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Clear water has become a scarce commodity in Colorado rivers.
The spring runoff has affected most free-flowing streams on both sides of the Continental Divide, creating difficult to virtually impossible conditions for moving-water fishermen. Possible exceptions include the upper Roaring Fork River in western Colorado and the upper Poudre in the northeast.
Tailwaters - portions of rivers directly below a dam Ð remain the best bet for stream fishermen. Likely choices include the Frying Pan River below Ruedi Dam, the Big Thompson below Lake Estes, the Yampa below Stagecoach Reservoir, the Williams Fork and portions of the upper Colorado, where the stoneflies are expected to hatch soon.
Even so, not all tailwaters are in prime condition. South Platte River flows in Elevenmile Canyon and below Spinney Mountain Dam remain unusually low, making fishing very challenging.
By contrast, flows in the South Platte below Cheesman Reservoir have been high. Releases from the dam have been around 500 cubic feet per second, with steadily increasing volume downstream. While anglers in Cheesman Canyon have had fair success, the river below Deckers has been all but unfishable.
Fishing for trout in most mid-elevation lakes and reservoirs generally remains good, although the initial period of hot fishing that follows ice-out has pretty much run its course on all but the highest-elevation waters.
Exceptions might include Taylor, Green Mountain and Granby reservoirs, where mackinaw remain accessible in relatively shallow water close to shore, offering opportunities to catch trophy sized fish on light tackle.
<b>Blue River changes</b>
The Colorado Wildlife Commission recently approved some changes to the fishing regulations that are not included in the 2007 fishing brochure. They went into effect on May 1.
The spring runoff has affected most free-flowing streams on both sides of the Continental Divide, creating difficult to virtually impossible conditions for moving-water fishermen. Possible exceptions include the upper Roaring Fork River in western Colorado and the upper Poudre in the northeast.
Tailwaters - portions of rivers directly below a dam Ð remain the best bet for stream fishermen. Likely choices include the Frying Pan River below Ruedi Dam, the Big Thompson below Lake Estes, the Yampa below Stagecoach Reservoir, the Williams Fork and portions of the upper Colorado, where the stoneflies are expected to hatch soon.
Even so, not all tailwaters are in prime condition. South Platte River flows in Elevenmile Canyon and below Spinney Mountain Dam remain unusually low, making fishing very challenging.
By contrast, flows in the South Platte below Cheesman Reservoir have been high. Releases from the dam have been around 500 cubic feet per second, with steadily increasing volume downstream. While anglers in Cheesman Canyon have had fair success, the river below Deckers has been all but unfishable.
Fishing for trout in most mid-elevation lakes and reservoirs generally remains good, although the initial period of hot fishing that follows ice-out has pretty much run its course on all but the highest-elevation waters.
Exceptions might include Taylor, Green Mountain and Granby reservoirs, where mackinaw remain accessible in relatively shallow water close to shore, offering opportunities to catch trophy sized fish on light tackle.
<b>Blue River changes</b>
The Colorado Wildlife Commission recently approved some changes to the fishing regulations that are not included in the 2007 fishing brochure. They went into effect on May 1.
On the lower Blue River, catch-and-release provisions were enacted from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. On the upper Blue and its Swan River tributary, long-standing closures in the fall to protect spawning brown trout from Dillon Reservoir have been removed.
On the lower Gunnison River, through the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, a slot limit protecting brown trout has been dropped. Flies-and-lures restrictions have been extended on the Gunnison from the North Fork confluence downstream four miles to the Relief Ditch diversion. Anglers there also have to release all rainbow trout.
For the complete, statewide fishing report, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/SeasonalReport/
<b>Denver Metro</b>
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) - The creek is high; use caution. Caddis and red blood midges may trick some fish in the deeper holes.
South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) - The river has been unusually high and discolored. Fishing is difficult. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen often are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers usually are the most effective bait in the unrestricted lower stretch.
<b>Northwest</b>
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) - The flow below Green Mountain Dam late on Monday was 495 cfs. A catch-and-release provision went into effect May 1 for the river from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. The river holds its share of trout, but through much of this section courses through private property.
On the lower Gunnison River, through the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, a slot limit protecting brown trout has been dropped. Flies-and-lures restrictions have been extended on the Gunnison from the North Fork confluence downstream four miles to the Relief Ditch diversion. Anglers there also have to release all rainbow trout.
For the complete, statewide fishing report, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/SeasonalReport/
<b>Denver Metro</b>
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) - The creek is high; use caution. Caddis and red blood midges may trick some fish in the deeper holes.
South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) - The river has been unusually high and discolored. Fishing is difficult. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen often are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers usually are the most effective bait in the unrestricted lower stretch.
<b>Northwest</b>
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) - The flow below Green Mountain Dam late on Monday was 495 cfs. A catch-and-release provision went into effect May 1 for the river from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. The river holds its share of trout, but through much of this section courses through private property.
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) - The river below Dillon Reservoir has been flowing at 720 cfs. This is big water for the Blue. When that happens, the number of Mysis shrimp in the system increases exponentially. Many of the giant rainbows, cutthroats, and browns that generally reside in the no-fishing zone will move down into town and feed with reckless abandon. Fish with San Juan Worms, large Mysis shrimp, egg patterns, red midges and larger nymphs. When flows go up on the Blue, many anglers are standing where they should be fishing. Walk the banks and look for fish feeding in the soft pockets along the edges of the river. When you find a pod of fish, cast from the bank. North of Silverthorne, conditions are starting to deteriorate from tributary creeks.
Colorado River (below Parshall) - Flows at Parshall, below the Williams Fork confluence, have been around 507 cfs. Near Kremmling, the volume is 1,250 cfs. The river generally has been discolored, but on a given day may be fishably clear. While midges remain active in the afternoons and some blue-wing-olives still are on the water, stoneflies soon should be coming off. Larger nymph patterns and streamer patterns may take some trout on days with lower visibility into the water, and spin-fishermen have enjoyed success on Mepps and Panther Martin spinners.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) - The Colorado River has been flowing at 5,450 cfs below Glenwood Springs, where visibility into the water is ranging from 6-18 inches. Caddis are hatching in profound numbers in Glenwood Canyon during afternoons. Fish can be caught tight to the banks in the "softer" water. Stonefly and Ddrake nymphs are also fishing well. River and creek closures to protect spawning rainbow trout have come to an end. In a change of pace, carp fishing has been very good from Rifle downstream to DeBeque along the backwater sloughs using Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, Princes, 20 Inchers and Scuds.
Colorado River (near Granby) - Recent flows have been 101 cfs below Windy Gap, 137 cfs at Hot Sulphur Springs and 524 near Parshall. The river is discolored in all but its immediate tailwater sections, but fishing San Juan worms, egg patterns, large nymphs and streamers still may be effective. The annual stonefly hatch is expected soon. Spinning and spoon lures are also working. In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.
Elkhead Reservoir - The reservoir is open, after a two-year draw down for dam reconstruction. Access for fishing and day use will be allowed this summer, with camping and other activities coming on line as construction is completed. The lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout. Please use caution if boating; large amounts of debris exist.
Fryingpan River - Flows have been hovering around 115 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir, where the water has been clear, cold and conducive to good hatches of BWOs and caddis. Midges and mysis shrimp continue to fool fish along the top mile below the dam, as well. The prime time has been 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Light tippets of 6x and 7x are mandatory to be successful. The river above the reservoir recently was stocked and has been fishing well using Woolly Buggers, Princes and Flashtop Coachmen.
Grand Lake - Consistent fishing on this deep, natural lake requires some learning and experience, but can be highly rewarding. Mackinaw still are relatively close to shore. Spinners, Rapalas, vertical jigging, fly fishing, trolling and bait fishing all can produce brown trout, rainbows, large lake trout and kokanee. Boat access between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir is possible. The water level of this lake must remain constant. Inquire in Granby for updates.
Green Mountain Reservoir - The lake level is coming up a foot a day, and the campgrounds are open. Fishing is good using night crawlers and salmon eggs. Silver Kastmasters and Flatfish are working for the boaters. Fishing is good, and fishermen are happy.
Rifle Gap Reservoir - Conditions at Rifle Gap are excellent. The water temperature is about 65 degrees. The boat ramps are in the water and accessible. The bouys are also out in the water, so please pay attention to the no-wake areas. Early trout fishing from the bank has been good on Power Bait and worms. A few walleyes have been caught by the inlet. Boating fishermen have taken some northern pike by trolling large Rapalas and similar lures, or gold or silver spoons. Smaller pike also have been taken on streamer flies. Some 8- to 13-inch yellow perch have been taken on jigs and by fly fishermen using Clouser Minnows off the bottom in 5-8 feet of water.
Roaring Fork River - The Roaring Fork has been day-to-day in terms of water clarity, but the caddis hatch has been in full swing from Basalt down to Carbondale. Though the lower river below Basalt is day-to-day, the upper river below Aspen has been consistently clear with solid nymphing opportunities. Hot flies include: 20 Inchers, Princes, Red Copper Johns, Deep 6 Caddis, BLMs and STDs.
Colorado River (below Parshall) - Flows at Parshall, below the Williams Fork confluence, have been around 507 cfs. Near Kremmling, the volume is 1,250 cfs. The river generally has been discolored, but on a given day may be fishably clear. While midges remain active in the afternoons and some blue-wing-olives still are on the water, stoneflies soon should be coming off. Larger nymph patterns and streamer patterns may take some trout on days with lower visibility into the water, and spin-fishermen have enjoyed success on Mepps and Panther Martin spinners.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) - The Colorado River has been flowing at 5,450 cfs below Glenwood Springs, where visibility into the water is ranging from 6-18 inches. Caddis are hatching in profound numbers in Glenwood Canyon during afternoons. Fish can be caught tight to the banks in the "softer" water. Stonefly and Ddrake nymphs are also fishing well. River and creek closures to protect spawning rainbow trout have come to an end. In a change of pace, carp fishing has been very good from Rifle downstream to DeBeque along the backwater sloughs using Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, Princes, 20 Inchers and Scuds.
Colorado River (near Granby) - Recent flows have been 101 cfs below Windy Gap, 137 cfs at Hot Sulphur Springs and 524 near Parshall. The river is discolored in all but its immediate tailwater sections, but fishing San Juan worms, egg patterns, large nymphs and streamers still may be effective. The annual stonefly hatch is expected soon. Spinning and spoon lures are also working. In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.
Elkhead Reservoir - The reservoir is open, after a two-year draw down for dam reconstruction. Access for fishing and day use will be allowed this summer, with camping and other activities coming on line as construction is completed. The lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout. Please use caution if boating; large amounts of debris exist.
Fryingpan River - Flows have been hovering around 115 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir, where the water has been clear, cold and conducive to good hatches of BWOs and caddis. Midges and mysis shrimp continue to fool fish along the top mile below the dam, as well. The prime time has been 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Light tippets of 6x and 7x are mandatory to be successful. The river above the reservoir recently was stocked and has been fishing well using Woolly Buggers, Princes and Flashtop Coachmen.
Grand Lake - Consistent fishing on this deep, natural lake requires some learning and experience, but can be highly rewarding. Mackinaw still are relatively close to shore. Spinners, Rapalas, vertical jigging, fly fishing, trolling and bait fishing all can produce brown trout, rainbows, large lake trout and kokanee. Boat access between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir is possible. The water level of this lake must remain constant. Inquire in Granby for updates.
Green Mountain Reservoir - The lake level is coming up a foot a day, and the campgrounds are open. Fishing is good using night crawlers and salmon eggs. Silver Kastmasters and Flatfish are working for the boaters. Fishing is good, and fishermen are happy.
Rifle Gap Reservoir - Conditions at Rifle Gap are excellent. The water temperature is about 65 degrees. The boat ramps are in the water and accessible. The bouys are also out in the water, so please pay attention to the no-wake areas. Early trout fishing from the bank has been good on Power Bait and worms. A few walleyes have been caught by the inlet. Boating fishermen have taken some northern pike by trolling large Rapalas and similar lures, or gold or silver spoons. Smaller pike also have been taken on streamer flies. Some 8- to 13-inch yellow perch have been taken on jigs and by fly fishermen using Clouser Minnows off the bottom in 5-8 feet of water.
Roaring Fork River - The Roaring Fork has been day-to-day in terms of water clarity, but the caddis hatch has been in full swing from Basalt down to Carbondale. Though the lower river below Basalt is day-to-day, the upper river below Aspen has been consistently clear with solid nymphing opportunities. Hot flies include: 20 Inchers, Princes, Red Copper Johns, Deep 6 Caddis, BLMs and STDs.
Williams Fork Reservoir - The water level has been steadily rising and the reservoir soon will be full. Fishing for rainbow trout has been fair to good. Anglers have been using Dardevle-type spoons, small crankbaits and an assortment of baits from shore. Northern pike should become active soon. The reservoir also has some large mackinaw.
Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) - Through some weather-related daily ups and downs, the river through Steamboat Springs remains high and discolored. Though experienced anglers may take a few fish on streamer flies in the mornings, fishing is difficult and wading is not recommended. The best choice is the .6-mile tailwater below Stagecoach Dam. Midges and a few blue-wing-olives are on the water there, but with runoff affecting other streams in the region, the area is very popular with fishermen.
<b>Southeast</b>
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) - Hot weather in the upper valley brought down snowmelt and raised the river level over the weekend. On Sunday, flows were 894 cfs in Buena Vista and 1,120 cfs in Browns Canyon. With continued hot weather in the forecast, high flows are expected this week. Clearing along the edges and good fishing opportunities are evident at times - big attractor nymphs and dries or streamers fished along the edge will appeal to the large numbers of trout that are concentrated along the edges out of the current.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) - Hot weather over the weekend generated the beginnings of a melt cycle in the high country of the upper Arkansas River. Flows on Sunday were 642 cfs at Granite and 894 cfs above Buena Vista. With continued warm weather projected, a week of challenging conditions is expected, with a fair chance of clearing late in the week. Working edge water with attractor nymphs and dries is the best bet in this section.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) - Late Sunday, flows were 1,220 cfs at Wellsville and 1,230 cfs at Parkdale. Flows were expected to climb over the next few days due to hot weather and snowmelt. With a strong early melt like this, it is easy to envision a period of clearing and flow stabilization soon if temperatures cool down a bit. Check locally for conditions over the next week before venturing down.
Elevenmile Reservoir - The overall trout fishing success ranges between poor and fair. Worms, marshmallows, various Power Baits and assorted spinners have been the best baits. Trout that have been caught recently are ranging from 18- to 20-plus inches. Northern pike fishing has picked up, with the majority of fish less than 12 inches. The bag and possession limit is 10 kokanee salmon and four trout, of which only two can be 16 inches or longer. No limit applies to northern pike. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
South Platte River (between Spinney and Elevenmile) - Flows continue to be low, averaging approximately 38 cfs above Elevenmile Reservoir. Fish that are in the river are pooled up and seem difficult to entice. Though conditions are demanding, some trophy catches still are being reported. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures below Spinney, and catch-and-release rules apply. Brown trout catches have been abundant above Spinney. As usual, this area attracts large crowds this time of year.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir - Fishing at Spinney is by artificial flies and lures only, with a bag and possession limit of one trout at least 20 inches long. The action is improving as water temperatures rise. Fishing has been good throughout day, with average trout catches in the 18- to 22-inch range. The most successful flies have been scud patterns, various streamers and white jigs. As usual, marabou jigs are hot. This is a day use park, opening 1/2 hour before sunrise and closing one hour after sunset. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) - Through some weather-related daily ups and downs, the river through Steamboat Springs remains high and discolored. Though experienced anglers may take a few fish on streamer flies in the mornings, fishing is difficult and wading is not recommended. The best choice is the .6-mile tailwater below Stagecoach Dam. Midges and a few blue-wing-olives are on the water there, but with runoff affecting other streams in the region, the area is very popular with fishermen.
<b>Southeast</b>
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) - Hot weather in the upper valley brought down snowmelt and raised the river level over the weekend. On Sunday, flows were 894 cfs in Buena Vista and 1,120 cfs in Browns Canyon. With continued hot weather in the forecast, high flows are expected this week. Clearing along the edges and good fishing opportunities are evident at times - big attractor nymphs and dries or streamers fished along the edge will appeal to the large numbers of trout that are concentrated along the edges out of the current.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) - Hot weather over the weekend generated the beginnings of a melt cycle in the high country of the upper Arkansas River. Flows on Sunday were 642 cfs at Granite and 894 cfs above Buena Vista. With continued warm weather projected, a week of challenging conditions is expected, with a fair chance of clearing late in the week. Working edge water with attractor nymphs and dries is the best bet in this section.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) - Late Sunday, flows were 1,220 cfs at Wellsville and 1,230 cfs at Parkdale. Flows were expected to climb over the next few days due to hot weather and snowmelt. With a strong early melt like this, it is easy to envision a period of clearing and flow stabilization soon if temperatures cool down a bit. Check locally for conditions over the next week before venturing down.
Elevenmile Reservoir - The overall trout fishing success ranges between poor and fair. Worms, marshmallows, various Power Baits and assorted spinners have been the best baits. Trout that have been caught recently are ranging from 18- to 20-plus inches. Northern pike fishing has picked up, with the majority of fish less than 12 inches. The bag and possession limit is 10 kokanee salmon and four trout, of which only two can be 16 inches or longer. No limit applies to northern pike. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
South Platte River (between Spinney and Elevenmile) - Flows continue to be low, averaging approximately 38 cfs above Elevenmile Reservoir. Fish that are in the river are pooled up and seem difficult to entice. Though conditions are demanding, some trophy catches still are being reported. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures below Spinney, and catch-and-release rules apply. Brown trout catches have been abundant above Spinney. As usual, this area attracts large crowds this time of year.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir - Fishing at Spinney is by artificial flies and lures only, with a bag and possession limit of one trout at least 20 inches long. The action is improving as water temperatures rise. Fishing has been good throughout day, with average trout catches in the 18- to 22-inch range. The most successful flies have been scud patterns, various streamers and white jigs. As usual, marabou jigs are hot. This is a day use park, opening 1/2 hour before sunrise and closing one hour after sunset. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
