Conditions Report - Statewide

Statewide Conditions 

The state’s weather report is looking hot again for the weekend so fishing conditions will be relatively the same. The weather is fairly consistent throughout most areas of the state. Keep in mind as we go into the early and middle part of next week, there seems to be a cold front moving in bringing in some precipitation and significantly cooler temperatures. This will be an important factor if you decide to do some fishing during the work week. The fly fishing should pick up tremendously with these conditions, especially with the added cloud cover. These conditions could be a great opportunity to tie on some streamers for the first time since spring. Bug selection could change so be aware of the hatches, especially the dry fly and action on the water’s surface. A rule of thumb a lot of guides use when choosing nymph colors and patterns is the darker the lighting, the duller the fly color. This also works in reverse, as the light picks up throughout the day or the cloud cover disappears, the insect’s exoskeleton will reflect light more so using a fly like a flashback pheasant tail would be a good choice. For lake fishing, the conditions should also improve although it might not be as drastic. The bite will have a larger window as the later hours of the day will not increase water temperatures as much. The warm water species such as bass could get a little lethargic so choose some lures or plastics a little smaller than what you have been having success with on the warmer days. Walleye could be getting more energetic and feeding a little more actively. A technique called “slabbing” could be a good option to try out if you are able to get out on the water. Once you have found some walleye and if they are near the bottom of the area, choose a heavy spoon and drop it straight down. Once it hits the bottom lift the rod tip up about 3 feet and then let it drop again but make sure to avoid slack as a lot of bites will come on the fall. This method can also be used from shore by casting and letting the spoon hit the bottom. Once you hit bottom, try reeling or jigging with the same principle of avoiding slack and letting the spoon rise then drop over and over. Careful of underwater structures and vegetation that you could get snagged on. Good luck to everyone this weekend and always make sure to share your catches with us! 
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

As of 9/21/2018, the trout fishing is excellent right now as they prepare for the winter and are feeding regularly. The ACME Kastmaster has been very consistent and Tasmanian Devils have been producing some really nice sized fish. Kokanee fishing has been slow and nothing really to report for them besides some sightings of a few spawning salmon in the South Platte. The pike fishing is decent. A recent tournament produced some good fish and average catches were in the 4 to 10-pound range. Most of the success came from using swim baits in particular soft plastics or rubber baits in the perch or trout patterns. 
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 9/21/2018, the fishing has been fairly inconsistent. The water temperatures are just over 60 degrees and water clarity is decent about 5 feet. The bug hatches have been fairly steady this year with the warm water temperatures but as we get closure to fall and colder temperatures, the fishing overall should stable out and become more consistent in a positive way. Most of the fish are still being reported next to the weed beds with a few cruisers found roaming throughout the reservoir. Callibeatis, damsels, scuds, and chironomids are still on the menu. Covering water will be a good technique to land some good sized trout if you are out on a boat. Most are again in the weed beds holding tight until more favorable temperatures occur but some hungry, big cruisers have been reported so don’t spend too much time in one area if you are not getting any good bites. 
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 9/21/2018, the surface temperature at the reservoir is about 68 degrees and the water level is about 33 feet down or about 63 percent full. Reports are close to last week’s, the best time to get the walleye are early in the morning or later in the day and bass, such as smallmouths, are the most active in the reservoir right now. We are very close to the changing of the guards with fall getting closer and closer. Look for some drastic water temperature drops, 7 degrees or more and you will start to see the fish change their hunting patterns and be more active and catchable. Crankbaits are still going to be a great option for the bass and jigging with shad imitations for walleye in decent depths will give you a good shot at some success. Reports of trout are really slow so stay tuned for seasonal changes to encourage them to become more active. 
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 9/21/2018, the news is unfortunately the same with the temperatures. The stream is still too low and hot to fish. The flows will remain approximately the same for the remainder of the summer and fall so look for the temperatures to decrease before considering it an option to fish. Updated CFS flows can be checked on the USGS streamflow data page. Flows: below 4.5 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Bear Creek

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

As of 9/21/2018, the flows at the canyon are fairly comparable to historic averages while they are pretty low at Trumbull. With that said, the flows are not affecting the good fishing we are seeing in the area right now. Fish are a bit on edge with these lower flows so be stealthy and smooth with your presentations. Hopper season is nearing an end for most of the streams in the area so take advantage and try some hopper rigs especially in the canyon. The Deckers nymph rigs will produce fish right now. Put on a big stonefly, worm or leech pattern followed by a Two Bit Hooker, Squirmmies, San Juan worms, RS2’s, pale morning dun emergers, and various caddis imitations. Look for fish to be stacked in riffles and drop-off’s. Some fish will be in the deep pools but the majority will be feeding off of the higher oxygenated areas where water is moving a bit faster. Flows: 139 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon

South Platte - Middle Fork 

As of 9/21/2018, the lake run trout are slowly starting to show themselves as we approach fall. Kokanee have been sighted as well but not in large numbers yet. Please remember as the browns start to make the trek from the lake to upstream waters, be on the lookout for REDDS and leave those spawning fish alone. South Park’s menu of mayflies, midges, and caddis will be the go to. Dry dropper setups are a good idea as anglers have reported some success. Terrestrial dries followed by tube midges, sunken tricos spinners, flashback pheasant tails, or any mayfly nymph is hard to beat right now. Keep the droppers fairly small in the #20 to even #24 sizes. There have also been some good reports of dry hatches so keep your wits about you and be prepared to tie on a #20-24 Parachute Adams or a #20-22 sparkle dun when you see a hatch. The forecast shows for more heat so be careful of that 66-67 degree water temperature and have a backup plan if the water gets too warm! Flows: 134 CFS (9/21/2018) 
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 9/21/2018, decent flows have been remaining steady at Waterton so the fish are feeding on the regular. Dry dropper rigs are going to be a great choice as the terrestrial season is still in full swing in this section of the river. Hippy Stompers, ants, Stimulators or any hopper are all good choices right now. Trail your dry set up with a Hare’s Ear, Copper John, or baetis patterns with about 18-24 inches of fluorocarbon tippet. Keep an eye of how deep the dropper gets and add some weight if it's not reaching near the bottom of the water column. Flows: 135 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Waterton Canyon 

Clear Creek

As of 9/21/2018, the flows are fairly low especially compared to historical averages. Fishing has remained decent, however, but be aware of the hotter weather we have been getting especially in the lower sections of the stream close to Golden. Caddis are still on the menu as well as terrestrial patterns. Anglers are having the best luck using various nymph rigs. During sunny days, especially when the sun intensity is high during the afternoon hours, use higher reflective nymph patterns such as a flashback pheasant tail or a Juju Baetis. A rig that is working well at the moment is a terrestrial or an attractor followed by a bead headed nymph then trailed by your smaller Juju baetis or pheasant tail in the #18 -20 range. Flows: 58 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Clear Creek

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River-Lake Pueblo

As of 9/21/2018, this section of the river has reported some decent catches for anglers and should only improve as the cooler temperatures approach with fall around the corner. Midges are producing good catches and the blue winged olive hatches are heating up. Deep nymphing with a Psuedo baetis or red bodied attractors will get some takers. Dry fly fishing could be something to consider when you see a strong hatch but the nymph rig will still produce more consistently throughout the day. This is also the time of year to start getting the streamers ready as this section of the Arkansas has a plethora of leeches, crayfish, suckers, and juvenile trout. Heat could still be an issue so be aware of the current water temperatures, especially in the afternoon hours. Flows: 110 CFS (9/21/2018) 
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 9/21/2018, the surface water temperature is around 73 degrees. Fishing has been fair lately but is expected to start picking up with the cooler nights and shorter days the state has been experiencing. Early mornings are still going to be the best bet as the lake temperature will be at the lowest point during the early morning. Bass can be taken on topwater baits in the early morning hours such as poppers, soft plastics, buzzbaits, and shallow to medium depth 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 in search of shad especially early in the mornings. 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 9/21/2018, the catches have been consistent with rainbows but not much to report yet for the lake trout. In order for those lake trout to start coming up from the depths, we will need to start getting some consistently cooler nights and even some cold fronts to lower the water temperatures. The low water levels and high daily temperatures we have experienced this year has caused the lake trout to hunker down in the depths so be patient for them to start appearing in shallower waters. The best bet to get to the lake trout would be in a belly boat and jigging with Kastmasters, Gitzits, grubs or lipless crankbaits. The trick will be finding them so make sure to cover a good amount of water and try to get deep. Fly fishing for rainbows is still similar to our older reports. Terrestrials such as a hopper or Amy’s Ant followed by a Hare’s Ear or Zebra Midge in the #16-18 size will yield some takers. Summer techniques are still the way to go for now so early mornings and evenings will yield some good activity. 
Catamount Reservoirs 

Upper Arkansas 

As of 9/21/2018, the water flows are decent right now allowing for some good wading conditions. Fish have been moving to the main channel on the warmer hours of the day where oxygen is more plentiful. Use some large attractor patterns for your indicator and heavier bead heads will be required to get down in that water column where the fish are feeding. The fish are interested in mayfly emergers and nymphs, stonefly nymphs and caddis pupa. Reports of early fall blue winged olive hatches are coming in throughout the river corridor. Early or late in the day, you will see some good dry fly hatches but during the warmer hours, dry dropper rigs are doing well. Flows: 213 CFS (9/21/2018) 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 9/21/2018, the fishing at Aurora has been pretty much the same as with many of the metro lakes along the Front Range. The bass are particularly active as they do better with the warm days we have still been getting. The daylight hours have still produced some warm temperatures so early mornings when the water is chilled from the night before is going to be a really good time to catch some fish. Cast some crankbaits or top water lures to get the bass to come out of the weed beds or cover they are hiding in. 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 9/21/2018, the fishing is still very similar to last week. Cherry Creek will be the best chance to hook some good numbers of walleye. They are also after the shad but they have been reported in the shallows more than other reservoirs lately. It’s all reactionary in the early morning shallows and reports are coming in that they can be found as shallow as 6 feet of water before they head deeper in the afternoon hours. Slow trolling along the dam will still produce using shad imitations. Try using soft plastic swim baits in the shad form and white to gray colors. 
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

As of 9/21/2018, fishing is still good at the reservoir. Reports of the weed beds dying down are coming in which is good news especially for bass fishing. With less cover, the bass are forced to move around more so throw some reactionary baits along any cover you can see as there is a good chance some holding fish are in there. Shad is also on the menu here at Quincy so some soft plastic swim baits we already mentioned or a light colored Senko could be a great choice right now. If the water is clear, toss some top water lures to entice bass or if it’s a bit murky, try some crankbaits along the holes or channels of the weed lines. 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 9/21/2018, the report for Chatfield is very similar as the previous couple of reports. We are still having the warm afternoons keeping water temperatures fairly high for this time of the year but the cooler nights are working in our favor. If the fishing has been slow for you lately, be patient as the conditions are going to improve with the seasonal changes. Shad are still the main story line and many species of fish are stocking up on this year’s bountiful supply. The good news is you will get some fat and healthy fish but the bad news is your bait or lure is just one of many options for these fish so convincing them will be tougher than usual. Shad imitations are going to produce as long as you can find where the fish are hiding. Walleye have been reported fairly deep while bass are a little more apparent and easier to locate with the warmer water temperatures. 
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 9/16/2018, 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 8am to 3:30pm 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 4 p.m.
Vega

James M. Robb

As of 9/21/2018, the trout fishing has slowed down with the warm weather but fishing for sun fish and blue gill is on. Look for trout to pick back up when temperatures cool back down. All lakes are expected to be stocked in the fall when conditions allow. 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 9/21/2018, fall is more apparent here than the low country with the consistent lower nightly temperatures. Fish are holding pretty tight as the flows have remained very steady and low the past week or so. Water is clear as usual so be educated where you cast to avoid spooking your target. Mysis shrimp and baetis emergers will be productive as well as periodic blue winged olives as good hatches have been reported. The terrestrial season is close to being done and dusted but trout will still be taking advantage of the season along the shorelines so feel free to still use them as an indicator to your dry dropper rigs. Terrestrials that catch fish in this portion of the Blue are Amy’s Ants, Hippy Stompers, or a Fuzzy Wuzzy in the #10-14 range. Midges to use are the Miracle Midge, TSO midge and Flossies in the #20-24 sizes. Flows: 54 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Blue River - Silverthorne 

Frying Pan River

As of 9/21/2018, typically this is a great time of year to fish the Frying Pan but with the spike in flows, nymphing may prove a little more difficult. Do not let that discourage you, just be prepared to add some weight and look for areas that fish will be holding. Tungsten bead heads could be an important player in your nymph rig. Brown trout are starting to get aggressive so streamer fishing is going to be an option for the cloudy days. A streamer that has been producing well is the Autumn Splendor. Size #20-22 blue winged olives are catching some really nice rising trout. Mysis are always a good option for a dropper fly as well as midges or pheasant tails. Be careful for the REDDS as we are starting to get closer to that season statewide. Flows: CFS 353 (9/21/2018) 
Frying Pan - Ruedi 

Colorado River

As of 9/21/2018, the flows have slowly dropped but are still at a level allowing for some good fall fishing. Some good surface action has been reported and guides are suggesting Tricos, blue winged olives, and October Caddis as great dries to try out. Nymphing flies that are giving anglers success include midges, blue winged olive nymph patterns, and caddis nymphs such as a Z Winged Caddis sized #14-16. Streamer fishing has notably heated up with the seasonal changes taking place so make sure to have some various sizes and colors to tie on especially on the cloudy days and if the water is off color or stained. Flows: 510 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Colorado River

Lake John and the Buttes

As of 9/21/2018, the fishing has been great at Lake John and the Buttes! Both shore and boat fisherman are doing well at Lake John but the boaters are reporting a bit more success. At Lake John, the shore anglers are reporting that the moss and weed beds are dying back with the cooler temperatures. Nightcrawlers have been a huge success along with garlic PowerBait or in the pink colors. Boat fisherman are reporting success with flies, Tasmanian Devils, and Kastmasters. Very good fishing reports from the Delaney’s have come in these past couple of weeks for boat fisherman. Most of them reported gold being the color of choice for landing the most fish. The weed beds at Cowdry are still high along the eastern banks making it difficult for shore anglers. The average high is 82 degrees and the average low is 44 degrees. Fishing is best right now in the early and late hours of the day. In the morning from 6 am to noon has been the most productive time to fish, with the evening hours being the next best window for good fishing action. During the heat of the day, the water temperatures increase to a point that it pushes the fish to cooler, deeper waters. Please don’t forget that we have a general store here and bait & tackle. We also have cabins available if you are wanting to stay out at the lake! Call us for a reservation. 
Lake John and the Buttes 

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This 8,900-acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. As of 9/21/2018, Blue Mesa has really improved with the cooler weather conditions for most species of fish. Fish are holding next to structures fairly tight but they are actively feeding and moving around a bit more in shallower waters. Casting jigs tipped with mealworms or jerkbaits along these structures have been producing. Reports of Worms and PowerBait have also been bringing in some catches as well. 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 9/21/2018, the fishing at Taylor is now starting to pick up after being fairly slow as of late. We recently stocked Taylor with good numbers of rainbows which are being caught left and right but they are a smaller size. The pike fishing is very fruitful right now and the bite is picking up by the day. Anglers who have been casting big spinners, spoons and jerkbaits have been getting a lot of success with the pike fishing. Lake trout are now starting to emerge from the depths. Casting tube jigs along the bottom or using deep jerkbaits that also cruise the bottom will get these lake trout as they move up to shallower depths. 
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 9/21/2018, the trout fishing has been good and most productive when using various trout lures, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and spinners. Focus your casting in the rocky areas offshore and also consider using drop shot rigs with salmon eggs to get down where the trout are holding. No stable reports of smallmouth bass or Kokanee Salmon are being taken right now. Fishing Ponds at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk have been fishing slow to decent with small worms and small flies. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River has been fishing well with small nymphs, pale morning duns, and pink colored Cahill’s have been producing. The streamer fishing is now picking up as we approach fall. Leaches and small nymphs going into fall are also going to start picking up more and more. With lower water levels sight fishing will be a good technique to use when using flies and lures. 
Ridgway Reservoir 

Gunnison River

As of 9/21/2018, the river has been fishing well and has been consistent. When the afternoons are fairly cool the baetis hatch have been active and on the warmer days they have been hatching more in the mornings. Nymphing has been the most productive technique right now and anglers using flashy baetis patterns or jig nymphs have been reporting a lot of success. The kokanee salmon are now on the river and anglers are having a great time targeting them. Anglers that are targeting the salmon are using heavy, brightly colored nymphs to get down to them as well as get their attention with the bright patterns. Guides are expecting the fishing to continue to improve so be sure to get on the river this fall season! Flows: 204 CFS (9/21/2018) 
Gunnison River