Conditions Report - Statewide

Rivers and Creeks

Now that it is March, we have noticed a shift in fishing conditions. We are seeing low flows and clear waters. This means anglers must be more careful not to spook the fish when approaching the water. Browns have also finished spawning for the season, so be cautious of redds when wading along the rivers. With the lack of the waters being iced over, anglers are not necessarily restricted to primarily rely on tailwaters, which refer to the waters below dams or any other structure that regulates water flow. The regulated water flow keeps the spots from freezing over and provides warmth for the cold-blooded trout. Even with the warmer conditions of these waters, the fish will still behave sluggishly. Fish diets in the winter 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. Winter 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 much smaller in the winter, so keep your flies in the #16 to #20 range. It is also important to be mindful of your split shot usage. With the fish being sluggish, they aren’t going to divert too much for food, so making sure those flies drift directly in their path is important. 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. As the trout continue to get a later start, anglers should mirror that and look for ideal times to be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Colorado Fishing Atlas

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega

The lake is fully covered by ice and fishing is excellent at this time. Anglers are reporting catching rainbows and cutthroats in the 14-16 inch range using meal worms, jigs with wax worms and shrimp. There is approximately 10-12 inches of ice on the lake with considerable slush on top of the ice. Please be aware that ice depths vary across the lake. We currently have about 8-10 inches of snow on the ground. The Visitor's Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Vega State Park

Highline Lake/Mack Mesa Lake

Highline Lake will re-open to boating March 1, 2018, if ice and lake conditions allow. No boats are currently allowed on Highline Lake. Mack Mesa is free of ice, and was stocked last week with 800 12 inch trout, so the fishing should be good. Highline Lake was also stocked last week with 800 12 inch trout. Highline has a very small section of ice in the middle of the lake, on the southern end, and the rest of the lake is ice-free. Fishing licenses are available at the Visitor Center. Currently, usual hours are 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. You must have a valid ID and social security number, or a CID number and an email address to purchase a fishing license. If you have a blue license from a previous year, the process of purchasing a current license will be much easier. 
Highline Lake/Mack Mesa Lake

Pearl Lake

The ice is approximately 20+ inches thick and is in good shape. Please note that only flies & lures are allowed, with a bag limit of two trout 18 inches or longer. In the winter, the road is only maintained to approximately ¾ of a mile from the lake. Anglers have to ski or hike from that point. There has been very little fishing pressure on Pearl Lake to speak of.
Pearl Lake

Stagecoach Reservoir

There is approximately 20 inches of ice. Fishing has been good for catchable rainbow trout throughout the lake coves and at the inlet area in about 8 to 12 feet, as well as 20-30 feet of water. An assortment of terminal tackle has been producing, such as jigs tipped with PowerBait, wax worms, night crawlers, etc., tube jigs, plugs, castmasters, and solo night crawlers. Northern pike fishing has been slow, but some small ones are being picked up sporadically. For the benefit of the resource, anglers are strongly encouraged to harvest northern pike and walleye.
Stagecoach Reservoir

Elkhead Reservoir

As of 3/8/2018 Elkhead is still covered in ice with the exception of a small area next to the spillway. Anglers are catching black crappie and smallmouth bass on the North end of the reservoir with good success. Ice conditions will be highly variable and change quickly if warm weather continues so please be extremely cautious. Anglers are encouraged to keep smallmouth bass and northern pike caught in the reservoir to help limit predation on largemouth bass. Please contact the Elkhead/Yampa River State Park headquarters at 970-276-2061 for the latest conditions and additional information about the parks.
Elkhead Reservoir

Grand Lake

As of 3/8/2018 there are large areas of open water near the connecting channel and around the Adams Tunnel. Ice is still good on the shoreline near town.

Granby Lake

As of 3/8/2018 fishing has slowed substantially and has been somewhat difficult but some larger fish are being caught. Some areas of the lake such as Arapahoe Bay are slushy. Ice thickness averages 12-16 inches. Caution is advised around inlet areas. The Willow Creek canal will start pumping sometime in March, which will open a large area of water in that section of the lake.

Harvey Gap Reservoir

As of 3/8/2018, the ice was approximately 8 inches in most areas with open water near the shorelines, making access to the fishable ice much more difficult. Extreme caution is advised as ice conditions can be extremely variable depending on location and can change rapidly, particularly this time of year. Ice conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as temperatures continue to increase. Overall, anglers reported a very good ice fishing season at Harvey Gap for perch and pike. The water level in Harvey Gap was very low for much of the fall of 2017 as a result of a reservoir drawdown conducted by Silt Water Conservancy District to inspect the reservoir’s outlet. During this period of low water level, CPW put a public fish salvage regulation on the lake in which bag and possession limits were removed for all fish species. This public fish salvage is no longer active as it was removed once the reservoir started to refill. Conversations with anglers and a survey conducted by CPW in the fall immediately prior to the lake beginning to refill showed that the same species were present in the reservoir following the drawdown compared to prior to the drawdown (i.e. tiger muskie, rainbow trout, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish, northern pike, and smallmouth bass). In addition to stocking tiger muskie, rainbow trout, and channel catfish, CPW will be stocking increased numbers of bluegill and black crappie in 2018 to help the fishery recover from the drawdown more rapidly. 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, 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, CO, 81650; Phone: 970-625-1607 for updates on fishing conditions.
Harvey Gap Reservoir

Highline Lake/Mack Mesa Lake

As of 3/8/2018, Highline Lake was ice-free. Highline Lake was stocked with rainbow trout in early February and early march so fishing should be good. As of 3/8/2018 Mack Mesa was also completely ice-free. Mack Mesa was also stocked with rainbow trout in early February and early March 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

Lake Avery

As of 3/8/2018, ice at Lake Avery was about 6 inches thick. Fishing continues to be very productive for rainbow trout with an average size of about 12 inches. If warm temperatures continue ice will melt quickly so use extreme caution. Please contact the CPW Meeker office at 970-878-6090 for the latest conditions and information about accessing the State Wildlife Area.
Lake Avery

Pearl Lake

The ice is approximately 20+ inches thick and is in good shape, although with warming days additional slush/water on the surface is to be expected. Please note that only flies & lures are allowed, with a bag limit of two trout 18 inches or longer. In the winter, the road is only maintained to approximately ¾ of a mile from the lake. Anglers have to ski or hike from that point. There has been very little fishing pressure on Pearl Lake to speak of. Good size grayling have been reported in the catch.
Pearl Lake

Rifle Gap Reservoir

As of 3/3/2018 the ice was 4 to 12 inches in most areas with open shorelines, making access to fishable ice very difficult. The east half of the lake is open water. Extreme caution should be used as conditions are currently marginal for ice fishing and conditions are likely to deteriorate quickly as temperatures continue to warm. Current fishing conditions are unknown. Fishing was good early in the ice fishing season for perch, pike, and trout but fishing slowed down later in the season. 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

Rio Blanco Lake

As of 3/8/2018, Rio Blanco Lake is completely ice free. Sportfish species present at Rio Blanco Lake include: largemouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish. Please contact the CPW Meeker office at 970-878-6090 for the latest conditions and information about accessing the State Wildlife Area.
Rio Blanco Lake

Shadow Mountain Reservoir

As of 3/8/2018 there is a fair amount of open water around the mouth of the canal, Green Ridge boat ramp, the Hilltop area and connecting channel because pumping has been occurring full-time. Extreme care should be taken on the ice anywhere else on the lake.
Shadow Mountain Reservoir

Stagecoach Reservoir

As of 3/8/2018 ice is good with approximately 20 inches of ice. Be aware that we are having warmer days and significant slush/water can form on top of the ice. Fishing has been good for catchable rainbow trout throughout the lake coves and at the inlet area in about 8 to 12 feet, as well as 20-30 feet of water. An assortment of terminal tackle has been producing, such as jigs tipped with PowerBait, wax worms, night crawlers, etc., tube jigs, plugs, castmasters, and solo night crawlers. Northern pike fishing has been slow, but some small ones are being picked up sporadically. For the benefit of the resource, anglers are strongly encouraged to harvest northern pike and walleye.
Stagecoach Reservoir

Vega

As of 3/6/2018, there was approximately 10-12 inches of ice on the lake with considerable slush on top, particularly in the afternoon. Snowshoes are recommended to stay on top of the slush and avoid getting wet feet. Anglers have reported excellent fishing for 14-16 inch rainbow and cutthroat trout using ice fishing jigs tipped with meal worms, wax worms, or shrimp. Caution is advised because ice thickness is often variable across the lake and can change rapidly, particularly this time of year as temperatures continue to warm. Ice rescue stations are located in several locations throughout the park. Anglers may also contact Vega Reservoir State Park, 15247 North 6/10 Road Unit A, Collbran, CO 81624; Phone: 970-487-3407 for weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success. The entrance station is closed; please use self-serve or come to the Visitor Center for passes. The Visitor Center's winter hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, seven days a week.  
Vega

Wolford Mountain Reservoir

As of 3/8/2018 the ice remains good, averaging 18 inches in thickness. Snow cover is thin so the slush is not bad currently. The pressure ridge south of the boat ramp still extends all the way across the lake and should be considered dangerous. Fishing has slowed but is still fair for rainbows in 12-16 feet of water. A few kokanee are being caught in deeper water near the dam.
Wolford Mountain Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile State Park

Anyone with an approved Disabled Ice Fishing Permit will not be able to use an ATV/Snowmobile at this time due to open water. As of 3/2/2018 TROUT: FAIR TO GOOD: Ice action seems to be stronger on the remaining ice then from shore although fish have been landed from shore. Mostly what we call "standards" 17 to 20 inches. Cross Creek has been particularly good. Some stockers getting in the way but not as many as you would think given the number of fish put in to date. Black, green and pink have been good ice jigs with Rainbow Garlic Power Bait and Night crawlers working from shore. KOKANEE SALMON: FAIR: The ice is thick out in the areas from Coyote Ridge to Duck Island and the Salmon are out there. The action is still the same as it has been. Small groups come through and are mostly aggressive. As Kokanee fishing tends to be unless you are on your game you can miss and lose fish more often than you like. Taking one home for dinner and missing a bunch still counts for fun and yum. NORTHERN PIKE: No reports from shore. Action on the ice is sporadic. Waterdogs have been the best all season. Look to very shallow water like 8 feet or less. They like to corral those stockers between the ice surface and the beach. 
Eleven Mile State Park

Delaney Butte Lakes

As of 3/5/2018 all the Delaney’s ice is 17-19 inches deep. Several fishermen stopped by the weekend of 3/3/2018 and said that North was very slow still, but they did great at South and caught several 17 inch rainbows. 
Delaney Butte Lakes SWA

Cowdrey

As of 3/5/2018 Cowdrey’s ice is still pushing 19 inches deep, but we still haven’t heard an update on the fishing over the past month. If you have fished at Cowdrey lately, we would love to hear an update on how the fishing is. 
Cowdrey

Lake John

Lake John’s ice is 16-18 inches deep and most of the snow has blown off the ice except for drifts around the edges. This warmer weather has caused puddling on the ice and a few open water spots along “camper row”. The shallow waters of the north end are thin ice and can easily be broken through. With the low temperatures we are expecting this week, we expect the open water spots to glaze over again but it will not be able to gain the 16-17 inch thickness again this season that the rest of the lake is at. Please use extreme caution when entering the ice along “camper row”. Fishing has been active, we have seen several 20+ inch fish the weekend of 3/3/2018. Fisherman are doing well with gulp minnows, night crawlers, shrimpo’s, bait shrimp, hot pink tubes and garlic power bait or trout dip.
Lake John

Bear Creek

This 103-acre impoundment is located in Bear Creek Regional Park off Morrison Road in Lakewood. Note that this is a City of Lakewood park, so a CPW parks pass does not work here. As of 3/8/2018 there is open water around the shoreline and whatever ice left is unsafe. Fishing for rainbow trout has been good using minnows or waxworms. A few smallmouth bass have been caught. For updated ice conditions, contact Bear Creek Lake Park (303-697-6159).
Bear Creek Reservoir

Evergreen Lake

This 40-acre reservoir is located on State Route #74 in the town of Evergreen. As of 3/8/2018 there is open water around the edges of the shoreline. Use extreme caution, as ice conditions will deteriorate with the ongoing mild weather. Fishing for trout has slowed from the excellent conditions earlier in the winter (one of the best in years) using standard rigs such as jigs tipped with mealworms or waxworms.
Evergreen Lake

Georgetown Lake

This 50-acre reservoir is located adjacent to I-70 in the town of Georgetown. As of 3/8/2018 ice thickness ranged from 4 to 6 inches. Be careful near the road bridge across the middle of the lake, as there is currently open water. Fishing for rainbows and browns has been fair using baits such as PowerBait and waxworms on ice jigs.
Georgetown Lake

Jackson Reservoir

This 2,967 acre reservoir is located approximately 32 miles east of Greeley and 10 miles north of Wiggins. As of 3/8/2018 the reservoir was free of ice. Fishing for all species has been slow. For up-to-date fishing and ice conditions contact the park directly at 970-645-2551.
Jackson Reservoir

Jumbo Reservoir

This 1,570 acre reservoir is located 35 miles northeast of Sterling and six miles west of Sedgwick. As of 3/8/2018 the reservoir was free of ice. The reservoir opens to boating on March 16, 2018, and the boating hours will be ½ hour before sunrise to ½ after sunset. All boats launching on the reservoir must have an ANS inspection (provided at the reservoir). Fishing for crappie and walleye has been good.
Jumbo Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River

Current river flows downstream of Salida are hovering around 260 cubic feet per second, which is lower than average, making for great wade fishing conditions. With such a mild and dry winter, we are continuing to see excellent fishing conditions. Beginning in the late morning, and lasting through the afternoon, you can expect to see strong midge activity, with small mayfly hatches becoming more common as well. Most fish are now congregated in smaller areas, in deeper and slower moving runs, adjacent to the main current. Where you find one fish, you will likely find more. Nymphing with a two-fly setup is the way to go this time of year. Also keep an eye out for rising fish and dry fly opportunities during heavy midge hatches. Recommended would be nymphing a larger stonefly imitation or attractor fly, paired with a small midge or mayfly nymph imitation. Focus your efforts between 10am-3pm to find the most active fish and insect activity.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Trinidad Reservoir

The lake is at 1013 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6206.16 feet. Weak ice has receded to only the coves and Reilly Canyon, about 30% coverage. Prior to ice forming, shore fishermen were catching trout on homemade dough bait and PowerBait (green color). Be aware of stress fractures in the ice and open water. 
Trinidad Reservoir

Brush Hollow

This 200 acre lake is located northwest of the Town of Penrose off of Highway 115. As of 3/7/2018 the reservoir ice-free, likely for the remainder of the season. Fishing from shore has been slow. Trout stocking will begin in the spring, and you can expect fishing conditions to improve at that time. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Brush Hollow

Clear Creek Reservoir

Located north of Buena Vista, Clear Creek has 8-10 inches of ice as of 3/7/2018. Fishing has been good. Trout fishing is good with wax worms, meal worms, jigs, flies, and PowerBait. Fishing is better near the boat ramp. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Clear Creek Reservoir

Cottonwood Reservoir

Located west of Buena Vista, Cottonwood is currently covered in 12+ inches of solid ice, as of 3/6/2018. Anglers are reporting catching on wax worms, shrimp, meal worms, PowerBait, flies and jigs. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Cottonwood Reservoir

Crystal Lakes

Located south of Leadville, Crystal Lakes is restricted to artificial flies and lures only, and trout fishing is good at this time. Ice is about 8-10 inches thick as of 3/6/2018. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Crystal Lakes

DeWeese Reservoir

As of 3/4/2018 the lake had 90% open water with one small piece of bad ice left. With the continued high winds it should be 100% open within days. For current conditions, contact the CPW Pueblo Area Office (719-561-5300).
DeWeese Reservoir

Frantz Lake SWA

Located just outside Salida, Frantz Lake has mostly no ice as of 3/6/2018. Ice conditions may change, however, if we hit a cold spell of weather. If you see ice on Frantz, be advised that it is likely thin and unsafe. Use good judgement and caution. Fishing is good, from shore, for trout at this time. Fishermen are catching fish, mostly with PowerBait and salmon eggs. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Frantz Lake SWA

Hayden Meadows

Located just south of Leadville, Hayden Meadows has 8-10 inches of ice as of 3/6/2018. Fishing is good, and trout are being caught with most typical baits, PowerBait, grubs, etc. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).

Manitou Reservoir

Located just north of Woodland Park, this 16-acre reservoir is situated on U.S. Forest Service fee area. Parts of the reservoir have 12-15 inches of ice as of 3/5/2018. Other areas are starting to have open water. With the warmer weather this winter, ice conditions can change a lot from day to day. Please use caution and good judgment on lake ice. Anglers are encouraged to contact the USFS at (719)-636-1602 for the latest conditions, hours of operation, and information about required fees. Anglers may also contact the CPW Colorado Springs Office (719-227-5200) for current conditions.

Ohaver Lake

Located south of Salida. Ohaver has good ice conditions as of 3/6/2018. There is a spring near the center of the lake that keeps the ice weak in that area so use caution near the center. Fishing has been good, trout are being caught on most types of bait, especially worms, mealworms, PowerBaits and salmon eggs. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).

Riverside Ponds

Located just a few miles from Salida. There is no ice present as of 3/9/2018, and it looks to remain that way with current weather forecasts. Shore fishing is now an option, but water levels are low and the fishing is slow. There is about a ¼ mile walk from the parking areas to the ponds. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).

San Isabel Lake

This lake is located on Highway 160 West of Rye on the San Isabel National Forest. As of 3/1/2018 the lake is open with little to no ice. For current conditions, please call the Pueblo Area Office at 719-561-5300.

Skaguay Reservoir

Skaguay currently has 8 inches of ice as of 3/5/2018. Fishermen have reported some “soft spots” in the ice on the lake. Use caution on the entire reservoir. Trout fishing is good; anglers are catching with nightcrawlers and green PowerBait. The road to Skaguay is passable with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Skaguay Reservoir

Turquoise Reservoir

Located west of Leadville, Turquoise has 8-12 inches of good ice, as of 3/6/2018. Fishing is currently fair for rainbow trout with mostly average sized trout being caught, fishing for lake trout has been fair. Fishermen are using jigs, lures, flies, PowerBait, and mealworms. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Turquoise Reservoir

Twin Lakes

Located southwest of Leadville, Twin Lakes is covered in 8-12 inches of good ice as of 3/6/2018, however there is some thawing beginning on the lake edges, so be careful out there. The area near the power plant on the lower lake remains unstable/open, and caution should be used in this area. Fishing has been slow to good with anglers using jigs with sucker meat, grubs, PowerBait, flies and meal worms. Some anglers have been catching nice lake trout over 34 inches in length. The Dexter boat ramp gate may not open this year for vehicle access onto the lakes. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the CPW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).
Twin Lakes

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 3/8/2018 the only ice was in Marina, Senac, and Lonetree coves, varying from 4 to 6 inches in thickness. However, with the mild weather and some recent wind, the ice has probably deteriorated even further. Water levels are continuing to rise after construction on the dam. Shore angling for trout off the dam has been fair using PowerBait and the ice fishing for trout and yellow perch has been fair. Contact the Aurora Reservoir at 303-326-8444 for the latest fishing conditions.
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 3/8/2018 the reservoir is ice free. Fishing for trout has been fair. For updated conditions call Cherry Creek State Park at 303-690-1166.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir

Open but closed to boating due to ice conditions. Still have ice on the east end. Plenty of shoreline to fish. A few good reports on smallmouth and largemouth bass being caught from the dam. Ice fishing is prohibited. Park Hours for March 6:30am-8:00pm. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. For more information call 303-326-8424.
Quincy Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

This 1,356 impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park, in Littleton. The entrance to the park is on S. Wadsworth Blvd, one mile south of C-470. As of 3/8/2018 there is no ice left and water temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The reservoir was opened to boats on March 7. Chatfield Reallocation construction work at the North Boat Ramp began on December 1 and will close the parking lot. Boats need to enter the south end of the park from Titan road and launch at the marina. For additional closures, visit chatfieldreallocation.org for updated information. For more information call Chatfield State Park at 303-791-7275.
Chatfield Reservoir

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Big Meadows Reservoir

This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area southwest of South Fork. From Highway 160, access along Forest Road 410, currently the lake is only accessible by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes (2 miles). Because of its access restrictions and remote location, Big Meadows offers a good opportunity for anglers to enjoy a day of fishing away from the crowds while enjoying breathtaking views of nearby peaks in the Weminuche Wilderness. As of 3/8/2018 ice thickness is currently unknown and anglers are asked to use caution. Fishing has been good and anglers have been successful using worms at the upper end in the shallows. Fishing by the dam is also productive this time of year. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).
Big Meadows Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir

This 8,900 acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. Ice was very slow to develop in 2018, with just the upper Iola Basin capping over. As of 3/7/2018 ice thickness is variable and will likely degrade over the next month. Fishing has been good for rainbows, browns and lake trout, but slower for yellow perch. Although some larger lake trout can be found in the upper basin, many of the better areas, particularly down the lake in the Cebolla and Sapinero basins, are still ice free. As long as conditions allow, the Lake Fork Marina will continue to be open to boating. Anglers can check on current ice conditions and boat ramp inspection schedules by contacting Curecanti National Recreation Area at (970-641-2337).
Blue Mesa Reservoir

Continental Reservoir

This 374 acre reservoir is located approximately 15 miles west of Creede. Ice fishing has been good lately and ice thickness is currently 10-15 inches as of 3/8/2018, however ice will likely degrade over the next month. The lake was restocked last year and provides the opportunity to catch rainbow trout and snake river cutthroat trout. The fishing has been good at Continental and anglers have reported doing well with mealworms and PowerBait. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900). 
Continental Reservoir

Mountain Home Reservoir

This is a State Wildlife Area near Fort Garland. As of 3/8/2018 ice conditions are unsafe due to warm weather. The water level in this reservoir is variable and may be low during the winter. It is accessible by vehicle to the boat ramp. Fishing has been good for 12-15 inch rainbow trout, anglers report having good luck with earth worms. Northern Pike are present in the reservoir, due to an illicit introduction. Anglers are encouraged to keep all northern pike they catch because they can decimate a trout fishery in just a few years. For updated fishing reports, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).
Mountain Home Reservoir

Rito Hondo Reservoir

Anglers can expect to catch brook trout and occasionally cutthroat and rainbow trout. As of 3/8/2018 the lake has about 12 inches of ice but warm weather could affect ice and anglers should use caution. Fishing conditions have been good at Rito Hondo and anglers report doing well glow jigs and mealworms. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).
Rito Hondo Reservoir

Road Canyon Reservoir

This 140-acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located near Creede. The lake is typically easily accessible by vehicle but four-wheel drive vehicles are sometimes needed to access the lake following snowstorms. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout and brook trout from 10 to 20 inches. Fishing tends to be better early in the morning. Fishing has been good at Road Canyon recently. As of 3/8/2018 ice thickness is currently 10-12 inches but is expected to degrade over the next month. Extreme caution should be used around the solar water circulators because the ice is much thinner and not safe near these units. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).
Road Canyon Reservoir

Sanchez Reservoir

This large reservoir is a State Wildlife Area located 6.5 miles south of San Luis. It is accessible by vehicle to the boat ramp. As of 3/8/2018 ice conditions are unknown and due to warm temperatures extreme caution should be used when accessing this lake. Ice fishing has been extremely slow recently at Sanchez. Recent fishery surveys and discussions with local anglers indicate that walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, common carp, white sucker, and channel catfish are still present in the reservoir following the dam repair operations. A Fish Consumption Advisory issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that anglers not consume any northern pike from Sanchez Reservoir. Walleye over 15 inches in length should only be consumed for a maximum of 1 meal per month for the general population; children under 6 years old, pregnant women, nursing women, and women who plan on being pregnant are advised to not consume any walleye over 15 inches.
Sanchez Reservoir

Smith Reservoir

This is a State Wildlife Area near Fort Garland. As of 3/8/2018 ice conditions are currently unsafe. Fishing has been moderate at Smith lately, last season provided above average conditions as anglers reported catching fair to good number of stocker-sized rainbow trout throughout the season. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).
Smith Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir had about 18 inches of solid ice, with about 16 inches of snow on top as of 3/7/2018. Taylor often has significant slush on top of the ice, especially as we move later in the winter. There are currently some patches of slush up to about 4 inches deep in some areas. The Taylor Park Marina road is not plowed during the winter, so anglers should plan to walk, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile from the Taylor Park Road or the Parking Lot next to the Taylor Park Trading Post. Anglers can expect to catch lake trout or stocked rainbow trout.
Taylor Park Reservoir

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir

Currently under Emergency Public Fish Salvage due to dam repairs this year. All bag and possession limits have been removed, anglers must have a valid Colorado Fishing license and use lawful angling methods. This 69-acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located 40 miles west of Antonito. As of 3/8/2018 ice conditions were unknown but ice is expected to degrade over the next month. Access is by foot, snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Anglers can expect to catch brown trout and rainbow trout. Anglers last season reported catching 12-14 inch rainbow trout with ice jigs tipped with mealworms. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).
Trujillo Meadows Reservoir