Southeast Region

Report provided with permission of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

August 12, 2008

Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) -- Fishing for all species has been slow, with a very few catfish and a fir number of carp being taken. The low-water ramp remains usable. A fire ban applies to the area and ATVs are not permitted. Endangered-bird closures remain in effect.

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 fair to good success for mostly 12- to 15-inch rainbow and cutthroat trout, with an occasional large fish also appearing in the catch. Trolling or casting with spinning lures has been the most effective technique. 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 are expected to grow quickly.

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

Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo) -- Tuesday's flow was 1,400 cfs. Fishing remains a challenge. Using hoppers along the edges is the best bet for picking up some feeding fish.

Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) -- Flows on the upper Arkansas at present are below the long-term average. As of Monday, they were 756 cfs in Browns Canyon and 772 cfs at Wellsville. Clarity has been good, with an occasional short shot of murkiness following scattered thunderstorms. Hopper-dropper combos or double-dry rigs have been the norm. Pale-morning-duns continue to hatch and caddis have been very productive mornings and evenings. The first of the red quills are starting to appear, as well. Look for flows to continue their decline through the next several weeks.

Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) -- The Arkansas River is flowing 234 cfs through Hayden Meadows and 302 cfs at Granite. Fish are feeding hard on caddis and pale-morning-duns. Hoppers have been an effective indicator fly, as well. Pressure has been pretty heavy in the Hayden Meadows reach, but a lot of good water can be found in the Granite Gorge below.

Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) -- The Arkansas River through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is fishing exceptionally well. Float fishermen have been fishing double dries or streamers, while waders are more apt to work a dry-dropper combo. Pale-morning-duns continue to hatch in the afternoons and caddis are coming off in the evenings. Hoppers also are prolific at this time. The monsoon rain pattern has been very light this year, so water quality rarely has been impacted. Things will only improve as flows recede and early autumn approaches.

Blue and Bear Lakes -- The lakes are open and have been stocked.

Bonny Reservoir -- Fishing has picked up with the inflow of 2.25 feet of flood water. Even though the water is a little murky, a few large (27- to 28-inch) walleyes were taken over the weekend by trolling crankbaits near the dam. Fishing for catfish also should be good. A few small boats are able to launch at the ramp. The channel going out from the ramp currently is 14 inches deep. Check the State Parks Web site (the more-info link below) for current boating conditions.

Brush Hollow Reservoir -- The water level has dropped and the boat ramp no longer can be used for launching. Fishing for catfish and bluegills still is good. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area. A mercury advisory by the Colorado Department of Public Health is in effect for walleyes of a certain size.

Catamount Reservoirs, North & South -- The reservoirs are open for the season. See the entry for Crystal Creek Reservoir for hours. Fishing for rainbow, cuttbow, brook and lake trout remains fairly good, though with the hot weather, trout are in somewhat deeper water. The catch includes both recently stocked trout and some nice-sized holdovers from last year. Most standard flies and lures have been productive. Prince Nymphs and gold-colored spinners are among the most effective. North Cat is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures.

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 water level is high and fishing for rainbow trout has been good. The inlet region has been especially productive. Spinning lures have been best, but almost any kind of bait can produce a limit, as well. Fly fishermen also have been enjoying some success. High lakes in the general vicinity are at least partially ice-free.

Cottonwood Lake -- Fishing for pan-sized trout has been good with small spinners, worms and various colors of Power Bait. Trout have been rising in the late afternoons, and fly-bubble outfits have been effective then.

Crystal Creek Reservoir -- The water level is a little low to prepare for dam-maintenance work in August, but fishing for pan-sized rainbow trout remains generally good on worms, small Kastmasters and lime, orange or yellow Power Bait. Regular stocking should keep the fishing good. The lake is part of the Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area, accessible from the Pikes Peak Highway and requiring payment of a fee at the highway tollgate. Hours of operation are: May 1-22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; May 23-Sept. 1, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sept. 2-30, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. A trails system offers easy shoreline access.

Daigre Reservoir -- Though fishing pressure has been light, fishing for trout has been fairly good. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at the lake.

DeWeese Reservoir -- Fishing at DeWeese remains fairly good. Power Bait and salmon eggs seem to work best. Cuttbows and rainbows are averaging 13 inches, with a few of 16-18. Habitat stamps are required of everyone using the wildlife area.

Elevenmile Reservoir -- The action's staying strong for nighttime fishing, with the best times averaging around an hour after sunset. Rogers Mountain and Witchers Cove are producing after 8 p.m. Trolling near Stoll and Shoals has also been producing. Good baits include bright-colored or sparkled Power Bait, worms and marshmallows, or any combination of the above. Various scents are working well; garlic is the most mentionable. Northern pike are picking up slightly and averaging 18-22 inches. Medium- to large-size Rapalas, spinnerbaits, Husky Jerks and sucker meat have been working well. No new reports have come in on kokanee salmon, but they're out there.

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 -- The lake has been stocked and fishing for catchable-sized trout has been good. Very early mornings and evenings have been the best times for anglers using lures or worms.

Horseshoe Reservoir -- The water level is good. The water temperature is 67 degrees. Fishing for pan-sized trout has been fair to good. Tiger muskies and warm-water fish also have become more active. The lake has good populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, including some exceptional quality fish, as well as bluegills, sauger and catfish. Call the park office at (719) 738-2376 for current conditions.

Huerfano River -- The main public access to the primarily brown trout fishery is on the Huerfano State Wildlife Area southwest of Gardner. Runoff flows are almost back to normal and fishing has been good. Fishing generally can be good, but conditions are very brushy. The upper river, from the national forest boundary to the headwaters, has a flies-and-lures restriction and a two-fish limit.

Jefferson Lake -- Trailered and gasoline-powered boats are not permitted in an effort to control the spread of zebra mussels. Shoreline fishing for mostly catchable-sized rainbow trout remains fair to good on night crawlers, salmon eggs, red Power Bait, Kastmasters and Fish Creek spinners. Though mackinaw generally have moved to deeper water, a 22-pounder recently was taken. Weekend crowds have been quite large. The creek and beaver ponds below the lake have been fishing well.

John Martin Reservoir -- Fishing has been slow in the spillway, but catfish are still biting on worms. On the reservoir side, bass and wipers are being caught on worms. A fair number of carp and a few catfish also are being caught. Only the east boat ramp is usable but plenty of water remains for recreation. The endangered-bird closure on the north shore been lifted. Others remain in effect. A fire ban is in effect for the area. 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 has been slow for all species, and few fishermen have been on the water. All have most of the common warm-water species and are stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring.

Lake Henry -- Fishing at Henry has been reported as slow. A few bullheads and small catfish are being caught on shrimp, worms and cut bait. The water level at present is good and the boat ramp is in good shape. The lake has a growing number of crappie, catfish that average 2 1/2 pounds and lesser populations of saugeyes and wipers.

Lake Meredith -- Few fishermen have been on the water this year. A few bullheads have been taken on worms and cut bait. Fishing otherwise has been poor. Water levels currently are good and boat ramps are usable. DOW sampling last fall revealed a good number of small crappie, as well as saugeyes, bass, channel catfish and sunfish, but the majority of fish were nongame species.

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.

Martin Lake -- With the water temperature at 70 degrees, fishing for trout, pike, perch and catfish remains good, but fishing for walleyes and saugeyes has slowed a bit. Though heavy recreational boating can make fishing a challenge, this small lake has bass, bluegills, catfish, northern pike, walleyes, saugeyes, wipers and yellow perch, all of which have some quality fish. Weed beds are expanding, improving fish habitat but making fishing more difficult. Expect some excellent pike-fishing opportunities this summer. A 34-inch pike was caught on July 13 on a rubber lure shaped like a small pike. Call the park office at (719)738-2376 for current conditions.

Montgomery Reservoir -- The lake near Hoosier Pass has reopened to fishing for the season. Regular stocking keeps the fishing for rainbow trout good. Fishing for brook and brown trout generally is slow. Fishing is prohibited on the south side of the reservoir and the west face of the dam.

Monument Reservoir -- Fishing has been good. Chartreuse Power Bait has been the most effective, but salmon eggs and flies also have been taking 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 -- Currently, boat ramp conditions are poor but the ramp is usable. The ramp is rough due to wave action and heavy use. Fishing for all species is reported as slow. Some catfish action is being reported, especially at night. Young-of-the-year gizzard shad have hatched, so topwater action for wipers should be improving in the near future.

Nee Noshe Reservoir -- Fishing is reported as slow for all species. 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.

Nichols Reservoir -- The water level remains high. Fishing appears to have slowed a little, but trout still are being taken on salmon eggs and Power Bait. Nichols is accessed by a hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. The reservoir is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout and generally offers better-than-average fishing through the summer.

North Lake -- Fishing has been good on a variety of flies. Caddis, blue-wing-olive and mosquito patterns all have been effective. 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 were stocked last week. Anglers also report catching some holdover trout the past few weeks. Additional trout will be stocked as long as good water conditions remain. Re-establishment of the warm-water fishery will require some time.

Pikeview Reservoir -- Fishing for rainbow trout has been fair to good on the usual baits and small lures, but is slowing down. 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 is gradually dropping but remains the best in several years. Fishing has improved a little, with anglers taking walleyes and wipers on leeches. Peck Creek Cove has been productive. Catfish are being taken on stink baits and Power Bait in the evening. Wipers have been active near the surface a night but not during daylight. Inspection of boats for zebra mussel containment has begun. 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. 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 construction of a temporary inspection station, the reservoir has reopened to boating from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. The water level is down 30 vertical feet, but the shoreline remains accessible. Fishing for rainbow trout and a few cuttbows up to 14 inches has been fair from shore and excellent from boats. Trolling small spinners or worm harnesses has been producing limit catches. Fishing for mackinaw is slow, with fish in deep water. The reservoir is stocked with catchable-sized trout through the summer. The DOW is conducting a creel-census survey this summer. 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) -- Recent flows have been around 337 cfs. Look for Trico hatches in the mornings and late afternoons. Otherwise, try terrestrials near the banks.

South Platte River, Deckers area -- With Cheesman Reservoir still spilling, Tuesday's flow was 368 cfs and the river was very clear. That will change on Monday, when flows will be hiked to around 800 cfs for a week. A variety of insects including midges, pale-morning-duns, Yellow Sally stoneflies and terrestrials is on the water, but hatches have been sporadic. Dry-dropper or standard short-line nymphing remain the most productive techniques. Concentrate on the calmer edge water. Red Copper Johns, Pheasant Tail variations, Buckskins, Brassies and San Juan worms all can be effective. Adjust weight on the leader as necessary.

South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon -- Tuesday's flow was 249 cfs, the same as last week. Nymph fishing remains fairly good. No. 14 San Juan worms, No. 16 Copper Johns and Pheasant Tails in a full range of sizes are likely patterns. Midges, blue-wing-olive, pale-morning-dun and Trico mayflies, and sporadic caddis also are likely to be on the water.

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 until a tagging system is implemented. Hatches are few and far between, but action remains excellent in the morning, at noon and at sunset. Parking Lot 1, by the north end of the reservoir, has been a hot spot for shoreline and boat fishermen. Hot fishing lures and flies 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. Fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and occasional brown trout remains quite good. Most fish are 12-13 inches, with a few in the 16- to 17-inch range. A variety of baits, lures and flies has been effective. Weed growth has come up around the inlet and that area has been producing some northern pike up to 30 inches. Pike are growing in size and numbers. 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 -- Trinidad Lake is at approximately 600 surface acres, with a surface temperature around 72 degrees. Fishing has been good for rainbow trout, catfish, and yellow perch. Some bass and walleyes still are being caught from shore, so be sure of the regulations for bass and walleyes at Trinidad Lake. Last weekend, a 33-inch walleye and two 18-inch smallmouth bass were caught from shore. Boaters beware of floating debris and unmarked hazards as the water level continues to drop. Anglers are reminded to always have the proper PFD accessible, preferably worn at all times. For further information call the visitors center at 719-846-6951.

Turks Pond -- Turks Pond is still low but gradually rising, thanks to recent well repairs. A few wipers still are being taken, but the bite has slowed. Fishing for catfish and bullheads is fair. Some nice-sized bluegills also are being caught.

Turquoise Lake -- The water level has been rising but the lake is not yet full. Fly-bubble fishermen have been doing well around the inlet. Fishing is best early and late in the day. Mackinaw have moved to deeper water. 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 has been fair. The level is up but the lakes are still not full. Boat ramps are usable. 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 remains good on most days. Power Bait seems to be the top choice among fishermen. 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.

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.