish on March 20. Red Rocks Lake was stocked with 1472 catchable fish in February. Island Acres was stocked with trout on March 5.” The daily limit for trout is four fish per person. Corn Lake Red Rocks Lake 
James M. Robb Colorado River (Corn and Red Ro

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega State Park

As of 5/20/2020, fishing was reported as good. Park staff noted that PowerBait and worms have been productive in attracting rainbow and cutthroat trout around 14-18 inches. The Island and Early Settlers boat ramps are open. Oak Point boat ramp remains closed. The ANS boat inspection station is now open daily from 7am – 8:30pm.
Vega State Park

Williams Fork Reservoir

Steamboat Lake

As of 6/4/2020, Steamboat Lake State Park staff report that fishing at the lake is good. While contact with park visitors has been limited, there have been many anglers hauling fish out of their boats or back to their campsites. Currently, only the open boat ramp is at the marina and the ANS station is operating 8am- 6pm M-Th., 6am-9pm F-Su.
Steamboat Lake

Grand Lake

As of 6/1/2020, fishing remains good at Grand Lake. Water temperature has recently been recorded in the high 40’s with an abundance of runoff filling the lake. According to the guides at Fishing with Bernie, “inlets have been good for browns and rainbows. Fish the current edge with jerkbaits and paddletails for brown trout, and try drifting small tubes or casting small spoons for rainbows. Lake trout are showing up from 30-70' on bottom and suspended. Small curly tails with a 1/2oz jig head has been versatile for both deep and shallow lake trout fishing. ” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports 
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 6/1/2020, Fishing with Bernie guides note that “with water temperature around 55 degrees, Lake Trout have left the shallows and have started their early summer patterns. Look for them at 30-80' of water. Tubes and spoons are working very well. Brown trout continue to eat crank baits and soft plastics fished near rocky areas. Rainbows are being caught in the backs of bays and by running water. Worms seem to be working very well.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports 
Lake Granby

Sylvan Lake

As of 5/29/2020, the water level is a few feet lower than normal. The lake was stocked with Rainbow Trout in September, October, and November 2019, as well as in early May 2020. Sylvan Lake is home to rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout. The lake is accessible by non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors only. 
Sylvan Lake

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 5/25/2020, the folks at Blue Mesa Fishing report that “the fishing on Blue Mesa has been excellent for all species! We are still seeing some good casting opportunities for rainbow and brown trout, excellent trolling for rainbow trout with plenty of salmon action mixed in (they are big!) and some GIANT lake trout! Blue Mesa has been open for 10 days now and the fishing has been equally good all across the lake.” Specifically, anglers can find trout by “casting the rocky shorelines, especially early and late in the day. The number of rainbow trout appears to be very good as trolling for them in the top 15? of the water column has been excellent most days and a lot of times they are getting to your presentation faster than the kokanee salmon!” For Kokanee, anglers should focus on the top of the water column, Blue Mesa Fishing reports that “they seem to be holding in the top 30? of the water column most days and so far they are a lot spunkier than they were last year, which is an encouraging sign that the gill lice aren’t hitting them so hard they appear lethargic! One thing that we have been impressed with is the size of the kokanee for this time of year; there are some really nice fish showing up!” bluemesafishing.com 
Blue Mesa Reservoir

Navajo Lake

As of 5/24/2020, park staff noted that “fishing has been good on the Colorado side of Navajo Lake. Small Mouth Bass & Northern Pike have been biting on crankbait, and Bullheads & Channel Catfish have been caught recently at Windsurf Beach and Arboles Point using night crawlers. Water temperature is approximately 60 degrees.” New Mexico’s Navajo Lake State Park has reopened as of 6/1/2020. Restrictions may vary on the New Mexico side of the lake, please check the park’s website to get the latest information. The boundary to Navajo State Park is at the Colorado-New Mexico state line. 
Navajo Lake

Jackson Gulch Reservoir

As of 5/21/2020, staff at Jackson Gulch Reservoir at Mancos State reported that fishing has been mixed across a variety of species. Rainbow trout have been the most active fish. Anglers have been able to catch a high volume of modestly sized rainbow trout. Meanwhile, fishing for brown trout has been the slow. While few brown trout have been caught, they have been large fish, up to five pounds. Yellow perch have been moderately active. Staff noted that anglers have been the most successful using PowerBait, crawlers, waxworms, and mealworms, especially for trout and yellow perch. The boat ramp and inspection station is open Su.-Th. 8am – 4:30pm, F-Sat. 8 am – 6:30pm.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Crawford Reservoir

As of 6/4/2020, fishing has been reported to be good at Crawford Reservoir. Anglers have reported catching notably large northern pike and bass as well as sizable trout. There have also been a few reports of anglers catching channel catfish as well. Iron Creek boat ramp is open with inspectors on duty from 7am to 8pm. Boaters can stay on the lake beyond inspection hours, and can now exit at any time, knowing that NO exit inspection will be done. You will be inspected the next time you come in.
Crawford Reservoir

Ridgway Reservoir

As of 5/15/2020, Ridgway Reservoir was recently stocked with 9,000 ten-inch catchable trout. Anglers have been able to attract fish using a variety of types of bait and lures. Reports indicate the anglers have had the most success while using spinners, PowerBait, and worms. 
Ridgway Reservoir

Animas River

As of 6/4/2020, reports from the Animas River indicate that it is fishing well. While anglers have been experiencing success, conditions may not be favorable for long. Sustained higher temperatures in the mountains and subsequent snowmelt will create increasingly murky water and high discharge. 
Animas River

Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide

The spring runoff is in full force. Rivers across the state are blown out and fishing moving water can be difficult. If you do have an itch to fish a nearby river or stream, the best opportunities to catch fish will be in water pockets and along the river banks where water is slowed. Try using large flashy flies that can grab the attention of fish through murky waters filled with sediment. The spring runoff will hopeful curtail in the coming weeks and we will return to better visibility with less overall discharge. When not on the river, fishing on ponds, lakes, and reservoirs has continued to get better. While many lakes across the state have high trout activity, there have been reports of excellent walleye and crappie fishing in warm fisheries as well. Anglers have had success trolling from a boat and shore fishing as well. 
Statewide