Northwest Region

Report provided with permission of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

October 21, 2008

Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) -- Flows have been constant, at 894 cfs on Tuesday. The river below Green Mountain Dam holds its share of trout, some of which are large. Though some public access is available, much of the river courses through private property. Catch-and-release and flies-and-lures provisions are in effect for the river from the dam to the Colorado River.

Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) -- Flows below Dillon Dam have come down slightly, and on Tuesday were at 104 cfs. Fishing from Silverthorne downstream to Green Mountain Reservoir has remained consistent. As usual, the most effective approach is to fish a nymph in the morning, while waiting for rising fish to appear and switching to dry flies. Blue-wing-olive mayflies still are around. Kokanee salmon running up from the reservoir are being taken in the lower portion of the river.

Colorado River (below Parshall) -- Tuesday's flows were 91 cfs at Windy Gap, around 240 cfs near Parshall and 1,230 cfs near Kremmling, below the Blue River confluence. The river is in a fall fishing mode and barring localized rain the water is clear. Pale-morning-dun mayflies, midges and Yellow Sally stoneflies have been present, along with a few caddis late in the day. Terrestrials are pretty much gone. Dry flies and emergers fished just below the surface are the ticket when rising trout are evident. Otherwise, nymphs, San Juan worms and streamer flies have been effective for fly-rodders. Spinning and bait fishing also have been effective below Kremmling.

Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) -- Recent flows have been around 2,460 cfs in Glenwood Springs, where the river is running clear and green. Fishing has been good to excellent, depending on the day and the individual angler. Look for mostly nymph fishing, with sporadic flurries of BWO hatches on overcast days. The streamer fishing has been very good, especially below Glenwood Canyon. Successful streamers include: Stingin' Sculpins, Stingin' Clousers, Autumn Splendors, Ziwis, and Sculpzillas. Tandem-nymph rigs should consist of Princes, Copper Johns, STDs, BLMs, Thread-Body Baetis, RS-2s and Bead-Wing Midges. Egg patterns also are effective now, with brown trout and whitefish spawning. Though the wade fishing has been good, float fishing is nothing short of exceptional at this time of year.

Crystal River -- Recent river flows have been around 68 cfs in Carbondale. Flows are optimal for dry-dropper fishing. Whitefish and trout are being caught from Carbondale upstream through Redstone, with mainly trout near Marble. Concentrate on the soft water and riffles during hatches. Hot flies include: Flashtail Hot Eggs, STDs, BLMs, Tungsten PTs, Tungsten-Bead Baetis and Z-Wing Caddis.

Eagle River -- Tuesday morning's flows were 229 cfs below Gypsum and 36 cfs near Minturn. Barring localized rains, the river is clear and inviting. Fall fishing with nymphs, streamers and spinners has been fairly good. Dry flies can be effective in the late afternoons. Expect some late-season caddis hatches, midges and blue-wing-olives on cloudy afternoons.

East Delaney Lake -- Fall fishing has been good. With cooler temperatures, streamer flies and large Chironomid nymphs have been the most productive patterns.

Elk River -- Tuesday's flow at Milner was 119 cfs, down a little from last week. The water temperature is cooling down with the arrival of fall, especially in the upper reaches. Good dry fly fishing appears to be done for the year, but nymphs and small streamers still can produce some trout.

Elkhead Reservoir -- Elkhead's warm-water fish showed great potential last summer and fall, so hopes were high for good things this year. At present, large numbers of small pike are being caught, but smallmouth-bass and crappie activity is slowing down as water temperatures drop. Fish seem to be holding along the shoreline, searching for shallower and warmer water. The size of fish being caught has been a surprise to fishermen. Local anglers still encourage catch-and-release fishing until the fishery is fully re-established. Camping and other activities will be coming on line as construction is completed.

Frying Pan River -- Flows are stable at 230 cfs. Mysis shrimp are still being seen in high numbers, and are essential for success below the dam. With fall finally hitting the river, the BWO hatches have been sensational, coupled with lighter numbers of PMDs and Flavs still present. The streamer fishing also is picking up with the cooler weather. Brown trout are feeding hard in preparation to spawn in the coming weeks, thus egg patterns are beginning to fish well. Look for some of the fall's finest fishing to take place along the Frying Pan during the next month. Crowds are much lighter at this time of year, as well. Light tippets of 6X and 7X fluorocarbon are still mandatory for success.

Granby Reservoir -- Boat inspections are conducted Fridays through Sundays from sunrise to sunset at the Stillwater and Sunset Point boat ramps. The Arapahoe Bay ramp is closed during that time. All ramps are usable at other times. Trollers are starting to catch kokanee more often. No reports of kokanee activity around Dike 3 have yet come in. Columbine Bay from the Twin Creek inlet upstream to Shadow Mountain Dam is closed to fishing. The laker bite is getting better as they chase the kokanee. Shore fishing for rainbows and macks is good. Trolling, jigging and fly fishing all are productive. Prime bank-fishing areas are the coves around Stillwater and Arapaho Bay and around the dikes. Many different lures, flies, worms, Power Bait and eggs can work. Inquire in Granby for the latest.

Grand Lake -- Increased fish-feeding activity is expected and mackinaw soon will be in shallower water. Consistent fishing on this deep, natural lake requires some learning and experience but it can be highly rewarding. The water level of this lake remains constant. Trolling, jigging, bait fishing, lure and fly fishing are productive methods of catching fish on Grand Lake. Prime bank-fishing areas are around the public dock, the west portal and the channel between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir. Fishing off the ledge along the east bank also can be good. Inquire in Granby for updates.

Green Mountain Reservoir -- Though still sporadic, the annual run of kokanee salmon to the Blue River inlet has begun. Snagging is permitted in the lake and the Blue River up to the first Highway 9 bridge through Dec. 31. Fishing for trout and mackinaw generally is slow.

Gypsum Ponds -- Fishing on the state wildlife area ponds can be fair to good on many types of baits and lures. The wildlife area bag and possession limit is two trout. Check the fishing regulations brochure for other restrictions.

Harvey Gap Reservoir -- The lake level has dropped but fishing conditions are god and boating still is possible. Anglers have been catching pan-sized trout on a variety of baits and lures. Fishing for northern pike has been fair to good, while perch action has been sporadic. All bass must be at least 15 inches to keep. The bag and possession limit for channel catfish is two.

Highline Lake -- Weather is cooling off and the water temperature has dropped to the mid-60s. The crappie and catfish are biting. Catfish are slowing down with the cooling water, but still are being caught. Some channel cats over 10 pounds still are being reported. Trout were stocked last spring and with the cooler water are again being caught. The best fishing has been around the inlet with typical trout baits. The lake has closed to boating for the year and will reopen March 1.

Jerry Creek Reservoirs -- The Mesa County reservoirs near Molina again are closed to the public for a final phase of dam and spillway reconstruction. A reopening date has not been announced.

Lake Avery -- Fishing for rainbow trout slowed with the heat of summer, but should be improving with cooler days. Power Bait and night crawlers are the most popular baits here, but various spoon-type lures and spinners also produce their share of fish.

Mack Mesa Lake -- Trout fishing is good on typical baits and lures. About 1,800 trout were stocked on Oct. 9. Some catfish are being caught but fishing for them is very slow. The lake is full and shore access is good. Mack Mesa is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small, electric trolling motors. Don't forget your PFDs if you are fishing from a boat.

Muddy Creek -- Flows below Wolford Mountain Reservoir have been constant, at 23 cfs on Tuesday morning. The creek has a fair population of brown trout, supplemented by occasional stocking of rainbows.

North Delaney Lake -- Brown trout are spawning. Fishing with streamer flies and large Chironomid nymphs has been good. Fishing from, and within 100 feet of the dam is prohibited through Nov. 15. Fishing also is prohibited in the inlet upstream of the standing water line.

North Michigan Lake -- Fishing has really picked up on the reservoir. Several folks fishing from the bank have caught limits of 10- to 15-inch rainbows. Most have been using worms, Power Bait and a variety of different-colored spinners. The water level below the spillway has dropped and the water has cleared up. Fish are being caught in the tailwaters on worms and Power Bait, also. Fly fishing on the beaver dams below the spillway has picked up. The last couple of weeks have seen some good hatches of mayflies, PMDS, stoneflies, caddis and a couple of green drakes. Anglers have had a lot of success with fly patterns matching these around the reservoir inlet just before dark. The reservoir was stocked on Aug. 27.

North Platte River -- Flows have been around 100 cfs. Trico hatches are winding down, but blue-wing-olives are evident on overcast days. Hopper-dropper rigs have been working in riffles and pocket water.

Pearl Lake -- Fall colors are here and it's getting cooler. Fishing has been spotty, but anglers have been catching some trout, mostly from canoes or float tubes. Bank fishing is not producing as well. The trail across the dam is still closed to help with the repairs to the dam. Reservations have ended, so for now it's first-come, first-to-camp. Two yurts are available for camping at Pearl Lake and those can be reserved the year around. For current conditions, call the visitors center at 970-879-3922.

Ranger Lakes -- Fishing has picked up over the past couple of weeks. Several anglers took limits of 10- to 15-inch rainbows. Most anglers have been using worms or Power Bait. Fly fishermen have had success using several different kinds of flies, including wets and dries; mostly Elk-Hair-Caddis, Woolly Buggers, Parachute Adams and a variety of bead-heads. Ranger Lakes is a great place to take the kids fishing. The high number of rainbows being stocked and the lakes being smaller is a good combination for success. Both lakes were stocked on Aug. 28.

Rifle Gap Reservoir -- The reservoir level has dropped but remains higher than a year ago. Conditions for fishing are good, and boating still is possible. Catchable-size trout recently were stocked, and fishing for them has been good. The usual array of baits and lures has been productive, with Power Bait as effective as anything. Fishing for northern pike has been fair. Walleyes have slowed down, but fishing could improve with cooler weather. The walleye limit is three fish at least 18 inches long. Fishing for perch, crappie and bass has been slow. Smallmouth bass must be at least 15 inches to keep.

Roaring Fork River -- The Roaring Fork has been flowing around 428 cfs in Basalt and 697 cfs in Glenwood Springs. The Fork is undoubtedly one of Colorado's best fall fisheries and for good reason. With high populations and large sizes of brown and rainbow trout, along with the largest whitefish in the state, the river ranks as No. 1 in many autumn anglers' books. Look for mostly nymph fishing midday with small BWO patterns, as well as sensational streamer fishing in the mornings and evenings. Though the wade fishing is very good at this time of year, float fishing below Carbondale often is exceptional. Hot fly patterns include: Ziwis, Stingin' Sculpins, Autumn Splendors, Sculpzillas, Flashtail Hot Eggs, Pheasant Tails, BLMs, STDs, RS-2s and Freestone Emergers.

Shadow Mountain Reservoir -- The canal and the area where it dumps into the reservoir are prime fishing areas. Pumping has been heavy, and fishing remains good. Some very nice-sized kokanee have been caught in the canal lately, and the number being caught has greatly increased. Browns and rainbows are being caught along the eastern shore as well as in the canal. Different fly patterns (sow bugs, RS-2s, Mysis shrimp) lures and baits are productive at different times. Catchable-sized rainbows recently were stocked. The area from the dam downstream to the Twin Creek inlet to Granby Reservoir is closed to fishing through Dec. 31. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.

South Delaney Lake -- Brown trout are spawning. Streamer flies and large Chironomid nymphs have produced good results. Fishing is prohibited in the inlet upstream of the standing water line.

Stagecoach Reservoir -- Trout fishing remains steady across the lake using Power Bait and worms. Fishing at the dam has improved, with several fishermen catching their limits. The lake levels have dropped, providing great shoreline fishing opportunities. Fly fishing at the tailwaters is great using scuds and Flashback Pheasant Tails.

Steamboat Lake -- Fall has arrived and fishing has improved. Larger trout are moving into shallower water to feed on crayfish. Woolly Buggers and tube jigs have been producing fairly well. State park reservations have ended, so it's first-come, first-to-camp. For current conditions, please call the visitor center at 970-879-3922.

Trappers Lake -- Dry fly fishing remains fairly good, though the main summertime hatches are winding down. Royal Coachman and Parachute Adams patterns have been effective, along with black ants and black gnats. Emergers fished a little below the surface and standard wet flies also have produced some good results. Gold Kastmasters and black-and-white and pearl-finish Dardevles have been working for spin-fishermen. Float tubes or other small boats improve the odds, but shore casters also do OK. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures. The limit on cutthroats is two fish. All cutts longer than 11 inches must immediately be returned to the water alive. Fishermen are encouraged to keep all the brook trout they catch.

Vega Reservoir -- Fishing at Vega is excellent right now. Anglers are having success with Power Bait, especially red-and-blue with sparkles; worms, salmon eggs and white jig heads. Some nice-sized rainbow trout in the 15- to 17-inch range are being caught. Fall colors are starting to dissipate. The Early Settlers and Oak Point boat ramps are closed for the season; however, lake access is still available at the Island Area. The lake no longer is being drawn down for irrigation. Please continue to use caution when boating, as the lake level is low.

White River -- Monday's flow near Meeker was 379 cfs. With brown trout increasingly aggressive, fishing with streamer flies remains good. Woolly Buggers and Muddler Minnows are among the most productive patterns for browns of 20 inches and possibly larger. Gold or rainbow Rapalas, and gold or red-and-gold Panther Martin and Mepps spinners also have been taking some nice-sized trout. Nymphing has slowed, but assorted bead-head patterns still are producing some rainbows and plenty of Rocky Mountain whitefish, which are popular among anglers with home smokers.

Williams Fork Reservoir -- The lake is open to motorized and trailered boating on a limited basis, but will close on Oct. 31. An inspection station at the east ramp is in operation 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Fishing and snagging from a buoy line in the inlet cove upstream to the first county road bridge is prohibited through Nov. 30 for kokanee spawn taking. Salmon snagging in the main reservoir is permitted through Dec. 31, and reports of more salmon being taken by snagging continue to come in. Trolling and jigging also have been good. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout by the inlet and the west boat ramp has been fairly good. Decent-sized rainbows are being caught. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.

Williams Fork River -- The river remains in prime condition for fall fishing. Flows have been steady, and on Tuesday morning were at 138 cfs. Look for on-and-off hatches of midges, pale-morning-duns, blue-wing-olives, caddis, possibly some lingering Tricos and Yellow Sally stoneflies. Otherwise, RS-2s, Pheasant Tails and other small nymphs remain the most consistent producers of brown trout and an occasional rainbow.

Willow Creek Reservoir -- This is a "no-wake" body of water. Fishing from the bank continues to be good. Trolling, fly fishing, lure and bait fishing all can be productive. Nice-sized rainbow and brown trout and kokanee salmon are available. This is a beautiful area with easy fishing access and good camping. It's a good place to take kids, and generally gets less fishing pressure than other area lakes. Worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs are commonly used. Inquire in Granby for updates.

Wolford Reservoir -- Fishing for kokanee salmon is very good. Fish are suspended at 20 feet in about 45-50 feet of water. Trolling with Needlefish, Dick Nites, Tasmanian Devils and Kokanee Killers tipped with corn has been best. Fish are at about three colors of lead-core line. An area from the boat ramp to the dam on the east side has been the most productive. Silver-and-red and orange-and-green have been the best colors. Rainbow trout also are being taken in 25-30 feet of water. Shoreline fishing is slow but should improve with cooler weather. Boat inspections for mussels are mandatory. Boat-ramp hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends. A $20 bounty on northern pike, authorized by the reservoir's owner, is available through the camp host or a nearby RV park.

Yampa River (Hayden through Craig) -- The Yampa is clear with near-normal flows. Fishing is good all along the corridor. With dropping water temperatures, smallmouth fishing is slowing down but trout remain active. This time of year some good brown trout activity is evident, along with some very nice-sized rainbows. Quite a bit of dry fly activity still is going on, but don't overlook the streamer patterns, which seem to produce good-sized fish this time of year. The river has come up some, but please be very aware of private property.

Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) -- Tuesday's flow was 112 cfs. Fall fishing remains quite good. Brown trout are aggressive and have moved onto spawning beds. Blue-wing-olive and mahogany mayfly hatches still are occurring, especially on overcast days. The tailwater below Stagecoach Reservoir continues to fish well with midges and Baetis nymphs, but the area can become crowded.