Southeast Region

Report provided with permission of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

October 21, 2008

Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) -- Catfish have been the chief attraction, with fishermen catching an average of four to five per day. The lower boat ramp still is usable. ATVs are not permitted. The fire ban for Kiowa County has been lifted and endangered-bird closures have been pulled. Fall sampling revealed good populations of saugeyes, crappie and catfish.

Antero Reservoir -- Boat inspections are required before launching and are conducted from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset seven days a week. Trailered boat access is at the north ramp only. All trailered boats must be off the water 1/2 hour after sunset. Anglers have reported fairly good success for rainbow trout in the 14- to 16-inch range, with an occasional larger fish also possible. Trolling or casting with spinning lures have been the most effective techniques. Spring sampling by the Colorado Division of Wildlife revealed a 53 percent drop in the trout population from last year, especially among larger fish. The lake has been restocked, and those trout have been growing quickly, an indication that fishing should remain good through the fall and into winter.

Anticline Lake -- The small lake below Pueblo Dam is stocked with catchable-sized trout through the spring, until the water becomes too warm, and usually again in the fall. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spinning lures.

Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo) -- Flows below Pueblo Dam continue to fluctuate, with higher releases of water on weekends. On Tuesday the volume was 164 cfs, down noticeably from last week and a good level for fishing. Water clarity is good and the river is wadable. Fish are feeding sporadically on surface and subsurface levels. Blue-wing-olive mayflies and midges are abundant. Every day is a little better than the one before, and the evenings offer great activity, as well.

Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) -- The Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida is low and clear but providing some excellent fishing, particularly in the afternoons when water temperatures are a little warmer. Flows have been about 200 cfs in Buena Vista and 300 cfs in Browns Canyon. Blue-wing-olive mayfly hatches have been good on cloudy afternoons and good evening caddis activity continues. Dry-dropper combos have been the rule above and below Browns Canyon, with deep nymphing being particularly effective in the canyon. When hatches are not occurring, small Copper Johns, Flashback Pheasant Tails and micro-mayflies have been effective, either under a dry fly or behind a larger attractor nymph.

Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) -- The upper river remains low and clear. With overnight temperatures dropping into the 20s, stream-temperature fluctuations are focusing the prime feeding time into a narrower afternoon window. Blue-wing-olive mayflies continue to be active, as are midges and some final caddis. The clarity of the water calls for stealth, strategy and fine, fluorocarbon tippets.

Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) -- The Arkansas River through Bighorn Sheep Canyon has been fishing very well this week, though weekend rains brought some temporary discoloration into the river. Flows have been about 335 cfs at Wellsville and 360 cfs at Parkdale, with exceptional clarity. Longer casts and finer tippets have been the rule, as the clearer, slower water gives trout a little more time to inspect an angler's offerings. Fish will move from deep holes out to the edges in the morning, on into riffles and runs when the bright sun makes them feel vulnerable, and then back onto the edges late in the day. Hatches of blue-wing-olives and red quills on the mayfly front, a healthy mix of caddis and still some final huge stoneflies continue. Fishing is good below Salida and should remain so for the month of October.

Bonny Reservoir -- The flood waters that came in during August have been let back out for compact compliance. A few walleyes and catfish are being taken off the north shore and the dam. Boating is back to hand launching, as the ramp is out of the water.

Catamount Reservoirs, North & South -- The reservoirs and the North Slope of Pikes Peak Recreation Area have closed for the season.

Cheesman Reservoir -- The north side of the Goose Creek arm is open for fishing. Smallmouth bass up 19 inches have provided most of the catch, but the activity has been hit-or-miss. Tube jigs and other crayfish-imitating lures have worked best. Fishing for trout has been slow, but fish are of above-average size. The reservoir also has kokanee salmon, northern pike and yellow perch.

Clear Creek Reservoir -- The reservoir is closed to motorized and trailered boats. The reservoir is nearly full. Fishing for rainbow trout has been slow.

Cottonwood Lake -- Fishing for pan-sized trout has been slow. Power Bait has been working as well as anything.

Crystal Creek Reservoir -- The reservoir and the North Slope of Pikes Peak Recreation Area have closed for the season.

DeWeese Reservoir -- Fishing for trout at DeWeese has been fair and should improve with recent stocking. Power Bait and salmon eggs usually work best. Holdover cuttbows and rainbows from earlier stocking average 13 inches, with a few of 16-18. Habitat stamps are required of everyone using the wildlife area.

Elevenmile Reservoir -- Trout action is off-and-on throughout the day, with the inconsistent recent weather patterns and temperatures. Baits and lures will work erratically, with fish preferences changing from day to day. The south side still is producing fish in the evening hours. Snagging kokanee is permitted through Dec. 31 east of the inlet buoy line; however, kokanee action is extremely slow and snagging has been poor. Spawning-age kokanee populations are down. Northern pike action has been sporadic. As always, stick to the weeds, mainly around the west end of the reservoir - Cross Creek and the South Platte River inlet.

Fountain Lake -- Like other urban lakes in Pueblo, this one is stocked with catchable trout through much of the year except during the heat of summer. Most standard baits and lures are effective. The lake also has some catfish that can grow quite large.

Hayden Meadows Reservoir -- Fishing for catchable-sized trout is fair to good, depending on periodic stocking and time of day. Early mornings and evenings have been the best times. Power Bait and worms have been effective baits.

Jefferson Lake -- Trailered and gasoline-powered boats are not permitted in an effort to control the spread of zebra mussels. Mackinaw have been visible close to shore, and fishing for them has been fairly good. Though one 18-pound fish recently was taken, most have been running 3-6 pounds. Lake trout have been taken on sucker meat and dead shiner or shad minnows. Expect decent fishing for mackinaw through mid-November. Rainbow trout also have been active. Fishermen have been taking them on Rapalas and Kastmasters, as well as the usual baits.

John Martin Reservoir -- Fishing in the main lake has been slow, with a few catfish and white bass/wipers taken from boats. Fish have been hitting trolled shad imitations. Fishing in the stilling basin has been variable, with some walleyes/saugeyes and catfish being taken. The east boat ramp remains usable. The endangered-species closures and fire ban have been lifted. ATVs are not permitted in the state park or on the state wildlife area at John Martin.

Karval and Kinney lakes -- Fishing at both lakes and the nearby Hugo State Wildlife Area ponds remains slow. All have most of the common warm-water species and are stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring.

Lake Henry -- Fishing at Henry still is reported as slow. Few fishermen have been on the water recently, so reports are sporadic. Fall is a good time to try your luck at Henry. The water level at present is good and the boat ramp is in good shape. Fall reservoir sampling by DOW crews revealed many large catfish of 8 pounds and up. Also sampled were good populations of crappie. Healthy saugeyes and wipers were present, as well.

Lake Meredith -- Few fishermen have been on the water this year. A few bullheads have been taken on worms and cut bait. Water levels currently are good and boat ramps are usable. DOW sampling this fall revealed large numbers of adult crappie. Saugeyes, largemouth bass, wipers and channel catfish were other game species caught in the sample. The Meredith fishery is still rebuilding after the lake went dry a few years ago. Good fishing potential exists at Meredith, especially for crappie.

Manitou Lake -- The popular U.S. Forest Service lake north of Woodland Park is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout through the summer. Fishing success largely depends on the stocking. Weekdays are less crowded. The water level is good, but some weed growth can hamper fishing. Payment of an entry fee is required. Campgrounds and other amenities are nearby.

Monument Reservoir -- Fishing in general has been good. Power Bait has been the most effective, but salmon eggs and flies also take rainbow trout and splake. Live minnows may not be used as bait in Eastern Slope waters above 7,000 feet in elevation and on virtually the entire Western Slope.

Nee Gronda Reservoir -- Boat-ramp conditions currently are poor because of wave action and heavy use, but the ramp still is usable. Some catfish action is being reported, especially at night. Fishing activity has been sporadic, so few reports have come in. The fire ban in Kiowa County has been lifted. Recently completed reservoir sampling by DOW crews revealed good populations of white bass, wipers, saugeyes and catfish.

Nee Noshe Reservoir -- Recent activity has included the catching of some nice-sized channel and blue catfish. Fishing for other species has been slow. Nee Noshe water levels have risen significantly with the inflow of purchased water. This new water has enabled the use of the south, low-water boat ramp. The fresh water also will benefit remaining fish species. Additional gamefish stocking efforts will continue in proportion to the improved lake levels. The fire ban in Kiowa County has been lifted. Fall sampling by DOW crews showed good populations of catfish. Wiper, saugeye and crappie populations appear to have diminished and will be restocked according to future water levels.

Nichols Reservoir -- Fishing for pan-sized trout has been fair to good on Power Bait, salmon eggs and a variety of small spinning lures. Nichols is accessed by a hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. The road across the dam recently was closed, meaning a longer hike now is necessary. The reservoir is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout and generally offers better-than-average fishing through the summer and into the fall.

North Lake -- Fishing has been fairly good on a variety of flies. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at North Lake. Habitat stamps are required of all visitors to the state wildlife area, unless excluded by age or disability.

OHaver Reservoir -- Fishing for mostly catchable-sized trout has been fair, depending on periodic stocking. Anglers have had success on a variety of baits, and those fishing with flies early and late in the day also have done quite well. Anglers are reminded that the lake is leased to a U.S. Forest Service concessionaire, and that visitors must pay daily use and camping fees.

Palmer Lake -- The water level has improved significantly. Catchable-sized trout recently were stocked. Fishing for them has been fair to good on the standard assortment of baits and lures. Re-establishment of the warm-water fishery will require some time.

Pikeview Reservoir -- Fishing for rainbow trout slowed through the summer but should improve with recent stocking. The lake also has some saugeyes up to five pounds, a few sublegal tiger muskies and catfish. A paved, designated parking area is available. Other amenities include a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk to one of two fishing piers and enclosed pit toilets.

Prospect Lake -- Stocked rainbow trout are the main attraction, but the lake in Colorado Springs also has crappie, channel catfish, saugeyes and wipers, which should be approaching size of interest to fishermen this summer. In addition to catchable-sized trout, the lake usually also gets some larger (15- to 20-inch) brood fish from the state hatchery system.

Pueblo Reservoir -- The level has been going down but remains better than in recent years. The water temperature is about 65 degrees and dropping. Fishing for all species has been slow. A few wipers and walleyes are taken early in the morning, but little activity is reported the rest of the day. Peck Creek Cove has been a likely area for walleyes. The north boat-ramp cove is as likely as any for wipers. Inspection of boats for zebra mussel containment is ongoing. The reservoir has a good population of mostly sublegal walleyes and a stable population of wipers in the 12- to 26-inch range, in addition to smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass. The reservoir also has channel and flathead catfish and some yellow perch and crappie.

Quail Lake -- The Colorado Springs city lake is heavily stocked with catchable-size trout in the spring and fall. Catfish become active when the water temperature reaches 60 degrees, and fishing for bluegills and yellow perch should be fair after May 1.

Queens Reservoirs -- Upper and Lower Queens reservoirs are dry.

Rampart Reservoir -- With closure of the road across the dam, boating no longer is available. Weather permitting, the main access road for walk-in fishing will remain open through Oct. 26. Fishing for 10- to 13-inch rainbow trout has been excellent, primarily from boats. However, trout and mackinaw are likely to move into shallower areas with cooling water temperatures. Try the typical trout baits and lures for the rainbows and occasional cuttbows. Rapala-type crankbaits and large tube jigs tipped with sucker meat are preferred by mackinaw fishermen. The DOW is conducting a creel-census survey at the lake. Anglers are asked to cooperate.

Rosemont Reservoir -- The 90-acre city of Colorado Springs water-supply lake off Gold Camp Road has a good population of rainbow trout and an occasional cutthroat. Anglers are reminded that fishing is by artificial flies and lures only, and dogs are not allowed on the watershed.

Runyon Lake -- This is one of several Pueblo-area lakes stocked with catchable-size trout through much of the year. Try night crawlers, Power Bait, salmon eggs and a variety of small spinning lures. The lake also has some channel catfish that can grow to impressive size.

South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) -- Tuesday's flow was 99.3 cfs. No particular location seems best, but the action appears to improve a little toward the dam. Expect good river conditions and hatches of midges and scattered blue-wing-olives. Small black patterns, such as Black Beauties are hot. If fish are not rising, try small midges such as Barr's Emergers, Mercuries and Flashback Pheasant Tails. With spawning brown trout from Elevenmile Reservoir likely to be in the river, fishing pressure has been significant. Woolly Buggers and other streamer flies might make for a memorable day.

South Platte River, Deckers area -- Flows from Cheesman Reservoir have come down a little more, and on Tuesday were 52.5 cfs. The water is very clear. Low water has made fish a bit skittish, but fishing will improve when conditions have stabilized. Blue-wing-olive mayflies are the dominant hatch and midges are present. With colder overnight temperatures, BWOS begin hatching a little before noon and continue into the afternoon. Flies are small - about a No. 20 or 22. Nymphing with the usual variety of small flies remains the most consistent approach.

South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon -- Flows have come down a little, to 86.9 cfs on Tuesday morning. Conditions for fall fishing are very good. Midges and blue-wing-olive mayflies are the primary hatches, but an occasional evening caddis or Yellow Sally stonefly still might appear, as well. Small dry flies and emergers are the way to go, but dead drifting a weighted nymph through the deeper holes and runs also can be productive.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir -- Zebra mussel inspections are conducted 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset at the entrance, and are mandatory before launching any trailered vessel. Fishing remains good in the mornings and evenings. The best fly patterns are small and black. Other possibilities include: Banjo Minnows, Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, various scuds, green damsels, Chironomids, Callibaetis, Kastmasters and gold/red Panther Martins.

Tarryall Reservoir -- A boat-inspection program for control of zebra and quagga mussels is in place. Trailered boats are allowed on the reservoir from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Boats must be inspected at the north boat ramp off Park County Road 77 before launching. Late-season fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and occasional brown trout has been fairly good. Most are 12-15 inches. Night crawlers, salmon eggs and Power Bait have been effective baits, and Kastmasters also have been taking trout. Rapalas still are producing some northern pike. Anglers are encouraged to keep all the pike they catch. A habitat stamp is required of all visitors to the state wildlife area.

Trinidad Reservoir -- Historically, Trinidad Lake's fishing remains good throughout the winter months. Fishing for trout, walleyes and yellow perch seems to get better as the water cools, with walleyes being caught into December and trout action remaining good the year around. The boat dock will be removed in late November or early December and will not return until next spring. Ice may form on the lake; however, this usually does not occur until about Christmas or New Years and the lake does not ice over every year. Remember to check the DOW regulations for special size restrictions and limits at Trinidad Lake. Limited-facilities camping is available all year. Call the visitors center at 719-846-6951 for information on ice and fishing conditions, as well as camping availability at Trinidad Lake State Park.

Turks Pond -- Turks Pond is closed for the season. It will be stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout during the fall. Those trout should survive the winter and provide good fishing when the pond reopens in the spring. Also stocked were some adult crappie. These crappie should bolster the declining crappie population and provide breeding adults next spring.

Turquoise Lake -- The water level is high, but the lake is not yet full. Overall fishing success has slowed through August, but remains fair. As usual, the inlet area is the most productive. Fishing is best early and late in the day. Both boat ramps are usable for all boats. The lake has an abundance of mostly small lake trout. Most anglers fish for them from the east and south shorelines, finding good action until they move into deeper water. The bag and possession limit is two lake trout. Stocking catchable-sized rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery resumed last year and will continue in 2008. Occasional large brown trout also are taken here. Two boat ramps and U.S. Forest Service camping facilities are available.

Twin Lakes -- Fishing for rainbow trout, though not red-hot, has been quite good. Most shoreline fishermen have been using Power Bait, and lots of limit catches have been made. Fishing for small mackinaw from boats has been fairly good. The population of lake trout is on the rebound, with fish averaging just under 20 inches, but with some up to 40. At ice-out, the areas near the hydropower plant and where the channel from the upper lake enters the lower provide some of the best mackinaw action. Casting large Rapalas is effective then. Later, fishing from boats with downriggers or deep-water jigging with sucker-tipped Gitzits works best. The lakes are stocked with catchable trout, and fishing for rainbows generally is good through the summer.

Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert) Forebay -- Fishing for catchable-sized and larger rainbows and a few cutthroats has slowed from early summer but still is fair. Power Bait seems to be the favorite among fishermen, followed by fly-bubble outfits. The forebay has a good population of mackinaw that average 17 inches but run up to 40. Early season fishing for lake trout usually is good for anglers casting large Rapalas from the south shore. The forebay also has a good number of rainbows and is stocked through the summer. The lake-trout limit is one fish. All mackinaw between 22 and 34 inches must be released. Carry-on boats and float tubes are permitted, but boaters should be mindful of the potential for extreme fluctuations.

Two Buttes Reservoir -- Two Buttes Reservoir received some water from recent rains. The level at the dam currently is 8-11 feet. Fish stocking will resume for crappie, catfish, bass, yellow perch and rainbow trout. Catchable-sized fish will be limited to some small, adult crappie and fall-stocked rainbow trout. Delivery of these fish is expected in late October.

Valco Ponds -- Three of the old dredge ponds along the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir are open for fishing. They offer saugeyes and channel catfish, as well as some decent-sized bass and bluegills, and are a great place to take kids. Limited-harvest fishing for the bass is strongly encouraged to protect their population.

Wahatoya Reservoir -- Early season fishing for trout has been fairly good. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. Boats with motors are prohibited.