COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
Fishing Regulations Fishing Report Friday November 6th, 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.
Introducing CPW’s new podcast – Colorado Outdoors Colorado Parks and Wildlife launched its new podcast on Monday, titled Colorado Outdoors, with Director Dan Prenzlow giving a state of the union type of address on Colorado's great outdoors in the introductory episode.
The podcast provides a new avenue for CPW to tell the story of the agency to both the residents of Colorado and those who come here to enjoy all the natural resources this fine state has to offer.
Governor Polis signs Executive Order creating Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative At the opening of Fishers Peak State Park in Trinidad on Friday, Oct. 30, Governor Jared Polis signed an Executive Order creating the Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative.
The executive order tasks the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to work with the Colorado Outdoor Partnership (CO-OP) to establish a statewide vision for conservation and recreation for our public and private lands and waters to ensure our communities are healthy, livable and prosperous for future generations.
Navajo State Park makes needed repairs to boating infrastructure The park maintains a grid of 29 mooring balls in the Mooring Cove area of Navajo Reservoir. Over the years the cables and connectors have deteriorated. On Oct.16 a CPW contractor completed a $139,000 project to replace the cables and to repair the mooring balls and shackle pins that connect the balls to the cable. The balls were also spaced properly to assure boats will not bump into each other when the wind comes up or when the reservoir’s water level fluctuates.
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 Stocking Report
Body of Water Region Report Date
Wolf Lake Southeast 10/19/2020
Pike View Reservoir Southeast 10/19/2020
Quail Lake Southeast 10/19/2020
Thornton Gravel Lake #2 Northeast 10/20/2020
Aurora Reservoir Northeast 10/20/2020
Horseshoe Reservoir Southeast 10/21/2020
Martin Lake Southeast 10/21/2020
Cherry Creek Reservoir Northeast 10/22/2020
Blue Mesa Reservoir Southwest 10/20/2020
Catamount Lake Northwest 10/22/2020
North Lake Park Pond Northeast 10/22/2020
Izaak Walton Longmont Pond Northeast 10/22/2020
McCall Lake Northeast 10/22/2020
Highline Lake Northwest 10/29/2020
Rifle Gap Reservoir Northwest 10/29/2020
Runyon Lake Southeast 10/29/2020
Fountain Lake Southeast 10/29/2020
Ordway Reservoir Southeast 10/29/2020
Arkansas River #3b Southeast 10/28/2020
Anticline Lake Southeast 10/28/2020
Pueblo West Pond Southeast 10/28/2020
Chatfield Reservoir Northeast 10/27/2020
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
Catch of the Week
Kevin McGrath with an impressive pike! Kevin was fishing Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
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 10/29/2020, the public dock is completely out of the water due to low water level. Trout fishing from shore is currently fair to good using PowerBait off the dam. Trout action from boats is fair to good trolling with crawlers and spoons. Walleye action is slow to fair. Some reports of success using jigs in 25-35’ of water. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park Hours for November: 6:30am-6:00pm. Restricted to electric motors only and portable gas tanks must be removed. Reservoir will close to boating December 1st. Aurora Reservoir
Chatfield Reservoir As of 11/02/2020, a recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 43 degrees in shallow waters and the water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below full pool. One angler noted that they had success pulling in walleye while fishing from shore. The angler also noted an abundance of 4” shad congregating along the shorelines. Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections will be conducted at the north and south ramps from 6am -8pm seven days a week. Vessel Decontamination will only be performed during daylight hours. As of October 31st, the south ramp has closed. The north ramp will be the only operating ramp November 1st-30th. Chatfield Reservoir
Cherry Creek Reservoir As of 11/3/2020, fishing at Cherry Creek Reservoir continues to be slow. An angler did report catching a few small trout on a combination of PowerBait and salmon eggs while fishing from shore. Water temperature was recently recorded at 43 degrees and is expected to continue to fall with winter conditions on the way. For the most up-to-date conditions for Cherry Creek Reservoir, please contact park staff by calling 303-690-1166. For the month of November, the east ramp is open for ANS inspections 6:00 am-6:00 pm. The west ramp is closed for the season. Cherry Creek State Park
Quincy Reservoir As of 10/29/2020, 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 10/31/2020, Antero Reservoir was measured at 96% capacity and water temperature was recorded at 38 degrees. One angler noted that there is ice beginning to form on the northwest shore. Ice will continue to grow across the reservoir, especially with forecasts of winter conditions this weekend. Anglers have continued to have some success pulling in trout. Worms and PowerBait are the best option for attracting trout. Contact Denver Water for more information at 303-893-2444. Antero Reservoir
Barr Lake As of 10/30/2020, park staff note that “water levels are at a low point, concentrating the fish into a smaller area. There is lots of shoreline access, but you may have to walk a bit!” In addition, they note that “the boat ramp is closed for the season and will re-open in the spring. As of November 1st, the lake is closed to all vessels, including hand launched and paddle sport watercrafts.” Barr Lake
Boyd Lake As of 10/27/2020, it has been reported that fishing is good among carp, trout, and walleye. Bowfishers have had good success targeting carp along shorelines. Otherwise, anglers have been getting into carp with worms. Trout have been caught on worms and spinners near the Pumphouse and along the shorelines at depths around 8’ deep. The slow death rig with chartreuse spinner and worm harness at 15’-25’ on the northeast shoreline has produced some walleye. A recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 42 degrees. The main and Heron Cove boat ramps are currently open. ANS inspections are available 8am to 6pm and decontaminations are available 9am to 5pm at the main boat ramp. Boyd Lake
Eleven Mile Reservoir As of 10/31/2020, The 11 Mile Marina reports that the water level has been dropping for work on the dam. They anticipate that the low water level will remain low until the spring. Anglers have had continued success catching trout, however, there are indications that the bite will be slowing down with dropping temperatures. As per usual, shore anglers have been attracting trout with night crawlers. Meanwhile, action is spotty among northern pike. “Anglers should try Husky Jerks in blue/silver to attract northern pike. Any plastics with orange have also been productive. Work the weed lines and drop offs. Anglers will find the best fishing mid-morning to early afternoon.” Starting 10/31/2020, boat ramps are closed at one half hour after sunset. https://www.11milesports.com/fishing-report Eleven Mile State Park Eleven Mile State Park
North Sterling Reservoir As of 10/8/2020, rangers at North Sterling Reservoir report that “water temperatures have recently been recorded in the low 60's. Fishing for walleye and crappie has been good, especially among shore anglers. The area near the outlet and the south ramp have been the most consistent areas for catching walleye and crappie.” There have been no reports for other species. The Reservoir is open to boating but the water level is approximately 35’ below full pool and is dropping. Keep a lookout for possible floating debris, and always be aware that unmarked hazards may exist. The south ramp is the only ramp that remains open, daily 8am-4pm. North Sterling Reservoir
St. Vrain State Park As of 10/8/2020, fishing continues to improve in the 11 fishable ponds at St Vrain State Park. Trout fishing is very productive throughout the fall and into the spring. Stocked trout are not picky and will be easy to catch by any legal method using a fly, lure, or bait. Trout will become more active as temperatures drop. St. Vrain State Park
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 10/30/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “the upper river is in great shape at current flows and will still offer some good opportunities over the next couple of weeks for wade fishermen, especially considering the mild weather in the forecast. Following really cold nights, the upper reaches may not warm up enough to be productive, and as fish are beginning to migrate towards their wintering areas, even the warmest days may be challenging as fish will not be evenly dispersed throughout the corridor. If you can locate a pod of fish in or near some of the deeper winter runs, 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 3pm for the foreseeable future, and feeding fish will tend to locate themselves in the riffles and runs close to the deeper runs/pools of winter and will be active during the warmest hours of the day when food is available. 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. Because of the difference in temperature, we typically see more opportunities further south near Salida through the winter months.” Flows: 90 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 114 CFS at Granite (11/5/2020) http://www.arkanglers.com/ Arkansas River
Arkansas River – Buena Vista to Salida As of 10/30/2020, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “we should see great weather through Saturday before temperatures drop and snow enters the forecast again. Fish are beginning to migrate and pod up near 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 foreseeable future. Stonefly and other large attractor nymphs will be great leadoff nymphs throughout the day, and you'll want to fish midge larv/pupa and caddis larva as droppers. A dry- dropper rig can still be productive under the right conditions, but nymphing will give you greater flexibility to cover a range of water types. With the cooler temperatures, your best window during the day will probably be between 10am and 3pm, particularly in areas that receive ample sunlight.” Flows: 270 CFS at Helca Junction (11/5/2020) 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 at 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 11/3/2020, water temperature has been dropping and was recently recorded at in the mid-50’s. Anglers have had some recent success fishing at Lake Pueblo, especially among walleye. They have noted attracting fish on a variety of lures and baits, including jigs, spoons, crankbaits, kastmasters and jerk baits. A few anglers have also noted hauling in crappie as well. Boat ramps are open with inspection hours 5am-6am and decontamination hours 8am-4pm. Pueblo Reservoir
Trinidad Lake As of 10/18/2020, fishing is good at Lake Trinidad. Boaters have had luck trolling for walleye and perch at depths of 15’ – 25’. Meanwhile, trout and wiper can be found in deeper, cooler water. Smallmouth bass have been found among rocks and grass beds during the warmth of the day. Fishing from the south shore has been successful with all species. Anglers have had the best success with hooks tipped with dough bait and worms. 12” to 15” fish are common and the best luck is in the early morning or late evenings, when larger fish can be found in deeper waters. Low water levels in Reilly Canyon have created conditions for a grass bloom that has restricted fishing from the north side of the river. There have also been a few reports of anglers having luck pulling in catfish. Recent water temperature measurements have been recorded between 55-59 degrees. The boat ramp is currently open and ANS inspections are completed daily 8am-4pm. Trinidad Lake
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado
Delaney Lakes As of 10/31/2020, Lake John Resort reports that “East Delaney is producing many small fish at approximately 12-13”. The most active, South Delaney, is currently producing bigger fish at approximately 16-22”. Finally, anglers are pulling in the biggest fish at North Delaney Lake but the activity is the slowest of the three lakes. The brown trout are becoming active in North Delaney Lake and can be caught by stripping leeches, crayfish and wooly buggers. Rapala’s, tub jigs, leeches, chironomids, damsels, ants, beetles and crayfish patterns in 15-20’ of water has been best during the day across all three lakes.” They also report that “On October 29th all 3 lakes, South, East and North had completely iced over. As of 10/31/20 the ice has rescinded 10%-20% on average for all 3 lakes, so open water fishing can be done from the shore only or in accessible via small watercraft that do need docking access.” https://lakejohnresort.com/fishing North, South, East Delaney
Green Mountain Reservoir As of 10/3/2020, anglers report that fishing is fairly slow at Green Mountain Reservoir. One angler noted that the reservoir is visibly low and appears to be dropping. They noted that they were able to reel in both lake trout and brown trout on a combination trigging off the bottom and pulling in jerkbaits. The Heeney Marina boating site is open daily 7am to 7pm. Green Mountain Reservoir
Lake John As of 10/28/2020, Lake John Resort reports the following conditions: “Lake John continues to have quality fish coming out right now and keeps getting better and better. Shore and boat fisherman equally having success. Boat and shore anglers are using (but not limited to) the following; Tasmanian devils, rapala’s, tub jigs, HD Dynanmics, kastmasters, thomas bouyants, all types of leech flies under an indicator, garlic PowerBait, marshmallows, cheese, and of course the ever faithful night crawlers. Stay 2”-4” above the moss before the lake turns!” Lake John
Steamboat Lake As of 10/13/2020, PowerBait has allowed anglers to land some nice trout. Park staff also noted that marshmallows have been attracting trout as well. The lake is about 9.5 feet lower than normal for this time of year. Water is being released to support Mountain Whitefish spawning and other endangered fish downstream. The lake has closed to boating until spring 2021. Steamboat Lake
Williams Fork Reservoir As of 10/11/2020, Randy, a guide with Fishing with Bernie, reports “water capacity is 84% and surface temperature was measured at 53 degrees. The lake trout bite remains good as the fish move into spawn. Look for them in 70’-80’ of water. Small grubs, tubes, or spoons tipped with sucker meat, or salmon eggs will produce light bites throughout mid-day. Rainbow trout fishing is slow but they are moving back into the bays. Casting spinners early in the morning and the last couple hours of daylight may produce some hits. Fishing for northern pike has been slow. Fish can be found in the late mornings in 6’-8’ of water. Slow moving suspending baits may prompt a hit. The remaining four year old kokanee are in full spawn and are not feeding.” The boat ramp closed for the season on October 31st. https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/weekly-fishing-reports Williams Fork Reservoir
Vega Reservoir As of 11/3/2020, 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. 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” 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 11/5/2020, at this time of the year anglers will get into the most fish by nymphying, especially in deeper pools. The river has returned to fairly good shape with a streamflow reading of 385 CSF as of 11/6/2020. Gunnison River
Highline Lake As of 10/26/2020, the rangers at Highline Lake reported that “channel catfish were stocked into both Mack Mesa and Highline Lake on 8/31/2020, with 2,000 3" into Highline, and 500 3" into Mack Mesa! Over 6,000 1.5 lb rainbow trout were stocked into each lake earlier in the spring.” 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
Jackson Gulch Reservoir – Mancos State Park As of 10/28/2020, it was recently reported that “the water level is very low. 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. Try a small ice fishing jig, tipped with bait about 4 ft 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 11/6/2020, anglers are still catching fish at Lake Navajo. Specifically, anglers have had success pulling in northern pike. Marina staff commented that anglers have been catching pike on “the biggest lures you’ve got.” Meanwhile, they have also had some activity among smallmouth bass as well. Crankbaits in yellow, white, or green and spinners have been effective. Both smallmouth and northern pike have been most active in shallow waters. The water was recently measured at 59 degrees and has been trending downward. It is anticipated that fishing will slow down with lower temperatures. ANS inspections are completed daily, 8am – 5pm and the boat ramp is open during that time. ANS inspections are scheduled to close December 1st but individuals can request appointments by calling the visitor center. Lake Navajo
Ridgway Reservoir As of 11/1/2020, the staff at Ridgway Reservoir report that fishing has been slow. Despite the slow conditions, the kokanee salmon snagging season opened on 9/1/2020 and should be picking up. Snagging kokanee are permitted on Ridgway Reservoir until 12/31/2020. The boat ramp has closed as of November 1st. Meanwhile, the fishing below the reservoir, on the Uncompahgre River, has been reported to be good but high angler pressure can make finding adequate space difficult. Ridgway Reservoir
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us Conditions Report – Statewide
Statewide Conditions
There are many reports that ice has begun to form on high elevation lakes. Although ice fishing may be several weeks away, the newly formed ice has got to get anglers excited for the upcoming season. As we get closer to ice fishing season, we expect a particular slowdown of activity among warm water species, such as walleye, catfish, panfish, and bass. With that said, streaks of warm weather could improve conditions for these species momentarily. When rivers, streams, and creeks begin to gather more ice and flows decrease, anglers can look to tailwaters for the most consistent fly fishing throughout the winter. As discussed last week, greater water clarity throughout the winter months will require fly anglers to be more aware of their fly presentation. Anglers should consider rigging their fly rods with lighter and longer tippets. Also, be aware of your body position to not frighten fish on clear days.
Tip of the Week – Patience
One of the greatest lessons I have learned from fishing has been patience. It is a lesson that I learned as a child and have been constantly reminded throughout adulthood. Whether trolling, retrieving a spoon, or fly fishing, anglers need to have the ability to withstand the lulling action that we all experience. When I was young I assumed that to be patient was to simply wait. I’ve come to think about patience as more than sitting idly until the magic moment when a fish strikes. Patient fishing is an active process of observing, learning, and acquainting oneself with the rhythms of the ecosystem around them. I remember the first time I noticed birds swooping down over the river hinting at the start of a new hatch. Or the importance of sitting and studying the water to see if fish are rising or what bugs may be flying around before rigging up my fly rod. Through a process of patient observing and learning, anglers become better equipped to know when to call it quits, move onto another location, change a lure or fly, or simply to go home.
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COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us