Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 5/6/2021, trout fishing is fair with few good reports using PowerBait off the dam. Fly anglers are reporting fair to good success using olive leech patterns. There have been some reports of walleye and smallmouth bass being caught using jigs from watercraft. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for April 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021, the park ranger reports fishing is starting to pick up for all species and action should continually pick up with warmer temperatures. A large variety of lures are working for bass, walleye, and trout. Some anglers reported success bait-fishing the bottom.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 4/23/2021 boating is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Ramp only. Fishing is fair at the moment with anglers having limited success using mealworms, wax worms, Gulp worms, and nightcrawlers on Rapala raps, buck-shot flutter spoons, blade baits, and others. No other reports on any other species at this time. For more information please call (303) 690-1166.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Standley Lake

No new reports from 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

As of 5/6/2021, bass fishing is starting to pick up with warmer weather. Some reports of largemouth bass being caught in the East cove using jigs and lipless crankbaits fished slowly. A few reports of smallmouth bass being caught off the dam using jigs. Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand is permitted. Trailers and vehicles are not permitted in the water. Park hours for April are 6:00 am to 8:30 pm. For more information call 303-326-8424. 
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 5/3/2021, The 11 Mile Marina reports “The action continues from shore particularly since there is no boating yet. Even if there was you don’t need a boat to catch big fish. You need knowledge of the lake and being in the right spot at the right time. It has been a killer ice-off Trophy Season. Be mobile and walk the shoreline. Look for spawn holes in the sand and or work rock drop-offs. Jigging is productive as well as the right fly. Use a clear bubble filled with water, a three-foot leader, and fly. Black and green Woolly Bugger is always a good bet. Bait of choice nightcrawlers always productive.” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report 
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 5/7/2021, park staff reports Boyd Lake is OPEN to boating. Fishing has been poor for bass but is expected to pick up as warmer weather moves in. Trout and walleye fishing has been good using worms, spinners, and minnows for trout. Slow death rig, bouncing off the bottom, and minnows have been producing well for walleye. There is no fishing permitted from marina slips or docks. Please call Boyd Lake State Park at 970-669-1739 to get the most up-to-date ice conditions.
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021, the lake is OPEN to boating. All vessels must go through an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection prior to launching. Water temperatures are near 54 degrees. Walleye and crappie fishing has been decent lately. No other species reports at this time. Contact the park for the latest ice conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 5/7/2021, park staff reports fishing continues to be great on most of the ponds. Sandpiper and Coot ponds were recently stocked on 4/27/2021. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date conditions by calling 303-678-9402.
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 5/7/2021 park staff reports water temperatures are is in the low 50’s. There have been reports of anglers fishing from shore with good water clarity up to a foot. No species report. For the most current conditions, please contact park staff by calling 303-659-6005. 
Barr Lake

Jackson Lake

As of 4/23/2021, park staff reports the lake is full and the water surface temperature is approximately 42 degrees. The lake is OPEN to boating. All boats must be properly registered and equipped in accordance with state law. All vessels are required to be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species prior to launching. Outside of inspection hours, boats are required to have valid pre-inspection documentation (seal and receipt) prior to launch. ANY BLUE RECEIPT or OUT-OF-STATE seal/receipt will not be accepted at Jackson Lake for pre-inspection purposes! Recent legislation now requires you to dry your vessel AND remove your plug before driving it on public roads. 
Jackson Lake

Cheesman Canyon

As of 5/7/2021, the canyon has low flow and high water clarity making for some difficult yet rewarding fishing. Be stealthy on your approach to avoid scaring fish. Using a longer leader along with small midge pupa and Baetis emergers have proven effective. Flows: 127 CFS above Cheesman Lake (5/7/2021) 
Cheesman Canyon

Douglas Reservoir

The reservoir was recently stocked with catchable (~10-inch fish) on 4/27/2021 and 3/11/2021.
Douglas Reservoir

Antero Reservoir

As of 5/1/2021, the reservoir has open water! The remaining ice is soft and not safe to ice fish. Anglers have reported success shore-fishing.
Antero Reservoir

Dream Stream - South Platte

As of 5/7/2021, the Dream Stream is at ideal flows for this time of year. Anglers have reported success fishing dry flies with the increased blue-winged olive activity. Expect more hatch activity as the warm weather continues into late spring. Flows: 170 CFS above Eleven Mile (5/7/2021) 
South Platte

Horsetooth Reservoir

The reservoir was recently stocked on 4/20/2021. 
Horsetooth Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 4/30/2021, park staff reports fish are spawning and that cutthroat and rainbow trout are very active. The docks will not be pushed in. Due to very low water levels, the reservoir will open to boating of hand-launched vessels only. Boats with motors will be allowed and will require an ANS inspection going in and coming out. 
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 5/6/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper river is beginning to offer more early spring fishing opportunities as blue-winged olive hatches kick into gear in the upper basin. The outflow from Twin Lakes is now running at 20 CFS. Hayden Meadows is fishing well and with far less traffic than you'd see around Salida. Deeper, slow runs or pools that receive ample sunlight are going to offer your best chances at finding active fish, but with warmer temperatures, more fish are spreading out to intercept food in riffles and shallower runs. Your best window of opportunity will be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Midges and blue-winged olive nymphs will be your most important forage to imitate, and pairing these with a large attractor nymph like a stonefly is a great way to cover your bases. Even on recent sunny days, we are seeing some great blue-winged olive hatches through the Numbers and Granite. There should be many more opportunities to catch a mayfly hatch up here in the coming weeks, especially if there's any cloud cover in the forecast.” Flows: 116 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 150 CFS at Granite (5/7/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 5/7/2021, park staff reports boaters are catching trout on jigs and trolling. There are some walleye being caught in deeper water using jigs. The bass fishing has reportedly picked up over the last couple of weeks. The South shore has produced good size trout regularly using PowerBait, doughballs, and nightcrawlers. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions 719-846-6951.  
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 4/20/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “Caddis kicked off strong again with Wednesday’s warmth and we have good hatches in the afternoon from Howard through Salida. Expect the leading edge of caddis hatches to be around Big Bend this weekend, possibly even further upstream into Brown's Canyon. With warm weather in the forecast later in the next few days, the window of opportunity is very broad to catch caddis hatching or adult egg-laying activity on the warmer days ahead! We would normally expect a semi-predictable wave of hatches moving upstream day by day, but as delayed as the hatch has been in starting this year we are seeing pockets of intense hatches fire off outside of the typical pattern. Water near Salida that reaches 54 degrees has the potential to see caddis hatches underway over the coming week with the return of warm weather. We'll update this report daily as the hatch proceeds upstream. The blue-winged olive mayflies tend to be most active in the afternoons, with daily behavioral nymphal drifts occurring between noon and 3 p.m. most days. These mayflies typically wait for cloudy, often precipitous days to hatch in the afternoons, but you should be prepared regardless of the forecast. Sometimes all it takes is a single cloud to mute the sun for a hatch to occur. Recently, it seems that the clear, direct sunlight has fish content to feed just under the surface, intercepting nymphs and vulnerable emergers rather than committing to the dun on the water's surface. Next Tuesday's forecast of cooler temperatures and potential precipitation may make for more concentrated surface feeding. These mayflies are generally a #16-18 and offer some of the best "match-the-hatch" dry and dry-dropper fishing of the year. Stonefly and other large attractor nymphs will be great anchor flies while nymphing during non-hatch periods. For droppers, try midge larva and pupa, caddis larva, and blue-winged olive nymphs and emergers.” Flows: 275 CFS at Hecla Junction (5/6/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021, both the East and West boat ramps are open. Water levels are low and there is limited access to the trestle. Anglers are having luck catching walleye and saugeye.  
John Martin Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 5/7/2021, fishing has picked up over the last couple of weeks with increased temperatures. The reservoir was recently stocked on 4/19/2021. 
Lake Pueblo

Runyon & Fountain Lakes

The lakes were recently stocked on 4/19/2021, 3/19/2021, 2/26/2021, and 1/27/2021 and are fishing well. Fishing overall has been fair to good with a variety of artificial lures. 
Runyon/Fountain Lakes SWA

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega Reservoir

Park staff reports as of 5/7/2021, boat ramps will open effective 8:00 a.m. on May 1st, 2021. Currently, the lake is ice-free. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily and masks are required to enter. Beginning May 2021, to prevent boats from launching during hours that ANS inspections are not available, the park has installed new gates and one-way spike strips. The spike strips will allow boats to exit the lake after hours at the Island boat ramp but will prevent anyone from entering the lake during non-inspection hours. Boaters that plan to exit the lake after inspection hours should park and use the Island boat ramp so that they are not behind locked gates after hours. Early Settlers and Oak Point boat ramps will be locked every night after the ANS inspection gate closes at 8:30 p.m.  
Vega Reservoir

Steamboat Lake

As of 5/3/2021, park staff reports, “The lake is still 90% covered in ice. The lake levels are still very low not allowing for great access to the lake. Because the lake levels are low, the water from the lake does not reach the creeks.” Call the visitor center, (970) 879-3922, for up-to-date information on lake conditions, open daily 8 am-4 pm.  
Steamboat Lake

Harvey Gap

As of 5/1/2021, the lake is open water and fishing fair to good. Anglers have reported success landing perch and trout on a variety of lures as well as nightcrawlers. 
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 5/7/2021, park staff reports the fishing is good right now for trout and anglers are using a variety of spoons, jigs, and spinners. Perch have been hitting the jigs and spinners, and some pike have been landed on jerkbaits.
Rifle Gap

Yampa River

As of 5/7/2021, the Yampa River has been providing excellent fishing this time of year for all species. Anglers have reported success using San Juan worms, BWO size 18-20, zebra midges, and Pheasant tails. Flow: 34.1 CFS below Stagecoach Reservoir (5/7/2021) 
Yampa River

Blue River

As of 5/7/2021, flows significantly dropped since our last report when flows were above 600 CFS. A couple of cloudy days will help with hatch activity and provide ample opportunities to land finicky trout in low-flow conditions. Anglers have reported success with dry flies and nymphing a variety of flies and sizes. Flows: 71.3 CFS below Green Mountain Reservoir (5/7/2021) 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 5/7/2021, there have been a tremendous amount of hatches but the fluctuating water levels will force you to change up your approach. With increased flows, fish will be seeking refuge in softer pockets along the banks, deeper pools, and soft runs. Be aware of spawning trout and refrain from fishing the area. Flows: 398 CFS below Gypsum (5/7/2021) 
Eagle River

Green Mountain Reservoir

As of 5/1/2021, reports have stated there is unsafe ice at the North end of the lake. It is not recommended to attempt ice fishing at this time. There is open water available for shore angling, no species reports yet. 
Green Mountain Reservoir

Lake John

As of 5/1/2021, Lake John reports intermittent fishing success for trout using standard baits and lures. 
Lake John

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Jackson Gulch Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021, the staff at Mancos State Park report, “Most of the fishing right now has been happening from the bank with typical baits: rainbow or green PowerBait, worms, and 'crawlers. A double-hook rig with PowerBait on one hook and a worm on the other will open up your odds of both trout and yellow perch. Fishing has been good for 10-12-inch trout and small yellow perch. A few splake (brooke trout/lake trout crosses) have been caught using the same baits or small lures. In-line spinners (Mepps, Panther Martins) are working. Let the spinner sink for a count of five or six, then reel mid-speed (enough to get the blade turning but not too fast). Trout should start surfacing in the still mornings and evenings, making for good action with the fly rod, especially from a float tube or kayak.”
Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021, anglers have reported success fishing 10-20 feet of water for trout and heading deeper to 50-80 feet of water for lake trout. The Blue Mesa Lake Trout tournament continues through July! The Lake Fork and Elk Creek boat ramps are open and have hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 5/7/2021, park staff report all lakes are ice-free and all of the lakes have been stocked. Fishing is reportedly good using all types of bait. Please ensure the responsible and ethical release of fish and properly dispose of the fishing line. Remember, the daily limit for trout is four fish per person.  
James M. Robb Colorado River

San Juan River

As of 5/7/2021 Duranglers report, “The San Juan is in full-on early season runoff. Fish the banks, and maybe even now is the time to float! Streamers and stonefly nymph rigs will be the go-to.” Flows: 962 CFS at Pagosa Springs (5/7/2021) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 5/7/2021, anglers have reported success with Rubber Bugger streamers. Dry flies that are producing are 18-20 Parachute Adams and blue-winged olive imitators. Anglers have also had success with a variety of nymphs. Flows: 1030 CFS at Durango (5/7/2021) 
Animas River

Dolores River - above McPhee Reservoir

As of 5/7/2021 Duranglers report, effective nymph patterns being used are Prince nymphs 10-16, Hare’s Ear, and Pheasant Tails. Streamers that have been working well are Buggers and Natural Mini Sculpins. Flows: 829 at Dolores (5/7/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Dolores River

Gunnison River

As of 5/7/2021 Duranglers suggest working black midge pup 18-22. San Juan worms and eggs are proving effective as well. Flows: 697 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (5/7/2021) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River