Conditions Report – Metro Denver Area
Aurora Reservoir
This 762-acre impoundment is located off E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. Open to boating. As of 7/24/22, City of Aurora Ranger Jones reports: trout fishing from shore has slow to fair. Trout are deeper now so try casting out 40-50 yards with power bait on a slip rig. The dam is typically one of the better areas to fish for trout this time of the year because of the deeper water. Boaters have reported fair to good success on trout trolling with crawlers and fire tiger or perch colored spoons. Walleye fishing is slow to fair using crawlers with bottom bouncers and trolling crankbaits. Most walleye being caught are undersize. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park Hours for July 5:00am-9:30pm. August 5:30am-9:00pm. Restricted to electric motors only. AURORA RESERVOIR WILL BE CLOSED AUGUST 6TH FOR AN EVENT.
Chatfield Reservoir
This 1,356-acre impoundment is located in Chatfield State Park. As of 7/25/22, Anglers are reporting success for walleye, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass in the lake. Jigs, worms, and lures in deeper water near structure tend to be successful. Trout fishing has been fair, as water temperatures rise. The best options to catch trout are to use worms and flashy lures. The water temperature is around 75 degrees with 3-4 of water clarity. The current lake level is 5429.53
Quincy Reservoir
As of 7/24/22 City of Aurora Ranger Jones reports: Trout fishing is slow. Bass fishing is slow a few reports of bass being caught using soft plastics and top water lures. Best fishing is early morning and evenings. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Electric motors only and only hand launched watercraft permitted. Vehicles and trailers are not permitted in the water. July Park Hours: 5:00am-9:30pm. August 5:30am-9:00pm. For more information call 303-326-8424.
Conditions Report – Southeast Colorado
Arkansas River – Leadville to Buena Vista
As of 7/27/22, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, The upper river is in excellent condition this and is offering incredibly good fishing with various hatches, especially up in Hayden Meadows. This is an ideal wade fishing flow for the Meadows and offers easier access to areas like Granite and the rocky shoreline down through the Numbers and Railroad Bridge. Expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. Hayden Meadows will offer fish holding in much of the riffled water when food is available. Caddis hatches are in high gear alongside pale morning dun and golden stonefly emergences. Green drakes are windng down their hatches but can still be found from Granite on up into Hayden Meadows and give more opportunities to tease fish to the surface with a large dry fly. With the clear water, expect more realistic imitations to become more effective than we saw during high water. Dry-dropper fishing is extremely effective on the upper river from this point forward, as the conditions of early summer make for opportunistic, competitive, aggressive feeding from our resident trout post-runoff and many fish will respond to attractor and terrestrial dry flies even during non-hatch periods. Mayfly nymphs/emergers and caddis pupa in #16-18 are excellent droppers to try now in the upper basin.
Lake Trinidad
As of 7/11/2022 Ranger Olson reports the lake is at 722 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6183.46. The water level is stable. Islands have appeared and some hazards may not be marked. Shore fishermen were doing well catching trout on doughbait and worms. Smallmouth bass are being caught on swim baits along the South Shore by the dam. Catfish have been reported as slow Boaters have reported good conditions for Walleye. They are being caught on bottom bouncers, daredevil spoons and worms. Trout are also common on the boats with worms and doughbaits. Smallmouths have been less frequent. The water temperatures are around 72-75 degrees.
Arkansas River – Buena Vista to Salida
As of 7/27/22, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, The river has been fishing well as flows level into the low 600 cfs range in the middle basin. The river level likely remain close to this flow for the next several weeks as river flows are augmented with the Twin Lakes release to the north. These flows are making for excellent float fishing conditions and more favorable wade/bank fishing opportunities. If you’ve been on the fence about fishing, the time is NOW. At these levels expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. The water you might want to stand in is probably where you need to be casting. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 4x is unneccessary until flows drop. Golden stoneflies are now hatching and grasshoppers are making themselves known along the shoreline, giving us a great opportunity to fish dry-dropper rigs throughout the day. We are also seeing pale morning duns active throughout the corridor with red quill mayflies present further downstream. As a result, anglers will see good results on dropper nymphs like pheasant tails, two-bit hookers, and bullet/perdigon style nymphs. The larger stoneflies and grasshppers can be imitated with dry flies in #10-12, and droppers are best in the #14-18 size range. Don’t worry if you don’t see fish rising; the higher flows usually allow us to tease fish to the surface on larger dry flies out of an opportunisitc, competitive response even in non-hatch periods. Tributaries are clear and very approachable at current flows, making them very worthwhile as an alternative to the river for these seeking solitude.
Arkansas River – Salida to Canon City
As of 7/27/22, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, If you’ve been on the fence about fishing, the time is NOW. Fishing has been excellent as flows hold around the 700 cfs mark at the Wellsville gauge below Salida. Monsoons have helped to temper afternoon heat and have provided some much needed moisture to the valley. Bring rain gear with you and know that in the off chance that rain causes the river to get murky where you are fishing, a simple move can often get you well above or below any discoloration and get you right back into good fishing. We expect to see the river stay around this level through mid August flows are augmented out of Twin Lakes to the north. At these levels expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. The water you might want to stand in is probably where you need to be casting. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 4x is unneccessary. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. You may still encounter some yellow sally stoneflies, but we’re seeing far more mayflies in the pale morning dun and red quill variety so use these insects to inform your selection of beadhead nymphs for droppers. Usually #16-18 patterns will cover both the nymph and dun phases of these mayfly hatches, but some of your red quills can be in the #12-14 range. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, copper johns, etc. are the perfect, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish beneath a grasshopper or attractor dry fly right along the bank. Don’t worry if you don’t see fish rising; the higher flows usually allow us to tease fish to the surface on larger dry flies out of an opportunisitc, competitive response even in non-hatch periods. Tributaries are clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
Conditions Report – Northeast Colorado
Boyd Lake
Reported by Type of Fish: GRADE; Lures Reported Used; Location Reported. Bass, Largemouth: no current report Bass, Smallmouth: no current report Bass, White: no current report Blue Gill: no current report Carp: no current report Catfish: no current report Crappie: SLOW Trout: FAIR; Worms, Mealworms, Spinner, Woolly buggers; Pumphouse, Lakewide Walleye: SLOW, middle of lake Yellow Perch: No current report ***Reminder – No fishing from marina slips or docks.
Cheesman Canyon
As of 7/29/22, Anglers Covey reports, The flows are stable at about 150 cfs. have come down a little to 155 cfs. Look for the flows to remain stable at this rate until the weather pattern changes. The canyon has been fishing very well as of late. Keep in mind that the flows coming out of Cheesman reservoir are from the bottom release valve. This keeps the river pretty cold. The water temp is about 48-50 degrees on most mornings. This colder water will delay or stunt some of the regular hatches we should be seeing right now. Midges are the most important food source in the canyon. We are starting to see some PMD’s become active. Cheesman reservoir is currently 97% full. At the current inflows, the reservoir should be full in about 10 days. Once that happens, we anticipate another increase on flows. Fishing is technical as usual. Sight fishing is our preferred method. Small bugs and light tippet are the standard year round in the canyon, but will be especially important in low flows. Midges, Caddis, PMD’s, should all start to become more active. Keep an eye out for these specific hatches and adjust accordingly. Don’t be afraid to include larger food offerings such as leeches, scuds, caddis larva, worms, and cranefly larva. Check the weather and plan accordingly. We suggest either wet wading or hiking in without your waders, its been very hot in this area. Afternoon rain chances will be higher through this week as well. Cheesman has been getting busier in recent weeks. Remember this: If you arrive and there are no spots left in the parking lot, don’t park on the road. You will get a ticket!
Antero Reservoir
As of 7/29/22, Anglers Covey reports The fishing has picked up slightly at Antero. The afternoon storms have cooled things off a bit and that has helped the conditions. There are still pretty strong callebaetis hatches and damsels and caddisflies are also in good numbers. Try fishing the earlier or way later parts of the day when water temps are not as hot. This warm water has also really exploded the weed growth in the lake. Fish between weed beds and “columns”. Shore fishing is still doable, but float tubers, kayakers and boaters will benefit more now with the fish spreading out. The fish are starting to venture out more into the lake and that will continue as the weeds start to grow. The boat ramps are open and kayak/float tuber anglers can launch from anywhere on the lake. We will continue in the monsoon pattern so you can expect afternoon storms daily with some of those storms being severe. The weather will get pretty warm heading through the weekend. Keep an eye out to the west for storms. The wind looks to be fairly mild as well. As always, watch out for the wind in the afternoons. Fish are feeding opportunistically all over the lake. Static nymphing and slow stripping chironomids, callebaetis, damsels, wooly buggers and leeches have been effective.
Elevenmile Reservoir
As of 7/29/22, Anglers Covey Reports Out of all of the South Park lakes, 11 mile has been the most consistent. Water temps are decent in 11 mile and the best out of any lake in South Park right now. Target the west end of the lake for the best fly fishing activity. Success has been mixed and some days seem to be better than others. Success is increased for anglers in watercraft with the ability to move around the lake. Callebaetis are still hatching pretty strong. We are also seeing increased damselflies and caddisflies. Fishing leach patterns in various methods have been very effective. The pike bite has slowed a little, but you can still entice these toothy beasts with the right flies and strip sequence. The Carp fishing is also really good right now. Stop in the shop if youd like some directions on where to go. While there is still some opportunity from the bank, right now, fishing will be best from some type of watercraft. Trout are cruising at various depths in search of food. The key is being mobile until you find them and fishing the proper depths. This is a great time to get out in your belly boats, kayaks, or boats. All boat ramps are open on 11 Mile. Be cautious in any watercraft in South Park on windy days, but especially 11 mile. The weather will be nice this week. There will be increased heavy rain chances particularly on Thursday. Keep an eye out for incoming thunderstorms in the afternoons. 11 mile can be downright scary during a storm, especially if you are in watercraft. Plan to start early and leave early.
Tarryall Reservoir
As of 7/27/22, Anglers Covey reports, Tarryall has been fishing pretty good the last few weeks. While this lake typically attracts more conventional anglers, it is a great fly fishing venue. Often overlooked amongst Spinney and Antero, this lake does have a good trout population. This is a great location to walk the shorelines tossing hoppers. Chironomids, Callebaetis, Damsels, leaches, scuds, and streamers should be effective. The fish have started to transition out further into the lake. Some type of watercraft is ideal right now to access a lot of different areas of the lake. The weather this week will be beautiful with good rain chances every afternoon. The river is currently at 44 cfs below the lake, and also 40 cfs above. If you can find public water these are great flows for Tarryall.
Conditions Report – Southwest Colorado
Animas River at Durango
As of 7/27/22, Duranglers reports, Caddis all summer! It seems mornings and evenings are making for the best dry fly fishing. Watch for hatches of PMDs and small mayflies. Watch the water temps midday, if they rise above 67 or so, call it quits to protect the fish. Rain will require you to throw big nymphs or streamers if the water raises and discolors. Dries: Glitter Ant Flag 16-18, Elk hair Caddis 14-18, Parachute Adams 12-16, PMD Rocky Mountain Mint 16-18, PMD Pink Hackle Stacker, Chubbies 12-16. Pats Rubberlegs 8-12, Prince nymphs and variants 14-18, Barrs Graphic Caddis 14-16, Czechmate Caddis 14, Split Back PMD 16-18, RS-2 18-20. Streamers: GD Sculpin Snack, Kreelex, Mini-Dungeon, Sculpzilla, Sculpinator.
Animas River
Rio Grande
As of 7/27/22, Duranglers reports, The little river that could! Flows are back up a bit with the rain and more rain on the way. Remember, Clouds=mayflies. Flow bumps may disorient fish for a day but keep at it. Mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials are good dries to have on hand. Chubbies 14-16, Stimulators 12-16, Tan Elk hair Caddis 10-14, Parachute Adams 12-18, Guide Chute Hares Ear 12-16, Rocky Mountain Mint 14-16. PMD Vis-a-Dun 16-18. Glitter Ant Flag 16-18, Mr. Miller 12-14, Grey Elk Hair Caddis 10-14, Spruce Moth 12-14.”
Conditions Report – Northwest Colorado
Rifle Gap State Park
Fishing has been good for pike, perch, smallmouth and walleye. 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″ or greater ?All other species: Same as statewide regulations. See the Rifle Gap Fishery Management Plan? page for more information.
Blue River – Silverthorne
As of 7/26/22, Cutthroat Anglers reports, NYMPHS:| Epoxy mysis #18 | Natural Pheasant Tail #18-22 | Mayfly Nymph BWO size 18-20 | RS2 Dun 18-22 | Jujubee Midge #18-22 | Miracle Midge #20-22 | WD-40 Chocolate and Black #18-22| DRIES:| Elk Hair Caddis Yellow #18 | Peacock Caddis #18 | Extended Body BWO size 18-22 | Extended Body BWO #18-22| Matthew’s Sparkle Dun BWO | Griffiths Gnat size 18-24 | Umpqua Adult Midge Dark 20-22 | CDC Morgan’s Midge size 20-22 STREAMERS:| Thin Mint #6 | Near Nuff Sculpin olive size 04-06 | Super Bugger Tan size 6 | Pops Bugger pearl/grizzly size 8 | Pine Squirrel Leech in black size 12 | Slump Busters in olive and natural | Crystal Bugger white sizes 8-12 | Halebop Leech wine no bead size 8 WATER TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F): Right around the 40 degree mark. WATER CLARITY: You can expect the water to be crystal clear most of the time! However, things such as an increase in flows and increases in atmospheric temperatures may lead to stain in the water. Stain may also enter the system in the afternoons due to road melt runoff. CURRENT FOOD SOURCES: Mysis Shrimp | midges | small mayflies(BWO and PMD) | Yellow Sally nymphs | small caddis | leeches, smaller fish, worms etc.
Colorado River – Parshall Area
As of 7/14/22, Cutthroat Anglers report, The Parshall area on the Colorado is fishing well. Dry droppers have been the most productive method to catch fish. You will find fish in the fast riffles and rock gardens. Still target deep pools and runs as fish will always hold in these places. Caddis, PMD, and Stonefly patterns have been producing for us. Pat’s Rubber Legs, Pheasant Tails, Perdigon Jigs, and small mayfly emergers. NYMPHS: Pat’s Rubber Leg’s black, brown, or olive size 10 – 12 | San Juan Worm #12 | TDJ Golden Stone 12-16 | Tungsten Flashback CDC Pheasant Tail size 14-20 | Tungsten Hare’s Ear size 16-18 | Egan’s Jig Frenchie | Sparkle Wing RS2 grey or olive size 18-22 | Mercury Black Beauty size 18-22 | Zebra midge black or olive size 18-22 | DRIES:| Parachute Adam’s size 12-22 | Black Foam Caddis size 16-18 | Quigley’s Film Critic BWO size 18-20 | Extended Body PMD size 16 | Extended Body parachute BWO size 18-22 | Matthew’s Sparkle Dun BWO size 16-22 | Thorax BWO size 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat 18-22 | Morgan’s CDC Midge size 20-22 | STREAMERS: Sculpzilla sunrise, olive, or black size 4-8 | Thin Mint size 2 – 6 | Articulated Goldie size 2 – 6 | Sparkle Minnow White or craw | Slump Busters olive or black size 4-6 | Bead Head Mini Leech olive/black, or wine size 8 CURRENT FOOD SOURCES:| stonefly nymphs | Eggs | Baetis | caddis | midges | small fish, leeches, worms etc.
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