Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 3/11/2022, “Closed to boating. Ice conditions are extremely poor. There are large areas of open water throughout the reservoir. Two ice anglers fell through. The water level is now coming back up. There is plenty of open water for shore fishing along the east and west end of the dam. Some reports of trout being caught using PowerBait. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for March 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports that walleye fishing has been decent this ice season. Ice thickness varies throughout the reservoir and with warmer temperatures on the horizon, extreme caution is advised. For more information, contact park staff by calling 303-791-7275.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, for more information please call (303) 690-1166.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Standley Lake

There is NO ICE FISHING PERMITTED at 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

Quincy will close for the season. For more information call 303-326-8424.
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 3/10/2022, 11 Mile Marina reports, “The recent cold snap has kept the ice firm and thick. Look for to up to 24 inches or more in some places. Minimal snow out of last storms but as snow melts around the lake ice in close will melt sooner. Spring ice conditions call for “early on early off” but we are still in full-on winter ice conditions. Things can change dramatically based on weather but just because it is 70 degrees on the Front Range does not mean we immediately have open water. Stay clear of rock edges as ice gets weak as rocks absorb sun energy. TROUT: FAIR TO GOOD: Action happening early through late morning. Look to shallow water sandy bottom 5 feet or less and a bait presentation like salmon or trout eggs, nightcrawlers or Berkley Power Bait or Pautzke Firebait. The larger fish are in spawning under the ice. A small Tiny Tot with half of mealworm has also worked well. Occasional nice Trout also to be had when hunting Kokanee. KOKANEE SALMON: GOOD TO EXCELLENT: Yes still happening!! The epic bite continues. At this point you can catch them without a jigging machine but electronics is really a must. You can jig Kastmaster and Swedish Pimples and bring them in. They won’t stick around like they would if you had a jigging machine but you can bring them back with vigorous jigging action. There are periods of massive frustration and rejection followed by intense bites. Switch up if rejected. What’s the point in keeping a rejected bait on. When they won’t hit the spoon try a dead stick crappie jig or paddle bug. Colors matter but you have to figure the pattern out. Duck Deer Island is still good as well as North Shore. The contest saw even a salmon winning money. NORTHERN PIKE: FAIR TO GOOD: Good luck finding a waterdog. Success is being had by those that use the right size sucker with the proper presentation. It’s all about presentation and patience. Look to 10 feet of water or less. We have the proper suckers and will show you how to rig them. Other baits include large tube jigs in white or chartreuse, One oz Kastmasters with a buck-tail and piece of sucker or an accidental trout bait..you just never know. Stoll and Howbert have been good of late. Mid-morning through midafternoon. Trophies available to be caught get yours now.” https://www.11milesports.com/
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 3/5/2022, park staff reports Ice Conditions: • 6"-8" on the lake near the marina/ inlet; • Remember: The recent MELTING and RE-FREEZING changed the strength and structure of the ice! • The ice is discolored and slushy; • The aeration system in the southern part of the lake keeps an open hole in the ice- beware! Please Remember: Like all other activities at the park, this is always at your own risk. No fishing from Marina slips or docks. NOTE: No snowmobiles or Off-Highway Vehicles are allowed on Boyd Lake State Park. Please remember to inform a friend or a family member of your return time. Always wear a flotation device, and carry ice awls or picks and a length of rope with for safety measures. Please also remember to keep your pet on a leash to prevent a pet ice rescue. Be sure to know the locations of several "Ice Rescue Stations" around the park's shoreline. These stations have a tire and rope for emergencies and please call 911 for help. 
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, park staff recommends contacting the park for the latest ice conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports fishing has been fair to good. Ice conditions change quickly so please contact the park for the most up-to-date conditions by calling 303-678-9402.
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 3/11/2022 park staff reports ice conditions can change rapidly, please contact park staff for the most up-to-date ice conditions by calling 303-659-6005.
Barr Lake

Cheesman Canyon

As of 3/9/2022, Angler’s Covey reports, “Spring is slowly arriving. This time of year is very exciting with fish starting to transition out of their winter metabolism. Big midges and Mayflies will soon be the preferred food sources, and the days are getting longer. The flows are super good for this time of year. 225 CFS is a phenomenal flow for mid-march! This week will be more winter-like with chances of snow several times through the week. The mornings will be chilly, so give it some time for the bugs to get active. On very cold mornings, you may encounter anchor ice and slush until things warm up -- usually late morning or early afternoon. This weekend will be gorgeous. Keep in mind that the trail does have some snow and ice on it. Shady sections of the river are also holding snow and ice. We recommend using Gill trail right now as the top section can get treacherous. Use YakTrax or a similar traction device walking in. The fishing is great and fish are feeding primarily in deeper runs and tailouts. Fishing is technical as usual. The water is cold, so don't expect a ton of variance in hatch activity. The fish are very spooky and are quick to leave feeding lanes. Be willing to move around and switch up techniques, and you should find good success. Small bugs and light tippet are typically the staples here, but be sure to mix in some larger offerings right now with the water increase. Leeches, scuds, worms, cranefly larva, larger profiled midges, and BWO's are all taking fish. Fish are keying in hard on midge imitations both subsurface and on top of the water. The big spring midge should be making an appearance soon, so be sure to have some larger midge larva in your boxes. It's also just about that time to get some mayfly imitations fired back up. They will start being more prevalent as the days get longer and the sun gets higher.” Flows: 249 CFS (3/10/2022) https://anglerscovey.com/
Cheesman Canyon

Antero Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, trout fishing remains excellent using lures and jigs usually tipped with wax or mealworms. If you are not getting bites or marking fish, move! Staying mobile and finding the fish can be the key to a more successful day. 
Antero Reservoir

Bear Creek Lake

As of 3/11/2022, trout fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures.
Bear Creek Lake

Deckers - South Platte River

As of 3/9/2022, Angler’s Covey reports, “Spring is coming, and with that we can get some pretty wild variances in the weather. This week will be more winter-like with colder than average temperatures and some snow on Wednesday. By the weekend, we will see temps climb back up above average. This time of year is very exciting with fish starting to transition out of their winter metabolism. Mayflies and larger profiled midges will soon be the preferred food sources. With the bigger flows, larger bugs are also a great idea. Scuds, leeches, worms, and cranefly larvae are all getting the attention of the fish. The flows are great for this time of year! Expect some pretty big temperature swings for the next few weeks. The mornings will be cold, so you don't need to get to the river early. On the cold mornings, you will encounter anchor ice and slush until things warm up -- usually late morning or early afternoon. Fish are occupying the deeper runs right now but may venture a bit more with the higher flows. Look for the warmest parts of the day for bug/fish activity. The water is cold, so don't expect a ton of variance in the hatch activity. The big spring midge is now coming into the picture. Be sure to have some larger midge larva in your offerings. Keep an eye out for more BWO activity. It’s increasing by the day. Depth, weight, and presentation are KEY right now, and midges are the name of the game. Look for the warmest parts of the day for the best feeding activity. Go small on your bugs and terminal tackle. Don't be afraid to mix in some bigger attractor bugs with the standard "small stuff" right now. Leeches, scuds, and worms are all a good bet with these flow increases. The dry fly fishing is sporadic but you may find some fish feeding on adult midges under the right conditions.” Flows: 82 CFS (3/10/2022) https://anglerscovey.com/
Deckers - South Platte River

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 3/8/2022, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper Arkansas is in full winter mode, with fish now residing in their typical winter holding lies. Warmer afternoons can still offer opportunities in the deeper, slower, consistent runs where fish can hold without expending much energy, but these areas are few and far between and in general we see more productivity on the river further south this time of year. Much of the upper basin is very icy or even frozen. Open regions of the northern Arkansas have areas that seem completely empty, as fish have wandered up or downstream to find better water to endure the presiding cold. With nighttime temperatures lower here than elsewhere in the valley, expect a small window of opportunity with your prime window being 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This window of opportunity is wider further downstream as the water has miles to warm up a few degrees; we typically recommend anglers head further south for better fishing conditions during the winter. It will definitely help if you have sun on the water, as the solar energy can make all the difference in the behavior of the fish. Fish are incredibly spooky up here, so be thoughtful and deliberate in your approach. We recommend nymphing or streamer fishing the upper basin. With midges the predominant food source, a midge larva or pupa in #16-20 is a must-have in your setup. Pair this with a weighted attractor nymph like a golden stonefly in a #10-12 and you'll have an effective "burger and fries" combination for the winter; big fly, small fly.” Flows: ~90 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 238 CFS at Granite (3/10/2022) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports, “The water level is stable. Islands have appeared and some hazards may not be marked. Prior to ice over, along the shorelines, shore anglers were doing well catching big trout on dough baits and worms. Continued success with shiny jigs tipped with corn or shrimp through the ice in the coves. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions at 719-846-6951.  
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 3/8/2022, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “We've got a colder forecast in the valley this week, with highs in the 20s and 30s until a 50-degree forecast this coming Saturday. Expect the river to be a little slushy early in the morning, but clear and fishable after 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. Try to focus on areas with ample sun on the water, primarily in the deeper pools and runs that fish like during the winter. Interest in golden stoneflies has grown as we are now in the historic window of spring molting activity. Though we expect hatches of blue-winged olives to begin after St. Patrick's Day, the nymphs will become more and more available to trout in the next two weeks, particularly in the afternoons as they conduct their daily drift. Throughout the winter, it is common to find areas of the river that appear devoid of fish. Often it may seem like all the fish in a 100 yard stretch of water will migrate to one or two deeper runs or pools within that area. When you find this, it pays to slow down and change flies and depth regularly to be successful, resting that run every so often to allow fish to reset before presenting again. In the winter we generally rely on nymphing as the primary approach to the Arkansas, running flies underneath an indicator, sighter, or even a large dry fly. Midges are the most active food and can be effective as a larva, pupa, or even adult throughout the day depending on conditions. Often we'll fish a midge as a dropper off of a larger attractor nymph, like a large pheasant tail, hare's ear, or copper john. The year-round availability of golden stonefly nymphs make these a good attractor nymph to substitute, as well. These larger flies can be fished in #10-14 and the smaller midges should be in the #16-20 range. We're a week or so out from the hatches of blue-winged olive mayflies but their nymphs are becoming increasingly available in the river so nymphs like a pheasant tail, two-bit hooker, micro-mayfly, frenchie pheasant tail, etc. are definitely worth packing in a #16-18 as we move through March.” Flows: ~330 CFS at Hecla Junction (3/10/2022) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, contact park staff for up-to-date conditions by calling (719) 829-1801 or by email: johnmartin.statepark@state.co.us.
John Martin Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 3/11/2022, walleye fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures. Trolling for walleye has been successful and shore anglers have reported good trout fishing. Early mornings and evenings have proven to be the best times to fish this body of water lately.  
Lake Pueblo

Willow Springs Pond

As of 3/11/2022, trout fishing is good using a variety of lures. 
Willow Springs Pond

Arkansas River - Salida to Canon City

As of 3/8/2022, Braden Barker with Ark Anglers writes, “We've slipped into another colder forecast this week, with highs in the 20s and 30s until Saturday, when we are projected to reach 50 degrees again. These colder days will be sunny, so even though you'll find some slush flowing in the river first thing in the morning, the Arkansas usually clears by 10 or 11 AM and is very fishable mid-day. Expect your best hours to be between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM in areas with sun on the water. Expect fish to still be in or near winter water, but likely to move into slightly shallower or faster adjacent water to take advantage of drifting food to satisfy their metabolism. Interest in golden stoneflies has grown as we are now in the historic window of spring molting activity. Though we expect hatches of blue-winged olives to begin after St. Patrick's Day, the nymphs will become more and more available to trout in the next two weeks, particularly in the afternoons as they conduct their daily drift. Strikes may still be subtle at times, but the warmer conditions may prompt more aggressive feeding and transmit more obvious takes this week. Throughout the winter, it is common to find areas of the river that appear devoid of fish. Often it may seem like all the fish in a 100 yard stretch of water will migrate to one or two deeper runs or pools within that area. When you find this, it pays to slow down and change flies and depth regularly to be successful, resting that run every so often to allow fish to reset before presenting again. Through the winter we recommend fishing multiple nymphs under an indicator, sighter, or even under a large, buoyant dry fly. Believe it or not, we do see fish sporadically strike at indicators on the surface during the winter, so why not use a grasshopper to suspend your nymphs? Midges are the most active food and can be effective as a larva, pupa, or even adult throughout the day depending on conditions. Often we'll fish a midge as a dropper off of a larger attractor nymph, like a large pheasant tail, hare's ear, or copper john. The year-round availability of golden stonefly nymphs make these a good attractor nymph to substitute, as well. These larger flies can be fished in #10-14 and the smaller midges should be in the #16-20 range. Mayfly nymphs like a pheasant tail, two-bit hooker, micro-mayfly, frenchie pheasant tail, etc. are worth packing in a #16-18 as we move through March. Mid-day hours will offer you your best opportunities, especially on the warmest days.” Flows: 349 at Wellsville (3/10/2022) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Salida to Canon City

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega Reservoir

As of 3/8/2022, park staff reports, “Currently we have approximately 2 - 3 feet of snow on the ground and 12 - 15 inches of ice near the dam and Fisherman's Flats. Please use extreme caution if you access the lake as ice depths vary across the reservoir. Fishing is steady, with anglers catching some nice trout in the 12 - 16 inch range on power bait, ice jigs and mealworms.”
Vega Reservoir

Harvey Gap

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports, “Fishing has been good to excellent on a variety of lures. Always use caution when fishing on the ice and be sure to fish with a buddy. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, a life jacket, rope and a fishing buddy.” 
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports, “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.”
Rifle Gap

Yampa River

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports, “No current fishing reports. Ice thickness on the river is highly variable and is ice fishing is not recommended at this time. Contact park for most up-to-date conditions.”
Yampa River

Blue River

As of 3/10/2022, Cutthroat Anglers report, “Flows are 175 CFS and are likely to stay lower throughout the winter with how low Green Mountain Reservoir is. This is a low flow for wading and we have been seeing crowds here. Fish have finished up their spawn so streamer fishing can get really good this time of year as they try and put on calories to recover. In the deeper pieces of water, imitations of golden stonefly nymphs, worms, and leeches could work well as attractor flies. However, smaller Baetis and midge imitations will be productive as your second or third fly. Also, keep an eye out for risers, dry fly fishing can be good here when it’s on and we have been seeing some baetis mid-day.” Flows: 203 CFS below Green Mountain Reservoir (3/10/2022) https://fishcolorado.com/ 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 3/11/2022, Cutthroat Anglers report, “The Eagle is mostly frozen this time of year, but don't be surprised to find some open water in areas where the river gets more sunlight. Flows at Gypsum are 150 CFS which is a good flow to fish it if you can find the open water. If you find open water use eggs, baetis and midges and the fish will mostly be concentrated in the deep tailouts. Please do your best to keep fish in the water!” Flows: N/A Wolcott to Dotsero (3/11/2022) https://fishcolorado.com/
Eagle River

Lake John

As of 3/11/2022, trout fishing is excellent using a variety of lures. Anglers are reporting success tipping their jigs with wax and mealworms. 
Lake John

Grand Lake

As of 3/11/2022, Fishing with Bernie guide Jake Foos reports, “Fishing fairly consistent right now and the ice is holding right around 12” in most places. There are fish all over the column so be sure to keep looking at the entire screen. One safety concern is drilling too close to some of the garage doors. The ice in these areas does not grow as thick as one would think so we recommend staying off of private building a couple of feet. The latest rainbow bite we found was very active right below the ice. We were in 30’ of water and the rainbows were cruising in about 5-12 feet down. These fish are hungry and will smack about anything you put in front of them as long as it is small. A small grub-like jig (SiFly Simcoe Bug) or tungsten (CPT Drop Kick) tipped with a Silkie or maki plastic is really all you need for these fish. Again, keep your eye on the entire water column because finding the suspended is a lot of fun. The lake trout have been pretty active as well. Small white tubes and swimbaits have been producing well for us when guiding. These fish are starting to suspend and that bite is a lot of fun if the fish come through. We would suggest you focus your efforts on the 50-80 foot range for these fish and applying a small amount of scent to your bait will also add to success. When fishing the lower section of the water column, tipped jigs have been the best as of late.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 3/11/2022, Fishing with Bernie Guide Dan Shannon reports, “With the very cold temps and little snow we have good travel conditions on the lake with very few slush pockets. The bite has been fair but be willing to work and earn those bites. Rainbows and browns are still being caught along the shorelines with the bite tapering off as the sun rises. Small pink or silver spoons and a more active jigging presentation seemed to work the best. All sizes of Lake trout are being caught at various depths ranging from 20’ to 85’. Being mobile and actively searching out the fish willing to bite is a necessity. Work through a range of baits once you find fish, Jointed PinHead Mino in bright colors, small tubes or tungsten jigs tipped with a Silkie consistently produced the most bites. Starting to see a few suspended fish showing up over the deeper water, keep an eye on those electronics!" https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Lake Granby

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, Fishing with Bernie guides report, “Travel on the lake is good right now and we are solidly into the mid-ice bite, with the fish present but picky about what bait and action they are liking. Fishing for lake trout downsizing baits and moving to find the feeding fish is key with best bite in 60-80 feet of water. Main lake points and transition areas at bottom of drop-offs are holding the most fish. Small spoons or tungsten jigs tipped with a small piece of sucker worked right on bottom has been most consistent baits.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Williams Fork Reservoir

Mack Mesa Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, anglers have reported fair fishing for a number of species.
Mack Mesa Reservoir

Colorado River - Pumphouse Area

As of 3/11/2022, Cutthroat Anglers report, “Flows are at 500 CFS. This stretch will likely have ice starting now in most places. Fishing has been awesome in this stretch while it's stayed open. This part of the river isn’t floatable until late spring. The fish are podded up in deep water right now trying to conserve energy with the cold water. Baetis and midges have been the main food source here! Once you catch a fish, stay put and never leave fish to find fish. Eggs have also been very productive. Flows: 556 CFS (3/10/2022) https://fishcolorado.com/
Colorado River

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 3/11/2022, Blue Mesa Reservoir: Lake Trout Update “Through the tournaments, we invited anglers to be part of the solution of controlling the lake trout population,” said CPW senior aquatic biologist John Alves. “We’re suspending it because the science shows we have reduced numbers of smaller lake trout while still maintaining opportunities for trophy lake trout.” https://coloradooutdoorsmag.com/2022/01/25/blue-mesa-fishing-update/
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 3/11/2022, park staff reports, “All of the lakes have recently iced over again. There may be open water fishing at Island Acres and Corn Lake. Ice is primarily inaccessible at all locations. 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 3/9/2022 Duranglers reports, “Winter flows and small bugs are the names of the game. A favorite attractor nymph followed by a midge pupa is a good choice.” Flows: 99 CFS at Pagosa Springs (3/10/2022) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 3/9/2022, Duranglers reports, “Temps have dropped which has made fishing a bit more difficult. Small bugs fished with proper weight should find you a few fish. Watch for warming days coming soon with Baetis hatches.” Flows: 157 CFS at Durango (3/10/2022) Duranglers.com 
Animas River

Gunnison River

As of 3/9/2022 Duranglers reports, “Small bugs: mayfly and midge nymphs with possibly an attractor or small stonefly nymph to bring them in. Get your weight right and fish deeper holes and slots” Flows: 357 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (3/10/2022) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River

Uncompahgre River

As of 3/10/2022, Duranglers reports, “Midge and baetis nymphs a must. It’s the classic winter formula here in Colorado, but make sure to have some leeches and SJ worms too. Water is low, so be super stealthy. Fishing has not been easy, but it can be rewarding if you put in the work!” Flows: 45.8 CFS below Ridgway Reservoir (3/10/2022) Duranglers.com
Uncompahgre River