Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

As of 9/14/2020, trout fishing from the dam is anywhere from slow to fair using PowerBait. Trout action from boats is fair to good trolling with crawlers and spoons. Walleye action is slow to fair trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawlers in 25-35’ of water. Fishing should start to pick up as the water temperature drops. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park Hours for September: 6am-8pm. Restricted to electric motors only and portable gas tanks must be removed.
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 9/21/2020, a recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 63 degrees and the water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below full pool. A fly fisher reported having success catching small, smallmouth bass while wade fishing on the west side of the reservoir. Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections will be conducted at the North and South ramps from 6am -10pm seven days a week. Vessel Decontamination will only be performed during daylight hours.
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 9/5/2020, there have been reports of decreased fishing activity at Cherry Creek Reservoir. However, an angler noted that trolling deep or snap jigging is the best method for getting into fish right now. Water temperature was recently recorded at 70 degrees. For the most up-to-date conditions for Cherry Creek Reservoir, please contact park staff by calling 303-690-1166. The reservoir is open for boating with two boat ramps and ANS inspections stations open daily from 6am–10 pm. The West boat ramp is closed on Wednesdays.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 9/14/2020, bass fishing has been slow to fair using soft plastics and top water lures. A few reports have indicated that smallmouth are being caught from the dam using jigs. 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. Park Hours for September 6:00am-8:00pm. For more information call 303-326-8424. Closed September 28- October 9th for water quality improvement project.  
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 9/17/2020, Eleven Mile Reservoir continues to have good trout and northern pike fishing. The 11 Mile Marina noted that the trout bite has “been very good for a lot of anglers. Trolling, fly fishing, pitching and baiting are all working. The early morning sees a strong bite through about 10am. It can die hard and fast but it comes back throughout the day. Productive baits include tas devils in Y82 and tequila sunrise 13.5 gram, kastmaster in a whole bunch of flavors and jointed rapalas.” Meanwhile, “swim baits, husky jerks and spinner baits have seen success among northern pike. Look for northern pike in weeds or rocks in the mid-morning to late afternoon. We like east of Howbert Point to Witchers Cove.” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report Eleven Mile State Park 
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 9/19/2020, anglers have had the most success catching trout on worms and spinners near the Pumphouse or along the shorelines at depths around 8’ deep. Fishing for carp has been fair to good for anglers using worms and insects. There has been fair fishing conditions among largemouth and smallmouth bass and Walleye. Bass have been caught on jigs and artificial plastic baits at about 20’-30’ deep. The slow death rig with chartreuse spinner and worm harness at 15’-25’ on the northeast shoreline has produced some walleye. The main and Heron Cove boat ramps are currently open. ANS inspections are available 6am to 8pm and decontaminations are available 8am to 7pm at the main boat ramp.
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 9/12/2020, rangers at North Sterling Reservoir report that “water temps have been in the mid 60's. Walleye and Crappie are fair and success has varied. Shore fishermen are catching a few Crappie. Catfish have been busy in evenings. There have been a few reports of anglers pulling in drum and wiper.” Staff noted that the reservoir is 30 feet below full pool and has been steady. The South ramp is the only ramp that remains open, M.-Fr., 8am-4pm.; Sa.-Su., 8am-6pm.
North Sterling Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 9/21/2020, fishing was reported to remain fairly slow at Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Anglers have indicated that water is very low and the surface water temperature was recorded at 68 degrees. Anglers should continue to look for trout in deeper waters. The North Boat Ramp is open daily one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. North Docks have been pulled due to low water. 
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 9/22/2020, recent surface water temperature measurement was recorded between 65-68 degrees. Water clarity also varied, an angler estimated clarity at above 2-3’ in the main lake and 5-6’ in coves. The only recent report indicated that an angler had success only attracting small bass close to shore. ANS stations are open 6am-10pm, 7 days a week at the following boat ramps: South Bay Ramp. Inlet Bay and Satanka ramps have closed for the season.
Horsetooth Reservoir

Antero Reservoir

As of 9/21/2020, an angler recently reported having success pulling in brown trout at Antero Reservoir. They had success on nightcrawlers. The angler noted that the fish were constantly on the move and suggested anglers “pack light and try different spots.” The surface water temperature was recently recorded at around 51 degrees and is at 98% of capacity. Boats are allowed on the reservoir 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or at designated time posted at boat ramp. Contact Denver Water for more information at 303-893-2444.
Antero Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 9/15/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “we've got excellent wading conditions right now on the upper Arkansas, despite the recent precipitation. The rocky pocket water north of Buena Vista has fished well with a deep nymph rig in the mornings, and is starting to produce good hatches of blue winged olives in the afternoons, particularly on cloudy days. These insects are usually size #20-22. Although small, they are a very important piece of the menu over the next few weeks. They can offer some fun and technical dry fly fishing! Even if nothing is hatching, you'll likely find opportunistic and competitive fish taking refuge in velocity shelters looking for an easy meal. Think dry-dropper or shallow nymphing with attractor flies like chernobyl ants, stimulators, golden stoneflies, etc. through the mid-day and afternoon. Look for transitions from slow to fast or shallow to deeper water, as well as deeper riffles where fish can find food and security on sunny days. ” Flows: 120 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 182 CFS at Granite (9/24/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Rampart Reservoir

As of 9/21/2020, the water level at Rampart Reservoir was reported to be low, at 32’ below full pool. Generally cooler water temperatures, recently recorded at 58 degrees, has consistently made the reservoir a fishing hotspot throughout the summer. Fishing for trout remains good, especially at greater depths. According to the US Forest Service, “all trailered and motorized watercraft are only allowed from 7am to 5pm Thursdays through Sundays when CPW is performing aquatic nuisance species inspections. Hand launched watercraft may be launched from the boat ramp Monday – Sunday 7am-5pm.” 
Rampart Reservoir

Pueblo Reservoir

As of 9/21/2020, water temperature was recently recorded between 67-74 degrees throughout the day. Anglers noted that fishing was slow but they were still able to haul in a couple of decently sized walleye. Boat ramps are open with inspection hours 5am-12am and decontamination hours 8am-7pm. Park staff note that the park is experiencing high visitation and heavy boating usage. Expect long lines at the entrance to the park, to launch your boat and to find a parking space.
Pueblo Reservoir

Lake Trinidad

As of 9/13/2020, fishing is good at Lake Trinidad. Boaters have had luck trolling for walleye and perch at depths of 15’ – 25’. Meanwhile, trout and wiper can be found in deeper, cooler water. Fishing from the south shore has been successful with all species. Anglers have had the best success with hooks tipped with dough bait and worms. 12” to 15” fish are common and the best luck is in the early morning or late evenings. Low water levels in Reilly Canyon have created conditions for a grass bloom that has restricted fishing from the north side of the river. There have also been a few reports of anglers having luck pulling in catfish. Recent water temperature measurements have been recorded between 65-68 degrees. The boat ramp is currently open and ANS inspections are completed daily 7am-7pm.
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 9/15/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “with flows between 250 and 400 cfs, fish are able to spread throughout the river rather than being congregated along the edges like you'll find during higher flows. The cold snap last week brought some well-needed moisture and a slight increase in flows. The cooler weather is prompting some good blue winged olive hatches with the cloud cover, and even on sunny days the nymphs are very active mid-day through early afternoon, sizes #18-22. Currently, you'll want to focus on fishing the morning with a stonefly nymph, caddis larva or midge (either under a dry fly or a strike indicator), and transition to slightly deeper runs and riffles during the brightest hours of the afternoon. Blue winged olive nymph and emerger patterns in #18-22 are the ticket mid-day. Fish are generally going to locate themselves in transition areas like pockets of slower water along the edges and shallow riffles in the mornings, moving to dropoffs and mid-stream pocket water and deeper riffles in the afternoon. Switch to smaller dry mayfly imitations if you encounter a hatch. We've had some great reports from anglers working the edges with large attractor dry/dropper setups, and flies that imitate grasshoppers and stoneflies are usually the ticket. Fishing these in tandem with small nymphs that imitate the diminutive fall blue winged olives.” Flows: 289 CFS at Helca Junction (9/24/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

Horseshoe Lake

As of 9/10/2020, Lathrop State Park rangers note that “trout fishing has been less productive with the hotter temperatures. Crappie and bass fishing on Horseshoe has been productive with most anglers stating that artificial lures, jigs, plastic worms, and spinners result in the most takes. Warm, late summer waters have led to increased activity from catfish and carp. Fishing for catfish has been reported as being the most active around dawn and dusk, and anglers are having success with worms or liver based baits. Generally speaking, fishing in the morning, around dusk, and during cooler/cloudy days has led to more productive fishing and is less stressful on the fish.”
Horseshoe Lake

Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide

Recent weather changes have helped lower water temperatures and bring more water to Colorado’s lakes, streams, and rivers. These changes have improved fishing conditions across the state. As we move further into the fall, fish, especially trout, should become more active throughout the day and dry fly action will continue to improve. Anglers should be considering smaller flies and finer tippets to meet the fall conditions. Fly anglers that are fishing fall conditions should stock their flyboxes with a combination of blue winged olives, trico’s, and midge patterned flies. Streamers will also be increasingly effective as fall continues to roll in. Some streamers to consider this fall include: Autumn Splendor, Wooley Bugger, Sculpzilla, or most minnow patterns. For some of the rivers and streams that haven’t fully transitioned toward fall yet, anglers will still want to have bigger flies on hand, these include hoppers, stoneflies, and other attractor dry flies. Whatever the fly that anglers will be throwing out this fall, they must be especially wary of presentation. Fall is notorious for its crystal clear waters which make fish easier to scare. Anglers will want to be accurate with their casting and mindful to not startle fish.
Statewide

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 9/20/2020, Randy, a guide with Fishing with Bernie, reports that “water capacity is 87%. The lake trout bite is good until mid-day. Mixed age groups can be found in 70’-80’ of water. Working small grubs, tubes or spoons tipped with sucker meat on the bottom should get hit. Rainbow trout are slow but as the water cools in the campground bays the bite will pick up. Pike fishing is slow. Larger pike are moving into shallower water late morning. Any lure that can be fished on a slow to medium retrieve is picking up follows and an occasional hit. Kokanee trolling is slow. Most trollers are catching small lake trout. Ramp hours are 7am to 7pm. Surface temperature was recently recorded at 57.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports 
Williams Fork Reservoir

Grand Lake

As of 9/20/2020, Sam, a Fishing with Bernie guide, writes that the “the bite has been moderate at Grand Lake. Lake trout are hanging in 35’-50’ of water and we are starting to see some spawning behavior from the lake trout. Small spoons tipped with sucker meat have produced the most lake trout. Rainbow and brown trout are being caught at the surface early in the morning.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports 
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 9/20/2020, Fishing with Bernie guides report that “brown trout are fishing well at night, minnow baits reeled in very slowly are getting bit. Rainbow trout are a little more active on the shorelines, they are biting on PowerBait and worms. Meanwhile, lake trout are moving towards their spawning beds. Most fish seem to be in 50’-80' of water. Grubs and spoons tipped with sucker meat are getting bit.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports 
Lake Granby

Vega Reservoir

As of 9/18/2020, staff report that “due to low water levels all boat ramps are closed at this time. You may still hand launch small non-trailered boats, however, all motors must still be inspected prior to launching.” Fishing continues to remain good with anglers having success pulling in rainbow and cutthroat trout on PowerBait and nightcrawlers. The front gate is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Vega Reservoir

Stagecoach Reservoir

As of 9/19/2020, it was reported that Stagecoach Reservoir continues to have slow fishing. The surface water temperature was recently recorded at 63 degrees. An angler noted that were able to pull in two northern pike on dynamic pink and chrome Rat-L-Trap. The North/Marina boat ramp is currently open and ANS inspections are available Su.-Th., 8am-4pm; Fr.-Sa., 7am-9pm.
Stagecoach Reservoir

Delaney Lakes

As of 8/31/2020, Lake John Resort reports “the Delaneys are picking up with activity. East Delaney is producing smaller 12-13” fish but the most active, South Delaney, is producing 16-20” fish. North Delaney is producing the larger measurements but slower than the other two. Rapala’s, tub jigs, leeches, chironomids, damsels, scuds, and nymphs 10-20’ under an indicator have been best during the day, stripping crayfish and leeches has been successful at night and in the twilight hours.” https://lakejohnresort.com/fishing 
Delaney Lakes

Lake John

As of 8/31/2020, the folks at Lake John Resort report that “Lake John has quality fish coming out right now and the bite is slowly getting better. Shore and boat fisherman are both hauling in fish right now. Boat anglers are using rapala’s, tub jigs, kastmasters, thomas bouyants and ruby eyed leech flies under an indicator. Shore fisherman are using garlic PowerBaits, marshmallows, cheese, nightcrawlers and black leech flies.” https://lakejohnresort.com/fishing 
Lake John

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 9/24/2020, there have been no recent reports from Blue Mesa Reservoir. As of 8/10/2020, an angler indicated that Blue Mesa Reservoir had not been fishing well among any species. The angler reported having little success trolling on the lake and their experience was backed up with testimony from boat inspectors who regularly communicate with boaters coming off the water.
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 9/18/2020, it was reported that lower ambient temperatures have created better fishing conditions in the lakes at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. Anglers are anticipated to have increased success catching trout, especially suspending nightcrawlers or PowerBait below a float. 
James M. Robb Colorado River

Jackson Gulch Reservoir

As of 9/8/2020, staff at Manchos State Park reported “water level is VERY LOW. Trout are rising consistently during still evenings, and are catchable with small jigs, streamers, and dry flies. Standard baits under a float: PowerBait, 'crawlers, waxworms, and mealworms, will work for both trout and yellow perch. Try a small ice fishing jig tipped with bait about 4’ under a float or slightly deeper below a slip bobber. Most yellow perch are small but fall can be a great time of year to catch some of the larger perch.”
Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Martin Lake

As of 9/10/2020, the staff at Lathrop State Park report that “hot and sunny conditions have led to unproductive fishing, especially for trout. Worms, PowerBait, and salmon eggs seem to be the most productive baits when fishing off the bottom for trout species. Fishing for pike and muskie has been productive, and larger swimbaits are being reported as having the most chases. Generally speaking, fishing in the morning, around dusk, and during cooler/cloudy days has led to better angler success and is less stressful on the fish. For anglers fishing from boats, be aware that water levels are down, there are unmarked hazards, and there are large Eurasian watermilfoil mats on the southeast corner of Martin Lake near the spillway. This invasive plant species can get tangled in the propeller and effect the performance of a boat.”
Martin Lake

Animas River

As of 9/24/2020, the voluntary closure issued by CPW on several rivers across southwest Colorado (including the Animas) has been cancelled. While the voluntary closure has been cancelled and the conditions on the Animas have improved, the Animas is still flowing below the 25 percentile. Anglers should = continue to use caution while fishing on the Animas and restrict fishing to morning and evening hours to protect vulnerable fish populations.
Animas River

Highline Lake

As of 9/16/2020, the rangers at Highline Lake reported that “channel catfish were stocked into both Mack Mesa and Highline Lake on 8/31/2020, with 2,000 3" into Highline, and 500 3" into Mack Mesa! Over 6,000 1.5 lb rainbow trout were stocked into each lake earlier in the spring.” Highline Lake boat inspection hours through 9/30/2020, West Ramp 7am-8pm daily. Decontamination hours Fr.-Tu. 8am-6pm, Wed.-Th. 8am-4pm.
Highline Lake