Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

With the recent precipitation and warmer weather patterns we have seen flows on most of the rivers, creeks, and streams across the state have increased substantially over the last week. There are some waterways that were flowing really low that have benefited from the bump in flows while others are becoming tough to fish. Anglers are encouraged to check the most up to date flow data before planning an outing. Smaller streams on the Front Range are still flowing at near optimal rates and the fishing has been consistent as we continue deeper into the spring. Other waterways such as waters in the southwest corner of the state are really starting to get high flows that can make wading and fishing very difficult and sometimes dangerous. With increased snowpack compared to this time last year runoff season is expected to last for quite some time with consistent high flow rates. Another good option this time of year is to look towards tailwaters as places to fish that may be flowing at a more manageable rate due to the dams being able to control outflow.
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 5/9/2019, recent reports for trout fishing is that it has been slow overall. A few nice trout have been landed on a variety of lures however no consistent bites to report. Anglers fishing from shore have had the most success moving around to find the active fish. Pike and kokanee fishing are both slow at this time with the few pike that have been caught being very small.
Eleven Mile State Park

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 5/10/2019, flows have stabilized and this section of river is fishing very well currently. Anglers are reporting consistent blue wing olive hatches as well as some sporadic caddis hatches starting. Some consistent patterns have been flashback pheasant tail nymphs, caddis larva, and blue wing olive dries. Anglers are encouraged to get out and take advantage of some good fishing before run off is in full force over the coming weeks. Flows: 173 CFS (5/10/2019)
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

Antero Reservoir

As of 5/9/2019, with the reservoir open to boating anglers have had nice success catching some real quality trout. Recent reports are that water temperatures are in the mid to high 40’s and the fish have been active. The lake is full with slightly less clarity than normal with anglers reporting only about 3 feet of visibility. 
Antero Reservoir 

North Sterling State Park

As of 5/7/2019, water temp is about 50 degrees. Fishing report - Carp and Drum are fair, for all other species the fishing is slow with only a few reports of them being caught each day. The Reservoir is OPEN to BOATING. The Inlet is ON and the Outlet is OFF.
North Sterling State Park 

Boyd Lake 

As of 5/5/2019, water temperature is in the mid 50’s. The recent stretch of cold weather has made the fishing very tough with limited success being reported. Anglers have reported success catching trout near the pump house on the south end of the lake using minnows. Walleye seem to be holding in 18 to 20 feet of water anglers are having the most success on live bait rigs near the marina cove. The main boat ramp and Heron Cover (north) ramp are open for launching. Boat Inspectors will be available at the ANS Inspection Station from 6:00am to 10:00pm from May through Labor Day. 
Boyd Lake

Jackson Lake

As of 5/7/2019, surface water temperature is approximately 50 degrees. The recent cold front has dropped water temperatures and slowed fishing, but the fishing is expected to rebound as the weather warms over the upcoming week
Jackson Lake State Park

Barr Lake State Park

As of 5/5/2019, there is some floating debris throughout the lake. Water temperatures are around 55 degrees which means the fishing is picking up. Anglers are still currently struggling to catch fish. Few anglers have had limited success catching trout while trolling crankbaits.
Barr Lake

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 5/8/2019, the reservoir is now open for boating. Anglers are having success catching trout on just about anything as the trout remain very active. The pike should soon start transitioning out of the spawn and be looking to feed to replenish the body weight lost during the spawn.
Tarryall Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 5/9/2019, the fishing has been very good since the lake opened. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40’s. Anglers have been having a lot of success catching both trout and pike on jerk baits. Fly anglers have had a lot of success throwing wooly buggers as well as scud patterns. The fish are definitely healthy with a lot of nice fish being caught.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River- Lake Pueblo

As of 5/10/2019, flows have more than doubled in the last week as releases from the reservoir have been increased in preparation for spring runoff. The high flows are making fishing very difficult. Anglers that are fishing are having success on larger profile lures. Spin casters are throwing jerk baits and doing fair. Fly anglers are bumping up size and weight using stonefly nymphs to have the most success. Flows: 611 CFS (5/10/2019)
Arkansas River at Pueblo Reservoir 

Lake Pueblo

As of 5/9/2019, water temperatures are reaching the mid 50’s. Water clarity on the east end of the reservoir is good, with anglers reporting 8 to 10 feet of visibility. With the warming water temperatures the bite for walleye and bass is very good. Anglers have had the most success catching walleye using paddletail swimbaits on underwater points. The bass are sliding shallow for the spawn and can be caught currently on a wide variety of baits. Anglers have also reported success targeting crappie in shallow water near submerged brush or trees. Be sure to check the 2019 Fishing Brochure for updates on new Pueblo Specific Regulations for 2019. Boat Ramp/Inspection Station hours are currently 5:00am – 11:00pm. 
Lake Pueblo

Arkansas River Buena Vista to Canon City

As of 5/9/2019, water temperatures are getting to 50 degrees. The flows have decreased over the last week. With the recent slight drop clarity of the river is getting better. Caddis have been seen hatching with the warming weather, however the recent cooler weather has slowed caddis hatches. The blue wing olive hatch is still going well during this time of year and anglers have had success catching fish on blue wing olive dry fly patterns. When the fish are not feeding on dries Golden Stonefly nymphs have been productive for catching fish. Flows: 650 CFS (5/9/2019) 
Arkansas River – Near Salida 

Trinidad Lake State Park

As of 5/10/2019, the lake is at 783 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6189.16. Boaters are having excellent success catching trout. Trolling with worms or spinners seems to be the go to rig. Only a few reports of walleye caught in the shallow areas. The walleye fishing should continue to improve as the water warms. Water clarity is slightly off color due to recent snow melt 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

Adobe Creek Reservoir

As of 5/7/2019, anglers fishing from boats are having success catching crappie. Baits and lures that have been consistent producers are small crankbaits in bright colors, small jigs with curly tail grubs, and also minnows fished below a bobber. Shore anglers are having success catching some wiper, catfish, and drum on a wide variety of presentations.
Adobe Creek Reservoir

John Martin Reservoir

As of 5/7/2019, white bass and crappie are biting well by the dam and by the trestle. Anglers are having luck using spinners and various hardbaits. Some luck is being had using live baits such as minnows and crawfish, but artificial baits are yielding better results.
John Martin Reservoir

Lathrop State Park

As of 5/9/2019, shoreline fishing is available on both Martin Lake and Horseshoe Reservoir. Fishing has been picking up and is expected to get much better over the next week as the weather stabilizes and warms.
Lathrop State Park

North Gateway Park

As of 5/7/2019, anglers continue to have a lot of luck catching trout on various types of baits. Crappie are starting to bite, along with an occasional walleye. No reports of catfish yet.
North Gateway Park

Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

This 762-acre impoundment is located off of E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. Open to boating. Electric trolling motors only. As of 5/6/2019, Water temp is 49 degrees. Trout fishing continues to be fair to good using PowerBait from the dam. Boaters are reporting good success on trout trolling with lures and fishing with nightcrawlers off the bottom in 20 to 25 feet of water. Trout will start to move deeper as the water temp rises towards the end of this month. Walleye and perch action is slow to fair. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours May 5:30am-9:00pm. 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 5/8/2019, water temperatures are being reported in the mid 50’s. During the day walleye anglers are trolling deep water in front of the dam focusing on the fish that are feeding out in the open basin of the reservoir. Walleye are slowly starting to transition out of the basin and onto the structure on the southern portion of the reservoir. A few anglers have also picked up crappie trolling the deeper sections of the reservoir for walleye. Fishing for trout has been consistent with anglers catching fish on a variety of lures or baits including casting spoons and in-line spinner baits. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

This 1,356 acre impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park. As of 5/9/2019, water temperatures are sitting in the mid 50’s. The recent few days of cloud cover and cooler weather seem to have slowed the bite slightly. Anglers are reporting catching walleye along the bottom using nightcrawlers. The smallmouth bass action has been relatively steady with the fish being in the shallows in different phases of the spawn. Anglers are getting the most success casting jerk baits. Trout action has also been consistent with most anglers trolling for them or fishing just off the bottom with worms or PowerBait.
Chatfield Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

Opened March 1st. As of 5/6/2019 bass fishing slow to fair using lipless crankbaits and soft plastics. Reports of smallmouth bass being caught off the dam using jigs. Trout is slow to fair using bright colored spoons and spinners. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted. Vehicles and trailers are not permitted in the water. For more information call 303-326-8424. Park Hours May 5:30am to 9:00pm.
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River

As of 5/10/2019, flows have increased substantially over the last week from only about 100 CFS to near 400 CFS. This is making the fishing tough because the water gets much more technical to read and fish with a dead drift. One thing that benefits anglers with increased flows is breaking insects loose from the substrate which a lot of the times can influence feeding behavior making the bite windows longer. With slightly off colored water anglers are also able to get away with slightly thicker tippet and still not risk spooking fish. Flows: 398 CFS (5/10/2019) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Colorado River

As of 5/10/2019, water temperatures are on the rise! Fly anglers have reported success with stonefly nymphs as well as some midges. Spin casting anglers have continued to report success catching Browns on smaller jerk baits fished slowly in the current or some smaller in-line spinners during the warmest parts of the day when the fish are most active. The recent increase in flows has fish focused on the smaller pockets of slack water behind rocks or in eddies. Anglers are having the most success targeting these areas specifically. Flows: 1100 CFS (5/10/2019) 
Colorado River - Near Kremmling 

Vega Reservoir

As of 5/4/2019 the Island boat ramp is open at this time. Early Settlers boat ramp will open when water levels allow. Oak Point boat ramp will remain closed this summer. All boats must be inspected prior to launching. The ANS inspection station and entrance gate open at 8:00am and close at 3:30pm daily. If you have a valid pre-inspection receipt and seal then you may launch prior to 8:00am. The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Vega State Park

Steamboat Lake

As of 5/8/2019, creeks are mostly thawed and running quickly but not easy to get to (bring your snowshoes). The coves are partially open but also not easy to get to. The edges of the lake are starting to thaw. We haven't had any reports of people fishing yet.
Steamboat Lake

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir 

As of 5/8/2019, the water level is rising quickly, the reservoir’s surface elevation has increased 14 feet over the last two weeks. With that being said there is a lot of floating debris that anglers should be cautious of. The reservoir opened for boating Saturday April 27th boat inspection hours are 6:00am to 8:00pm 7 days a week, boat launching will be available at the Elk Creek Boat Ramp as well as the Lake Fork Boat Ramp. Anglers are reporting success from shore catching trout in the warmer water shallow on marabou jigs. Boat anglers have reported success catching trout in the shallows as well as catching some lake trout in relatively shallow water. For more information contact Curecanti National Recreation Area at 970-641-2337.
Blue Mesa Reservoir 

Navajo Reservoir

As of 5/10/2019, the lake level is 6045.12 and the water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is approximately 48 degrees. Water temp at Bancos is 54. The boat ramp is now open daily, and we believe the mud issues have been resolved due to higher water levels. Be careful because there is a lot of debris in the lake due to run-off. There have been a few catfish, pike and bass caught recently. Fishing seems to be better further south where the lake is a little clearer. Crappie are biting in Bancos.
Navajo State Park

Crawford State Park

As of 5/8/2019, we have had many anglers, both shore fishing and fishing from boats. They have reported catching pike and largemouth bass. 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 5/10/2019, flows are still holding relatively low which is on track for this time of year in an attempt to keep water storage in the reservoir. This tailwater section has been fishing well lately. With winter still being felt in the Gunnison area anglers are waiting until the warmest parts of the day to fish as the slightly warmer water temperatures will cause the fish to become more active. Small midge patterns are the most effective throughout the day however anglers are also reporting some success using small Mysis Shrimp patterns as well. Keep in mind extremely light fluorocarbon tippet will help to not spook fish. Flows: 250 CFS (5/10/2019) 
Taylor River

Gunnison River - near Gunnison

As of 5/10/2019, flows are on the rise and the river is starting to fish well after a long winter of being iced up. Brown trout and rainbow trout have been caught using blue wing olive dry flies. Look for larger heavy nymphs to be very productive over the coming weeks as high flows will be the norm with runoff getting going. It is still beneficial for anglers to fish the warmer parts of the day when the trout are feeding most actively. Flows: 1370 CFS (5/10/2019)
Gunnison River