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 7/14/2018 Trout-Very Good-Action report all over the reservoir, High counts of fish under 16 inches with several larger than 20 inches reported being caught near Witcher's Cove, Rocking Chair and Stoll Mountain. PowerBait and Kastmasters producing nice results along with Worms, Needle Fish, Pink Squid & Pop gear. Pink is the color of the week. Kokanee Salmon-Slow-Try main channel 30'-35' near Deer and Duck Island. Trolling with Cowbells, Needle Fish or Dodger Squid. Northern Pike 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 7/11/2018 water temperatures are in the low 70’s fishing has been good for trout using traditional baits all over the lake. The crappie and white bass seem to have transitioned a bit deeper and are being caught in the main lake. Bass fishing is fair, jerk baits for Smallmouth and lipless crankbaits or spinnerbaits for Largemouth. Walleye have been caught throughout the lake mainly on live bait close to the bottom. 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 7/14/2018, Trout-Very Good-Fles 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. Northern Pike-Good-North end along sandbar, a few over 30 to 45 inches. Rapalas & Crocodiles, Pink/silver spoons are working.
Spinney Mountain State Park

Barr Lake State Park

As of 7/8/2018 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 action has also increased significantly, with several being caught from shore around the ramp. Worms fished low and slow seem to be doing the trick!
Barr Lake

Staunton State Park

As of 7/8/2018, both ponds have recently been stocked and the trout fishing is great. 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 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.
Staunton State Park

Jackson Lake

As of 7/17/2018 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

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River

July 10th - Upper River: The upper Arkansas river is in excellent shape! Fishing along the edges has been extremely productive, and this is by far the easiest section of the Arkansas to wade fish at current flows. Below the confluence with Lake Creek, the river picks up 420 cfs from the reservoir outflow (clear water!) which helps to stabilize clarity through Granite. From now on, focus with stonefly and caddis patterns along the edges, where fish can find respite from the faster water. It won't be long until we see Drakes up at Hayden Meadows! Large attractor dry/dropper (Golden stoneflies, Yellow Sally stones, and caddis) set-ups, along with streamers should produce fish and make for a fun day. July 10th- Middle River: The middle basin is in excellent shape, as tributary flows drop and the release from Twin Lakes is cut back a bit. Conditions are very similar to what we find in early summer: fish holding in the slow, sheltered lies where they can ambush vulnerable food as it drifts by in the faster water. Much of this holding water is right up on the bank, or near it where both float fishermen and wade fishermen can easily reach it. Fish large attractor patterns along the banks wherever slower water can be found. With the growing presence of yellow sallies along the edges, sally dries or nymphs are an excellent option. We're seeing an increasing amount of surface interest, as more and more fish begin to eat Chernobyl Ants and stimulators. Dry/Dropper rigs with sallies or big attractor dries and caddis, sally, or attractor nymphs have been getting great reports. Streamers are also a good option as the brown trout fry emerge and are vulnerable as they acclimate to the changing river conditions. Advice to wade fishermen is to stay on the bank if possible, as the swift current can make for challenging wading. The fish are likely in the water you want to stand in! July 10th - Below Salida: The river is in excellent shape, and is really beginning to turn on. Summer hatches are beginning to show themselves, with a handful of golden stonefly sightings and lots of yellow sally activity below Salida (with reports all the way up through Granite) the past week. Combining tributary flows receding and significant decreases in the release from Twin Lakes, flows are excellent and clarity is great on the river today. We've had consistently good reports the past couple of days from anglers fishing along the edges with attractor dry/droppers or shallow nymph rigs. Think summertime tactics, with fish taking up ambush lies near the banks waiting opportunistically for food to come their way. The pockets and edges along the shoreline provide a break from the current and holding water for the trout. Stonefly nymphs and caddis pupa fished under an attractor dry fly will move fish along the edges, and the presence of immature brown trout fry in the river make for excellent streamer fishing. 
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Trinidad Reservoir

As of 7/17/2018 the lake is at 759 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6187.28. Surface water temps around 74 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. 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. 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. 
Trinidad Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 7/10/2018 Surface temperature is 76 degrees. Fishing has slowed somewhat due to the warmer weather. However, anglers need to fish deeper water right now and concentrate fishing efforts to early and late in the day. Soft plastics and crankbaits should produce a few bass. Anglers looking for walleye should be fishing in deeper water now that the lake temperature has come up and is on the rise. Minnows and leeches have been productive for walleye. There have also been reports of walleyes caught drifting with a jig and nightcrawler along the bottom. There have been a few reports of wipers being caught while trolling. Boaters are reminded that the boat ramps open at 5 AM and close at 11 PM daily.
Lake Pueblo

John Martin Reservoir

As of 7/7/2018 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

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 7/15/2018 Water temperature is nearing 70 degrees. Trout fishing from shore has been fair to good using PowerBait off the dam and open areas along the south shoreline. The trout are running deeper now, focus on fishing deeper areas like the dam casting out 40-50 yards with PowerBait off a slip rig! Boaters also reporting fair to good conditions on trout trolling with crawlers and lures. Walleye action from boats appears to be starting to pick up trolling with bottom bouncers and jigs tipped with crawlers. Yellow perch action is picking up from shore and from boats using jigs tipped with worms. Restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours July 5:00am-9:30pm.
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 7/9/2018 the trout have been tougher to catch but some success has been reported using nightcrawlers along the bottom. Walleye fishing is still productive during the cooler parts of the day either trolling crankbaits or using a jig tipped with a leech or nightcrawler. Reports of a few crappie being caught in some of the deeper sections of the lake.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 7/15/2018 Water temp is in the low 70’s. The water level is good. Bass fishing has is rated as slow to fair with an occasional good report using jigs, chatter baits and senkos. A few reports of top water action on bass using frogs. Reports of smallmouth being caught off the dam using jigs and Ned rigs. Trout fishing is slow, a few reports using spinners and flies. Fly fishermen have been reporting success in the early morning and evening. Park Hours for July 5:00am-9:30pm. 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 7/17/2018 water temperature is 73. Trout fishing has slowed with the warmer water temperatures. But are still being caught at various locations around the lake. Fishing for smallmouth has been fair during the low light periods of the day using top water baits. Walleye fishing is slowing as well with the warm water temperatures. Most of the fish are being caught in the slightly deeper water. Please note that due to the Chatfield Reallocation construction fishing access from the west side of the park (Eagle Cove – Kingfisher) is closed. Please access the lake from the east side of the reservoir. 
Chatfield Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Rifle Gap Reservoir

As of 7/15/2018 Perch fishing has been good using various baits throughout the lake. Walleye fishing has been good if you can find the fish on structure throughout the lake. Special fishing regulations at Rifle Gap Reservoir include a bag and possession limit of 1 walleye 18 inches or greater; bag and possession limit for yellow perch is 20.
Rifle Gap Reservoir

Vega

As of 7/9/2018, Fishing is excellent with anglers reporting PowerBait and small silver or gold spinners the most successful baits to use. Early Settlers boat ramp is CLOSED for the season. Oak Point and the Island boat ramps remain open at this time. The lake level is receding rapidly. Don't forget to stop at the entrance and have your boat inspected prior to launching. The ANS inspection station is open from 6:00am to 8:30pm 7 days a week. 
Vega

Elkhead Reservoir

As of 7/9/2018 fishing at Elkhead is fair with lots of pike and smallmouth caught during the CPW tournaments. Anglers were reporting success on various lures for both species. Keep in mind at the NORTH EAST ACCESS Pre inspection is required for all non-exempt hand launched vessels. You are required to have a seal and receipt to launch. Exempt vessels are: Kayaks, Canoes, Rafts, Belly Boats, Windsurfers (paddle boards), Sailboards, foldable plastic boats, float tubes and inner tubes. 
Elkhead Reservoir

James M. Robb

As of 7/14/2018 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

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This 8,900 acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. As of 7/18/2018, water levels are much lower compared to last year and concentrating the fish. Kokanee Salmon fishing has been good at various depths trolling. Some of the fish caught are starting to show signs of the spawning season. 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

Crawford

As of 7/14/2018 Water temps are in the mid 70's. Anglers have had luck catching all species that are in the lake.
Crawford State Park

Mancos

Shoreline CLOSURE 6/13/2018 Due to National Forest closure for wild fire protection Mancos State Park has closed portions of the facility, including the shoreline, with the exception of the rip-rap of the dam face and shoreline fishing areas on either side of the dam. Appropriately inspected craft may still be launched from the boat ramp; however, there is no other shoreline access from the craft. This closure is expected to last at minimum through 7/10/2018. The lake is open water and has been stocked with thousands of rainbow trout already this spring. Additional stockings will occur through the summer. 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 perch. There is 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. A park pass is required on vehicles in the park. Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay station at the park entrance. 
Mancos State Park

Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 7/15/2018 water temperatures are in the mid 60’s fishing has slowed some for trout however 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 7/15/2018 Fishing at Navajo lake has been very good. The smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent with some large bass being caught. With the lake levels low it is good to fish the shallow coves for both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Pike fishing has also been very productive. Using crank bait lures has been effective for the bass. Fly fishing for bass has also been very good using streamer flies or crawfish imitations. Using any lure that resembles a bait fish will work well for Pike. 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 center. Gasoline is not. The boat ramp and ANS inspection station remain open.
Navajo State Park