Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 4/9/2021, the reservoir is open to boating and the water temperature is 41 degrees. A few reports of trout being caught using PowerBait from the dam. Try fishing shallow for rainbows cruising the shallow water. Fly casters are reporting fair to good on rainbows. 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 4/9/2021, the park ranger reports the main reservoir and all bodies of water inside the park are OPEN to all forms of boating, including paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 4/9/2021 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

The reservoir is closed to paddle craft use until May 1. Ice fishing is not allowed. Most of the reservoir is still open water. 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 4/9/2021, Quincy Reservoir is open to boating. The water temperature is 41 degrees. Fishing is slow for all species but should start picking up with warmer weather. 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 4/9/2021, The 11 Mile Marina reports “ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches. The trout fishing is reportedly good to very good. Late ice action is picking up as fish move through spawn mode. Not always hungry but often aggressive. They are taking bait off the bottom and jigs depending on the time of the day. Tube and marabou jigs working well. Stink them up with Pautzke Fire Gel. Couldn’t hurt. We have shrimp, crawfish, and trout scents that all seem productive. Shallow water is where most of the trophy fish are. Try 3 to 5 feet at any sandy area around the Lake. We like Howbert, Lazy Boy, North Shore, and Corral Cove.” “Kokanee fishing is reportedly fair to good. One thing is for sure if you are a dedicated salmon addict this season was acceptable, to say the least. We did not get skunked once. Now we may have only caught one or two on some outings but the opportunities have consistently been there throughout the winter. Most Kokanee anglers don’t like to brag or give away their spots but we can assure you there have been full smokers at home. North Shore has been too good in 55 to 60 feet of water. Fish suspended 25 to 40. Rainbow 1/4oz Kastmaster was hot this week.” “Northern Pike fishing is reportedly good. As predicted the late ice action is getting better by the day. Fish shallow for best results. Chartreuse is a good color this time of year. They are finicky most days but there have been some slam jam aggressive days too. Mid-afternoon has been productive. North Shore, Stoll Mountain, and Witchers Cove good places to try. If they hit your Trout rig just right and you are super lucky you might ice a monster. We have consistently seen over the years incredibly large Pike caught at ice off on Chartreuse PowerBait. Get ready!” https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report 
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 4/9/2021, park staff reports Boyd Lake is OPEN to boating. All boats must be properly registered and equipped per state law. All vessels are required to be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species before launching. The lake is ice-free. 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 4/9/2021, the lake is OPEN to boating. All vessels must go through an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection prior to launching. Water levels are three feet from full and slowly rising. 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. The Inlet is ON and the Outlet is OFF. No reports from species caught. Contact the park for the latest ice conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 4/9/2021, park staff reports fishing has been great on most of the ponds. Walleye and saugeyes have been landed during this aggressive post-spawn feeding. We’ve also seen carp and trout pulled from the ponds as well. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date conditions by calling 303-678-9402.
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 4/9/2021 park staff reports that the lake is ice-free and there are some opportunities around the lake for shore angling. Water levels are still low but rising. No species report. For the most current conditions, please contact park staff by calling 303-659-6005. 
Barr Lake

Jackson Lake

As of 4/9/2021, park staff reports 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 4/9/2021, trout are beginning to become more active with the arrival of spring. Flows are low and water clarity currently has, so be cautious with your approach to the water so as not to spook any fish in the area. There have been midge and BWO hatches and it’s recommended to fish deeper pools and runs in the cool early morning. As the day warms up, try targeting shallower water in the form of slow riffles. Flows: 127 CFS Above Cheesman Lake (4/8/2021) 
Cheesman Canyon

Douglas Reservoir

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

Antero Reservoir

As of 4/9/2021, the reservoir continues to produce into the spring, though some anglers said that action has slowed down. There is still approximately 20 inches of ice and another 6-8 inches of snow on top. It is important to remember during the late ice season conditions can change rapidly. Warmer weather mixed with the wind that South Park is known for can deteriorate ice conditions quickly. 
Antero Reservoir

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 4/9/2021, the reservoir still has approximately 20+ inches of ice. However, use caution during this late ice season. Warmer weather and strong winds can quickly soften the ice and make for a dangerous situation. Fishing for trout is still reportedly fair and fishing for pike is reportedly good to very good. 
Tarryall Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 4/5/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper river is beginning to offer more late winter/early spring fishing opportunities as things slowly thaw out and open up. Flows recently increased below the confluence at Twin Lakes with the outflow now to the tune of 127 CFS. Hayden Meadows is starting to offer more open water, though you are still better off seeking water south of the Lake Creek confluence. Deep, slow runs or pools that receive ample sunlight are going to offer your best chances at finding active fish. If you can locate a fish in the deeper winter water, you'll likely find a concentrated population holding together with a lot of vacant water upstream and downstream. Fish are not quite dispersing into the shallow riffles and pockets yet, but the next week or so will likely change that. Your window of opportunity will be limited to 10 am to 5 pm. 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. We should start to see some blue-winged olive hatches up here any day now, but the middle and lower basins are currently the epicenter of baetis activity on the Arkansas.” Flows: 105 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 236 CFS, and ICY at Granite (4/9/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 4/9/2021, park staff reports the lake is at 631 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6179.94. The surface water temperature is 43-45 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water level is rising slightly. Boaters have had luck trolling Rapalas and worm harness. The south shore has produced good size trout regularly using PowerBait and doughballs. Call the park for the most up-to-date conditions 719-846-6951.  
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 4/5/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “There's beautiful weather in the forecast for the valley in the foreseeable future, despite breezy conditions Monday and Tuesday. Combine the recent hatches of blue-winged olives with plentiful midge hatches, molting golden stonefly nymphs, and morning caddis larva drifts and we are seeing a dramatic shift in the feeding behavior of our local trout. Following cold weather, you may still find fish concentrated in some of the deeper winter runs, but with the warmer weather, we've been seeing fish migrating out into riffles, shallow runs, and pocket water to feed. The window of productive time on the river is much broader now, too. 9 am to 5 pm is now your prime time on the water, and as we push forward through spring that window will expand. The blue-winged olive mayflies tend to be most active in the afternoons, with daily behavioral nymphal drifts occurring between noon and 3 pm 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. These mayflies are generally a #16-18, and offer some of the "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: 327 CFS at Hecla Junction (4/9/2021) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 3/26/2021, the east and west boat ramps have been closed for the season until March 15th, 2021. Anglers are still able to fish from shore. Park staff reports, “There is a thin layer of ice over a large portion of John Martin Reservoir, but certainly not nearly enough to be safe for ice fishing! Where there is open water, shoreline fishing has been slow. There have been a few anglers out there, and haven't heard of anyone having much luck. The best area to try would probably be the stilling basin below the dam. Fishing will pick up dramatically starting around the end of March or into April when we will begin to see the wiper and white bass become more active.” 
John Martin Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 4/9/2021, the walleye spawning operation yielded a record-breaking number of walleye eggs for Colorado. “It was an absolute monster year,” Carrie Tucker, aquatic biologist said. “We’ve never gotten so many fish, day after day. It was great to be back on the water. And it’s great to know our anglers are going to have a lot of success catching fish this summer.” 
Lake Pueblo

Runyon & Fountain Lakes

The lakes were recently stocked on 3/19/2021, 2/26/2021, and 1/27/2021 and are fishing well. Bass fishing is expected to pick up as fish tend to move to shallow waters in preparations for the spawn. Trout fishing 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 4/9/2021, the boat ramps will open effective 8:00 a.m. on May 1st, 2021. Currently, the lake has about 2 feet of ice near the dam with 12-14 inches of snow on the ground. Ice depths vary around the lake, always use caution on the ice. The edges of the ice are starting to soften. Successful anglers are using PowerBait, worms, and ice jigs. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily and masks are required to enter.
Vega Reservoir

Steamboat Lake

As of 3/31/2021, park staff reports the ice is over 20 inches thick. The fishing has been great! Worms and wax worms are working the best. If you are not catching anything in one spot, move and you may have better luck. Call the visitor center, (970) 879-3922, for up-to-date information on lake conditions, open daily 8 am-4 pm.  
Steamboat Lake

Granby 

Fishing with Bernie Guide, Dan Shannon reported on 4/1/2021, “Ice is 18 inches, snowpack on top of the ice is becoming thin with pockets of slush that increase farther east you go on the lake and late in the day. Lots of standing water on the ice in the afternoons. Fishing has been fair to good. Rainbows are active in the areas where water is coming into the lake, small tungsten head flies have been producing. To find the Brown Trout look to the transition areas between rocks and mudflats, 2-3 inch tubes worked along these areas have been working well. Lake trout are being found through various depths up to 80’ as well as suspended over the deep humps. For suspended fish use your electronics and play chase in the water column, spoons and small minnow imitations tipped with sucker have been getting bites. Small tubes, grubs, and spoons fished on the bottom have also been a consistent pattern, If you’re finding fish but not getting bites, keep moving till you find the fish that want to bite. Stay safe, Ice is on the decline.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/ 
Granby

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 4/1/2021, Fishing with Bernie Guide Sam Hochevar reported, “Ice is still 18 plus inches however we are starting to see small amounts of slush around the lake. Lake trout are being caught in 40 to 70 feet of water. Small plastics in the 1 to 2-inch profile tipped with a small amount of sucker meat have been producing most of the fish.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Williams Fork Reservoir

Grand Lake

Fishing with Bernie Guide Sam Hochevar reported as of 4/1/2021, “Rainbows and browns have been fishing well in 8 to 12 feet of water around inlets and flats. Kokanee are being caught in the same areas in slightly deeper water. Small spoons have been producing most of the fish. Lake trout are being caught in 30 to 80 feet of water on larger spoons and tube jigs. Look for the lake trout in the deep water to be suspended in the middle of the water column and the shallower fish to be on or close to the bottom.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Grand Lake

Harvey Gap

As of 4/9/2021, we have received reports that the ice is no longer accessible and that anglers should not attempt to ice fish at this time. 
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 4/9/2021, park staff reports the lake has some open water, and anglers have been able to shore fish.
Rifle Gap

Yampa River

As of 4/9/2021, the Yampa River has been fishing very well for all species. Anglers have reported success using San Juan worms, midge patterns, and Wooly buggers. Flow: 40.9 CFS Below Stagecoach Reservoir (4/9/2021) 
Yampa River

Blue River

As of 4/9/2021, flow is slowing picking up as some warmer weather will cause spring runoff. Nymphing is recommended using egg patterns, Pheasant tails, and midges. Flows: 142 CFS Below Green Mountain Reservoir (3/26/2021) 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 4/9/2021, the upper section of the river is experiencing a good midge and baetis hatches. The river is reportedly fishing well. It is recommended to try and fish deeper pools in the early hours and begin working the water column as the daytime temperatures increase.
Eagle River

Green Mountain Reservoir

As of 4/9/2021, the reservoir has approximately 20 inches of ice. Fishing has been reported as fair to slow. 
Green Mountain Reservoir

Lake John

As of 4/9/2021, ice thickness is 20+ inches thick and action remains steady for trout. 
Lake John

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Jackson Gulch Reservoir

As of 4/9/2021, the staff at Mancos State Park report, “While the lake is ice covered with approximately 12 inches of ice in most areas, the top 6 inches or so are getting milky, slushy, and showing all the signs of very poor quality spring ice. The edges are pulling away from the shoreline and very small pieces of not-fishable open water are appearing right at the shore. Colorado ice is always highly variable, but spring can be a real dangerous time. We are in that transition between fishable ice and open water. Use extreme caution when assessing ice conditions. There has been good action for rainbow trout 10-12 inches and yellow perch averaging 5 inches through the ice. A few larger rainbows being caught, along with a few perch near 14 inches! Splake (a brook trout/lake trout cross) are also being caught occasionally. When we get open water you can cast to, there will be good fishing. For pretty constant action (great for kids new to ice fishing) use a 1/8 oz lead-head or "teardrop" jig tipped with a small piece of worm or 'crawler under a bobber. A slip-bobber will allow you to have a little more range of depth you can fish but a standard bobber rigged as high as you can comfortably cast will work. If you can find a shoreline with a cross-breeze, cast the rig upwind and let it float and bob downwind. Try larger jigs rigged as above for rainbows and splake. Jigging Rapalas, and small spoons also produce.” 
Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 3/26/2021, conditions contributor Andrew Morlang reports, “Fishing for browns and rainbows is still consistent in 5-25 feet of water. Fish are behaving aggressively and are hitting most presentations shown to them. We like to use small ice jigs, Sweedish pimples, Gulp alive, and small tube jigs such as a trout magnet. All tipped with a worm of some sort. Sapinero Basin has been a hotspot. Find a piece of shoreline and fish shallow water for good rainbow and brown action. Lake trout were reported being caught in Sapinero Basin in 80 feet of water. Fish seemed to be finicky so switch up baits if you aren’t getting any action. Large tube jigs with sucker meat are always our first presentation but don’t keep fishing it if you aren’t getting bites. Larger Kastmasters and Sweedish pimples were working for anglers as well. Some anglers informed us they were doing well with bucktails. Keep switching spots and presentations and you will eventually find them. No reports for perch or salmon.”
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 4/9/2021, 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 3/30/2021 Duranglers report, “Low elevation snowmelt has caused a bump in flows which brings about the stonefly nymph and streamer eaters! Look for BWO coming soon too.” Flows: 533 CFS at Pagosa Springs (4/9/2021) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 4/9/2021, Duranglers report, “The BWO hatch has arrived. Right now, 11 am - 3 pm is time for magic, though fishing has also been picking up right before dark. We have not seen many big flushes yet (probably because we don’t have a lot of low elevation snow), but it could come soon with warmer weather. Sharpen those streamer hooks.” Flows: 287 CFS at Durango (4/9/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Animas River

Dolores River

As of 4/3/2021 Duranglers report, “It’s springtime, which means a little more open water, midges, and maybe a few BWOs! The gate is still closed so you will need to walk your way the last few miles to the dam.” Flows: 28.3 Near Slick Rock (4/9/2021) https://duranglers.com/
Dolores River

Island Lake

As of 3/26/2021, conditions contributor Andrew Morlang reports, “This popular lake on the Grand Mesa hasn't slowed down one bit since people started hitting the ice back late fall. Popular spots include 15-20 feet off the island in any direction and a majority of the shoreline in around 20 feet of water. While the state record Splake was caught in this body of water, don't expect to catch much fish over 13 inches. Fish quality < Fish quantity. Use the smallest jig in your tackle box and tip it with either a wax or mealworm. Make sure to leave plenty of hook point exposed, as these fish are small and will nibble your bait away without you even knowing. If you find a good spot at this lake you can easily catch 10+ fish in a morning of fishing. Most anglers have been catching rainbows, splake, and brooke trout. The occasional brown trout have been seen but don't expect many as they seem to be few and far between.”
Island Lake

Alexander Lake (Grand Mesa)

As of 3/26/2021, conditions contributor Andrew Morlang reports, “the ice at Alexander Lake is too thick for my auger to break down to the water. If you are looking to fish these high elevation lakes this time of year, do not forget to bring your auger extension.
Alexander Lake (Grand Mesa)

Cobbett Lake (Grand Mesa)

According to conditions contributor Andrew Morlang, as of 3/26/2021, “If you plan on fishing any of the lakes on the Grand Mesa this time of year, you must bring your auger extension! Small rainbows are being caught on ice jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers were also successful using nightcrawlers sitting on the bottom. 
Cobbett Lake (Grand Mesa)

Gunnison River

As of 4/9/2021 Duranglers report, “Expect small bugs to be your best bet and the lower reaches around Pleasure Park will be the only options easier to access. Go small and fish the deeper slots and runs.” Flows: 529 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (4/9/2021) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River