Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

This weekend appears to be another hot and dry one for most of the state as many areas will see temperatures in the mid 90’s. Hot temperatures do not necessarily help the fishing conditions especially since this summer has seen very low river flows and low water levels in our lakes. The good news is we are halfway through September and the cooler, nightly temperatures are working in our favor. Depending what type of fishing you plan on doing this weekend, there are always good alternatives in Colorado that will give you a good opportunity to keep catching fish no matter the weather conditions. If you are looking to fly fish, try heading up to the mountains to some high alpine lakes or streams as their season is quickly coming to an end. Remember, cutthroats are not the only trout in the subalpine. Brook trout can also be a very fun option when fishing the high country. In lakes they will often be found around sunken structures and other cover while in streams look for calmer pools or beaver ponds. They are aggressive fish so try luring them out with a wooly bugger or a hopper. If you prefer to try some warm water fishing this weekend, the bass have been reported as very active in most of our lakes and reservoirs where present. Early morning will be the best time to fish them as they will be in shallower waters and feeding on reactionary baits. Poppers and plastics are a very fun option when fishing for bass so remember to change up your retrievals often until you start getting consistent hits. Bait fishing will produce better when getting your bait deep and fishing early in the morning as well. We wish everyone good luck and remember to share your fishing pictures with us! 
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 9/14/2018, the fishing has steadily picked up for pike and trout as the seasonal weather has had a positive impact on the reservoir as far as angling is concerned. The kokanee has not improved much and might remain difficult for the remainder of the season unless you target the spawners. The same baits, lures and techniques we mentioned last week will still come into play for the pike and trout. Tasmanian Devils and Kastmasters have done well from boats while trolling or drift casting for trout. The weeds are dying down some or at least not getting worse but still check your tackle every so often to remove any weed snags. Shore anglers are having luck with night crawlers and various spinners and lures. Live bait, spinners and using crankbaits that can avoid the weeds are all working well for pike. 
Eleven Mile State Park

Boyd Lake

As of 8/31/2018, the water temperature is very warm at about 75 degrees. The water levels are decent for this time of year and only down about 6-10 feet from full. Not a whole lot to report in terms of walleye or saugeye and it is safe to assume the water temperatures have pushed them to the lake depths. Largemouth bass are going to be your best bet for success this time of year. Look to see the bass being most active early in the morning. Senko’s will always get some takers so adjust your retrievals until you find the appropriate action that sparks the fish’s interest. Using plastic frogs next to weed beds and muddy shorelines have also reported some success. 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 9/14/2018, the fishing is getting better and better. For fly anglers, underwater nymphs and midges such as damsels and chironomids in the red and black colors are still producing well. Another set up to consider for a fly rod is a short sink tip line with a leach pattern in dark red or olive colors. Wooly buggers are also a good option for most conditions at Spinney. Look for weed lines and lanes to find feeding fish. Fish are schooling and feeding along the weed lines as usual but reports of large cruising fish are coming in so make sure to cover some real estate while out there. Popular spinning rod techniques will still apply as reports of tube jigs, Kastmasters and especially spoons in black, or red and white are still getting good catches. 
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 8/20/2018, the Lake level is dropping at approximately a tenth of an inch a day. Surface water temperature is approximately 70 degrees. Fishing has been fair to good for channel catfish, crappie, wiper, and walleye. We are open to boating. 
Jackson Lake State Park

Horsetooth Reservoir

As of 9/14/2018, the surface temperature at the reservoir is about 68 degrees and the water level is about 32 feet down or 64 percent full. Walleye are being marked at around 25-30 feet deep but not many reports of great success with them right now. The smallmouths have been active lately. Anglers are finding success with Senkos around rock structures or medium depth crankbaits. If you are fishing from shore be sure to get an early start when the bass are feeding in the shallower waters. Trout fishing has been fair with salmon eggs and PowerBait from shore or boats. Once we start to hit the cooler temperatures of fall, the trout fishing should pick up. 
Horsetooth Reservoir 

North Sterling 

As of 9/8/2018, the water temperature is about 71 degrees with some warmer temperatures in the shallow coves. The lake is about 28 feet down from full and dropping 2-3 feet a week. 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

As of 9/14/2018, like last week the flows are too low and temperatures are too high to ethically fish Bear Creek. There was a spike in flows on the 6th but they are way down again and these fish will need a break from being pressured from anglers. Other streams like Clear Creek would be a better option. Updated CFS flows can be checked on the USGS streamflow data page. Flows: below 5 CFS (9/14/2018) 
Bear Creek

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 9/14/2018, the river’s flow has hovered below the historical averages for over a week but definitely still fishable. The past week has seen a drop for about 5 days, a spike for a few days, and currently it is back down so keep an eye out for another spike soon if this pattern continues. Currently along much of this stretch of the South Platte, the hatches have primarily been blue winged olives and tricos. If you make it out on a cloudy day, look for some surface action and try a dry fly rig with 2 blue winged olives. Tying the larger fly in front can serve as an indicator for your 2nd, smaller fly. For the brighter and warmer days, your best bet will be a nymph rig. Scuds have been a good option for anglers right now and would be a good choice as a lead fly followed by your baetis and midge patters. Smaller sized midges in the #20 to #22 range has reported some good success. Water clarity is very clear so do some sight fishing if you can and be stealthy. Some good sized fish have been caught recently as water temperatures have cooled down below 60 degrees which is allowing fish to focus more on feeding and allowing for some decent hatches. Flows: 189 CFS (9/12/2018) 
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

South Platte - Middle Fork 

As of 9/14/2018, fishing has been decent recently with some good hatches of trico, midges, and blue winged olives happening at the moment. Flows are actually hovering right above the historical average with a recent spike in flows on Tuesday. If these flows maintain, fishing should continue to be good on the Dream Stream for the coming weekend. Mayfly nymphs have also been a very reliable option for anglers. Depending on the strength of that day’s hatch, there has been some reports of some great dry fly action. Some dries to consider are #22-#24 sized dry and sunken trico spinners, #22 Matt’s Midges and #20 sparkle duns. Other flies to consider are flashback pheasant tails, foam winged emergers and a juju baetis. Flows: 125 CFS (9/12/2018) 
South Platte - Middle Fork 

Cache la Poudre

As of 9/14/2018, the flows near Fort Collins are steady and about at the historical average but flows up near the canyon mouth are way down so be mindful of this weekend’s heat wave and check water temperatures as you fish. The colder nightly temperatures should improve overall fishing and the hopper dropper rigs are still recommended but also keep an eye out for some surface water feeding and try out some dry flies when you do see some consistent action. Various hatches are coming off right now such as Pale Morning Duns and caddis in the evenings. Keep the terrestrial flies somewhat smaller but look to tie one on your rig when temperatures are hotter towards the middle of the day. Various nymph patterns in the #16-20 range are working well. Look to find fish feeding in pocket waters and slower runs that match a brisk walking pace. Flows: 35 CFS near Canyon mouth and 49 CFS at Fort Collins (9/14/2018) 
Cache la Poudre 

Waterton Canyon

As of 9/14/2018, the flows are currently good at Waterton and sticking right around the historic average. The biggest thing is to pay attention to the heat and water temperatures. Colder nights are allowing the river to start the day off with cooler water temperatures which is what we like to see this time of year. Summer hatches of caddis and mayflies will still be the story for a few more weeks at least. Terrestrials will always be a good option as well until we start getting consistently colder temperatures or a solid freeze. Some good options to tie on your rig is an attractor or stimulator followed by a dropper such as a copper john, hare’s ear, or Juju Baetis. Flows: 174 CFS (9/13/2018) 
Waterton Canyon 

Clear Creek

As of 9/14/2018, the flows have been on a steady downward trend so be mindful of the water temperatures. Try some sight fishing and start early in the day to find some feeding trout and good hatches. Our tip of the week could come in handy for Clear Creek as you might need to convince these educated trout if you are able to sneak up on some feeders and present your flies to them. A hopper dropper rig with an Amy’s Ant, Hippy Stomper or a smaller Chubby Chernobyl followed by a hair’s ear or Two Bit Hooker in the #16 size range should produce some fish. Some reports of worms in red and natural colors have also been a good choice for the dropper fly. If the hopper is not getting any good takes then think about changing to a 2 nymph system and consider the tip of the week technique. Flows: 56 CFS (9/14/2018) 
Clear Creek

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River-Lake Pueblo

As of 9/14/2018, the voluntary closure has been lifted and flows are way up, even above the historic average. It has been long enough since the bump in flows that the water clarity is good and fish are recovering and feeding normally again. Fishing high flows like this will be somewhat tricky to move and wade around in so be careful when navigating this section of the river. Keep an eye out for some good hatches of caddis and mayflies but most of the action will be under the water. Guides are suggesting a 3 nymph rig and making sure you get some good weight on there. Starting off with a heavier leach pattern or a Pat’s Rubber Legs to get your rig down in the water column then followed by summertime emerger and midge patterns and sizes will get some fish. Split shot is also recommended to get your nymphs to sink quickly. With high intensity daylight hours, use nymphs that depict flashier colors such as a purple Juju Baetis, flashback pheasant tail or a Rainbow Warrior in the #16-20. 
Lake Pueblo State Park

Trinidad Reservoir

As of 9/14/2018, the lake is at 703 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6,182.30 feet. Surface water temperatures are around 68 degrees. Shore anglers are catching trout and many other species of fish on homemade dough bait, PowerBait in the green colors, and worms all along the south shore. The river at Reilly Canyon has slowed down to a trickle while heavy willows and other vegetation has emerged 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 which is now off color due to the recent rains up stream. Boaters have done well targeting walleye while smallmouth are being caught early in the morning and late evening. Trout are being caught during all hours. Worm harnesses and crank baits have worked well for many species of fish when fishing in deeper water, around 15 feet or more. 
Trinidad Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 9/14/2018, the surface temperature is around 73 degrees. Fishing has been fair lately but is expected to start picking up with the cooler nights and shorter days ahead. Early mornings are still going to be the best bet as the lake temperature will be at the lowest point during this time. Bass can be taken on top water baits in the early morning hours as well as soft plastics, buzzbaits, and crankbaits. Walleye will continue to be found mainly in deeper water but as water temperatures continue to decline, the walleye will also move up into shallower water early in the morning so use reactionary lures and bait to catch these hunting fish. Lindy rigs, grubs, spoons, and live bait are currently producing walleye. Not many reports on trout fishing right now. Catfish are being caught on the west end using chicken liver and worms. Boaters are reminded that summer boat ramp hours (5 AM to 11 PM) are in effect.
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 9/14/2018, the fishing has remained steady. The lakes were recently stocked not too long ago so there should still be plenty of opportunity to catch hungry and cruising trout. Terrestrials, especially hoppers, are still a good option on the fly rod or a fly-bubble rig. Reports of size #16-20 hairs ear behind the hopper has been bringing in some fish. Use about 24 inches of 4-5x fluorocarbon tippet between the 2 flies so the dropper sinks low enough. Some reports of lake trout have been coming in as the summer draws to an end. As the water temperatures cool the lake trout will prepare to spawn which typically happens in October but you can get some early spawning trout before the reservoirs close for the season. Jigging for lake trout is a good technique. If you have the ability to cover some water and different depths from a canoe or belly boat, you will have the best chances. 
Catamount Reservoirs 

Upper Arkansas 

As of 9/14/2018, water temperatures have been ranging in the 50 and 60 degree mark. The blue winged olive hatch is becoming more and more prevalent and the cooler weather is increasing bug activity. Be ready to switch your nymph rig to a dry fly rig and enjoy the great opportunity of dry fly fishing the Upper Arkansas can offer you this time of year. A hopper dropper rig will be the most productive as the day progresses, the hatches slow down, and as temperatures rise. Pink and purple Chubby Chernobyls, Yellow Sallies and Ruberlegs in the #10-16 are all great indicator flies. Dropper flies to have in your fly box should be Two Bit Hookers, RS2’s, and various emergers in the #14-18 rang. Streamers will also start coming into play as we approach that season so be ready to switch to a streamer if the day is cloudy or you are in low light conditions. Flows: 204 CFS (9/14/2018)
Upper Arkansas – Buena Vista 

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 9/14/2018, the fishing at Aurora has been on fire for just about any species. The fish must be feeling the weather changes and are now feeding regularly. For perch try using jig heads tipped off with a minnow. Trout will be feeding on PowerBaits, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs or various lures such as Kasmasters and spoons. Reports suggest that many techniques, baits, or lures are all working. Keep in mind that we have a warm weekend ahead so give yourself the best chance to catch feeding fish by going early in the morning or evening hours when the fish will be active. Aurora Reservoir is restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for September is 6:00am-8:00pm.
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 9/14/2018, the walleye bite has tailed off some but reports are still showing good catches. Some walleye can be found early in the day around the shallows using reactionary baits but the majority of success has been trolling around the dam near deeper water with blade baits particularly shad imitations. The walleye bite could pick back up when fall rolls around and they come back up to the shallower depths more regularly. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 9/14/2018, the fishing has been good as fish are active. The biggest challenge will be navigating around the weeds. The cooler temperatures will stunt the weed growth so look for openings in the weed lanes to get your lures or baits to the fish. This weekend could be a great opportunity to catch some nice largemouth bass by tossing a Senko along these weed lanes or using a popper early in the morning. Park Hours for September 6:00am-8:00pm. 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 9/14/2018, the walleye are still tough to catch. The shad have been abundant this summer which is great for the walleye population but it makes it hard for us anglers as these walleye have so much food at their disposal. Anglers are still reporting good catches of smallmouths all around the lake. Look for them in their typical stomping grounds such as obstruct, underwater structures and gravel beds. The walleye bite should pick up towards the end of the month and into early October so be ready as they will be fat after their hefty shad diet they experienced this past summer. 
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 9/9/2018, all three boat ramps are CLOSED for the season. Inspections must still be conducted on any hand launchable watercraft with a motor. The ANS inspection station will be open from 7 am to 6:30 pm for motorized watercraft requiring an inspection. If at any time it is closed, please come to the Visitor Center for motor inspections. Please call the park for additional information. The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vega

James M. Robb

As of 8/20/2018, the trout fishing has slowed down with the warm weather but fishing for sunfish and bluegill is good. All lakes are expected to be stocked in the fall when conditions allow so keep your eyes out for our stocking reports as the season approaches. 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

Blue River

As of 9/14/2018, flows haven’t changed a bit this past week so the report will be similar to last week’s. The only real difference is the colder temperatures meaning the mysis and baetis emerger patterns are going to be even more important. These fish will be holding tight to favorable areas where the food source is coming through and they can get good oxygen so do your best to sight fish or at least guess where a fish could be holding before casting. The flies should be small in the #20-24 range and also be aware of any blue winged olive hatches. Terrestrials could still come into play this weekend with the warm forecast so be prepared to toss an Amy’s Ant and Hippie Stompers in the #10-14 range out there. Flows: 55 CFS (9/14/2018) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Frying Pan River

As of 9/14/2018, the Frying Pan received a big boost in flows which may or may not hold over the weekend. If the flows hold, it will be good news for fishing as long as anglers can get their rigs down deep and quick enough to the fish. Green drakes are hatching and much like our last report, make sure to move around to find the feeding fish. Water clarity will be a little stained with the increase in flows but could be clear by the weekend if not already. Dry flies that are prevalent include Sparkle dun drakes, blue winged olive patterns, pale morning dun patterns, and elk haired caddis in the #18-22 sizes. Nymphs that will be catching fish are Split Case Blue Winged Olives, Epoxyback Baetis and Flashdance midges in the #20-22 sizes. Flows: CFS 310 (9/14/2018) 
Frying Pan - Ruedi 

Colorado River

As of 9/14/2018, the river has steadied down to its historical average stream flows from the previously higher flows we were seeing. The Shoshone Power Plant will still require a good amount of water so expect the flows to remain steady. The upper Colorado is still showing some good hatches and top water action of yellow sallies, caddis flies and pale morning duns. A hopper dropper set up is working well for many anglers. With the consistent flows, make sure you use an emerger that has a bead head so you can get down in the water columns. Some anglers are even using tungsten bead heads for added weight. Stick with the yellow sally, pale morning duns or caddis emerger patterns. Streamer fishing has also been getting fish and is picking up lately. Guides suggest trying streamers when the sky is overcast and or the water clarity is stained. Some recommended nymphs to try are size #14-16 Tungsten Torpedos, Guides Choice Hare’s Ear and Tungsten Yellow Sally. Some dries to try are elk haired caddis, Clacka Caddis, and Front End Loaders in the #14-16 sizes. Flows: 878 CFS (9/13/2018) 
Colorado River

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This 8,900-acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. As of 9/14/2018, the very low water levels have made fishing really tough and will continue until we consistently get colder water temperatures in the 55 degree mark. The kokanee jig seems to have ended. Lake trout will start to appear as the weather changes and brings colder temperatures. Much like Taylor Reservoir, try jigging spoons around rocky bottoms or casting spoons from shore. Guides suggest spoons over jigs when the bite is subtle as lake trout can sometimes be tough to hook up. Tube jigs however, are usually the more consistent technique as long as you are able to get good hook sets. If the lake trout are not found along shallow, rocky bottoms, try locating them in the 50 to 60 foot range. Until the water is cool enough, around 55 degrees, they will stagger in medium to deep water preparing for the right conditions to move up towards their shallow spawning areas. Anglers can check on current conditions and boat ramp inspection schedules by contacting the Curecanti National Recreation Area at (970-641-2337).
Blue Mesa Reservoir

Mancos

As of 8/31/2018, the water is very low and the shoreline is muddy except for along the dam. The weather forecast for this weekend looks fairly consistent with warmer temperatures and cloud cover coming and going but not much in terms of actual precipitation. 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 also a very good chance to catch an 18-20 inch trout or a few 12 inch plus perch. Mancos also offers great opportunities for kids to catch a variety of species of fish. Most bait anglers are finding success using PowerBait, eggs, and nightcrawlers. Fishing just off of the bottom or under a slip bobber have both been working well lately. For a chance at the yellow perch and trout, try using a small jig fished under a bobber on a long leader and tipped with a piece of worm. Casting or trolling typical in-line spinners such as Panther Martins and Mepps from boats is another approach at the trout that has been working. 
Mancos State Park

Taylor Park Reservoir

As of 9/14/2018, the fishing is picking up even more due to the nightly temperatures cooling off the water, making it more favorable for fishing. The pike are becoming more and more active and aggressive. Fall marks the time for the large female pike to start hunting the shallows to prepare for the winter. Reports have not suggested they are out in numbers yet but it is that time to prepare and be ready. Look for pike to be cruising the weed beds, shallow bays, drop-offs or even rocky points. If pike are not appearing in the shallows yet, try trolling with spoonplugs at about 1-4 miles per hour along deep weed beds. Lake trout are starting to appear from the depths and preparing for the spawn that takes place later in the fall. When the water temperatures start to get around the 55 degree mark, the lake trout will head for shallow waters. They can be caught off of the rocky bottoms near shorelines. If you are on a boat try jigging spoons or a Power Minnow on a jig head at various medium to deep depths until you find them.
Taylor Park Reservoir

Navajo Reservoir

As of 9/14/2018, the fishing at Navajo Lake is currently good for smallmouth bass and northern pike especially in the early hours of the day. For both fish species, look for them to be bunkered near underwater structures and weed lines. The boat ramp at Two Rivers Marina is in good shape and launching will remain available until October 14 at 5:00 PM. After the 14th we will then close the ramp for the purpose of re-surfacing the lower part of the ramp. Colorado and New Mexico fishing licenses for the 2018-2019 season are available at the Visitor Center. Social security numbers are required for license purchase. Identification is required for purchase of all Colorado licenses.
Navajo State Park

Ridgway Reservoir 

As of 8/23/2018, the fishing for trout has been good and the most productive lures have been spinners and Rapalas. Anglers bait fishing with salmon eggs and night crawlers have also been successful. A few smallmouths are being caught on spinners and drop shot rigs with small gulp minnows. No reports of Kokanee salmon have been recorded yet. The fishing ponds at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk has been slow but anglers have caught several trout with small worms and flies. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River has been fishing well with small nymphs, pale morning duns, and nymphs. Reports of Green Drake hatches have been coming off. Pink Cahill’s have been producing well. Terrestrial season is here with hoppers picking up fish. Success with streamer fishing has also been reported by anglers recently. 
Ridgway Reservoir 

Gunnison River

As of 9/14/2018, the Gunnison has been good as we start to head into the fall season. The green drake hatch has commenced but look for various blue winged olive hatches especially during the cloudy days and when it’s sunny the caddis hatch will be on. Sizes will vary for the blue winged olives but it’s safe to assume you will need to have an arsenal that includes sizes #16-#20. Caddis hatches for the river during this time of year will typically comprise of flies sized #14-16. Flows are well below the historic average so sight fishing will yield some good opportunities and help avoid spooking feeding fish. Baetis nymphs have been getting a lot of success for anglers and would be a smart choice to include in a dry dropper rig. Flows: 183 CFS (9/12/2018) 
Gunnison River