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COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Fishing Regulations Fishing Report

Friday August 24th, 2018 Review

News and Information

Emergency fish salvage at Groundhog Reservoir Parks and Wildlife is implementing an emergency fish salvage starting immediately at Groundhog Reservoir because the lake is being drained to accommodate repairs to the outlet structure of the dam

Game the game fish by casting lines on Colorado reservoirs’ muddy shores Game fish are predators. Like most predators, they look for conditions that give them an advantage over their prey. So how can you get the advantage on them? Beat them at their own game.

Colorado volunteers will monitor health of their neighborhood rivers on World Water Monitoring Day DENVER – River Watch of Colorado is excited to mark World Water Monitoring Day on September 18, 2018. River Watch is Colorado’s statewide volunteer water quality-monitoring program operated by the nonprofit Earth Force in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Brainard Lake turning into a multi-recreation success story thanks to volunteer group Recreational user groups don’t always get along, but an informational program developed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers has helped to get recreationists to see eye-to-eye at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

As fall approaches, Highline Lake adjusting ANS inspection hours Beginning August 20th, aquatic nuisance species inspection hours at will be changing due to a reduction in staff. In addition, the East boat ramp will close for the season on Aug.12. The West ramp will remain open until further notice.

Now you can take the #ColoradoOutdoors anywhere. Follow us on @instagram @coparkswildlife! http://instagram.com/coparkswildlife

Check out our CPW community on Facebook. Colorado anglers can “like" the CPW Facebook page to get tips, share stories and more. If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be. Before you head out, head for facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/.

Fish with us on Twitter Colorado anglers can get updates directly from CPW on Twitter. Follow @COParksWildlife.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Closure Information

CPW initiates Voluntary Fishing Closures on designated reaches of the Eagle River, Colorado River, Crystal River, and Roaring Fork River Due to high water temperatures and low flows, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is implementing voluntary fishing closures on several stretches of rivers in Colorado. The fishing closure are effective immediately, until further notice.

Although anglers are not legally prohibited from fishing in these stretches, CPW is asking anglers to fish early in the day and find alternative places to fish until conditions improve.

Contact the closest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office for more details.

Northwest Region

Voluntary Closures Between 2 p.m. and Midnight

 Eagle River from Wolcott downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River  Colorado River from State Bridge downstream to Rifle  Crystal River from Avalanche Creek downstream to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River  Roaring Fork River from Carbondale downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River  The north fork of White River at the National Forest boundary, through the main stem of the river to the County Road 5 bridge, downstream of the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area  The south fork of the White River from the National Forest boundary thorough the main stem of the river to the County Road 5 bridge, downstream of the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area

 Fraser River from Grand County Road 8 in Fraser, downstream through the towns of Tabernash and Granby to confluence with the Colorado River near Windy Gap Reservoir  Colorado River from the confluence with the Fraser River near Windy Gap Reservoir downstream to its confluence with the Williams Fork River near Parshall

Read the full voluntary fishing closures in Northwest Colorado press release.

Full-time Voluntary Closures

 Yampa River, from Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area to western Steamboat Springs city limits

For a complete up to date list of Fishing Closures currently in effect visit the CPW Website

To check closures call your CPW Regional office. In the Northeast Region, call the Denver office at 303-291-7227. In the Southeast Region, call the Colorado Springs office at 719-227-5200. In the Southwest Region, call the Durango office at 970-375-6708. In the Northwest Region, call the Grand Junction office at 970-255-6100.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Stocking Report

Body of Water Region Report Date

Big Meadows Reservoir Northeast 8/13/2018

Lake Dorothey Northeast 8/13/2018

Beaver Creek Reservoir Northeast 8/13/2018

Willow Creek Reservoir Northeast 8/13/2018

Williams Fork Reservoir Northwest 8/14/2018

Teal Lake Northwest 8/14/2018

Jefferson Lake Southeast 8/14/2018

Turquoise Lake Southeast 8/14/2018

Chalk Creek Lake Southeast 8/14/2018

Wrights Lake Southeast 8/15/2018

Skaguay Reservoir Southeast 8/15/2018

Noth Fork Reservoir Southeast 8/15/2018

Fooses Lake Lower Southeast 8/15/2018

Chambers Lake Southwest 8/16/2018

Bellaire Lake Southwest 8/17/2018

Catch of the Week

Holly caught this beautiful little brown on a dry-dropper rig at Rocky Mountain National Park!

Have a fish you'd like to show off? Share your photo and include “catch of the week” in the subject line. Feel free to share any additional info/details on your catch!

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report – Metro

Aurora Reservoir This 762-acre impoundment is located off of E. Quincy Avenue, two miles east of E-470. As of 8/23/2018, the water temperatures are about 69 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair. Lately the dam has been the most productive area for trout using PowerBait. Boaters are also reporting fair to good results when trolling for trout using lures and night crawlers. Another technique working well for anglers is anchoring at about 20-30 feet of water and dropping down PowerBait and night crawlers. Reports of jumbo perch have been caught with split shots and night crawlers as well as trolling with size #4 flicker shads. Restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours August 5:30am-9:00pm. Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir This 1,356 impoundment is located in . As of 8/16/2018, the water surface temperature is sitting at about 69 degrees. The shad schools are splitting, causing the walleye to scatter in search of food making the walleye fishing very difficult. The smallmouths are biting, especially top water in the early morning before 10am. Later in the day look for the smallmouth to be feeding off of minnows at medium depths or next to obstruct structures. Chatfield State Park

Cherry Creek This 881-acre impoundment is located in , 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 8/23/2018, the walleye fishing is still fantastic! Look for walleye to be feeding in shallower waters early in the morning, 6 feet or less. Blade baits and jigging Rapalas have been producing with high profile patterns such as chartreuse and fluorescent colors. After the morning hours, the fish are retreating to deeper water. Best chances for success in the warmer hours of the day is trolling at faster speeds, 2-2.2 MPH. For the shore fisherman, some walleye are still catchable at around 10 feet once the temperatures rise but your best chances will be early in the morning when they are feeding in the shallows. Cherry Creek State Park

Quincy Reservoir As of 8/19/2018, water temperatures are approximately around 70 degrees. Bass fishing is rated as slow to fair. Try fishing chatter baits just outside the weed lines in 10-15 feet of water. Reports of small yellow perch are being caught using jigs. Park hours for August 5:30am-9:00pm. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Electric motors only and hand launched watercraft only-trailers and vehicles prohibited in the water. For more information call 303-326-8424. Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Boyd Lake As of 8/16/2018, anglers are throwing crankbaits (i.e. #5’s shad Rapalas) and catching bass, especially white bass. Trout are deep right now and reports of Lindy Rigs are producing well. Reminder -No fishing from marina slips or docks (next to is okay but can't use them in any way). Boyd Lake

Bear Creak As of 8/22/2018, flows are remaining fairly low at around 10 CFS but catches are being reported mainly in the morning or evening when temperatures are not as high. Hopper droppers are still doing well and most likely will be on the menu for the remainder of the summer. Mix in some caddis, stimulators, and ant patterns for the top fly. Bead heads always do well this time of year at Bear Creek, but keep them fairly small so the dropper does not sink your top fly. Recommended sizes for bead heads right now are in the #18-20 range. Flows: less than 10 CFS (8/22/2018) Bear Creek

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Cache la Poudre As of 8/23/2018, the higher, steady flows have improved the overall fishing in the river. The summertime rigs are working well such as a hopper dropper. Various hatches are coming off such as Pale Morning Duns and caddis in the evenings. Keep the terrestrial flies somewhat smaller but look to tie one on your rig when temperatures are hotter towards the middle of the day. Various nymph patterns in the #16-20 range are working well. Look to find fish feeding in pocket waters and slower runs that match a brisk walking pace. Flows: 320 CFS near Rustic and 149 CFS at Fort Collins (8/23/2018) Cache la Poudre

Deckers and Cheeseman Canyon As of 8/22/2018, the flows have dropped but the water temperatures are still cooler than earlier in the month. The trout are active and feeding so the fishing has been good and steady. Larger lead flies are producing so take advantage with some Pats Rubber Legs, stoneflies and leach patterns. Nymphing with the usual Juju baetis and emergers such as the Chocolate Thunder, are tempting trout when anglers present with a good drift. The trico and Pale Morning Duns hatches have been active so be prepared to switch the rigging when you see action on the water’s surface. Flows: 255 CFS (8/22/2018) Deckers and Cheesman Canyon

Eleven Mile Reservoir As of 8/23/2018, the weeds in the reservoir are still fairly high especially along the west end due to the hot summer the lake has experienced. The recent cooler and wetter weather has stunted the growth some but be on the lookout for floating weed beds when trolling. If you are not getting any hits during trolls, check your lines and make sure your rigs are clean. Trout fishing has currently been very good especially for this time of year. The cooler nights have dropped the water temperature for the better so the early morning bite is the best time of day for success. Trolling has been successful when using needlefish, Kastmasters, and Tasmanian Devils. The fly fishing has been doing great as well for many anglers. Use your Callibaetis patterns during mid to late morning for the best success. The kokanee fishing is poor but picking up so keep an eye out for news on the bite to improve soon. The pike fishing has also been slow lately with mostly smaller fish taking the bait. Spinner baits in the white, black and blue patterns or tube jigs in white and chartreuse colors are having success in the weedy coves. Retrievals with some stutters and pauses have had decent success in convincing the pike to strike.

Horsetooth Reservoir As of 8/16/2018 the water level is at 71% capacity and sitting down 26 feet below the “full” mark. Water surface temperature is about 76 degrees making it difficult for shore anglers as the fish are retreating to deeper waters. Boaters who cover a lot of water and under water structures are having success with the warm water species especially bass. Worms and minnows for bass have been the best bet for bait fishing as well as mid to deep level crank baits. Horsetooth Reservoir

Jackson Lake As of 8/20/2018, the Lake level is dropping at approximately a tenth of an inch a day. Surface water temperature is approximately 70 degrees. Fishing has been fair to good for channel catfish, crappie, wiper and walleye. We are open to boating. Jackson Lake State Park

North Sterling As of 8/19/2018, the water temperature is about 76 degrees with some warmer temperatures in the shallower coves. The lake is about 25 feet down from full and dropping 2-3 feet a week. Fishing is fair for walleye, crappie and wiper, with slower bites being reported lake wide. Shore fishermen are reporting a decent catfish bite at the West Trailhead lot. The Reservoir is OPEN to BOATING. The Inlet is OFF and the Outlet is ON. North Sterling State Park

Spinney Mountain Reservoir As of 8/23/2018, the fishing at Spinney has been good, even with the heat. For trout, look for them to be schooling up along weed beds and reports of tube jigs and Tasmanian Devils have been working well. Give your retrieval a little action with some pauses every so often. For pike, anglers have been having great success in the same weed lines using buzzbaits in the morning and spinnerbaits when temperatures start to rise. Fly anglers are also doing well at Spinney using leaches, Wooly Buggers, and various sculpin style streamers. Bead head scuds with a little flashback or other brightly colored Callibaetis have been bringing in some nice fish as well. Spinney Mountain State Park

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us South Platte – Middle Fork As of 8/16/2018, fishing at the Dream has been good. Trico hatches have been very strong anywhere from 7:30 to 11am. Be prepared to switch to your trico set up when you see it happening. Some bigger resident fish have been caught out of slots and deeper runs. Blue Winged Olives, caddis, stoneflies and even egg patterns have convinced some fish in current seems and riffles. Some suggested flies are natural pheasant tails size #18-20, Bling Midge Cream, Radiation Baetis, and Two Bit Hookers all in the #18-20 range. Flows: 125 CFS (8/23/2018) South Platte – Middle Fork

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River-Below Lake Pueblo As of 8/16/2018, the tail waters below the reservoir are still low so use caution on these trout. Pay close attention to the water temperatures. Nightly temperatures are dropping a little allowing for some cooler, morning conditions. The lower flows can give you a good opportunity to try some sight fishing. Morning hours are going to be the best bet before it gets too hot before 10 am. We recommend fishing above Pueblo Blvd as anything below will have the higher water temps to avoid stream fishing (>66 degrees). Flows: 50 CFS (8/23/2018)

Upper Arkansas – Salida As of 8/22/2018, the fishing has picked up some and anglers are reporting good success. Fish are starting to hit streamers as the season is around the corner. Hopper dropper rigs are also a good option. Keep in mind that the Caddis and Pale Morning Duns are coming off so make sure to have some in your arsenal when you see the hatch start. Terrestrials are also a good option closer to the banks such as Amy’s Ants, and Chubby Chernobyls. Flows: 250 CFS (8/22/2018) Upper Arkansas River

Catamount and Crystal Reservoirs (Pikes Peak) As of 8/23/2018, the fishing has really been picking up in these 3 mountain lakes due to the cooler, nightly temperatures. The trout are hitting top water flies and feeding on various terrestrials. Anglers have been having success with fly and bubble rigs. A good set up to start with is a terrestrial followed by a chironomid, callibaetis, or beaded hairs ear. The trick right now is to retrieve slowly with the bubble rigs. Fly anglers are having success with similar rigs and just letting the currents move the flies around instead of retrievals. The weather forecast for the weekend looks to be about the same with some possible cloud cover which should bode well for top water fishing. Early morning should produce some good fishing when temperatures are still cooler and fish more active. During the warmer parts of the day, Kastmasters, rooster tails and spoons could tempt hungry trout when the action on flies slows down. Catamount Reservoirs

Lake Pueblo State Park As of 8/16/2018 fishing has been decent to slow. The water levels are low for the reservoir and sitting at about 64% capacity so be mindful of underwater structures if you are boating. Bass are going to still be active during these warm water conditions so be on the lookout for shad balls. Reports of fishing being caught at the 10-15 foot levels. Largemouth bass have been active in the coves. Try some Texas rigged plastics around structures. Lake Pueblo State Park

Trinidad Lake State Park As of 8/18/2018, the lake is at 723 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6183.92. Surface water temperatures are around 69 degrees. Shore anglers are catching trout on homemade dough bait, PowerBait (green color) and worms all along the south shore, which has been picking up recently with both trout and perch. Reilly Canyon River has slowed down to a trickle and sandbars are starting to emerge around the lake. The most action for fish is occurring in the early mornings and late evenings. Some catfish are being reported around the inlet which is now off color due to the recent rains upstream. Boaters have done well targeting walleye and smallmouth early in the mornings and late evenings. Trout are being caught during all hours. Worm harnesses and crank baits have worked well. Fish are being found deep, 20 or more feet down. Remember, all boats must be inspected prior to launching on the lake.

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Blue River – Silverthorne As of 8/22/2018, the flows are well below historic average. With flows this low and high sun intensity, these well-educated trout will be skittish so try moving slowly and do some sight fishing. Keep the rigs somewhat simple and don’t overdue them with too many flies that could spook the fish, especially with the heavy pressure they see during the summer months. Reports of Mysis shrimp #16-22, Barr’s Emergers and Bling Midges have landed some nice trout. Other flies that are having some success are #18-22 pheasant tails in black or natural colors and very small Juju baetis sized #20-26. Flows: 55 CFS (8/22/2018) Blue River

Frying Pan River – Ruedi As of 8/22/2018, the green drakes have been hatching in full swing so make sure to bring plenty and pack enough sizes to best match what is currently coming off the water. Drakes tend to move around the river a lot so try not to stay in one spot for too long. Pale Morning Duns are also abundant right now and success using some sparkle duns, thorax duns and others with extended bodies have been reported. The mysis shrimp are on the menu for waters closer to Ruedi, below the outlet. Flows are a little under the historic average. Flows: CFS 180 (8/22/2018) Frying Pan River

James M. Robb Colorado River As of 8/20/2018, the trout fishing has slowed down with the warm weather but fishing for sunfish and bluegill is good. All lakes are expected to be stocked in the fall when conditions allow so keep your eyes out for our stocking reports as the season approaches. Please ensure the responsible and ethical release of fish. Trash cans are available to dispose of fishing line. James M. Rob Colorado River

Vega As of 8/20/2018, the Early Settlers and Oak Point boat ramps are CLOSED for the season. The Island boat ramp remains open on a day to day basis due to the extremely low water levels. Please call the park prior to arrival for boat ramp closure information. Fishing is good, yellow PowerBait is landing some nice rainbows and cutthroats. Do not forget to stop at the entrance and have your boat inspected prior to launching. The ANS inspection station is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7 days a week. If at any time it is closed, please come to the Visitor Center for boat inspections.

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir This 8,900-acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. As of 8/23/2018, the kokanee are starting to scatter and the schools are very spotty. Jigging is still bringing in nice fish but we are now at the tail end of the schooling period. Reports suggest about another week or so before the salmon are no longer schooled together and the focus will be on the spawn. Some anglers are still reporting that they have caught their limits but the bite has slowed since the last report. Anglers can check on current conditions and boat ramp inspection schedules by contacting the Curecanti at (970- 641-2337). Blue Mesa Reservoir

Gunnison River As of 8/23/2018, the fly fishing has been picking up due to the recent rains and cooler nightly temperatures. The river experienced record lows in stream flows this summer so the weather and slight bump in flows is a welcomed event by anglers and fish alike. The afternoon trico hatch has been abundant and micro caddis is on the menu. Stoneflies are always an option on the Gunnison so check a local fly shop for recommendations on appropriate size and patterns to use. Although the cooler weather has helped, be mindful of the water temperatures as we will still see some days where it will reach over 65 degrees. When the water gets over 65 degrees please consider other options to give the fisheries a break from the stress. About 2pm has been a good time to start checking and ensure the water is not too warm to continue fishing. Gunnison River

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us As of 8/22/2018, the fishing at Navajo Lake is good. The numbers of fish being caught has slowed down a bit in August, due to the warmer water temperatures, but a wide variety of fish species are still being caught. Smallmouth bass are being landed using jigs mostly in the main channels where the water is a bit cooler. Reports of pike are being caught using any lure that resembles a bait fish. Good numbers of catfish have been reported using night crawlers or various catfish baits. The boat ramp at Navajo State Park in Arboles is open and in good condition. Navajo State Park

Ridgway Reservoir As of 8/23/2018, the fishing for trout has been good and the most productive lures have been spinners and Rapalas. Anglers bait fishing with salmon eggs and night crawlers have also been successful. A few smallmouths are being caught on spinners and drop shot rigs with small gulp minnows. No reports of Kokanee salmon have been recorded yet. The fishing ponds at Pa- Co-Chu-Puk has been slow but anglers have caught several trout with small worms and flies. Pa-Co-Chu-Puk River has been fishing well with small nymphs and pale morning duns. Reports of Green Drake hatches have been coming off. Pink Cahill’s have been producing well. Terrestrial season is here with hoppers catching fish. Success with streamer fishing has also been reported by anglers recently.

Taylor Park Reservoir As of 8/16/2018, a lot of rainbows are being caught using trolling rigs with pop gear and worms. Lake trout are catchable but really deep, around 80 feet. Anglers have been catching the lake trout off of sucker meat and worms. Pike fishing has mainly produced smaller sized fish from the weed beds using big spoons and spinners. Water levels are down about 20 feet at the moment. Taylor Park Reservoir

Conditions Report – Statewide Conditions

This weekend’s weather forecast looks to be fairly warm for most of the state. If you want to escape the heat in the low country, try some high elevation lakes and fish for some brook trout or Colorado’s beautiful cutthroat trout. For fly anglers, try a dry-dropper rig with about 24 inches of fluorocarbon 5X between the two flies to allow the dropper fly to sink. For the dry, try a caddis or stick to terrestrial patterns like beetles, Hippy Stompers, ant patterns or whatever you see flying around up there as these trout are very opportunistic. For the dropper, you should have success with various chrironomid patterns. If the wind picks up and it is dragging your flies all over the water, small streamers or wooly buggers can be an excellent and fun alternative! The cutthroats in these high alpine lakes can be very fragile so make sure to wet your hands before handling, avoid contact near the gills and release back into the water as soon as possible. Many areas will have specific regulations such as barbless hooks. It is recommended to snip the barbs off your hooks as it will make the hook removal and release process a lot smoother for the fish especially when using treble hooks.

Tip of the Week During different times of the year many anglers assume that the fishing season for certain species of fish has an expiration date. In this week’s “Tip of the Week” we will get some advice from local Denver fisherman Austin Parr on how to still produce good walleye catches by simply tweaking your technique. “When late summer rolls around, many Metro Area anglers consider the Walleye bite to be finished for the year in waters such as Chatfield and Cherry Creek, when in reality, changing your technique can yield some of the best fishing of the year. Focusing shallow during the low light periods will help anglers intercept quality fish feeding on the abundant shad population. These fish respond quite well to reactionary baits so try throwing suspending jerkbaits, or snap jigging a blade bait in shallow areas adjacent to deep water.” -Austin Parr, Discount Fishing Tackle.

Have a suggestion or request? Email us at [email protected] We would love to hear back from our subscribers regarding fishing reports, tips, and requests of material you would like to start seeing more of. Any useful feedback helps us make our fishing reports a “go to” resource for anglers fishing Colorado’s waters.

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DNR Fish Reporter

COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us