Free fishing in Colorado June 2-3!

Conditions Report - Statewide

Rivers and Creeks

The recent rains and beginning stages of runoff have increased flows on the streams throughout the state. This extra moisture will surely get the substrate stirred up which can flush some of the larger insects and worms into the flow and the trout will surely be feeding heavily. This means anglers must use a bit larger and flashier presentations when fishing these conditions. Fish diets in the early spring are made up primarily of midges and an assortment of small blue-winged olive nymphs and are occasionally supplemented by larger mayflies, annelids, trout eggs, stoneflies, and even caddis larva. Spring fishing typically consists of a lot of nymph fishing since the trout are not overly active due to the cold water temperatures, so try using stonefly nymphs and imitation midges. Remember that the hatches are becoming more frequent in the spring, so keep an eye for surface activity and do not hesitate to switch to a dry fly presentation, especially during the warmest parts of the day. We are approaching some of the best dry fly hatches of the year and anglers should be excited for the prospect of surface feeding. It is also important to be mindful of your split shot usage. With the fish being concentrated in the slower moving water during the run-off it is important to make sure those flies drift directly in their path. Be sure not to use too much split shot though because the last thing you’ll want to do is to have to retrieve a snag in those cold waters. 
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 5/30/2018 the trout fishing continues to be very good with various lures both from shore and boats. Anglers are reporting many catches in the 3 to 6 pound range, mostly trolling deep with lead core line. Anglers are also reporting some success with Kokanee Salmon fishing deeper, pink has been a color mentioned as catching salmon lately. There have also been a few pike reported in the shallower sections of the reservoir. The pike fishing is expected to get better later into the year.
Eleven Mile State Park

Jackson Reservoir

This 2,967 acre reservoir is located approximately 32 miles east of Greeley and 10 miles north of Wiggins. As of 5/31/2018 lake level is full. Surface water temperature is approximately 64 degrees. We are open to boating. Fishing has been fair to good for crappie, wiper and walleye. For up-to-date fishing conditions contact the park directly at 970-645-2551.
Jackson Reservoir

Boyd Lake

Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection hours for the month of May are 6:00 am-10:00 pm daily. As of 5/27/2018 water temperatures are in the low 60’s even though the water coming in the inlet did cool the water temperature a bit fishing has been good for trout using traditional baits all over the lake. White Bass fishing has started to pick up with quite a few fish being caught. Anglers are starting to report success with crappie fishing as well. Bass fishing is getting better, jerk baits for Smallmouth and lipless crankbaits or spinnerbaits for Largemouth. Reminder - No fishing from marina slips or docks (next to is okay but can't use them in any way. PLEASE NOTE: Any live fish collected for use as bait may only be used in the same body of water from which they were collected. All live bait/fish from a commercial source and transported by anglers must at all times be accompanied by a receipt for the source. See the Colorado Fishing Regulations for further clarification and information.
Boyd Lake

Clear Creek

As of 6/1/2018 due to recent rain flows have increased to 670 CFS at Golden with visibility being affected by increasing flows. Fishing has been fair for browns, rainbows, and cutthroats using Stimulators, Griffith’s Gnat, Midges, Pheasant Tails, and Prince Nymphs in black or dark colors. Caddis dries have also been producing strikes for many anglers.
Clear Creek

North Sterling

As of 5/28/2018, water temperature is about 63 with some warmer temps in the shallow coves. Fishing is Good/Great for Walleye, Crappie and Wiper, with several limits of Crappie being caught and numerous 28-31 inch Wiper coming out. Both shore fishermen and boaters are having good luck. Many reports of nice crappie above 12 inches as well.
North Sterling

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 5/28/2018 the Inlet Bay and South Bay ramps are open to boating 6:00 am- 10:00 pm seven days a week. With water temperatures nearing 60 degrees fishing for walleyes and smallmouth bass has been getting better, expect to find the smallmouth along rock faces with jerk baits being a good bait. Anglers have reported catching both walleye and smallmouth using the same presentations. Fishing from shore can also be successful from the many rocky points along the reservoir. We have even had some reports of anglers finding success using streamers on a fly rod for smallmouth.
Horsetooth Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

As of 5/29/2018, water temperatures are slowly rising and the fishing is continuing to pick up. Reports from anglers are that the pike are becoming very active with many nice fish being caught. Pike are being caught on a wide variety of reaction style baits. Fishing from shore has also been good for fly fishers targeting the large trout this reservoir is known for. Fly fisherman have had success using scud flies and other fisherman have been successful using casting spoons. Expect to see many large hatches in the coming weeks which can make dry fly fishing more and more productive.
Spinney Mountain State Park

Barr Lake State Park

As of 5/30/2018 water temperature is at 66 degrees and continuing to rise and the water level remains steady. Walleye have been slow, and the trout are continuing to bite from shore. Wipers are starting to become more active as well. Carp are still congregating in the shallows, making them easy targets! Please remember fishing is not allowed in the canals surrounding the lake.
Barr Lake

Bear Creek Reservoir

As of 5/31/2018 water levels are full and the temperature is nearing 65 degrees. Recent stockings have made the trout fishing very good using many different baits, lures, and flies. Fishing for saugeye and smallmouth bass is good as well from shore and from boat. Reminder, this is a city of Lakewood Park, a state parks pass is not valid at this park.
Bear Creek Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River

May 30th - Upper River: The upper Arkansas river is in good shape, with the best clarity in the afternoon. Fishing along the edges has been producing well. Below the confluence with Lake Creek, the river picks up 544 cfs from the reservoir outflow (clear water!) which helps to stabilize clarity through Granite. From now on, focus with larger, dark fly patterns along the edges and thoroughly probe the slower water where fish will hold to find relief from the increasing flows. Large attractor dry/dropper (stoneflies and caddis) set-ups along with streamers should produce fish and make for a fun day! May 30th- Middle River: The river is still slightly stained but looks excellent today, 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. Though most fish seem to be focused subsurface, we're seeing an increasing amount of surface interest, as more and more fish begin to eat chernobyl ants and stimulators. 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! May 30th - Below Salida: With tributary flows dropping and a decrease in the release from Twin Lakes, flows have dropped and clarity is great on the river this morning. We've had really 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 tight to the banks waiting opportunistically for food to come their way. Although the flows are still relatively high, the pockets and edges provide a break from the current and holding water for the trout. Stonefly nymphs and caddis pupa fished under an attractor dry 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

The lake is at 1010 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6205.79 feet. Shore anglers are catching trout on homemade dough bait and PowerBait (green color) all along south shore and Reilly Canyon. Some trout have also been caught using smaller spoons or in-line spinners. As of 5/23/2018 anglers have started to report some success catching walleye on various presentations including crankbaits. Boating is open for the season. Please be advised that all boats must be inspected prior to launching.
Trinidad Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 5/29/2018 Surface temperature is around 60 degrees at various locations on the lake. Walleye are all the talk at this time of year. Fishermen are having success using a variety of methods. Jerk baits and crankbaits will yield success, as well as jigs tipped with nightcrawlers. Bass fishing is nearing a peak with bass being caught on jerk baits and crankbaits as well as plastics. Anglers have also been reporting success catching wiper and crappie throughout many parts of the lake. Both boat ramps are open at this time. Summer hours are in effect, ramps open at 5 AM and close at 11 PM. 
Lake Pueblo

Lathrop

As of 5/26/2018 the surface temperature on Martin Lake is around 61.3 degrees. Visitors have been fishing from shore and on boats. With warming weather, Martin Lake has seen increased boat traffic on the weekends. Trout are not as active and will move to deeper water during the heat of the day. However, fishermen still have success using PowerBait and similar products. One visitor reported catching a 14 inch trout near the Martin inlet. Warm water fish, like bass and sunfish are active in the mornings and may be found guarding spawning beds near the shore this time of year. Several northern pike have been reported. Visitors are using a variety of bait to catch pike including stick bait lures, such as Rapala lures. The surface temperature of Horseshoe Lake is about 58.6 degrees. Visitors are having some success fishing from the dam for smallmouth. The smallmouth bass start to move around in the morning as the water heats up and have been seen feeding from the surface. Small rubber spider or other top water bait could produce exciting catches during those times.
Lathrop

John Martin Reservoir

John Martin Reservoir offers many types of warm-water fish. As of 5/22/2018 now that we are in the prime fishing time of the year for this reservoir fishing has been good for crappie, saugeye and wiper. Anglers from all over the country come to John Martin Reservoir mid-summer to fish for bass and wiper. Late-night anglers will find channel catfish and walleye all summer long. Bluegill and drum are found throughout the seasons as well. Fall usually brings another run of crappie and wiper.
John Martin Reservoir State Park

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Delaney Butte Lakes

As of 5/28/2018 The Delaney’s have been fishing well with many active fish and anglers reporting success. South Delaney reporting sizable rainbows and North Delaney reporting great action on the browns. Anglers are reporting success on small in-line spinners and flies.
Delaney Butte Lakes SWA

Highline Lake/Mack Mesa Lake

As of 5/24/2018 Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake was stocked with rainbow trout very recently so fishing should be good. Highline Lake and Mack Mesa are both open for boating. Please stop at the Visitor Center at the East Entrance or call 970-858-7208 to request an ANS inspection before launching. Anglers may contact Highline State Park for updates on fishing conditions. 
Highline Lake/Mack Mesa Lake

Harvey Gap Reservoir

As of 5/13/2018, perch of all sizes along with some pike and trout are reported being caught. Anglers are reporting that worms are working well for the perch and trout with the pike being caught on lures. Special fishing regulations at Harvey Gap Reservoir include a minimum size of 15 inches for largemouth bass and a bag and possession limit of 2 for channel catfish. Standard bag and possession limits apply for all other species. Bag and possession limits for smallmouth bass and northern Pike are unlimited. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CAN DISTINGUISH TIGER MUSKIE FROM NORTHERN PIKE. ALL TIGER MUSKIE LESS THAN 36 INCHES MUST BE RELEASED ALIVE. For more information regarding tiger muskie, please contact CPW Area Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt at benjamin.felt@state.co.us. Anglers may contact Harvey Gap/Rifle Gap State Park, Phone: 970-625-1607 for updates on fishing conditions.
Harvey Gap Reservoir

Rifle Gap Reservoir

As of 5/30/2018 Pike and trout are being caught throughout the lake. Bass fishing has been good near the Cedar Campground as well as near the dam. 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 5/21/2018, shore fishing is excellent at this time. PowerBait and spinners have been reported as the most successful bait at this time. The Island boat ramp is open. 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.
Vega

Lake John

As of 5/28/2018 fishing is still active here at Lake John for many different sizes of fish. Still hearing about 16-21 inches very regularly. Nightcrawlers, garlic or shrimp PowerBait, Kastmasters, and needlefish with a piece of worm are doing well.
Lake John

Elkhead Reservoir

As of 5/22/2018 fishing at Elkhead is increasing with anglers reporting catching bass and pike, things will continue to pick-up as the water clears up. 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

Stagecoach State Park

As of 5/27/2018 Late Spring/early Summer fishing is on! Many anglers are having luck (or limiting out on rainbows) at the Inlet/Lot14/Lot16 area, Keystone Cove, and Morrison Cove. Successful anglers are reporting luck with PowerBait, PowerGrubs, nightcrawlers, mealworms, spoons, jigs, stick and crank baits.
Stagecoach Reservoir

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 5/27/2018 Water temperature is 60 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is rated as slow to fair. Some reports of trout being caught using PowerBait from the dam and open areas along the shoreline. The trout are running deeper now, focus on fishing deeper areas like the dam casting out 40-50 yards! Boaters also reporting slow to fair conditions on trout. Boaters have reported anywhere from slow to good reports on walleye using jigs, bottom bouncers and jerk baits. A few reports of smallmouth bass and largemouth being caught using jigs and jerk baits in the coves and off the points. Restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours May 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 5/31/2018 walleye fishing is continuing to be good as the fish are starting to be more concentrated in schools on the shallow structures of the lake. Walleye are being caught all over the lake, trolling crankbaits or bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses has been producing. Fishing for trout has been productive both from shore or boat using many different techniques.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 5/27/2018 Water temperature is 65 degrees. The water level is good. Bass fishing is fair to good! Reports from boaters and shore anglers using jigs, jerk baits and soft plastics. Also reports of top water action on bass using frogs. Trout fishing is slow to fair using spinners and flies. Fly fishermen have been reporting success in the early morning and evening. Park Hours for May 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 5/30/2018 water temperature is in the lower 60’s and increasing. Walleye fishing has been good, swimbaits and crankbaits have been reported to be catching fish. Anglers are also reporting walleye being caught using bottom bouncers and live bait. Pitching jigs with artificial tails in shallow water has also been catching fish. Trout have recently been stocked and are being caught using a variety of baits from shore. Smallmouth Bass have also been active along rocky shores in the lake with fish being caught on various presentations. Jerk baits and scented plastics have been good producers for smallmouth bass. 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 - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This 8,900 acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. As of 5/29/2018, Trout fishing has been decreasing as the water temperatures warm and the fish transition deeper into the water column. Kokanee Salmon fishing has been good 20 to 50 feet below the surface. The kokanee salmon fishing is expected to be fantastic once again throughout this summer. Lake trout fishing continues getting better and better, some anglers are reporting large fish being caught and released. Smaller lake trout are being caught in large numbers at the deeper depths of the water column. Trolling seems to be the most productive currently for Kokanee and the few trout being caught. 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 5/24/2018 Water temps are in the low 60's. We have had reports of perch, crappie, trout and catfish being caught recently. There was a report of a 10 lb. catfish caught.
Crawford State Park

Mancos

As of 5/26/2018, The lake is open water and has been stocked with thousands of rainbow trout 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-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. 
Mancos State Park

Navajo State Park

As of 6/1/2018 Fishing at Navajo Lake is very good. The water temperature at the Two Rivers Marina is 63 degrees. Crappie fishing has been good with some 13-14 inch crappie being caught. Using jigs and fishing in water depths 6ft - 10ft. The smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing has been very good with some smallmouth up to 21 inches being caught, and several 7-8 pound largemouth. Pike fishing has been good fishing in the shallow water, using anything that looks like a bait fish. 
Navajo Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 5/27/2018 fishing has been great for pike with many large fish being caught both from shore and boats. The lake has recently been stocked with trout. Trout fishing has been good using green PowerBait eggs from shore. Expect the trout to be found in the shallow water. Anglers are starting to report some lake trout being caught on sucker meat throughout the lake. Lake trout have been moving deeper and anglers are having success trolling lures behind a downrigger.
Taylor Park Reservoir