Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

As of 11/16/2020, the public dock is completely out of the water due to low water level. Trout fishing from shore has recently picked up and is fair to good using PowerBait and gold kastmasters from the dam. Trolling with crawlers and spoons for trout has also been fair to good. While walleye action has been fairly there have been a few good reports of anglers using jigs in 25-35’ of water. Some anglers have noted catching walleye from shore along the west side of the dam using jigs and jerk baits. For more information call 303-326-8425. For November, the park is open daily 6:30am-6:00pm. The park will be closed November 26th. Restricted to electric motors only and portable gas tanks must be removed. Reservoir will close to boats, including all hand launched watercrafts, December 1st.
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 11/2/2020, a recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 43 degrees and the water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below full pool. One angler noted that they had success pulling in walleye while fishing from shore. The angler also noted an abundance of 4” shad congregating along the shorelines. Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections will be conducted at the north ramp daily from 6am-8pm. Vessel Decontamination will only be performed during daylight hours. 
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 11/3/2020, fishing at Cherry Creek Reservoir continues to be slow. An angler did report catching a few small trout on a combination of PowerBait and salmon eggs while fishing from shore. Water temperature was recently recorded at 43 degrees and is expected to continue to fall with winter conditions on the way. For the most up-to-date conditions for Cherry Creek Reservoir, please contact park staff by calling 303-690-1166. For the month of November, the east ramp is open for ANS inspections 6:00 am-6:00 pm. The west ramp is closed for the season. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 11/16/2020, Quincy Reservoir is closed for the season. It is scheduled to reopen March 1st, 2021. For more information call 303-326-8424.  
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 10/31/2020, The 11 Mile Marina reports that the water level has been dropping for work on the dam. They anticipate that the low water level will remain low until the spring. Anglers have had continued success catching trout, however, there are indications that the bite will be slowing down with dropping temperatures. As per usual, shore anglers have been attracting trout with night crawlers. Meanwhile, action is spotty among northern pike. “Anglers should try Husky Jerks in blue/silver to attract northern pike. Any plastics with orange have also been productive. Work the weed lines and drop offs. Anglers will find the best fishing mid-morning to early afternoon.” Starting 10/31/2020, boat ramps are closed at one half hour after sunset. https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report Eleven Mile State Park
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 11/13/2020, anglers have described slowing fishing conditions at Boyd Lake. The water was characterized as stained with a greenish color with visibility at about 1’-2’. A recent water temperature measurement was recorded at approximately 46 degrees. The main and Heron Cove boat ramps are currently open. ANS inspections are available 8am to 6pm and decontaminations are available 9am to 5pm at the main boat ramp.
Boyd Lake

Antero Reservoir

As of 11/14/2020, there are reports that Antero Reservoir is currently capped with a layer of ice. There still remains small areas of open water, however the far majority of the reservoir is covered with ice. The unstable ice conditions make the reservoir currently unfit for ice fishing. Anglers should look to lower elevation bodies of waters until the ice becomes thick enough for safe ice fishing conditions. 
Antero Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 11/14/2020, there is currently good fishing at the ponds in St. Vrain State Park. An angler described having success among trout. They specifically noted eager and aggressive trout at Sandpiper Pond. The water level was reported as good with a temperature reading at 44 degrees. Fall is a great time for hooking trout in the ponds at St. Vrain State Park. 
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 10/30/2020, park staff note that “water levels are at a low point, concentrating the fish into a smaller area. There is lots of shoreline access, but you may have to walk a bit!” In addition, they note that “the boat ramp is closed for the season and will re-open in the spring. As of November 1st, the lake is closed to all vessels, including hand launched and paddle sport watercrafts.”
Barr Lake

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 11/16/2020, Spinney Mountain State Park is closed for the season and will reopen sometime in the spring of 2021.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Lon Hagler Reservoir

As of 11/12/2020, it was reported that fishing has been slow at Lon Hagler Reservoir. The reservoir was measured at 15’ below full pool with a temperature reading of 48 degrees. It was noted that the reservoir was being replenished with incoming water through the inlet which typically improves fishing conditions at the reservoir.
Lon Hagler Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 11/13/2020, an angler noted having some success pulling in smallmouth bass at Horsetooth Reservoir. A recent surface water temperature measurement was recorded at 49 degrees. The water level is low at 44% capacity and 50’ below full pool. Larimer County notes that the South Bay ramp is open “Oct. 17: 8 am- 4 pm, 7 days a week; closed Thanksgiving Day, November 26.” Inlet Bay and Satanka ramps are closed for the season. 
Horsetooth Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 11/18/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “the upper river is in great shape at current flows and will still offer some opportunities over the next couple of weeks for wade fishermen on warmer days. Following really cold nights, the upper reaches may not warm up enough to be productive, and as fish are beginning to migrate towards their wintering areas, even the warmest days may be challenging as fish will not be evenly dispersed throughout the corridor. If you can locate a pod of fish in or near some of the deeper winter runs, it's likely you'll find a concentrated population holding together with a lot of vacant water upstream and downstream. Your window of opportunity will be limited to 10am to 3pm for the foreseeable future, and feeding fish will tend to locate themselves in the riffles and runs close to the deeper runs/pools of winter and will be active during the warmest hours of the day when food is available. Midges will be your most important forage to imitate, and pairing a small midge larva or pupa with a large attractor nymph like a stonefly is a great way to cover your bases. Dry-dropper fishing can still be effective, but is not nearly as versatile as nymphing. Because the difference in temperature, we typically see more opportunities further south near Salida through the winter months.” Flows: 80 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 191 CFS at Granite (11/19/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Pueblo Reservoir

As of 11/17/2020, anglers have noted that there are many boaters and anglers still on the lake. One angler suggested that anglers should arrive before dusk to get a shoreline spot. Anglers report having success at dusk or later pulling in walleye. Shad, at around 2’, are found all throughout the lake. A recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 51 degrees. Lake Pueblo boat ramps are open with inspection hours 5am-12am and decontamination hours 8am-7pm. 
Pueblo Reservoir

Lake Trinidad

As of 11/19/2020, boaters continue to have success trolling for walleye, especially in deep waters. Meanwhile anglers have had the most success catching trout from shore with bait under a float, specifically PowerBait and night crawlers. Recent water temperature measurements have been recorded between 55-59 degrees. The boat ramp is currently open and ANS inspections are completed daily 8am-4pm.
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 11/18/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “the warm weather in the forecast this week should yield some great opportunities for mid-November. Fish have migrated to their usual winter lies such as deep, slow runs and pools where they can retreat to safety, but will actively feed out in the runs and riffles when food is available. While you may still find midge hatches prompting sporadic surface feeding, most of the food in the river will be subsurface for the foreseeable future. Stonefly and other large attractor nymphs will be great anchor nymphs throughout the day, and you'll want to fish midge larva/pupa and caddis larva as droppers. A dry-dropper rig can still be productive under the right conditions, but nymphing will give you greater flexibility to cover a range of water types. With the cooler temperatures, your best window during the day will probably be between 10am and 3pm, particularly in areas that receive ample sunlight.” Flows: 320 CFS at Helca Junction (11/19/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 11/5/2020, the east and west boat ramps have been closed for the season until March 15th, 2021. However, anglers are still able to fish from shore. Park staff noted that there has still been some catfish and white bass activity for those casting from shore. Temperatures have remained in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the daytime but can drop into the 20’ and 30’s overnight, likely explaining recent cooler water temperature readings. A recent measurement recorded at water temperature at 40 degrees. Meanwhile, it has also been noted that the water level is currently very low. 
John Martin Reservoir

Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide

As expected, statewide conditions are generally cooling. However, cooler temperatures look different across the state. In high elevation lakes, such as Antero Reservoir, Lake John, or Steamboat Lake ice is beginning to form on the shores. Many of these high elevation lakes have closed to boating and are only accessible to anglers by shore fishing, only where water remains open. While ice may have begun to form, these water bodies have not made a full transition to stable or safe conditions for ice fishing. Meanwhile, many lakes at lower elevations remain accessible via boat and have good fishing conditions. The lower temperatures are ideal for rainbow trout as we’ve seen good trout activity in lakes such as, Jackson Gulch Reservoir, Highline Lake, or Aurora Reservoir. Rivers and streams have appeared to be stabilizing into their winter form. Fly anglers are using their nymphing skills to score fish hiding in deep and slow running waters. On bright and sunny days, fly anglers should keep an eye out for occasional midge hatches for some late season dry fly action. Most often, anglers should continue to focus on subsurface flies. 
Statewide

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 10/11/2020, Randy, a guide with Fishing with Bernie, reports “water capacity is 84% and surface temperature was measured at 53 degrees. The lake trout bite remains good as the fish move into spawn. Look for them in 70’-80’ of water. Small grubs, tubes, or spoons tipped with sucker meat, or salmon eggs will produce light bites throughout mid-day. Rainbow trout fishing is slow but they are moving back into the bays. Casting spinners early in the morning and the last couple hours of daylight may produce some hits. Fishing for northern pike has been slow. Fish can be found in the late mornings in 6’-8’ of water. Slow moving suspending baits may prompt a hit. The remaining four year old kokanee are in full spawn and are not feeding.” The boat ramp closed for the season on October 31st. https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports
Williams Fork Reservoir

Vega Reservoir

As of 11/12/2020, staff report that all boat ramps are closed at this time due to low water levels. You may still hand launch small non-trailered boats, however, all motors must still be inspected prior to launching at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open from 8am to 3:30 pm daily. Lake levels are very low, and fishing is excellent at this time. PowerBait, worms, and spinners have been successful in landing some nice Rainbows and Cutthroats in the 12-18 inch range
Vega Reservoir

Delaney Lakes

As of 11/11/2020, the water at all three lakes remain open and free of ice. Docks have been removed and anglers are limited to shore fishing only. According to Lake John Resort, “rapala’s, tub jigs, leeches, chironomids, damsels, ants, beetles and crayfish patterns in 15-20’ of water has been best during the day across all three lakes.” https://lakejohnresort.com/fishing 
Delaney Lakes

Lake John

As of 11/11/2020, the water at Lake John continues to remain open and free of ice. Anglers have continued to fish from shore and have had success pulling in trout. Retrieving jerkbaits have been noted to be productive for attracting trout. The lake is closed to boats for the remainder of the season and it is anticipated that the lake will begin to ice over in the coming weeks. 
Lake John

Steamboat Lake

As of 11/15/2020, Steamboat Lake has begun to develop ice along the shorelines, however, the lake has not frozen over and is still several weeks away from developing good ice conditions for anglers. Park staff note that favorable ice conditions typically develop in approximately late December. Call the visitor center, (970) 879-3922, for up to date information on lake conditions, open daily 8am-4pm.  
Steamboat Lake

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Jackson Gulch Reservoir

As of 11/19/2020, staff at Mancos State Park report that fishing is excellent at Jackson Gulch Reservoir. There is a lot of activity among rainbow trout, typically between 12”-14”, and yellow perch. Although the majority of yellow perch are small, anglers are periodically hooking large perch as well. Anglers should consider using standard baits under a float, such as PowerBait, night crawlers, waxworms, and mealworms for bot trout and perch. A small ice fishing jig tipped with bait about 4’ under a float has also been effective. The water level was reported to remain low at this time. 
Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Gunnison River

As of 11/19/2020, winter fishing conditions have rolled into several parts of the Gunnison. This means that moderate flows make good wading conditions for adventurous anglers. The name of the game for these conditions is nymphing. Most fish can be found in the deeper waters, therefore, anglers will need to get their nymphs deep within the water column to meet fish where they are holding up. The water level on the Gunnison River near the town of Gunnison has been flowing near average, recent flows have been recorded at 267 CFS.
Gunnison River

Lake Navajo

As of 11/7/2020, park staff report that “as the water temperature drops, fishing has slowed down. The water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is currently 58 degrees. There have been reports of some pike and smallmouth bass being caught. Large baitfish lures work well for pike, and crankbait and spinners for smallmouth bass. The boat ramp and ANS inspection stations will remain open daily 8am to 5pm through November 24, 2020. Boat inspections and boat launches can be done through the winter months by appointment only and only if there is a trained inspector available. To schedule, please call the Visitor Center at 970-883-2208.”
Lake Navajo

Ridgway Reservoir

As of 11/1/2020, the staff at Ridgway Reservoir report that fishing has been slow. Despite the slow conditions, the kokanee salmon snagging season opened on 9/1/2020 and should be picking up. Snagging kokanee is permitted on Ridgway Reservoir until 12/31/2020. The boat ramp has closed as of November 1st. Meanwhile, the fishing below the reservoir, on the Uncompahgre River, has been reported to be good but high angler pressure can make finding adequate space difficult. 
Ridgway Reservoir

Highline Lake

As of 11/19/2020, fishing was reported to be good at Highline Lake. Fishing conditions are anticipated to stay good while moderate fall weather conditions persist. The lake was recently stocked with over 1,000 trout. Unlike Highline, anglers have been reporting poor fishing conditions at nearby Mack Mesa Lake. Highline Lake has closed to boating for the 2020 season. No boats, paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes are allowed on Highline Lake until March 1st, 2021, or when lake conditions permit. The lake is currently open to shore fishing only. 
Highline Lake