Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

This weekend’s forecast shows fairly warm temperatures across much of the state, especially on Sunday again. If you want to escape the heat in the low country, try some high elevation lakes and fish for some brook trout or Colorado’s beautiful cutthroat trout. For fly anglers, try a dry-dropper rig with about 24 inches of fluorocarbon 5X between the two flies to allow the dropper fly to sink. For the dry, try a caddis or stick to terrestrial patterns like beetles, Hippy Stompers, ant patterns or whatever you see flying around up there as these trout are very opportunistic. For the dropper, you should have success with various chrironomid patterns. If the wind picks up and it is dragging your flies all over the water, small streamers or wooly buggers can be an excellent and fun alternative! The cutthroats in these high alpine lakes can be very fragile so make sure to wet your hands before handling, avoid contact near the gills and release back into the water as soon as possible. Many areas will have specific regulations such as barbless hooks. It is recommended to snip the barbs off your hooks as it will make the hook removal and release process a lot smoother for the fish especially when using treble hooks. If water temperatures increase over 66 degrees it is recommend to consider other options. For warm water fishing during this time of year it is best to fish near dusk or dawn when fish are the most active. Try top water poppers for bass in the morning and worms/plastics as the day moves on and the temperatures increase. With warmer temperatures, walleye and trout will look for cooler water in deeper areas. Try trolling deep to catch using large billed cranks or lead core. This Labor Day weekend means waters will be more crowded than usual so be mindful of other boaters and respect other angler’s space on the river. Good luck fishing and don’t forget to send us some pictures of your catches!  
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 8/23/2019, trolling is the best method for catching trout in the mid to late summer. Try trolling spoons, spinners, and Rapallas in deeper water. If fly fishing, use your Callibaetis patterns during mid to late morning for the best success. The bag/possession limit for trout is 4 fish, only 2 of which may be greater than 16 inches in length. There is no bag/possession limit for yellow perch.  
Eleven Mile State Park

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 8/29/2019, anglers have been reporting success using some generalist nymphs and dries during the afternoons. Terrestrials are also starting to be productive on this stretch of the South Platte. Look for trout along banks and try the hopper dropper rig. Trout can be difficult to catch here because of the high fishing pressure it receives. Use light tippet and long leaders! Flows: 394 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

Antero Reservoir

As of 8/24/2019, water level remains good and the fishing continues to be fair with about 40 inches of visibility. The water temperature is in the 60’s. Anglers are having success on a variety of baits and presentations. PowerBait (garlic scented marshmallows/salmon eggs) seems to be the most consistent producer for anglers fishing with bait. Rainbows have been caught in high numbers. Hatches in the late evening have been very good and anglers are having success on a variety of dry flies and nymphs. Callibaetis, chironomids, and damsels are important hatches at this reservoir. Terrestrials and streamers are another good option. Try fishing where the south fork meets the reservoir! 
Antero Reservoir 

Jackson Lake

As of 8/27/2019, surface water temperature is approximately 76 degrees. The water has minimal green algae bloom. Walleye are doing fair; while Wipers are being reported as good. Most Wipers are under the 15 inch limit however, anglers are reporting catching high numbers of them. Twister tails and jigs are the lures of choice. A few channel catfish and freshwater drum have been caught. The minimum size for wipers is 15 inches in length. The minimum size for crappie is 10 inches in length. The minimum size for walleye/saugeye is 15 inches in length. No more than one walleye/saugeye in the aggregate greater than 21 inches may be taken per day. Fishing in the outlet ditch immediately below the dam, around the rotary screen structure, is prohibited.  
Jackson Lake State Park

Tarryall Reservoir

As of 8/13/2019, water temperature has been in the low 60’s and the reservoir is full. Anglers are having success using Panther Martin’s, Kastmasters, and other spoons. Baits have also been working well for trout. The most consistent have been worms, PowerBait, and artificial Salmon Eggs. Trolling Rapelas and silver spoons at faster speeds has also produced a fair trout bite. Anglers have also reported catching some good size pike on Rapalas or Mepps. Shoreline fishing has yielded the best results within 20 feet from the shore. There are large pike in the reservoir so be ready for a battle!
Tarryall Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 8/29/2019, water temperatures are still in the mid to high 70’s. Bass fishing is still good in the shallows, coves, near the pump house, and inlets using a variety of jigs and artificial plastics. Some anglers are also reporting success using top water lures such as Kastmasters to target white bass. Walleye fishing has been sporadic, with most anglers having success in the morning trolling deep or using jigs and paddletails. With warmer water temperatures walleye can be found in deeper water. Try trolling in these areas and look at the tip of the week for more information! Carp, catfish, and bluegill can be caught from the shoreline using worms as well as stinkbaits to target catfish. There is no fishing allowed from marina slips or docks.  
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 8/11/2019, water temperature is about 78 degrees. Carp, drum, walleye, and crappie fishing is fair. Walleye are being caught on worms, leeches and jigs on a slow retrieval. Crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass are being caught with small jigs, minnows, and plastics near the dam. More success is occurring in deeper water. The Reservoir is OPEN to BOATING. The Inlet is OFF and the Outlet is ON.
North Sterling Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 8/28/2019, the water level is high and water temperatures have been in the mid to high-60’s. Fishing at this Gold Medal reservoir continues to be good for all species and water is reported to be clear. Try to target fish in-between weed beds. Trout are aggressive and the best way to get a strike is to work lures, especially Rooster Tails and small spoons, faster than you would normally. As summer progresses turn to callibaetis, damselfly, and tube jigs. Fall can also be a productive time for catching trout at Spinney Reservoir. Fish tend to move into shallow water as temperatures fall. Spinners and wooley buggers are a good bet during this time of year. The best times to fish for pike at Spinney are spring and fall. After the pike spawn and before they retreat into deeper, cooler water rainbow pattern stick baits and bunny flies can be productive. In the fall try trolling weed edges with stick baits or large spinners.  
Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 8/27/2019, water temperatures are in the low to mid-70’s and clarity is around 2 feet. Small mouth bass have been biting the most and look for drop-offs or rocky areas from shore and try crayfish imitations. Walleye are scattered but tube jigs, lindy rigs, triple ripples, are good choices.  
Horsetooth Reservoir

Barr Lake

As of 8/27/2019, multiple warm water species call Barr Lake home, including walleye, wipers, bass, perch, and carp. Trout are stocked and can usually be caught through mid-summer. Walleye are not as abundant as they are in other lakes across the state but smaller fish can be caught with jigs. Remember, the new ADA accessible fishing pier opened at the end of May! The minimum size for walleye/saugeye is 15 inches in length and no more than one of these in the aggregate greater than 21 inches, in length, may be taken per day. No fishing or boating is permitted in the wildlife refuge area.  
Barr Lake

Bear Creek 

Reported 8/30/2019, hopper droppers are still doing well and most likely will be on the menu for the remainder of the summer. Mix in some caddis, stimulators, and ant patterns for the top fly. Bead heads always do well this time of year at Bear Creek, but keep them fairly small so the dropper does not sink your top fly. Recommended sizes for bead heads right now are in the #18-20 range. Common insects include caddies, midge, stoneflies, and terrestrials. Flows: 20 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Bear Creek 

Big Thompson River 

As of 8/28/2019, the water is clearing up and typical insects in the canyon include beetles, blue winged olives, caddis, golden stoneflies, and midges. Try using larger, dry flies such as elk hair caddis and the Adams parachute. The hopper dropper rig is a good option for this river. Streamers are also a good option in deeper pools! Reports that fishing has been good below the dam and as fall approaches the fishing should continue to improve. Flows: 92 CFS below Lakes Estes and 33 CFS at Moraine Park (8/28/2019) 
Big Thompson River 

Cache La Poudre River 

As of 8/28/2019, there is good water clarity and water levels have been coming down to the optimal level. Larger, dry flies have been working well and the terrestrial bite has been improving. Streamers have been catching larger fish. Target large browns in deep pools with slower moving water. Some good options include caddis and yellow sallies as well as beetles and ants for terrestrials. Be aware of the special fishing regulations throughout the canyon. Flows: 208 CFS at Canyon Mouth and 135 CFS near Fort Collins (8/23/2019) 
Cache La Poudre River 

Gross Reservoir 

As of 8/20/2019, water temperatures are in the 60’s and the water level is full. Gold and silver Kastmasters have been working for trout. If fishing from shore try using night crawlers on slip bobbers as well as PowerBait. Kokanee salmon can be caught with small flies (#18+). There are tiger muskie and they appear to roam lake-wide. The minimum size for a muskie is 36 inches and only one fish may be kept. The use and possession of live bait is prohibited and strictly enforced. Fishing is prohibited from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. or as posted at the main entrance to comply with Denver Water Requirements.
Gross Reservoir 

Prewitt Reservoir 

This 2,431 acre reservoir is located on the Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area and wakeless boating is permitted. As of 8/30/2019, the water temperature has been in the low to mid-70’s and the reservoir is down 3 to 4 feet. When fishing for walleye, the areas near the boat ramp, the south shore, and the northeast corner of the reservoir represent traditional hot-spots. Walleye and crappie have been caught on cranks in deeper water. In terms of channel catfish, shore anglers generally do as well as boat anglers. Try using cut carp, cut shad, or shrimp. Later in the year when the reservoir is drawn down, try fishing for crappie along the east dam.
Prewitt Reservoir 

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River- Below Pueblo Reservoir

As of 8/23/2019, fish can be found in softer water (banks, pockets, riffles) during heavier flows. There is several feet of visibility. Anglers should focus on using bigger flies and spin anglers should concentrate using lures with more vibration to catch the attention of the fish. Common insects in the area include blue winged olive, brown caddis, grasshopper, midge, and yellow stoneflies. Smaller flies will lead to more success as the flows have stabilized. Flows: 901 CFS (8/22/2019) 
Arkansas River at Pueblo Reservoir 

Lake Pueblo

As of 8/29/2019, the reservoir is down about 2 feet and water temperatures are in the mid 70’s. The water clarity is around 5 to 8 feet and fishing has slowed a bit. Walleye fishing is still consistent using swimbaits, night crawlers, and leeches along the bottom. The slow death rig is a good tactic for trolling for walleye. Anglers trolling are also having success catching walleye during the cooler periods of the day. Look for points and humps along the shoreline to troll. Underwater points and submerged trees still seem to be the best areas. Reports that fish are suspended in 30 to 40 feet of water. The minimum size for smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass is 15 inches in length. The bag/possession limit and minimum size for walleye/saugeye is five fish in the aggregate, 18 inches in length. The bag/possession limit for crappie is 10 fish and the minimum size is 10 inches in length. The bag/possession limit for wiper is 5 fish and no more than one wiper greater than 21 inches, in length, per day can be taken. Underwater spearfishing is allowed for the take of channel, blue, and flathead catfish with an aggregate bag and possession limit of 5 fish. 
Lake Pueblo

Arkansas River Buena Vista to Salida

As of 8/23/2019, water temperatures are in the 60’s and clarity is continuing to get better with recent reports at 4 plus feet. Dry flies have been working well along the shoreline. Try using a caddis, sallies, golden stones, or red quills. Smaller tricos (#20-24) have also had success. Flows are returning to normal and the peak summer fishing season is upon us! Float and wade anglers are having success. Use heavier leaders and tippet material for better success when fighting against faster flows in the middle of the river. Target the areas below rapids in warmer parts of the day. Flows: 400 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Arkansas River – Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 8/26/2019, water temperatures are high in the 80’s and the water level has dropped another foot and a half, which can have a negative effect on fishing. There has also been poor visibility reported and the water level is falling. Anglers are reporting success catching white bass and crappie by jigging.  
John Martin Reservoir

Trinidad Reservoir

As of 8/17/2019, the lake is at 757 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6187.05. All shorelines are open for fishing. Water temperatures are around 72 degrees. South shore anglers are catching trout with PowerBait and other dough baits off the bottom, 12 to 15 inch fish are common. Boaters have had success targeting all species in deeper water (15 to 20 feet) and trolling with worms and spinners. Bass/perch are being caught during the morning and evening when temperatures are lower. Trout are being caught throughout the day. Reilly Canyon has had reports of catfish being caught on worms and liver, perch are being caught with worms, and trout are also being caught.
Trinidad Reservoir

Adobe Creek Reservoir

As of 8/04/2019, water temperatures are nearing 80 degrees, which can sometimes have a negative effect on fishing. Some crappie are being caught by anglers fishing in boats. Anglers fishing from shore are having the most success catching channel catfish. Popular baits for the crappie have been minnows or small jigs with twister tail grubs. Vertical or retrieve jigging is a good technique for these species. Effective baits for catfish include worms, minnows, shrimp, crawdads, cut bait, dough bait, and livers.  
Adobe Creek Reservoir

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista 

As of 8/23/2019, water temperatures are in the 50’s and 60’s with great clarity. Target fish in deeper runs along the river as well as pools along the shoreline with slower currents. Try using golden stone flies, caddies and yellow sallies. There are reports that dry flies have been catching a lot of fish on this stretch of the river! Flows: 130 CFS in Hayden Meadows and 228 CFS at Granite (8/29/2019) 
Arkansas River 

Catamount and Crystal Reservoirs (Pikes Peak)

As of 8/23/2018, trout are hitting top water flies and feeding on various terrestrials. Anglers have been having success with fly and bubble rigs. A good set up to start with is a terrestrial followed by a chironomid, callibaetis, or beaded hairs ear. The trick right now is to retrieve slowly with the bubble rigs. Fly anglers are having success with similar rigs and just letting the currents move the flies around instead of retrievals. Early morning should produce some good fishing when temperatures are still cooler and fish more active. During the warmer parts of the day, Kastmasters, rooster tails and spoons could tempt hungry trout when the action on flies slows down. Bait (no minnows) can be used at Crystal Creek and South Catamount Reservoirs. North Catamount is restricted to artificial flies and lures only.
Catamount and Crystal Reservoirs 

Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

This 762-acre impoundment is located off E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. Open to boating. Electric trolling motors only. As of 8/25/2019, the water temperature is in the mid 70’s and the water level is low (reports it has dropped another 2 feet). The lower water line has made many spots around the lake more accessible from shore. Lately, the dam has been the most productive area for trout using PowerBait. Boaters are reporting as slow to fair success on trout trolling with pop gear and crawlers and fishing with crawlers and PowerBait off the bottom in 20 to 30 feet of water. The dam also has been fair for wiper fishing with jerkbaits. There are reports of walleye, perch, and trout being caught from boats that are trolling. The minimum size for walleyes is 18 inches long and only one walleye longer than 21 inches can be taken per day. The minimum size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours, in August, are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Aurora Reservoir

Cherry Creek

This 881-acre impoundment is located in Cherry Creek State Park, in Aurora. There are two entrances to the park, the east entrance off S. Dayton St. and the west entrance off S. Parker Rd. As of 8/26/2019, water temperatures are in the low to mid 70’s. Anglers targeting walleye are having success fishing with jigs or pulling crawlers on a slow death rig. Walleye are being caught in the basin area and areas near drop offs. Trolling should start to heat up soon! Fishing success is best in the early parts of the day and has been slowing as it warms. Legal walleyes have still been tough to come by with most fish around the 17 inch mark. Reports of other species are inconsistent and the fishing appears to be slow. Bass have been caught on the southeast side of the reservoir.  
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

This 1,356-acre impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park. As of 8/30/2019, walleyes are being caught early in the morning in deeper water. Trolling a slow death rig or spinners with a crawler harness has been a good strategy. Walleye fishing can slow down during this time of year and changing your technique a little can help you catch more fish. Try fishing in more shallow areas in the morning and evening with jerkbaits and by jigging a blade bait. Shad presence can make the fishing tough. If fly fishing, try leeches, crawfish patterns, and streamers. School is back so boat traffic has eased up some during the weekdays!
Chatfield Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 8/30/2019, currently closed due to blue/green algae bloom. Unknown when it will reopen. 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. For more information call 303-326-8424. Park hours, in September, are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River

As of 8/29/2019, fishing is picking up and reduced flows have improved water clarity and made wading possible. Trout can be found in deeper pools and pockets during the warmer parts of the day. This is a great stretch of water to try a smaller dry fly with a larger fly about a foot and a half or two feet above the smaller fly on your leader. This will not only take it easier to watch the smaller fly, but will also increase the chances of attracting the attention of a hungry fish. There has been a variety of bug activity, which has the fish feeding on a wide variety of patterns both dries and nymphs. Trout can be located on top of the water. Common insects include blue winged olive, caddis, green drake, midge, mysis shrimp, PMD, terrestrial species, and yellow stoneflies. Flows: 84 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Colorado River

As of 8/29/2019, flows are on the downward trend and returning to a very fishable level, making fish more aggressive! Anglers fishing this stretch of the Colorado have been having success fishing stonefly patterns with both dries and nymphs. Some other successful patterns have been San Juan Worms, and larger Pheasant Tail or Hares Ear nymphs. Fishing has been better on overcast days. Try the hopper dropper rig as well as larger streamers. Another successful technique for catching big browns has been jerk baits, spinners, and spoons fished perpendicularly, or upstream, through the flow letting the bait swing on the pause. If fish have moved to deeper pools, try nymphing! Flows: 1060 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Colorado River - Near Kremmling 

Lake Granby

As of 8/26/2019, water temperatures are in the high 60’s with water clarity varying through the lake, but reported up to 10 feet in some areas. The lake is down about 2 feet and anglers reported success catching eater sized lakers on white tube jigs tipped with sucker meat in 70 to 110 feet of water. The overall bite at the lake is slow but lakers are being to group together as they prepare to spawn.  
Lake Granby

Lake John

As of 8/26/2019, fishing depends on who you talk to right now. Some people are doing just great from shore and boats while others spending several days fishing and coming up empty handed. Fishing technique is playing a larger role this year than last year and you do have to try a little harder. Right now, the name of the game is “If you aren’t fishing in the weeds then you aren’t catching”. You must find the weed line if out in a boat and fish it, then the heat of the day you must find the deep holes. From shore, most success is coming from fishing in the weeds off the bottom with a 4.5 to 5 foot lead. Stop by the store and we are more than happy to discuss more details and point you in the right direction. Just keep in mind that Lake John is not fishing the same as it did last year when you could throw anything at them and catch large number of small fish all day. While fishing is a little more difficult, the fish are much bigger this year. We are consistently seeing 17 inch to 22 inch regularly! Bait is still all over the board right now: black leech and wooly bugger flies, PowerBait in white, salmon peach, rainbow garlic, gulp nightcrawlers, shrimp, rainbow kastmasters… the list could go on and on. Don’t forget the mosquitoes are still here and to bring your spray.
Lake John

Steamboat Lake

As of 8/18/2019, water clarity is about 4 feet and temperatures are being reported in the mid 60’s. We've heard that pink/orange PowerBait as well as worms have been quite successful so far. Anglers are also having luck on Kastmasters, Panther Martins, and other spoons. Most of the trout being caught are around the 12 inch range. Underwater spear fishing may be used as a method of fishing for pike and carp in accordance with regulations issues by CPW. Underwater spear fishing is prohibited within 100 feet of any marina, boat ramp, swim beach, or dam infrastructure.
Steamboat Lake

Delaney Buttes

As of 8/06/2019, fishing continues to be very good. North Delaney has been producing some solid fish and the best fishing has been during the low light, cooler periods of the day. South and East Delaney are fishing the best for numbers of fish and consistent action as reported by those fishing from belly boats. Rapalas in brown trout and rainbow trout colors have been doing well at these lakes along with a variety of different flies. There is a high presence of mosquitoes in the area so be sure to bring some bug spray!
Delaney Buttes

Rifle Gap Reservoir

As of 8/26/2019, fishing has been the best during the cooler parts of the day such as early morning or late into the evening. The water level is higher than normal but beginning to drop and temperatures are being reported in the high-60’s and low-70’s. There are reports of visibility up to 8 feet in the morning and reduced visibility as the temperature increases and larger crowds hit the lake. Walleye, perch, and bass have been the most commonly caught fish. Night crawlers are catching fish as well as jigs with artificial swimbaits. The Cedar Campground and dam are typically good areas for bass fishing. Reminder that walleye have special restrictions, only one fish may be kept and it must be a minimum of 18 inches in length. Trout can also be caught using PowerBait or retrieving small lures. Underwater spear fishing may be used as a method of fishing for pike and carp in accordance with regulations issues by CPW. Underwater spear fishing is prohibited within 100 feet of any marina, boat ramp, swim beach, or dam infrastructure. 
Rifle Gap Reservoir

Williams Fork Reservoir 

As of 8/26/2019, the surface temperature has ranged from the mid-60s to low-70s throughout the day and is beginning to drop. The reservoir is nearly full at this point and water clarity is about 10 feet in some areas. Lake trout are slowing down but have been biting early in the morning and again in the mid to late afternoon with tube jigs, tipped with sucker meat, off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. Rainbows are also slowing down but some have been reported to be hanging around the area where the river and reservoir meet. There have been reports of anglers catching trout from shore with PowerBait, salmon eggs, and spinners. The pike and kokanee bite has been slow.  
Williams Fork Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir 

As of 8/30/2019, water levels are high which is allowing the fish to spread out over a larger area so anglers must cover a lot of water to be successful. Fishing has been slow. Anglers trolling with lead core are having the best success fishing shallow early in the day and deeper during the middle part of the day. Kokanee are starting to school and are being caught using a variety of jigging techniques. Try finding a school and vertical jigging! For more information, contact Curecanti National Recreation Area at 970-641-2337.
Blue Mesa Reservoir 

Taylor River - Below Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 8/28/2019, good flies include Elk Wig caddis, Blue Dun, Tungsten Midge, Red Quill and PMD’s. Fishing has been good and hoppers have been working well. Small flies and light tippet are the name if the game on this river. Fish can be found in pockets, runs, and various riffles along the river. This section does get a lot of fishing pressure so the fish are well educated. It is also important to be aware of stretches of private land and make sure to access the river where there is public access. Flows: 356 CFS at Almont (8/29/2019) 
Taylor River

Gunnison River - near Gunnison

As of 8/27/2019, water levels have stabilized and water clarity is great. Good flies for fishing this river include pale morning duns, green drakes, stoneflies, yellow sallies, as well as streamers. The hopper dropper rig and small flies paired with indicators have been working well. Anglers fishing with spinning gear continue to have luck on spinners, spoons, and jerk baits. These can be fished perpendicularly, or upstream, through the flow letting the bait swing on the pause with jerk baits. Fish are moving to the center of the river as temperatures continue to warm. Kokanee also begin their run up the river around this time of year, through October, to the East River. Flows: 664 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Gunnison River

Navajo Lake State Park

As of 8/09/2019, fishing at Navajo has been slow. The current lake level is 6072.83. The water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is approximately 70 degrees. Fishing for smallmouth bass and pike has been good. The best fishing has been in the shallow coves as the lake rises. The best lures are crankbaits and large lures resembling bait fish for pike. Some crappie are still being caught along structures. Both Colorado and New Mexico fishing license are sold at the Visitor Center.
Navajo Lake State Park

Crawford Reservoir

Located 2 miles south of the town of Crawford on Highway 92. As of 8/23/2019, water level is currently a foot and a half below capacity. We have had many anglers, both shore fishing and fishing from boats. They have reported catching pike, perch, largemouth bass and crappie. Try the east shore near the Clear Fork boat ramp cove for crappie. Good baits include small tube jigs and worms. Channel catfish can be caught near the dam, on the north side of peninsula cove, with night crawlers, stinkbaits, and dead minnows. Largemouth bass are hitting crankbaits, spinners, and soft plastics in rocky areas near the dam. Remember that there is a lake specific limit on the bass. They must be 18 inches or larger to keep, and you can only keep ONE. Statewide limits pertain to all other species. Pike were introduced illegal to this reservoir and have had a negative impact on the fishery. Anglers can help CPW by keeping their legal bag and possession limit which is unlimited.  
Crawford Reservoir

McPhee Reservoir

As of 8/19/2019, anglers are reporting that the water is dropping so be careful of rocks exposed in the water when boating. The water temperature is currently in the high 60’s with clarity about 6 to 7 feet. Trolling traditional kokanee rigs still seems to be the most productive technique. Anglers are having the most success trolling with small squids and spinners in pink, orange, and chartreuse. Kokanee can also be caught during the summer and jigging chartreuse and silver spoons. Smallmouth bass fishing has also been good especially during the cooler parts of the day. Anglers targeting smallmouth during lower light periods such as dawn and dusk have had the more recent success fishing deeper in 10 to 15 feet of water using small jig heads with plastic worms. Reports of lots of small sized bass being caught.
McPhee Reservoir

Ridgway State Park

As of 8/24/2019, fishing for trout is good most productive lures of choice are worms, artificial salmon eggs, spinners, and Rapala’s. Smallmouth are also biting in shallow rocky areas such as along Mears Bay. Small spinners, little minnow imitations, and small aquatic fly imitations are good starting points. Fishing at the fishing ponds at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk has slowed down with a variety of presentations working sporadically. Flows in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River are still high but anglers are having some success using bigger “bugs” such as leech imitations, San Juan Worms, or Chubby Chernobyl Ant dries. Try terrestrials and streamers. There is no bag/possession limit for smallmouth bass because they consume and negatively impact native fish species at the reservoir. 
Ridgway State Park

Vega Reservoir

As of 07/29/2019, fishing is good with anglers reporting catching rainbows and cutthroats in the 12 to 16 inch range. The lake is full and turning. All three boat ramps are open. All boats must be inspected prior to launching. The ANS inspection station and entrance gate open at 7:00am and close at 8:30pm daily. If you have a valid pre-inspection receipt and seal then you may launch prior to 7:00am.  
Vega Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir 

As of 8/26/2019, fishing has been good from both the shore and boat and water clarity is being reported up to 8 feet. Try slowly jigging from the bottom to produce a bite. Try using a variety of PowerBait from shore. Rainbows are being caught using trolling rigs with pop gear and worms. Small pike are being caught in weed beds using big spoons and spinners. The bag and possession limit for lake trout is three fish, only one of which may be greater than 26 inches in length. Try fishing deep for lakers in 80 feet of water with sucker meat and worms. Gaffs and tail snares are prohibited. 
Taylor Park Reservoir 

Animas River 

As of 8/29/2019, water clarity has been good and the fishing has picked up. Browns and rainbows have been biting and streamers are working the best. The regular water level has made wading easier than it has been in the past. There are special regulations from the Lightner Creek confluence to the Rivera Crossing Bridge, which is designated as Gold Medal water, and the trout bag limit is 2 fish that are 16 inches or longer. Flows: 403 CFS (8/29/2019) 
Animas River - Near Durango 

East River 

As of 8/29/2019, caddis, stones, and PMD’s have been catching fish. Try fishing with Caddis, stones, and PMD’s. Be aware of special fishing regulations at different points along the river. From the upstream property boundary at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery and downstream to the Roaring Judy Hatchery outlet: fishing is only allowed with artificial flies/lures, the taking of kokanee salmon is prohibited, and the bag/possession limit and maximum size for trout is 2 fish that are at least 12 inches in length. From the Roaring Judy Hatchery outlet downstream to the southern Roaring Judy SFU boundary: fishing is prohibited from August 1st until October 31st. Flows: 186 CFS (8/29