Fishing Regulations
Review
Information for Anglers
Fishing Tip of the Week
Las Animas River Report
The Animas River is currently closed to all activities by order of La Plata County
authorities. CPW is monitoring the river. Fingerling fish placed in the river in
Durango before the plume of mine waste have survived. They will be removed from
the river on Tuesday and sent for testing to the Colorado Department of Health and
Environment. Scientists will look for sign of metal contamination. CPW will be
doing surveys at the end of August to look at the effects at trout in the river.
"State Parks: The Fish Awaken"
By now, just about everyone has seen the trailers for the upcoming film, “Star
Wars: The Force Awakens.” The first trailer, which debuted back in November of
last year, has received a mind-blowing 17 million views on YouTube. Inspired by
the scenes in this first trailer and the mass hysteria that has followed, Colorado
Outdoors Online proudly (and humorously) presents “State Parks: The Fish
Awaken.” Our trailer features a talking catfish and a lightsaber fishing-rod. How
cool is that? Enjoy the video. And “may the fish be with you, always.”
http://coloradooutdoorsmag.com/2015/07/22/state-parks-the-fish-awaken/
Catfish and carp fishing is for you, if
enjoy experiencing a great fight and
catching a large fish. A great way to
get these bottom-dweller fish to
bite is to use dough bait, bread, and
corn for bait. The best places to
locate and catch these fish are
areas that have overhangs, deep
water, and a sandy bottom. A great
rig to use for these fish is a slip
sinker rig with a treble hook. Make a
long cast and hold on!! View this
Colorado Outdoors video to learn
about how to make a slip sinker rig:
http://coloradooutdoorsmag.com/t
ag/slip-rig/
Fishing for Toothy Fish
Walleye- This time of year the deeper water is the place to be. Walleye will eat in the shallows during the early morning
then swiftly descend to deeper water. Popular baits to use later in the day include a curly tail grub tipped with a night
crawler and deep diving jerk baits.
Northern Pike- A fisherman’s best chance for successful pike fishing is during cool evening and morning hours. Pike will be
more active at these times and give anglers a greater percentage of bites. Popular baits to use include large rapala stick
baits in a “pike” color or a large zara spook.
Muskie- The fish, referred to as the fish of 10,000 casts, muskie can be very illusive. One way to get more strikes is by using
large lures you know other fishermen have not thrown in that body of water. Muskie let curiosity get the best of them which
makes them more likely to bite something they have never seen versus bait they have seen a thousand times.
Sportsmen’s Roundtable set for Aug. 13 in Cortez
Hunters and anglers are invited to a Sportsmen's Roundtable meeting to discuss issues and concerns with Colorado Parks and
Wildlife staff, 6-8 p.m., Aug. 13 at the Holiday Inn in Cortez. At the meeting will be Southwest Region CPW staff and
southwest representatives of the Sportsmen's Roundtable. They will provide updates on CPW's strategic planning process,
the financial issues facing CPW, the West Slope Mule Deer Strategy, and southwest Colorado fisheries. The public is also
invited to ask questions and share concerns. Anyone who has an interest should attend the meeting. The Holiday Inn
conference center is located at 2121 East Main Street. For more information about the Sportsmen's Roundtable, go to:
www.cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Roundtable.aspx.
Now you can take the #ColoradoOutdoors anywhere. Follow us on @instagram @coparkswildlife!
http://instagram.com/coparkswildlife
Before you head out fishing, head for facebook.com/cpwfishing.
Colorado anglers can "like" the new CPW Fishing Facebook page to get tips, share stories and more. If
you love fishing, this is the place to be.
Fish with us on Twitter
Colorado anglers can get fishing updates directly from CPW on Twitter. Follow @CPWfish.
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Stocking Report
The following waters were recently stocked with catchable (approximately 10") trout:
Body of Water
Region
Report Date
ROAD CANYON RESERVOIR
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
RANGER LAKE, UPPER
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
COTTONWOOD LAKE #2
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
COTTONWOOD LAKE #1
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
TARRYALL RESERVOIR
Northeast Region
8/11/2015
PLATORO RESERVOIR
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
PASS CREEK POND
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
NORTH FORK RESERVOIR
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
MIX LAKE
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
MILLION LAKE
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
SKAGUAY RESERVOIR
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
RIVERSIDE PONDS
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
LAKE DOROTHEY
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
CRAIG CITY PONDS
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
YAMPA RIVER #6
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
TWIN LAKES (BOTH)
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
TAYLOR PARK RESERVOIR
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
SUNSET LAKE
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
SPRING CREEK RESERVOIR
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER NORTH FORK #1A
Northeast Region
8/11/2015
RUEDI RESERVOIR
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
POTHOLE LAKE #1 (LOWER)
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
PINE VALLEY RANCH LAKE
Northeast Region
8/11/2015
BLUE LAKE
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
BEAR LAKE
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
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Body of Water
Region
Report Date
WAHATOYA RESERVOIR
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
TRAP LAKE
Northeast Region
8/11/2015
SAN ISABEL LAKE
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
NORTH MICHIGAN RESERVOIR
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
DOLORES RIVER, WEST FORK
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
DOLORES RIVER #5
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
DOLORES RIVER #4
Southwest Region
8/11/2015
DAIGRE RESERVOIR
Southeast Region
8/11/2015
RANGER LAKE, LOWER
Northwest Region
8/11/2015
CHAMBERS LAKE
Northeast Region
8/11/2015
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Catch of the Week
Ashlyn Stults from Fort Collins with a nice rainbow trout caught on the Arkansas River at the Wellsville fishing access about 5 miles
downstream of Salida in Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
Have a fish you're proud of? Share your photo
Conditions Report – Metro Area
Aurora Reservoir
The reservoir is open to boating and the water temperature is 72 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair. Fish will
be deeper so cast out 40-50 yards! Most trout are being caught using power bait from a slip rig. Boaters report success
ranging from slow to fair while trout trolling with rapala’s, spoons and pop gear with crawlers. Walleye fishing is slow to
fair from boats trolling with bottom bouncers with crawlers, jigs and drop shots. Most walleye being caught are under the
18” size limit. Fishermen have had success catching yellow perch by using jigs and worms in the coves from boats. The
reservoir is restricted to electric motors only and all watercraft must be inspected prior to launch. For more information
call 303-326-8425. The park hours for August are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Quincy Reservoir
The reservoir is open to boating. Water temp is 74 degrees and the water level is good. Fishing for bass is slow to fair. Most
bass are being caught using soft plastics, jerk baits, crank baits and top water lures. No reports on other species at this
time. Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand are permitted
and electric motors only. All watercraft must be inspected prior to launch. New for this year the fee system is now per
vehicle and the West access gate has been permanently closed. Access will only permitted through the East access gate.
The park hours for August are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information call 303-326-8424.
Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado
Boyd Lake
The current water temperature is approximately 77 degrees with a depth of approximately 47.8 feet with approximately
1700 Surface Acres. The largemouth fishing has been good at the Marina, pump house, and the North Cove. White bass
fishing has been good and anglers are catching them on worms lakewide. The smallmouth fishing has been fair when using
lures at the Marina, pump house, and the North Cove. The fishing for catfish and crappie have been fair when using lures
and worms lakewide and at the inlets. The trout fishing has been good as always, and the bait of choice has been lures,
worms, and PowerBait. Walleye fishing has been fair and lures and worms have worked the best in shallow waters on the
east edge of the Marina. Any live fish collected for use as bait may only be used in the same body of water from which they
were collected. All live bait/fish from a commercial source and transported by anglers must at all times be accompanied by
a receipt for the source. See the Colorado Fishing Regulations for further clarification and information.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Fishing conditions in the canyon are good. Water levels are average for summer (46 cubic feet per second as of Aug. 10).
Fishermen have been having success with Griffith’s hoppers, gnats and worms. Colorado Fishing Licenses are required and
are available for purchase at the park Visitors Center.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
The water flow is at 162 cubic feet per second coming into the lake and 194 cubic feet per second out of the lake. The
water temperature is at 68 degrees and somewhat clear. The trout fishing has been good, fish are being caught at Howbert
Point, Rocking Chair, Lazy Boy, Witchers Cove and North Shore. Some very nice sizes have been caught at Suckers Cove and
at Witchers Cove in the early morning around daylight. The baits to use include corn, PowerBait, worms, salmon peach
PowerBait, yellow PowerBait, orange PowerBait, garlic PowerBait, spinners, tube jigs, needlefish and tasmanian devils. The
kokanee salmon fishing has been slow, but some have been caught between Deer and Duck islands. Keep trying everything
in the tackle box. As for the northern pike fishing, it has been fair. You can catch them but you have to work at it. Good
baits to try are rapala’s, tube jigs, spinners and pike bunnies, and some fishermen have caught them on worms.
Jackson Lake
Lake level is full. Surface water temperature is approximately 75 degrees. Fishing has been really good for trout and
walleye. Fishing for all other species has been fair to poor. Jackson Lake Fish Survey and Management Data.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
The fishing at the reservoir has been very good. Trolling boaters seem to be bringing in the most results, but shore anglers
results have been improving. Try callibaetis nymphs, size #12-14, damsel nymphs, size #10-14, streamers, size #4-10, some
reports of spinners working well. The Dream Stream is also fishing great right now. These are some of the best times to try,
San Juans (red, pink, tan) size #16, yellow sally, size 12-18, PMD dries, #18-20, foam caddis dries, size #16-20, and
terrestrials/hoppers (orange, tan, yellow), Size #12-14.
Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado
Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake)
Some channel catfish and blue catfish are being caught. Due to the high water the boat ramps still usable.
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Arkansas River
On the Arkansas River, the middle third of August is normally associated with the conclusion of summertime recreational
flow augmentation and a resulting decline from artificially elevated flows approximating 700 cubic feet per second to a rate
that is reflective of the natural river system and is often under 500 cubic feet per second. However, as of Aug. 10, summer
flow augmentation has been negligible thanks to a large snowpack and summer rains. As a result, the historically significant
end date for flow augmentation (Aug. 15) will come and go this year without any dramatic change in the river. Instead,
expect a gradual and incremental decline in flows that may not drop below 500 cubic feet per second until early
September. Meanwhile, fishermen continue to enjoy very good dry fly and dry-dropper fishing throughout the Arkansas
River corridor. Current hatches include red quills, pale morning duns, caddis, and yellow sallies, and the riparian brush is
absolutely crawling with hoppers. As is often the case on the Arkansas River, presence of actively emerging aquatic insects
or rising fish is not a requirement for good dry fly action. Many Arkansas River browns maintain an opportunistic mindset
throughout the day, keeping one eye to the surface, even as factors like water temperature, ambient lighting, insect
activity and water quality can influence the depth or type of water they inhabit. Another way to look at things is that
locating where fish are holding at a given time of day may be much more important than presenting precisely imitative flies
to them. Naturally drift a plausible fly in front of an Arkansas River brown trout at this time of year and one is apt to catch
fish!
Clear Creek Reservoir
Fishing last week at Clear Creek Reservoir has been fair. Shore and boat anglers mostly caught 8-12 inch rainbow trout.
Either sherbert PowerBait or yellow Berkley’s Floating Magnum Eggs typically works well for shore fishermen. The most
productive fly for fly fishermen remains the Woolly Bugger. Trolling less than 2 mph with either cowbells coupled with
worms, orange dardevle lures, or gold and green spoons has been an efficient way to land trout. The best trout fishing has
been at the southeast and southwest parts of the reservoir. Kokanee salmon fishing from a boat remains slow. Boat anglers
targeting kokanee salmon usually employ squids and dodgers near the dam. A few anglers reported tiger musky following
lures up to the boat but not taking the lure. The reservoir is closed to trailer motorized watercrafts on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays. The current boating hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Crystal Lakes
Fishing at Crystal Lakes has been great. There are increased numbers of fly fishermen along the shore using belly boats.
Fishermen are having good success using both fly rods and flies with a clear bubble.
Cottonwood Lake
Fishing remains good for trout 8"-12". The lake was recently stocked, and anglers are having good luck with worms. Flies,
lures, and power bait all work as well. Fishing from a small boat provides the best chance of catching more fish. Only hand
propelled vessels are legal. The fishing in the stream below the lake has been excellent.
Forebay Reservoir
Fishing has been good along the south and east shores. Fishermen are catching 10-16 inch rainbow trout using assorted
colors of Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms. There is a closure along part of the southwestern shore due to an osprey
nest.
Henry Reservoir
The lake is still recovering from having gone dry in 2013. It has been stocked with fry, fish that are less than an inch long,
these will likely grow to catchable size by sometime next year. The boat ramp is usable.
Horse Creek Reservoir
The Lake has recently been filled. Access is limited to the surface of the lake and the area around the boat ramp. The lake
has been stocked with small fish. They won't be of catchable size this year.
John Martin Reservoir
Due to the increase in water levels, the reservoir is at 270,000 acre feet. Fishing on the reservoir is still slow to moderate
compared to last year. Anglers are having some luck catching walleye, saugeye, and white bass behind the trestle. Anglers
on the shore are having some luck using minnows and occasional luck using hard baits. White bass and drum are mostly what
is being caught, but not in great numbers. Very few crappie and catfish are being reeled in on the reservoir. Little success
is being had below the reservoir in the stilling basin and Arkansas River. A lot of water is being released and the basin and
river are both running high and fast, making fishing very difficult with few people having any luck.
Lake Hasty
The lake is fishing slow to moderate for panfish.
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Lake Pueblo
Thumb Cove has been filling live wells with large walleye and wiper. If bass is more your style head to the back of Peck
Creek Cove. Fishermen have reported much success in that area casting near the shore. Catfish have been active along
Sailboard Beach, N1, and South Fishing. Anticline pond is still producing small trout and bass. The river below the dam is
flowing at 1020 cubic feet per second. The high water has made fly fishing difficult, but not impossible. Fishermen who
brave wading the river have been having moderate success in catching trout.
Meredith Reservoir
The lake is still recovering from having gone dry in 2013. It has been stocked with fry, fish that are less than an inch long,
these will likely grow to catchable size by sometime next year. The boat ramp is usable.
Midwestern Farms Ponds
Fishing has been slow during the heat of the day. Anglers are catching some pan fish and a few small catfish early in the day
and toward dusk.
Nee Gronda Reservoir
The reservoir is at extremely low water levels, no fish are suspected at this time.
Nee Noshee Reservoir
Increased water levels allow for launching of boats from the south ramp. Preliminary stocking has begun with fingerling and
fry sized fish, stocking will continue based on water levels. It will take at least a year for these fish to become catchable.
North Gateway Park
Fishing has been slow with just a few panfish and bass being caught.
Queens Reservoirs
Increased water levels allow for launching of boats from the south and west ramps. Preliminary stocking has begun with
fingerling and fry sized fish, stocking will continue throughout the fall and spring with warm water species. It will take a
year or more for these fish to grow to a catchable size.
Trinidad Lake
The lake is at 888 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6198.29. The water temperature is in the upper 60’s. The trout
fishing has been slow from shore. The trout that are being caught are biting on night crawlers and PowerBait. Perch are
being caught from shore using night crawlers and jigs. Boaters are catching walleye, perch and trout using jigs, and trolling.
Boaters are reminded that hazards on the lake may not be marked.
Turks Pond
A trapping effort by aquatic biologists was successful in removing a large quantity of black bullheads which have overpopulated the lake. This will help other sport fish and increase angler opportunity. Anglers should target channel catfish
after dark. Successful anglers are using chicken livers and Oklahoma Stink bait fished on the bottom. A few crappie are
caught around the face of the dam. Trout will be stocked again this fall as water temperatures begin to cool.
Turquoise Lake
The lake has provided good fishing along the shore on both sides of the Sugarloaf Dam, Abe Lee, and at the inlet. Fishermen
are using an assortment of baits and lures. The Matchless Boat Ramp is up and running and boat fishermen are reporting
decent success. Fishermen are catching both rainbows and mackinaw from shore with lures, worms, and PowerBait.
Twin Lakes
The fishing at Twin Lakes has been good from the shore with assorted baits, lures and spinners. Fishermen are catching 1216 inch rainbow trout from the shore, and some are catching mackinaw as well. The boat ramp is open and there is decent
success happening for those fishing from boats.
Two Buttes Reservoir
Fishing for trout has slowed down considerably as water temperatures have risen. Anglers should target warm-water species
such as bass, bluegill and crappie. It is best to fish early in the morning and later in the day once recreational boating
traffic has tapered off. Trout will be stocked this fall once the water cools down.
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Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado
Colorado River
The water flow is at 2,740 cubic feet per second and visibility has been improving significantly over the past week and the
fishing has rebounded in a very big way after fairly heavy monsoonal rains. The overall rating for this section of the river is
a 7.5 out of 10. The food sources present are PMDs, sallies, caddis, and stones. In general, it's been all about nymphing the
cat poop stonefly in large golden colors and smaller darker (brown) colors. Caddis and PMDs are also out in big numbers
making them effective dropper patterns. Dry fly fishing has been very hit and miss lately with overcast days yielding better
action (sally's, PMDs) as well as caddis in the late afternoons into the evening hours. Floating the river is certainly best (by a
long shot). The worm has been playing ball too, especially when clarity is less than ideal. Streamers are doing damage early
and late in the day also.
Elkhead Reservoir
Fishing at the lake continues to be great with anglers reporting catching pike, blue gills, crappie and small mouth bass. The
annual Bassmaster tournament will be held Aug. 15-16 at the lake.
Lower Fryingpan
The water conditions are clear, though the afternoon thunder storms can sometimes add in a bit of color. The food sources
present on this stretch of the river is PMDs, caddis, drakes, and BWO’s. The overall rating for this section of the river is 7.5
out of 10. This is the "locals" stretch of the Fryingpan because of the fishing pressure on the upper river, embracing the
lower sections can bring joy to many! Access may be more difficult because you need to cross water and boulder-hop to be
successful. Expect to see plenty of caddis, PMDs, BWOs, craneflies and stoneflies in this section. Streamer fishing can get
quite good early and late in the day also. This is insanely good water to fish dry/dropper with. Hatches are a little less
prolific now as the bugs slowly venture and push further up along the river. Terrestrials like small hoppers, beetles and ants
are particularly effective.
Lower Roaring Fork (Carbondale to Glenwood)
The water flow is at 1,120 cubic feet per second in Glenwood Springs and the water conditions have good clarity with
slightly higher than average flows. The overall rating for this section of the river is a 7 out of 10 with the evening "PowerHour" ranking at a very good 8 out of 10. The food sources present are yellow sallies, caddis, PMDs, and BWO’s. The float
fishing has resumed too in a very big way. If you have the opportunity to float - definitely do so! Fishing conditions are
rapidly changing as the bugs are becoming smaller and the river gets lower. Ditch those big drakes and start fishing the
more numerous PMDs, caddis and BWOs. The rusty spinner bite nymphed in the morning hours has been strong, as has the
BWO fishing during midday. The caddis "Power-Hour" at dusk has still been pretty darn exceptional with lesser numbers of
boat traffic now that the drakes have pushed up. Don't fret. The river has dropped and cleared significantly over the past
two weeks and the river is looking prime for more normal water conditions.
Middle Fryingpan
The water conditions are crystal clear and the food sources are drakes, PMDs, BWOs, and caddis. The overall rating for this
section of the river is 8 out of 10. Fishermen are seeing very decent drake and PMD hatches mid-river. If crowds aren't your
thing, there are plenty of public access areas along this stretch. The infamous Fryingpan Serratella should make its annual
appearance on Aug. 8. This is the current hot-bed for the green drake hatch. Remember, these bugs like to hatch in the
rich, highly-oxygenated faster sections of water. In other words, don't count out pocket water! PMDs have been hatching
heavily on most any day at this point from about 11am-3pm. Some remaining BWOs are also being seen but are of lesser
importance here compared to the upper river. Serratella anglers should expect the hatch to kick off on August 8th
according to our sources. Caddis and rusty spinners are dominating the evenings where fishing has been pretty darn
righteous! If crowds aren't your thing, take advantage of the "power-hour" at dusk.
Middle Roaring Fork (Basalt Downstream to Carbondale)
The water flow is at 650 cubic feet per second in Basalt and the water has good clarity, but still a bit on the high water
level side. The overall rating for this section of the river is 7.5 out of 10 with evening "lightning rounds" ranking at 8.5 out
of 10. The food sources present are caddis, green drakes, PMDs, and BWO’s. The majority of the drakes have pushed up
higher along the river. Don't despair, the caddis "lightning round" has been just as good - with less crowds! Otherwise nymph
the faster sections of river with stones and drakes, the softer sections of river with PMDs, caddis and baetis. River flows are
pretty close to normal down here and maybe just a touch on the high side. PMDs are going strong seemingly all day now,
with caddis beginning to appear in heavy numbers right around dusk. Take plenty of dry shake and your head lamp to take
advantage of the amazing evening caddis fishing. Please be aware of a fallen tree on the river left channel in Rock Bottom
Ranch making it impassable, a mile below the tree nursery. Landmarks to look for would include an adobe house on river
right before coming into the channel split, and an osprey nest on the power line below the split. You will think that the
river left channel is the way to go but be sure to take the river right channel.
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Stagecoach Reservoir
Many anglers at the headwaters have been catching rainbow trout using dry dune flies, emergers, sub-flyies and lots of
colorful PowerBait! Northern pike are biting and large pike have been spotted cruising the banks. Most anglers have been
using barry’s pike fly red and white, gen x bunny fire tiger, and a hammer swim bait (soft lure). Fly fishing at the tail
waters has been steady, anglers are catching lots of trout with midges being the popular choice. The waters below the dam
are at perfect conditions and the fish are hungry! Fishing in the morning, afternoon, and on overcast days are the prime
times. On clear days anglers must use 6 and 7 X fluorocarbon tippets. The responsible harvest of pike at Stagecoach is
encouraged. County Road 18 to the tail water is open as of April 1. For current flows please visit the USGS website.
State Forest State Park
Cool mornings and late afternoons in North Park may be the beginning of a slow slide into fall here in the Medicine Bow
Mountains. The trout that have survived the season in the alpine lakes here at State Forest State Park are becoming wiser to
the lures and harder to catch. The clear days and sinking water levels have made fish spotting easy but the catch has begun
to slow. The angler will have to grow more crafty and the sport fishing grows more challenging at this late stage in the
game. Strange fish behavior has been reported in Lake Agnes with cutthroats swarming in the shallows. This may indicate
midsummer spawning. In any case it has made them no easier to catch. A recommendation can still be made for Kelley and
Clear lakes for those willing to make the trek. Alpine fishing in the region has been especially good lately and the large
cutthroats in these lakes will be less familiar with people than those on the South side of State Forest State Park at
American Lakes and Lake Agnes. Nymph season is still in full effect. In the lowlands around North Michigan Reservoir the
overgrown late season willows provide shelter for brook trout. Anglers willing to get tangled in them may be rewarded.
Sylvan Lake
Fishermen are mostly catching 12-14" rainbow trout with a few cutthroat trout in the mix. The most popular baits to use
include orange and purple PowerBaits, small panther martins, and brown or olive woolly buggers. Popular flies such as
parachute adams and blue winged olives have been the fly of choice and the best place to try is West Brush Creek.
Upper Fryingpan
The water flow is at 304 cubic feet per second and the water clarity is perfect and crystal clear. The overall rating for this
section of the river is 8.5 out of 10 and getting better daily. Drakes are finally back. Fishing has obviously been very good!
Expect good midday hatches from 11am-3pm. The food sources present are green drakes, PMDs, BWOs, caddis, midges, and
mysis shrimp. Fishing has been very good to exceptional as hatches of drakes, pmd's, bwo's, caddis and more come to
fruition. Early morning risers (fish and anglers) can find solitude and fish chowing on rusty spinners and midges. PMDs have
been hatching by 10:30am, green drakes around noon, and sporadic midday hatches of BWOs. The rusty spinner fall in the
evening hours has been incredible especially on days with hot, bright sun. As always, light tippets of 6x and 7x, as well as
downstream drifts aid in success. Nymph fishers will want to focus on PMD and BWO imitations in the soft water and drake
or caddis imitations in the faster pocket water. The mysis shrimp fishing has been hanging on in the Toilet Bowl. The better
fishing has been further away from the dam. Streamer junkies are doing well on overcast days. Keep those patterns in
softer, warmer colors for the best success. Home Invaders, Splendors, Clousers and Slumpies are all good options.
Upper Roaring Fork (Aspen Downstream to Basalt)
The water flow is at 253 cubic feet per second below Maroon Creek (Woody Creek Canyon) and the water clarity is ideal,
but flows are still on the higher side. Fish the soft water and you'll do plenty of damage out there. The overall rating for
this section of the river is 7 out of 10 simply due to slightly higher flows with evening hatches ranking at 8.5 out of 10. If
you want to fish green drakes on the Roaring Fork, this is where the current hotspot is! The food sources present are green
drakes, PMDs, caddis, stoneflies, and BWO’s. It's getting better each and every day along the upper river with hatches
resuming as the water levels continue to drop. PMDs and caddis are the main hatches with lighter numbers of midges and
BWO’s. Green drakes are being seen in decent numbers midday (especially during days of overcast) and heavier numbers
during the "Lightning-Round" at dusk. Don't forget to skate, skitter and bump around your caddis dries for the best success.
Nymphing has been producing the most fish out there on a day to day basis (at least midday). The number one rule up here
right now is to focus on fishing the soft pockets of water and to cover water. One of the benefits of fishing during the
backend of runoff and in higher water flows is that you can eliminate 99 percent of the water/river. That remaining one
percent of river is just loaded and stacked with fish making "reading the water" very easy. Remember, where you catch one
fish - there's probably another 12 in that same pool. Stoneflies and drake nymphs are fishing well as lead/point flies with
smaller PMD and BWO patterns as dropper/trailing flies.
Vega Reservoir
All three boat ramps are open at this time. Water levels are receding slowly and the lake is turning. Fishing is still good.
Anglers are reporting catching rainbows and cutthroats in the 14 - 16 inch range using PowerBait and worms. Please make
sure to have all boats inspected prior to launching. The ANS Inspection Station hours are as follows:
Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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Yampa River
Fishing is excellent on the river at this time. Anglers are catching browns and rainbows along with some pike. The river is at
a normal level for this time of year.
Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado
Pa-Cu-Chu-Puk Ponds
Fishing in the Uncompahgre River at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is excellent. The river flows are currently at 350 cubic feet per second
below the dam, and 210 cubic feet per second coming into the reservoir. Fly fisherman are doing well on bead-headed
nymphs, wooly buggers, copper johns, pheasant tails, and small midges. Spin fisherman are doing well with gold mepps and
yellow/black panther martins. Please remember that the Uncompahgre River in Pa-Cu-Chu-Puk is restricted to flies and
lures only, and all fish caught must be returned to the river immediately. The ponds at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk have a population of
rainbows and some brown trout. Fishing in the ponds has generally been very good. There have been several larger fish (18"20") caught. Fishermen have been doing well with worms and salmon eggs on top in the mornings and evenings, and various
colors of PowerBait off the bottom in the afternoon.
Ridgway Reservoir
The reservoir is at 92 percent capacity and falling. The most recent stocking of the reservoir, with 2,700 catchable rainbow
trout, occurred on July 14th. Both shore fisherman and boaters are reporting very good fishing for stocker-sized rainbows
(8"-14") with a few larger fish (18"-22") being caught. The catch is mostly rainbows, but there have been some bigger browns
and smallmouth bass. Shore fishermen are doing well along Dallas Creek day use area and Mears Bay shorelines. Shore
fisherman should try gold kastmasters, green and rainbow PowerBait, or worms off the bottom. Boat fishermen are having
luck with gold pop-gear and black/silver sinking rapalas near the dam and around the opening to Mears Bay. Bag and size
limits have been removed for smallmouth bass in Ridgway Reservoir. Fishermen are encouraged to take smallmouth from
the reservoir to protect our rainbow and brown trout fisheries.
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Information is provided by CPW employees and local fishing enthusists. Keep in mind that fishing conditions change on a
constant basis. A lot can change in a week from the time this fishing conditions report is produced. If the water you are
interested in knowing more about is not listed here, or if you're looking for the most current information, we encourage
anglers to explore some of the numerous private websites that offer fishing condition reports.
Help your fellow fisherman and submit your fishing reports all year round to dnr_fish.reporter@state.co.us or go online at
http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fish-Reporter.aspx .
To learn more about youth and adult fishing events throughout the state visit the CPW fishing events web page at
http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing-Events.aspx
To learn more about fishing regulations visit the CPW website at
http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/fishing.pdf#search=fishing%20brochure
DNR Fish Reporter
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