Colorado statewide fishing report and conditions – October 22, 2021
Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area
Aurora Reservoir
Park Rangers report as of 10/20/2021, trout fishing from shore is fair to good. The East end of the dam and Northwest corner has been some of the better areas for trout using PowerBait. Boaters are having fair to good success trolling with crawlers and spoons for trout. Fly casters try olive/brown leech patterns. Walleye actions is slow to fair. A few reports of walleye being caught using jigs. All other species are slow or no reports. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park Hours for October 6:30 am-7:30 pm.
Aurora Reservoir
Chatfield Reservoir
As of 10/21/2021, anglers have reported trout fishing is fair to good. For more information, contact park staff by calling 303-791-7275.
Chatfield Reservoir
Cherry Creek Reservoir
As of 10/21/2021, park staff reports success catching trout has increased with cooler temperatures. Walleye and crappie fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures and baits. For more information please call (303) 690-1166.
Cherry Creek Reservoir
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 10/20/2021 a few reports of small perch being caught using jigs. Shoreline in some areas is difficult to fish due to aquatic vegetation. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted. Trailers and vehicles are not permitted in the water. Park hours for October 6:30 am-7:30 pm. Quincy will close for the season October 31st. For more information call 303-326-8424.
Quincy Reservoir
Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado
Eleven Mile Reservoir
As of 10/21/2021, The 11 Mile Marina reports “Trout One thing for sure every day is different. Trolling is hot one day then not, jigging and pitching is hot one day then not. Mix it up, be prepared. As the water temperature drops the bite tends to get more challenging but the biggest fish are yet to come. There has been crud in the water from the seasonal bottom turn. That usually has a negative impact on the bite but we have had no problems catching. Jointed Rapala is a good bet this time of year. Most flock to the West end and it has been good. We have caught fish all around the lake. Kokanee fishing is poor. Nothing to mention here. A fish or two and few in between. Northern pike fishing is good to very good. Action continues, bite times vary. Spinnerbaits, Rapala and Dardevle were some highlights. Try the West end Northside in 8 to 10 feet of water from Stoll Mtn West as far as you can go. The shoreline from Howbert to Witchers also producing. The bite can be very strong for short periods but overall very consistent. As the water continues to cool action will probably slow but the bigger fish are more likely to bite.” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report
Eleven Mile Reservoir
Boyd Lake
As of 10/22/2021, park staff reports Boyd Lake is at 62% capacity and water temperature is 57 degrees. The lake is OPEN to boating. There is no fishing permitted from marina slips or docks.
Boyd Lake
North Sterling Reservoir
As of 10/21/2021, park staff reports Elks Ramp (North) closed due to low water. The reservoir is OPEN to boating. The Inlet is OFF and the Outlet is ON. Please keep a lookout for possible floating debris, and always be aware that unmarked hazards may exist. If debris or hazards are discovered please notify park staff. Before boating, check that your vessel has all of the required safety items on board. Contact the park for the latest conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir
St. Vrain State Park
As of 10/22/2021, trout fishing is very productive from fall through spring, especially for ice fishing. Stocked trout are not picky and will be easy to catch by any legal method using a fly, lure, or bait. However, trout populations do very poorly in the summer at St. Vrain as water temps can reach the mid-80s. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date conditions by calling 303-678-9402.
St. Vrain State Park
Barr Lake
As of 10/22/2021 park staff reports the lake level has dropped to our fall level, concentrating fish into the north half of the lake. Wiper, bluegill, perch and carp are being caught on the shoreline near the boat ramp. For the most current conditions, please contact park staff by calling 303-659-6005.
Barr Lake
Cheesman Canyon
As of 10/22/2021, Cheesman Canyon continues to produce great trout fishing using a variety of flies and lures as temperatures cool. Flows: N/A CFS above Cheesman Lake (10/1/2021)
Cheesman Canyon
Douglas Reservoir
As of 7/30/2021, anglers are reporting more success when fishing early mornings or into the evening.
Douglas Reservoir
Antero Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported increased musky activity with the cooling temperatures. Midges and leeches have been used successfully as well as scuds in the weed beds.
Antero Reservoir
Dream Stream - South Platte
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported success catching brown trout and kokanee salmon using a variety of artificial flies and lures. Flows: 148 CFS above Eleven Mile Canyon (10/21/2021)
South Platte
Horsetooth Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported trout fishing has improved with cooling temperatures.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, no new reports have been received. The North Boat Ramp is closed for the season as of 10/14/2021. Hand launch vessels are still allowed, including ones with motors until 10/31/2021 at a half-hour after sunset. Any vessel that has a motor must be inspected for ANS and any vessel that is not exempt from ANS inspections per Parks Chapter Regulations under 800(K).
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
Arvada Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, trout fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures. Expect trout fishing to increase with cooling temperatures.
Arvada Reservoir
Bear Creek Lake
As of 10/22/2021, trout and walleye fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures.
Bear Creek Lake
Evergreen Lake
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported success catching rainbow trout with PowerBait and worms.
Evergreen Lake
Lon Hagler Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, anglers report trout fishing is fair to good and has improved with cooling temperatures.
Lon Hagler Reservoir
Waterton Canyon
As of 10/22/2021, trout fishing is good and will increase with decreasing temperatures. Flows: 19 CFS at Waterton (10/21/2021)
Waterton Canyon
Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista
As of 10/20/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper Arkansas is in great shape and with a much cooler forecast in the next couple of weeks our northern fish will have a very comfortable environment as we head towards winter. Hayden Meadows is still the most wadeable section of the Arkansas, though now that the Voluntary Flow Management Program has ended more of the river below the Lake Creek confluence will offer easier wading access. The low, clear flows in Hayden Meadows can make for more technical fishing and spookier fish, so be very thoughtful in your approach. Nighttime cold may make for slow mornings near Leadville, but mid-day and afternoon are still fishing well this far north. We are seeing blue-winged olives and pseudocloeons above BV, so be prepared with small baetis nymphs, emergers, and dries in #20 on average, sometimes smaller. Midges are also very active up here, and they are also generally small, usually #18-22. Midge larva and pupa patterns are effective droppers in a multi-fly rig. For larger food, be prepared with caddis, grasshoppers, and golden stoneflies above Buena Vista. Guides and DIY anglers are reporting very good dry and dry-dropper fishing this week, but nymphing through the deeper pools and pockets will also be effective. Streamers can also be a great way to probe some of the deeper pockets north of Buena Vista.” Flows: 90 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 114 CFS at Granite (10/20/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista
Lake Trinidad
As of 10/20/2021, park staff reports the lake is at 701 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6182.01, and the water level is stable. Water temperature is around 56-58 degrees. Islands have appeared and some hazards may not be marked. Boaters have had luck trolling worm harness and throwing swimbaits of multiple colors. Perch, walleye, trout and smallmouth are abundant. Boat inspection hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions at 719-846-6951.
Lake Trinidad
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida
As of 10/20/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The Voluntary Flow Management Program is over and the river is running at native flows. The Arkansas is within the ideal flow range for our local trout (240-400 cfs at the Wellsville gauge) and they will be able to maximize their use of the river to their benefit. At these low flows it's still just possible to run a boat through Salida, but expect to drag your boat a fair amount if you put in much above town. The weather is slowly cooling down with lows in the 20s and 30s and highs in the 50s-60s in the middle basin this week. These air temperatures are helping moderate water temperatures and are giving us good conditions throughout the day to fish. Early mornings are pretty cold, but as the day warms the action picks up and the river can fish well into the evening. At current water levels be prepared for spooky fish! A quiet, thoughtful approach will pay big dividends with the lower water. Cloud cover has prompted blue-winged olive hatches mid-day, but you may have to work around the W-I-N-D in order to successfully fish the hatch with dry flies. Expect fish to occupy more of the river rather than just the edges like they do during high summer flows. Fresh golden stonefly shucks are on the rocks above the water even now in October, meaning the last of our golden stones of the year are hatching and available in small numbers. The presence of these insects alongside grasshoppers has given us some fun action on larger attractor dry flies, especially on the cloudy days. Blue-winged olives and pseudocloeons are hatching in the middle basin, so small baetis nymphs, emergers and dry flies should be in your arsenal (#20 on average). Caddis and red quills make up medium-sized food items, with midge hatches taking the microscopic award. Dry dropper and shallow nymphing tactics are generally the most productive, but streamer fishing has been very effective lately, as well. At times fish are incredibly surface-oriented, yielding windows of great dry and double-dry fly fishing. The next few weeks should provide some excellent early fall opportunities. Following a low water spring and an underwhelming runoff, fish are healthy and have fared well through the high water of summer.” Flows: 250 CFS at Hecla Junction (10/20/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida
John Martin Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, WEST BOAT RAMP is CLOSED due to low water levels. EAST BOAT RAMP remains open and available to launch vessels until November 1. The East Boat Ramp was designed as a low-water boat ramp. Larger vessels with deep hulls, or a trailer that sits high above the ground, will find it difficult to impossible to launch. Most vehicles will have to be partially submerged to launch boats from trailers.
John Martin Reservoir
Lake Pueblo
As of 10/22/2021, walleye fishing is good trolling and using a variety of lures. Trout fishing is fair to good and is expected to improve with cooler temperatures.
Lake Pueblo
Hugo SWA Ponds
As of 10/22/2021, anglers report bass fishing has slowed down but the trout activity has increased.
Hugo SWA Ponds
Kissel Pond
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported catfishing is fair to good. Trout fishing has improved with cooler temperatures to fair to good.
Kissel Pond
Willow Springs Pond
As of 10/22/2021, trout fishing is fair to good as temperatures begin to cool down.
Willow Springs Pond
Rosemont Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, trout fishing is fair to good and is expected to improve with cooling temperatures.
Rosemont Reservoir
Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado
Vega Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, all boat ramps are closed for the season. Anglers on shore are reporting catching some nice trout in 16 - 20 inch range using silver spinners, worms and PowerBait. Lake levels are below normal.
Vega Reservoir
Harvey Gap
As of 10/22/2021, park staff reports fishing for pike and perch is good but bass fishing has slowed down a little.
Harvey Gap
Rifle Gap
As of 10/22/2021, park staff reports the boat ramp is CLOSED for the season. Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap state parks announced the closure of boat ramps a month early. The boat ramps at the state parks closed at the end of the day on September 30 this year instead of the normal closure date of October 31.
Rifle Gap
Yampa River
Due to critically low water flows caused by dry conditions and minimal snowpack levels, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented a mandatory fishing closure on a 0.6-mile stretch of the Yampa River between the dam at Stagecoach State Park downstream to the lowermost park boundary. The closure began on May 25 and will continue until further notice.
Yampa River
Blue River
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported success with caddis imitations and emergers. Flows: 391 CFS below Green Mountain Reservoir (10/21/2021)
Blue River
Eagle River
As of 10/21/2021, anglers have reported success with emergers for subsurface fishing. A variety of caddis and stoneflies have been working as well. Flows: 158 CFS Wolcott to Dotsero (10/21/2021)
Eagle River
Green Mountain Reservoir
As of 7/30/2021, reports indicate reservoir levels are still low, especially for this time of year. No new fishing reports and those received stated very slow and tough fishing.
Green Mountain Reservoir
Lake John
As of 10/22/2021, trout fishing is excellent using a variety of lures.
Lake John
Grand Lake
As of 10/1/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide Rhett Feltman reports, “Ramp hours are 6 a.m – 6 p.m. All around fishing has been good for all species. Rainbows can been seen hitting the surface all around the lake until mid-morning and are biting small spoons and spinners readily. Watch for the rising fish and cast in the general area. Lake trout fishing has been good throughout the day in 35-50' with small spoons being the most productive by far. Tip with sucker meat and jig the bottom. Some fish have been more responsive to aggressive jigging 2-3' off the bottom and tight lined back to the bottom. If they are not being aggressive then slow things way down and jig 2-3" off the bottom. Water temps are cooling off and have been in the mid-high 50s. With over night lows staying in the 30s water temps should be dropping steadily.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com
Grand Lake
Lake Granby
As of 10/1/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide, Dan Shannon reports, “Ramp hours are 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fishing is picking up for all species as water temps cool. Rainbows and browns are active during the low light hours. Target shallow bays and use small crankbaits or rainbow-colored spinners retrieved very slowly. Lake trout bite has been best first thing in the morning and tapers off as day goes on. Look for fish in 40-70 ft of water, spoons or tubes in glow colors tipped with sucker are producing strikes. Water level is consistently dropping each day. Use caution traveling around the lake, may be submerged hazards that aren’t marked.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Lake Granby
Williams Fork Reservoir
As of 10/1/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guides report, “Boat ramps closed. Hand launch only.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Williams Fork Reservoir
Mack Mesa Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, anglers have reported success catching bluegill.
Mack Mesa Reservoir
Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado
Blue Mesa Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021, anglers report that kokanee fishing is fair and trout fishing is picking up.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
James M. Robb Colorado River
As of 10/22/2021, park staff reports, “fishing has picked up slightly with cooler temperatures. 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 10/22/2021 Duranglers report, “Solitude on the river in town Pagosa is limited, but fall fishing can be good. Hopper/droppers are your friend right now but watch for hatches of BWOs, streamers too!” Flows: 76.4 CFS at Pagosa Springs (10/21/2021) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River
Animas River at Durango
As of 10/22/2021, Duranglers reports, “Temps cooling down finally. Flows are low, so look for deeper holes for fish. Hopper/dropper rigs are a good go-to with a small mayfly or caddis pupa dropper. BWO hatches are starting to show in the afternoons, but the morning hatches have been decent with Tricos and Pseudos hatching. Think very small dries. Also, don’t forget to bring some streamers.” Flows: 256 CFS at Durango (10/21/2021) Duranglers.com
Animas River
Dolores River - above McPhee Reservoir
As of 10/22/2021 Duranglers reports, “The upper Dolores drainage is fishing solid. Dry droppers into the fall. Small mayflies will be hatching too. No action on top, double up the nymph rig. Close to McPhee, don’t be surprised to find a smallmouth or two.” Flows: 71.6 at Dolores (10/21/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Dolores River
Gunnison River
As of 10/22/2021 Duranglers reports, “Water is clear, so fish smaller bug, but the fishing is good. BWOs are out, but a few hoppers remain. Streamer fishing is also great right now through the beginning of winter!” Flows: 357 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (10/21/2021) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River
San Miguel River
As of 10/22/2021, Duranglers reports, “Lower fall flows on this fall gem. Don’t overthink it too much: attractor nymphs, BWOs dries, and small streamers on your favorite 4 weight and have fun! Look for late-season Caddis and BWOs.” Flows: 96.7 CFS near Placerville (10/21/2021) Duranglers.com
San Miguel River
Uncompahgre River
As of 10/22/2021, Duranglers reports, “Midge and baetis, midge and baeits. It’s the classic Fall formula here in Colorado but make sure to have some leeches, San Juan worms and a favorite streamer. Nymphing mostly, but watch for good hatches” Flows: 54.9 CFS below Ridgway Reservoir (10/21/2021) Duranglers.com
Uncompahgre River
