PARKS & WILDLIFE

Fishing Regulations Fishing Report Friday December 4th, 2020 Review News and Information

COVID -19 Response Below are some frequently asked questions we have been receiving from the public. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers, hunters, and all other outdoor recreationists that it is your responsibility to research and understand the specific guidance, ordinances, and restrictions in place for any planned local recreation - know before you go. To see specific county health orders, visit: Colorado Counties Safer at Home Map. To see county fire restrictions, visit: Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Fire Bans and Danger Page

2020 KOKANEE REGULATIONS AND 2020 KOKANEE GIVEAWAYS Colorado Parks and Wildlife has released the 2020 Kokanee Regulations and Kokanee Giveaway flyer. The handout includes information on fishing in Colorado and is not a legal notice or a complete collection of fishing regulations and laws. It is a condensed guide issued for anglers’ convenience. Copies of statutes and regulations can be obtained from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or as a PDF by clicking HERE.

General Guidelines for Colorado Ice Anglers There probably is no such thing as “safe” ice, but there are some guidelines anglers should consider. In Colorado, ice conditions can vary from lake to lake. Along the Front Range, it is especially important that anglers check ice conditions before heading out because of the region’s notoriously variable weather conditions. Many of the most popular lakes are within Colorado State Parks and anglers should check with the specific park staff about ice thickness before going out.

Before going onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Remember you take a risk any time you go onto the ice. Anglers should always decide for themselves if it is safe to go out and walk on or drive a snowmobile on ice.

Knowing how to judge ice conditions will help you make more informed decisions while enjoying your outing. Ice thickness depends on several factors with the first and most obvious factor being location. The type of lake also affects ice thickness; a shallow lake will freeze faster than a deep lake. Look for clear blue ice. New ice is stronger than old ice. Ice thickness is not consistent. Beware of ice around partially submerged objects such as trees, brush, embankments or structures. Ice will not form as quickly where water is shallow or where objects may absorb sunlight.

When ice fishing, it is always a good idea to drill test holes or use an ice chisel as you venture onto a lake to help judge the thickness and character of the ice. These “Test” holes should be at no more than 30 foot intervals.

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

Body of Water Region Report Date

Cherry Creek Reservoir Northeast 11/22/2020

Catch of the Week

Robert Miller, 8 years old, caught this beautiful brown trout out of the Gunnison River near Hotchkiss, CO!

Would you like to be featured in the next CPW Fishing Report’s Catch of the Week? Share your photo! Email [email protected] and put “Catch of the Week” in the subject line

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

Aurora Reservoir As of 12/1/2020, the reservoir is closed to boating for the season. This closure includes all hand launched watercrafts such as float tubes, kayaks, rafts, and paddle boards. Trout fishing from shore is fair to good using PowerBait and gold kastmasters from the dam. For more information call 303-326-8425. Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir As of 12/1/2020, recent water temperature measurements were recorded between 39 and 41 degrees. The water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below full pool. There is currently no ice on the reservoir. Reports indicate that the fishing has been slow, shore anglers have had few bites. The reservoir is closed to all forms of watercraft for the season, including paddleboards and kayaks. Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir As of 11/27/2020, there are slow fishing conditions at Cherry Creek Reservoir. However, an angler noted that some fish became active around sundown. Anglers have had some success catching small trout on a combination of PowerBait and salmon eggs while fishing from shore. Water temperature was recently recorded at 40 degrees and is expected to continue to fall with winter conditions on the way. The reservoir has closed to boating for the season. For the most up-to-date conditions for Cherry Creek Reservoir, please contact park staff by calling 303-690-1166.

Quincy Reservoir As of 12/1/2020, Quincy Reservoir is closed for the season. It is scheduled to reopen March 1st, 2021. For more information call 303-326-8424. Quincy Reservoir

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

Antero Reservoir As of 11/29/2020, there are reports of anglers hitting the ice on Antero Reservoir. One angler noted that they measured approximately 4” of ice in several spots across the lake. They went on to report having a successful day pulling in about 10 trout, including rainbow and brown trout. They indicated they attracted fish using small plastics. Ice conditions may vary, use extreme condition whenever venturing out onto ice. Antero Reservoir

Boyd Lake As of 12/1/2020, rangers at Boyd Lake report that fishing is good. Anglers have had the most success among trout, carp and walleye. Trout have been caught on worms and spinners near the Pumphouse and along the shorelines at depths around 8’ deep. Bowfishers have had good success targeting carp along shorelines. The slow death rig with chartreuse spinner and worm harness at 15’-25’ on the northeast shoreline has produced walleye. The main and Heron Cove boat ramps are currently open. ANS inspections are available 7am to 7pm and decontaminations are available 8am to 6pm at the main boat ramp. Boyd Lake

Dillon Reservoir As of 11/30/2020, according to angler reports, the lake remains open and free of ice except for the Snake River inlet. One angler reported there being approximately 6 inches of ice at the inlet. With this section of the reservoir being the first to freeze over, it was noted that there were many anglers hitting the ice. Anglers have had the best success in the mornings and evenings and are pulling up a combination of kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. They have had the most success dropping jigs or spoons rigged with wax worms, meal worms, or shrimp. Anglers should use extreme caution whenever stepping foot onto the ice. Dillon Reservoir

Eleven Mile Reservoir As of 11/30/2020, The 11 Mile Marina reports that ice currently covers about 95% of the lake. Park staff report that “most of the reservoir has ice forming. Only down the middle is not ice covered at this time.” Although ice has formed on the majority of the reservoir, conditions continue to be unsafe at this time. Call the office at (719) 748-3401 for up to date ice conditions. https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report Eleven Mile State Park Eleven Mile State Park

Horsetooth Reservoir As of 11/29/2020, reports indicated that there is still action among smallmouth bass at Horsetooth Reservoir. A recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 46 degrees and water level was recorded to be 44% full. All boat ramps at are closed for the season at Horsetooth Reservoir. Horsetooth Reservoir

Lon Hagler Reservoir As of 11/12/2020, it was reported that fishing has been slow at Lon Hagler Reservoir. The reservoir was measured at 15’ below full pool with a temperature reading of 48 degrees. It was noted that the reservoir was being replenished with incoming water through the inlet which typically improves fishing conditions at the reservoir. Lon Hagler Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park As of 11/14/2020, there is currently good fishing at the ponds in St. Vrain State Park. An angler described having success among trout. They specifically noted eager and aggressive trout at Sandpiper Pond. The water level was reported as good with a temperature reading at 44 degrees. Fall is a great time for hooking trout in the ponds at St. Vrain State Park. St. Vrain State Park

Tarryall Reservoir As of 11/29/2020, there are indications that the majority of the reservoir is covered with ice but there is still some open water. One angler who ventured onto the ice described varying conditions across the ice. They stated that the ice varied in range from 3” to 7”. This angler had success landing many fish. Anglers should use extreme caution whenever venturing onto the ice. Taryall Reservoir

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

Arkansas River – Leadville to Buena Vista As of 12/2/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “the upper river is starting to get cold and icy. There are some areas between the Lake Creek confluence and Buena Vista that will be productive on the warmer days, but generally you'll find more opportunities further south towards Salida during the winter. For those determined to fish the upper section, deep slow runs or pools that receive ample sunlight are going to offer your best chances at finding active fish. If you can locate a pod of fish in the deeper winter water, it's likely you'll find a concentrated population holding together with a lot of vacant water upstream and downstream. Your window of opportunity will be limited to 10am to 2pm. Midges will be your most important forage to imitate, and pairing a small midge larva or pupa with a large attractor nymph like a stonefly is a great way to cover your bases. Dry-dropper fishing can still be effective, but is not nearly as versatile as nymphing.” Flows: 80 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 191 CFS at Granite (12/2/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/ Arkansas River

Arkansas River – Buena Vista to Salida As of 12/2/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “cooler weather is beginning to limit opportunities north of Salida, but the river from Big Bend downstream will remain productive throughout the majority of the winter, outside of the coldest days. With the colder temperatures, your best window during the day will probably be between 10am and 2pm, particularly in areas that receive ample sunlight. The cold can create slush flows early in the mornings, but the river generally clears enough to start fishing by 10:30am. Fish have migrated to their usual winter lies such as deep, slow runs and pools where they can retreat to safety, but will actively feed out in the runs and riffles when food is available. While you may still find midge hatches prompting sporadic surface feeding, most of the food in the river will be subsurface for the forseeable future. Stonefly and other large attractor nymphs will be great anchor flies throughout the day, and you'll want to fish midge larva/pupa and caddis larva as droppers. Nymphing will give you the greatest flexibility to cover a range of water types. Not every pool and run will be productive, so it pays to try to find several areas to fish throughout the day. Usually where you find one fish, you'll find several. Strikes are subtle with the colder weather, so be very proactive in setting the hook on the slightest sign of a take.” Flows: 310 CFS at Helca Junction (12/2/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/ Arkansas River

John Martin Reservoir As of 11/5/2020, the east and west boat ramps have been closed for the season until March 15th, 2021. However, anglers are still able to fish from shore. Park staff noted that there has still been some catfish and white bass activity for those casting from shore. Temperatures have remained in the 70’s and 80’s throughout the daytime but can drop into the 20’ and 30’s overnight, likely explaining recent cooler water temperature readings. A recent measurement recorded water temperature at 40 degrees. Meanwhile, it has also been noted that the water level is currently very low. John Martin Reservoir

Lake Pueblo As of 12/3/2020, anglers have had success at pulling in a variety of fish at Lake Pueblo. Reports indicate that there has been significant fish activity after sundown. The most success has been on jerkbaits, specifically in orange, and other hard plastics. Both ramps are open for launching and loading, 5am to 6pm. Decontamination hours are 8am to 4pm daily. Pueblo Reservoir

Trinidad Lake As of 12/1/2020, recent surface water temperature measurements ranged between 42-45 degrees. South Shore fishermen were catching mostly trout with hooks tipped with dough bait and worms. Throwing rapalas and spinning tackle during the mornings and evenings have also been effective for attracting trout. The boat ramp is now closed for the winter season. Trinidad Lake

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

Granby Lake As of 11/30/2020, there remains opportunities for shore fishing at Grand Lake. One angler reported having success pulling in brown and lake trout while fishing from shore. They attracted trout using a combination of jerkbaits and spoons. Water temperature was recently recorded at 40 degrees. Grand Lake

Grand Lake As of 11/28/2020, Grand Lake still offers late season open water fishing. Anglers have had some success pulling in trout on a variety of hard plastics, especially jerkbaits. As winter comes, the lake will start to freeze over and create good ice conditions. Until then, anglers will need to fish open water from shore. Grand Lake

Lake John As of 12/1/2020, reports indicate that Lake John is capped with ice and there have been anglers hitting the ice to fish. No anglers have provided reports of their success or failures on the newly formed ice. Anglers should use extreme caution whenever venturing out on ice. Lake John

Steamboat Lake As of 11/23/2020, the lake is icing over but you can still fish from the dam. Worms are working great for the fish closer to the bottom and leeches are working well for fish hanging out closer to the surface. Call the visitor center, (970) 879-3922, for up to date information on lake conditions, open daily 8am-4pm. Steamboat Lake

Sylvan Lake As of 12/3/2020, Sylvan Lake has been capped with a layer of ice. The ice conditions have been improving each day and it is close to becoming safe to support anglers. Please call the park at 970-328-2021 for current ice conditions. Anglers should always use extreme caution whenever venturing out onto ice. Sylvan Lake

Vega Reservoir As of 11/25/2020, all three boat ramps are closed for the season. You may still hand launch small non-trailered boats, however, all motors must still be inspected prior to launching at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open from 8am to 3:30pm daily. Lake levels are very low, and fishing is excellent at this time. PowerBait, worms, and spinners have been successful in landing some nice rainbow and cutthroat trout in the 12-18 inch range. Vega Reservoir

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

Gunnison River As of 12/3/2020, reports indicate there has been good winter fishing to be had on the Gunnison River. Anglers will find the best luck fishing in the warmth of the day and targeting deep pools where fish congregate. Nymphs are the most effective way to attract trout in these deep pools. The most recent water flow measurements were recorded at approximately 250 CSF. Gunnison River

Highline Lake As of 11/19/2020, fishing was reported to be good at Highline Lake. Fishing conditions are anticipated to stay good while moderate fall weather conditions persist. The lake was recently stocked with over 1,000 trout. Unlike Highline, anglers have been reporting poor fishing conditions at nearby Mack Mesa Lake. Highline Lake has closed to boating for the 2020 season. No boats, paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes are allowed on Highline Lake until March 1st, 2021, or when lake conditions permit. The lake is currently open to shore fishing only. Highline Lake

James M. Robb Colorado River As of 11/24/2020, there are good fishing conditions at the lakes of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. All lakes were stocked in September and anglers have had success pulling in fish using any kind of bait. Hand-launch, electric and non- motorized boats are permitted on Corn, Fruita, and Connected Lakes. James M. Robb Colorado River - Corn, Fruita, and Connected Lakes

Jackson Gulch Reservoir – As of 11/26/2020, staff at Mancos State Park report that “water level is very low but there is no ice yet. As the water cools, larger fish can become more catchable from shore. Try perch-imitation baits for large brown and rainbow trout. Standard baits under a float: PowerBait, night crawlers, waxworms, and mealworms will work for both trout and yellow perch (start thinking: ‘mimicking ice fishing’). Try a small ice fishing jig, tipped with bait about 4’ under a float or slightly deeper below a slip bobber. Most yellow perch are small but fall can be a great time of year to catch some of the larger perch.” Jackson Gulch Reservoir

Lake Navajo As of 11/7/2020, park staff report that “as the water temperature drops, fishing has slowed down. The water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is currently 58 degrees. There have been reports of some pike and smallmouth bass being caught. Large baitfish lures work well for pike, and crankbait and spinners for smallmouth bass. The boat ramp and ANS inspection stations are closed as of November 24, 2020. Boat inspections and boat launches can be done through the winter months by appointment only and only if there is a trained inspector available. To schedule, please call the Visitor Center at 970-883-2208.” Lake Navajo

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

Statewide Conditions

The conditions of lakes, rivers, and streams vary across the state. Most notably, high elevation waters are near a full transition into winter ice fishing. There are several lakes where anglers have already begun ice fishing, such as Lake John, Dillon Reservoir, and Antero Reservoir. The majority of other high elevation lakes and reservoirs continue to develop ice but conditions have not become safe to support anglers just yet. Meanwhile, lakes and reservoirs in lower elevations have had an insurgence of fish activity as air and water temperatures have been falling. There also continues to be plenty of opportunities for fly anglers to fish rivers and streams across the state. With cooler temperatures, fly anglers will find the most success targeting fish in deep pools in the warmer parts of the day, 10am – 3pm. The best way to attract fish in these colder conditions is through nymphing. Midges are the best imitation to use at this time of the year.

Tip of the Week – Winter Lake Trout

This week's tip is brought to us from Nate Zelinsky, owner of Tighline Outdoors. Nate says, "one of the most popular winter fish is the lake trout! Lake trout can be found in a wide variety of fisheries in the mountain region and each fishery will be slightly different. Generally, the lake trout population will be split into two maturity age groups and food dictates where you will find each. Younger fish, 25" and less, hang together in deep waters, approximately 60' to 80'. This younger group lives in deep waters feeding on shrimp and other small item food sources. Mature fish, 25" or larger, can be found hanging together in more shallow waters to feed on large food sources, such as kokanee, rainbow trout, or suckers. While hunting, lake trout become very aggressive and are acutely aware of their surroundings. I generally give a location 20 minutes and if I'm not catching or seeing fish on my electronics, I move onto the next spot. I keep moving until I am on fish."

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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. If you would like to report water and/or fishing conditions to be used in the next fishing report, feel free to submit a report to [email protected]. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************** DNR Fish Reporter

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