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 5/15/2019, 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. As with the other South Park area reservoirs wind can be a factor, anglers have success fishing the wind-blown side of the lake and points where the warmer water and bait will be pushed to due to wind and the larger fish quickly follow.
Eleven Mile State Park

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 5/14/2019, the last few days of warm weather have the flows increased from melting snow. The warmer weather also means that the caddis hatches are becoming more consistent. Anglers have been having some success on caddis dry flies as well as some success on other mayfly dry patterns. A majority of the success comes from nymphing smaller mayfly patterns or stonefly patterns such as pheasant tails or prince nymphs. Flows: 409 CFS (5/14/2019) 
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

Antero Reservoir

As of 5/17/2019, fishing has remained consistent since the lake opened to boating. The water temperatures are warming after a consistent warm week. With the warmer water temperatures the fish are becoming more active. There have been a lot of reports of nice browns being caught as well as a few real quality cutbows. 
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 5/15/2019, anglers targeting walleye are having the most success trolling the basin of the reservoir in 20 to 25 feet of water. A few nice white bass have been caught while trolling for the walleye. Anglers fishing the north end of the reservoir have had success catching bass up shallow as the fish prepare for the spawn with warming water temperatures. 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 5/13/2019, the water temperature at Jackson Lake is 54 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 inch 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 5/16/2019, fishing has remained tough for anglers with the recent cold front shutting down the fish. Anglers have reported limited success catching walleye on jig heads and grubs. A few trout have been caught from anglers trolling crankbaits.
Barr Lake

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 5/13/2019, anglers have had some success targeting trout from shore. There are many techniques that will catch fish currently. Anglers have had success using PowerBait or artificial salmon eggs about 1 foot off the bottom. Anglers casting lures such as Kastmasters or Tasmanian Devils have also had success landing fish. The pike fishing remains inconsistent with the best producers being jerk baits or swimbaits. The pike have been reported in the shallows as the mid-day sun warms the shallow water much quicker.
Tarryall Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 5/16/2019, pike anglers have been having success targeting larger fish by trolling jerk baits slow and near the new weed growth. Trout fishing has also remained good with trout becoming more and more active as the water warms. Trout have been caught on a wide variety of lures but the jerk baits still seem to be the most consistent producers.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River- Lake Pueblo

As of 5/14/2019, flows have stabilized but are still relatively high as water is released from the reservoir in preparation for run-off season. 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. A few caddis hatches have been observed with a few anglers having success on caddis imitators. Flows: 652 CFS (5/14/2019) 
Arkansas River at Pueblo Reservoir 

Lake Pueblo

As of 5/15/2019, water temperatures are slowly increasing after the last week of cooler weather. The fishing has been fairly consistent for walleye using soft plastics and jigs or rigging live bait. Bass fishing is picking up with warmer weather and fish are being found on beds. The wiper have been tough to find but a few have been caught. Crappie fishing has been boom or bust with some anglers being able to catch them consistently with others struggling a bit. Most crappie have been caught in 8 to 10 feet of water. 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 5/14/2019, water temperatures are getting to 50 degrees. With lower flows fishing is expected to be great. Caddis have been seen hatching with the warming weather, and should be go-to flies this week. 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: 405 CFS (5/14/2019) 
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 5/16/2019, with this week of consistent warm weather the crappie fishing continues to be good. Anglers fishing from boats are doing the best finding submerged timber or brush and targeting those areas with small jigs and some live bait as well. 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 5/13/2019, Fishing has slowed slightly after the rainy cool weather last week. People are still catching white bass and crappie but not as easily as two weeks ago.
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 5/13/2019, Fishing continues to remain decent for rainbow trout. People are still catching the larger trout that were stocked a couple weeks ago. Crappie and bass are biting as well. Some catfish have been taken, but they are expected to bite more as water temperatures heat up.
North Gateway Park

Turks Pond State Wildlife Area

As of 5/15/2019, water is off colored and murky green due to an algae bloom. Fishing for stocker trout has been good using PowerBait and small spoons and spinners. Channel catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and stink baits. They tend to be on the small side but bigger fish are occasionally caught. Bullheads are being caught on night crawlers and chicken livers. Crappie, wiper, bass, and bluegill fishing has been slow due to the murky water.
Turks Pond State Wildlife Area

Two Buttes State Wildlife Area

As of 5/15/2019, Water level has continued to drop. Launching boats on the south boat ramp is still possible and having a 4WD vehicle is encouraged. Beware of unmarked underwater hazards if you are boating. Bass fishing has been good on a variety of baits including lizards and twister tail grubs fished on the bottom. Look for topwater action to pick up as the year progresses. Saugeye are being caught around the lake on grubs and worms. Most are in the 12 to 16 inch range with larger ones over 5 pounds occasionally caught. Channel catfish have been biting on worms and chicken livers fished on or near the bottom. Good numbers of fish in the 16 to 24 inch range are common. Small crappie are biting around the lake too. Most are 5 to 7 inches with an occasional bigger fish caught. There are some large bluegill and green sunfish that are available and can be caught on flies or worms under a bobber.
Two Buttes State Wildlife Area

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 5/16/2019, water temperatures are in the mid 50’s which means the fishing has been slowly picking up. Shore anglers fishing for trout are having the most success near the dam casting lures or fishing with bait just off the bottom. Walleye and perch are being caught but not as consistently. The walleye are on main lake points in 15 to 20 feet of water with the perch slightly deeper. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for 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 5/13/2019, water temperatures are being reported in the mid to high 50’s. Walleye are slowly transitioning onto the points and other structure in the lake, anglers have reported success catching them on blade baits. 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 5/15/2019, water temperatures are sitting in the mid 50’s. Anglers are reporting catching walleye along the bottom using nightcrawlers. Smallmouth bass have been reported to be on beds and the fishing for them has got a bit tougher. 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

As of 5/16/2019 anglers targeting bass have been having success using jerk baits or lipless crankbaits as the bass prepare to spawn. If the bite gets tough try a slower presentation. Trout fishing has been fair using spoons. 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 5/14/2019, the flows have stabilized near 400cfs. 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 (5/14/2019) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Colorado River

As of 5/14/2019, water temperatures are on the rise! Flows are slowly decreasing after a heavy bump a few weeks ago. 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 flows have 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: 940 CFS (5/14/2019) 
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

Green Mountain Reservoir

As of 5/14/2019, the lake trout fishing has been fair with most fish being caught in the range of 40 to 50 feet of water. The larger lake trout are still staying a bit shallower and feeding on the trout that are also shallower. Fishing for trout has been fair using a wide variety of baits and lures.
Green Mountain Reservoir

Lake Granby

As of 5/15/2019, anglers are having success catching lake trout both from shore and in boats. The Stillwater Boat Ramp is open to launching with ANS Inspectors available from 6:00am to 8:00pm daily. Anglers having success are using tube jigs fished in about 30 to 40 feet of water. It seems tipping the jig with a small piece of sucker meat has also helped catch a few more fish than without the sucker meat. Most fish being caught are 20 inches or less with a few nicer ones being landed.
Lake Granby

Stagecoach Reservoir

As of 5/17/2019, ANS Inspection hours changed to 7:00am to 8:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 7:00am to 9:00pm Friday and Saturday. Water temperatures are in the high 40s to low 50s which means the fish are increasing in activity and feeding. Anglers fishing for pike have had success in the shallows around new weed growth that the pike use for spawning habitat as well as ambush hunting. Rainbow trout have been caught throughout various locations using gold colored spoons or in-line spinners.
Stagecoach Reservoir

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 5/17/2019, we have had many anglers, both shore fishing and fishing from boats. They have reported catching pike and largemouth bass. Jerk baits have been used for both pike and bass. There have also been a number of bass caught on tube jigs or lipless crankbaits. 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 5/14/2019, flows out of Taylor Park Reservoir have nearly doubled in the past week. Fishing remains good however as the higher flows have the fish a bit more concentrated in the slack water on the edges of seams or main current. Mysis Shrimp patterns have been good flies as well as a few reports of anglers catching fish on caddis larva nymphs. Anglers are still using relatively light tippet such as 6x in an attempt not to spook fish. Flows: 457 CFS (5/14/2019) 
Taylor River

Gunnison River - near Gunnison

As of 5/14/2019, flows are above average for this time of year which can make fishing somewhat difficult. This time of year the fish are likely to be holding in eddies and slower moving water just off the main current. Anglers having success are focusing their efforts there. San Juan Worms and some smaller stonefly patterns have been producing fish. With the higher flows some anglers have also been having success catching the more active fish using streamer patterns. Flows: 2100 CFS (5/14/2019) 
Gunnison River

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 5/16/2019, the water level is rising quickly, the reservoir’s surface elevation has increased 11 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 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. Anglers are reporting success from shore catching trout in the warmer water shallow on marabou jigs. Lake trout action has been slower than expected with a few smaller fish being caught. For more information contact Curecanti National Recreation Area at 970-641-2337.
Blue Mesa Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 5/14/2019, ice is still present on the reservoir but is quickly braking up and pulling away from shores. The inlets at the Taylor River, Texas Creek, and Willow Creek are starting to have a decent amount of open water however at this time access to the water is tough. There have been no reports of fishing due to the tough access to the water however it is likely the access will improve over the next week.
Taylor Park Reservoir