Conditions Report - Statewide

Rivers and Creeks

With the warm dry conditions we have been experiencing this year the rivers and creeks across the state are experiencing much lower flows and higher water temperatures than normal. Fishing for trout should be focused to the coolest parts of the day, fishing early in the morning when the water temperatures are cooler from overnight is recommended. Nymphs and emergers have been productive patterns throughout the state. For the dry fly fisherman mid-summer means terrestrials! Ants, hoppers, and beetles have been consistently producing fish. Keep in mind that when water temperatures rise near 70 degrees trout are at their most vulnerable, it is important to play and land the fish as quickly as possible and waste no time removing the hook and returning the fish to the water. Looking forward to fall we have multiple fall spawning fish that will become active shortly, keep an eye on future reports for kokanee runs and brown trout spawn reports.
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 8/8/2018 trout has had very good action reported all over the reservoir. There have been high counts of fish under 16 inches with several larger than 20 inches reported being caught. Trolling still seems to be the best approach for catching fish. Reports of salmon actions have been slow. Try the main channel 30'-35' near Deer and Duck Island. Trolling with Cowbells, Needle Fish or Dodger Squid. Fishing for Northern Pike is fair underwater vegetation along south shore. Switch up your colors often to get the most action. 
Eleven Mile State Park

Boyd Lake

Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection hours for the month of May are 6:00 am-10:00 pm daily. As of 7/30/2018 water temperatures are in the mid 70’s fishing has been slow for trout. The crappie and white bass seem to have transitioned a bit deeper and are being caught in the main lake. Walleye fishing has been good using jigs or trolling the deeper sections of the lake. Reminder -No fishing from marina slips or docks (next to is okay but can't use them in any way.
Boyd Lake

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 8/2/2018, fishing for trout is very good. Flies are doing very well this week with several 23 to 25 inch fish reported. Chronomid flies, green and brown being favored colors, tube jigs, Tasmanian Devils are working well. Fishing for Northern Pike is good at the North end along sandbar. A few fish over 45 inches were reported. Rapalas & Crocodiles, Pink/silver spoons are working. 
Spinney Mountain State Park

Barr Lake State Park

As of 7/29/2018 activity has picked up the past couple weeks. Walleye are regularly being caught throughout the lake and from shore. Reports of smaller fish being caught have increased, so have a tape measure ready to make sure it's legal! Wiper are feeding on the shad in the reservoir. Carp fishing has been consistent for the people targeting them.
Barr Lake

Jackson Lake

As of 7/31/2018 Lake level is dropping every day approximately an inch a day. Surface water temperature is approximately 79 degrees. We are open to boating. Fishing has been fair to good for crappie, wiper and walleye.  
Jackson Lake State Park

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 8/10/2018 the fishing has been slow to decent depending what you’re after. The water level is about 72% so around 25 below the “full” mark. The smallmouth have picked up and reports of plastics and night crawlers around their typical stomping grounds (boulders and obstruct structures near shore and coves) have shown good success. The walleye and crappie have moved deep to avoid the warm water temps so you will need to bring your deep rigs. 
Horsetooth Reservoir 

North Sterling 

As of 8/5/2018. Water temperature is about 76 with some warmer temps in the shallow coves. The lake is about 20ft down from full and dropping. Fishing is fair for Walleye, Crappie and Wiper, with slower bites being reported lake wide. Shore fishermen are reporting a decent Catfish bite at the West Trailhead lot. The Reservoir is OPEN to BOATING. The Inlet is OFF and the Outlet is ON
North Sterling 

Staunton

As of 8/1/2018. Fishing should be pretty fun at Staunton as they typically stock the lakes first week of the month. For stocked fish look for hungry fish cruising for worms and PowerBait. Competition will be high so get their attention with bright colored baits or lures. Both ponds are typically stocked the first week of each month starting in May, with rainbow trout. Our ADA accessible fishing pier is complete and ready to be fished from. Please contact the park about how we can provide an accessible fishing experience. Due to construction access to the ponds is is currently available from the Ranch Hand Group Picnic parking area only. There is no public access below the dams on Elk Creek Road. Do not drop people or equipment off at this location. Violators will be ticketed. From more information contact staff at 303-816-0912
Staunton

Bear Creek

Updated 8/10/2018. Fly fishing mindsets for smaller creeks, especially in the foothills, needs to be focused towards the summertime conditions we are showing (hot days, lower flows with mixed thunderstorms). Fish will be looking up for summertime bugs. Think smaller in the morning such as a PMD or #18-20 sized caddis. As the afternoon approaches hoppers and bigger terrestrials will attract the trout. Trout will always be feeding below the surface so try a hopper dropper rig and mix the lower fly around (nymphs and emergers) and colors depending on the cloud coverage and sun intensity. Flows: 7 CFS 
Bear Creek

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 8/10/2018 Flows are up, even above historical averages giving the fish a break from the warm water temps. Summer hatches are on in the Cheeseman/Deckers area so try some Caddis and PMD’s in the morning and watch for some Trico hatches as well. With high flows, try bigger nymph patterns to grab their attention and most importantly get down past the fast currents to the fish feeding on the bottom. Warm water and high flows mean a lot of trout will be holding in faster rifles instead of the deeper holes where oxygen is more abundant. San Juan worms have reported some catches as well as leach patterns. Flows: Deckers 350 CFS Canyon 340 CFS 
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

South Platte - Middle Fork 

As of 8/10/2018. Be on the lookout for your tricos, caddis, and PMD hatches. Flows are low and we have a warm weekend on the way so if the water temps get over 65 degrees please consider other options as our fish will be very stressed especially in these high profile streams. Keep your emergers in the #18 range and try pheasant tails with high reflective patterns during the sunnier parts of the day Flows: 110 CFS 
South Platte - Middle Fork 

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River-Lake Pueblo

As of 8/10/2018 the tailgaters of the Arkansas are very low at this time. The current drop in flow has really been detrimental to the fishing conditions. The flow is reported around 65 CFS and temperatures during the day are getting up to almost 70 degrees. With flows this low and temps this high, it is highly recommended to avoid fishing as these fish will be very stressed. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid trout fishing when water temperatures go over or equal to 66-68 degrees 
Lake Pueblo State Park

Trinidad Reservoir

As of 8/1/2018 the Lake is at 738 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6185.30. Surface water temps around 72 degrees. Shore fishermen are catching trout on homemade dough bait, PowerBait (green color) and worms all along south shore. Reilly Canyon River has slowed down to a trickle and sandbars starting to emerge around the lake. The most action for fish is occurring in the early mornings and late evenings. Some catfish are being reported around the inlet Boaters have done well targeting walleye. Smallmouth caught early in the morning and late evening. Trout are caught during all hours. Worm harnesses and crank baits have worked well. Fish are being found around 15-25ft. The shallow water tends to be too warm for fish during the majority of the day, the technique has been to find the deep channels where colder water exists or wait for cooler morning and evening temps. BOATING ALERT: Due to water being released, boaters be aware of underwater hazards. Not all hazards will be marked. 
Trinidad Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 8/10/2018 fishing has been tough for walleye, especially “keepers” at the moment are hard to come by. A few good sized wiper have been caught on mid depth crank baits and Lindy rigs with leaches attached. Bass will probably be the best bet this weekend as we see warm temps again. Try some poppers in the morning and deeper crank baits during the later morning/afternoon hours. Work deep if you still want to try your luck with walleye. They are collecting water right now to increase the depth but be careful while boating. Islands might not be visible but with the lower levels they could be just under the surface
Lake Pueblo

John Martin Reservoir

As of 7/23/2018 due to a low water year throughout the state and the Arkansas River drainage water levels are dropping and the fishing has been tougher. Walleye fishing is slow with water temperatures in the mid 70’s. Fishing for white bass and wiper can be good if anglers are able to figure out where the bait that these fish are feeding on is located. Crappie fishing has also slowed drastically as the water temperatures have forced the fish into deeper water.
John Martin Reservoir State Park

Lathrop State Park

As of 8/6/2018 the surface temperature at Martin Lake is approximated at 72 degrees. With temperatures rising to around 90 degrees or more, the fishing has been abundant during early mornings and late evenings. Pike have been the most popular catch during the summer months using fake Smelt. Smelt is a very small fish similar to a minnow. With the frequent rain we have been getting during the evenings, trout have been very active during these times. Trout in Martin Lake have been known to be feeding on power bait or night crawlers. Largemouth Bass have also been another popular fish being caught, especially with crayfish lures and shallow water lures. The surface temperature at Horseshoe Lake is approximated at 69 degrees. The most popular fish Horseshoe has to offer is the infamous Tiger Muskie. The largest Tiger Muskie recorded at Horseshoe Lake was 46 inches long and weighed at 25 pounds. With reports from fisherman on the lake, crappie and trout have been the most caught here. Smallmouth Bass have been another frequent catch using Sammy lures and Spinner bait in the evenings. 
Lathrop

Pikeview Reservoir

Located off of Garden of the Gods Rd and just East of I 25, this reservoir has just about all the typical species of fish found in Colorado. From warm water fish like largemouth bass to other species such as trout and pike – this small, urban reservoir has it all. As of 8/10/2018 fishing reported as decent to slow. When recently stocked the fishing will be good but during these warmer days fish have been lethargic and deep. Look to mix up the techniques/lures and fish during the cooler times of the day. This reservoir packs some resident fish that have avoided the “hook” over the years and can reach very decent sizes. Throw them something that they don’t see every day to spark their curiosity, you could get a taker and be on our next catch of the week!  
Pikeview Reservoir

Catamount Reservoirs 

As of 8/10/2018 Fishing has been “decent”. Water temps are low so trout will be heading a little deeper during the warmer days and afternoons. Anglers have been having some success with terrestrials and other top water bugs. During the summer months and hot weather focus your bug patterns to hoppers, aunt patterns and beetles. Try and bubble with a 20inch plus leader to your fly. Early morning and evening will see more active fish. Water levels were reported as “LOW”. Summertime conditions means different bugs and hatches. If you are lure fishing, test your depths instead of repeating the same retrieval as fish will start to move deeper throughout the day. Sometimes even jigging a Kastmaster or other jigs (usually at a 15-20 + foot range) will tempt holding fish at deeper depths during warm days
Catamount Reservoirs 

Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

This 762-acre impoundment is located off of E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. As of 8/1/2018 Water temp is 69 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is slow. Occasionally we have received a good report using PowerBait off the dam. Boaters reporting fair to good conditions on trout trolling with crawlers and lures. Some nice trout in the 18 -21 inches range have been caught recently. Walleye action from boats is slow to fair with an occasional good report. Some reports of largemouth being caught on top water lures. Restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours August 5:30am-9:00pm.
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 7/30/2018 water temperature is 74 degrees the trout have been tougher to catch but some success has been reported using nightcrawlers along the bottom. Walleye fishing is good but can be tough with the large amounts of shad present in the system.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 8/10/2018 Water temp is 65 - 69 degrees. As far as the warm water species goes, Quincy has been doing great as of late. If you are a trout fisher maybe it’s time to expand your interest because the bass and pan fish have been very active and feeding heavily especially on top water lures. For bass particularly, reports of hoppers and poppers have been very successful (these flies and lures are particularly good in the mornings and evenings). The reservoir has also been a destination for people to flock on the weekends so it has been crowded so try fishing on a weekday. Park Hours for August 5:30am-9:00pm. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Electric motors only and hand launched watercraft only-trailers and vehicles prohibited in the water. For more information call 303-326-8424. 
Quincy Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

This 1,356 impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park, as of 8/10/2018 water temperature is 73 degrees. There are reports of shad being very active and schooling up in large numbers. You should have good luck with bass, especially smallmouth, hitting the shad so keep a look out for the schools (bid activity always a good indicator to start with). Deeper fish have been reported around the 25-30 foot range. We have a fairly HOT weekend ahead of us so don’t be shy to mix up the species even by doing a little carp fishing. They can tolerate the heat better than a lot of fish in our Front Range bodies of water and Chatfield has plenty monsters in there to go around.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Rifle Gap Reservoir

As of 8/7/2018 pike and trout are being caught throughout the lake. Bass fishing has been good near the Cedar Campground as well as near the dam. Keep in mind that there are a couple of fishing regulations that are specific to Rifle Gap: Walleye - Bag/possession limit= 1 fish Size= Must be 18 inches or greater All other species are same as the statewide regulations. 
Rifle Gap Reservoir

Vega

As of 8/5/2018, Early Settlers and Oak Point boat ramps are CLOSED for the season. The Island boat ramp remains open at this time. The lake level is receding rapidly. Fishing is good. Yellow PowerBait is landing some nice rainbows and cutthroats. Don't forget to stop at the entrance and have your boat inspected prior to launching. The ANS inspection station is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7 days a week. If at any time it is closed, please come to the Visitor Center for boat inspections 
Vega

James M. Robb

As of 7/23/2018 Trout fishing has slowed down with the warm weather but fishing for sun fish and bluegill is good. Please ensure the responsible and ethical release of fish. Trash cans are available to dispose of fishing line.
James M. Robb State Park

Stagecoach State Park

As of 7/28/2018 the lake is starting to experience some algae blooms which can make the fishing tougher with decreased water clarity. Some pike have been caught on various baits along the edges of the weed beds. Trout fishing has been good using lures like in-line spinners or spoons for the larger fish.
Stagecoach Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This 8,900 acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. As of 8/1/2018, water levels are much lower compared to last year and concentrating the fish. Kokanee Salmon fishing has been fair while jigging. Colors that have been producing fish are pink, orange, and chartreuse. Smaller lake trout are being caught at the deeper depths of the water column. Perch fishing has also been good along the rocky sections of shoreline. Anglers can check on current conditions and boat ramp inspection schedules by contacting Curecanti National Recreation Area at (970-641-2337).
Blue Mesa Reservoir

Mancos

As of 7/22/2018 Mancos is a great place for consistent action from trout and yellow perch. Most of the trout action is from 10-12 inch fish, but there's very good opportunity at an 18-20 inch trout and a few 12 inch-plus perch. Great opportunity for kids to catch fish. Most anglers are finding success with bait (PowerBait, eggs, and crawlers) fishing just off bottom or under a slip bobber. For a chance at the yellow perch and trout, a small jig fished under a bobber on a long leader and tipped with a piece of worm is a good bet. Casting or trolling typical in-line spinners (Panther Martins, Mepps) from boats is another approach at the trout. Hand-launchable boats (non-motorized kayaks, canoes, belly boats, etc) are a great way to fish the lake in this off-season. This is the first year in more than 15 years that the lake has not gotten decent ice to fish.Mancos State Park
Mancos State Park

Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 7/30/2018 the water level is a bit lower than in years past. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s fishing has increased some for trout with recent stockings, baits fished off the bottom in 20 feet of water. Lake trout have been tough but the deeper portions of the reservoir is where those fish can be caught using nightcrawlers off the bottom. Pike have been caught anywhere in the reservoir that has good weed growth. Many of the pike caught have been small in size.
Taylor Park Reservoir

Navajo Reservoir

As of 8/1/2018 Fishing at Navajo Lake has been good. Small mouth bass fishing has been good in the main channel where the water temperature is a bit cooler. Many large Pike have been reported being caught using bait fish lures. Catfish fishing has been good by Windsurf beach area. The boat ramp at Two Rivers Marina is in good shape, and launching is good. The Marina store at the Arboles boat ramp has been moved to the Visitor center due to low water conditions. Ice, ice cream, drinks and snacks are available at the visitor store, gasoline is not. The boat ramp and ANS inspection station remain open. Colorado and New Mexico fishing licenses for the 2018-2019 season are now on sale and are available at the Visitor Center. Social security numbers are required for license purchase. ID is required for purchase of all Colorado licenses. Please remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.  
Navajo State Park

Ridgway Reservoir 

As of 8/10/2018 Fishing for trout is good, lures of choice are worms, salmon eggs, spinners, and Rapala’s. Fishing Ponds at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk have been fishing slow to decent with small worms, and egg imitations. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River: has been fishing well with small nymphs, pale morning duns/nymphs, with occasional Green Drake hatches. Pink Cahill’s have been producing excellent. Terrestrial season is here with hoppers, ants, and similar producing fish. 
Ridgway Reservoir