Southwest Region

Report provided with permission of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

August 12, 2008

Animas River -- The river is dropping after rains raised the level last week. Tuesday's flows were 584 cfs at Durango and 251 cfs below Silverton. Hopper patterns and hopper-droppers are working very well early and late in the day. High-mountain lakes and creeks in the region are fishing very well. Try small spinners or any attractor pattern.

Beaver Creek Reservoir -- Fishing for rainbow and brown trout from shore and boats has been good. Power Bait and worms are popular among shore anglers; boaters troll a variety of lures.

Big Meadows Reservoir -- Anglers report fair to good action for rainbow trout and brook trout using the typical baits from shore. Evening fly fishing usually provides fast action for pan-sized brook trout.

Blue Mesa Reservoir -- The lake has stabilized at about six feet below the high-water water. Morning surface temperatures are around 69 degrees, warming to 76 by day's end. Kokanee fishing is good, with limits being caught in Iola and Cebolla basins trolling pink, green or orange spinners or spoons 30-45 feet deep. Trout fishing remains good on bait near the bottom early and late in the day. Marabou jigs, Rapalas and spoons also are taking trout, especially near rocky structure. Anglers are finding perch in the back bays by using worms and small jigs.

Conejos County (high country lakes) -- Conejos County high-country lakes are open and accessible. Conejos County offers a variety of high-country lakes for the angler to explore in search of a variety of trout species.

Conejos County (small streams) -- Conejos County has a variety of small streams that offer excellent trout fishing opportunities. Conditions on these streams are excellent and fishing has been good on a variety of methods. Trout species include cutthroats, brooks, browns and rainbows.

Conejos River -- Fishing has been excellent for brown and rainbow trout. Flows on Tuesday were 283 cfs at Mogote and 156 cfs below Platoro. The Conejos is still experiencing some mayfly and caddis hatches. Angling techniques include nymphing and dry-droppers in softer water (e.g. stonefly or Stimulator patterns in combination with a stonefly or other nymph), streamer fishing, spinner fishing and bait. The Conejos has two sections of special fishing regulation waters: From the upper boundary of Aspen Glade campground to Menkhaven Resort, artificial flies only and a daily bag and possession limit of two trout 16 inches or longer, and from the confluence of the South Fork to the lower bridge at Platoro, artificial flies and lures only, with a daily bag and possession limit of two trout 16 inches or longer.

Crawford Reservoir -- The lake offers fishing for rainbow trout, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Overall fishing during the weekend was reported as good, with trout, pike and crappie reported caught. Effective baits included flies, worms and lures, sometimes in combination. The largest fish reported was a pike that weighed around 8 pounds. The water level in the lake is declining, but still pretty full. The surface water temperature is around 72 degrees.

Dolores River (lower) -- Fishing in the Dolores River below the dam is poor because little water is released from McPhee Reservoir. Recent flows have been a mere 70-120 cfs. To monitor the flows, log on to the Dolores Water Conservancy District Web site at http://www:doloreswater.com/releases.htm.

Dolores River (upper) -- Fish the river high in the drainage, just below Rico, where public access is available and the fish habitat is good. Use spinners, streamers or nymphs close to the bank. Stimulator dry fly patterns also should work well. Much of the lower part of the river is private. Because the lower section of the river has been channelized over the years, habitat is poor and the river holds few fish.

East River -- Flows on the East have been up and down from rain, and on Tuesday the volume was 325 cfs. Expect stoneflies, caddis, pale-morning-duns and possibly some drakes to be on the river. Taking kokanee salmon is prohibited. Catch-and-release salmon fishing is legal below the Roaring Judy hatchery boundary.

Echo Canyon Reservoir -- Trout fishing is excellent on lures and bait, especially in the early mornings and at dusk. Use spinners, Power Bait or salmon eggs. Echo is a great place to take kids for panfish. Use a bobber-and-worm setup to catch bluegills, largemouth bass and crappie. Everyone's catching fish at Echo now, and fishing should remains excellent through most of July.

Gunnison River (through the canyon) -- Fishing conditions on the river are great from Chukar Trail downstream to the North Fork of the Gunnison. Anglers report lots of big fish and some of the best fishing ever. The flow in the Gunnison Gorge is down to 1,050 cfs. Fish the high water by working the back side of runs. Hoppers are still the hot fly here. Yellow caddis, red egg patterns and golden stonefly, Yellow Sally and salmon-fly nymphs also are effective. Hoppers and caddis in yellow have been the most-used flies the past few days. The North Fork is now low enough to wade.

Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) -- The river is in a summer mode, and Tuesday's flow was 1,060 cfs. The level can fluctuate a bit with rain, which also can create some discoloration, but the water generally is clear. Caddis, stoneflies and a few pale-morning-duns have been on the water, and both fish and fishermen have been looking to the surface. Large, buoyant dry flies, as well as nymphs, have been effective in pockets and other slack water away from the main currents. Wading still can be tricky. Wading staffs are commonly used on the Gunnison. Floating fishermen have an advantage, drifting large dry flies near the edges. Taking kokanee salmon is prohibited through Oct. 31; catch-and-release fishing for them is OK.

Haviland Lake -- The lake north of Durango has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing with Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spoon-type lures has been fair to good.

Jackson Gulch Reservoir -- The boat ramp is open and the water level is good. The surface temperature is in the upper 60s. The lake has been stocked several times this year, most recently during the first week of July. Fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout has been consistently good. Try the typical baits along the dam, near the inlet and in the west-side coves. Small in-line spinners and crankbaits also will work. Trout also are rising to flies in the evening. Perch are plentiful and readily caught on small jigs or spinners. Boat rentals are available this summer. Call 970-533-7065, 970-882-2213 or check the link below for current conditions.

La Jara Creek -- Fishing on La Jara Creek has been fair for brown trout. Some caddis and other insect hatches have been occurring on the creek and dry fly fishing with Elk-Hair-Caddis, Madam-x or Adams patterns has worked well. Fishing also has been good on worms and spinners. Flows are low and the water is clear, so anglers should use a stealthy approach when fishing the creek.

La Jara Reservoir -- The reservoir is open and accessible and water conditions are good. Fishing pressure has been light. Fishing has been slow. Good fishing for brook trout and splake is expected throughout the summer.

Los Pinos River -- The river above Vallecito Reservoir is running clear and fishing is good on spinners and flies. Fishing is good in this section of river, but it is accessible only on foot. Below the reservoir, the river runs through private property and access is limited.

McPhee Reservoir -- Some 4,000 trout were stocked at McPhee last week and anglers report that fishing is good. Those trolling also are reporting good catches of kokanee. Bass anglers report that action for smallmouths is strong. Please remember that all smallmouth and largemouth bass 10-15 inches long must be returned to the lake immediately.

Miramonte Reservoir -- Fishing from the banks has been fair to good, with people catching mostly 10- to 14-inch rainbows on Power Bait and salmon eggs. Some larger fish, up to 16 inches, and a few browns also have been noted. The 405-acre lake south of Norwood offers potentially good fishing for larger-than-average rainbow trout. The DOW stocks subcatchable rainbows, which grow to size in the lake. Crayfish are a primary source of forage for the trout, and crayfish-imitating flies and lures generally work well.

Mountain Home Reservoir -- Anglers report good action for rainbow trout on worms, Power Bait and various spinners. The lake level is rising and only the north boat ramp is available for launching.

Narraguinnep Reservoir -- Fishing for pan-sized trout has been fair to good.

Navajo Reservoir -- The surface temperature is 73 degrees, the level is fairly stable and the water is clearing. Bass and northern pike are attracting the most attention. Try a deep diver in a green or shad finish during the day, or a topwater lure early and late. Fishing for catfish is fair on blood bait and cut baits. Worms and minnows have been taking some perch and crappie. Expect improved fishing with cooling and clearing water. The marina, offering minnows and other supplies, is open for the season.

Piedra River -- The river has been running clear during the past week. Try hoppers and hopper-dropper combinations. The best fishing on the Piedra is found by hiking away from the road to tributary streams. Fishing pressure is heavy in the areas easily accessible by roads.

Platoro Reservoir -- Fishing has been good for rainbow trout and fair for kokanee. Anglers have been catching trout with Power Bait and worms. Fishing pressure has been moderate. The water level is high and the boat ramp is usable.

Ridgway Fishing Ponds -- The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of Ridgway State Park is excellent for children because it has the only water below the dam not restricted to artificial flies and lures or catch-and-release fishing. A limit of four trout per person may be kept there, both by children and licensed adults (16 years or older). The ponds were stocked on July 17 with 500 additional rainbow trout. Fishing is still very good using worms or grasshoppers on a 3- to 4-foot leader behind a clear casting bubble. Salmon eggs and Power Bait work using the same technique. Fly fishermen have been doing very well on hopper patterns.

Ridgway Reservoir -- Ridgway Reservoir is dropping; this will concentrate the fish near the dam and inlet, and along steep, rock walls. The brown trout are still in the deeper water. Bank fishermen report the rainbows are hitting on worms and grasshoppers. Use a clear casting bobber with 3-4 feet of leader, without split shot or swivels to distract from the bait. Fly fishermen are using hopper patterns very effectively. Many fishermen in boats report catching their limits in the early morning. Kokanee are hitting on a green Kastmaster behind Pop Geer. Ridgway State Park has started a mandatory boat inspection for all boats launching on the reservoir. Boats are checked for aquatic nuisance species such as zebra and quagga mussels. Clean, drain and dry your boat after each use.

Rio Grande High Country Streams -- Flows have dropped in high-country streams and fishing should be excellent. Dry flies and lures should produce excellent action for hungry trout.

Rio Grande River -- It's August and the river has dropped considerably, though flows still can fluctuate a bit with rain. On Tuesday, the volume was 723 cfs at Del Norte and 497 cfs at Wagon Wheel Gap. Visibility has been good unless localized rains have discolored the water. Most of the major insect hatches have finished. Attractor flies, hoppers and stonefly nymphs have produced fair to good action.

Road Canyon Reservoir -- Fishing for rainbow trout and splake has been fair. However, the trout have been of quality size - around 18 inches. Anglers have been using worms, flies and Kastmasters from shore and from boats.

San Juan high-country lakes, streams -- Fishing in the high lakes and streams is in its midsummer prime. Stimulator patterns, other dry flies, Woolly Buggers and other streamers, and spinners are working well. When creeks are clear, try a hopper-dropper combination or a good-sized Stimulator. Spin-casters also should do well.

San Juan River -- The southwest has gained a reprieve from afternoon thunderstorms during the past week, so the river has cleared up. The storms, however, could start again at any time. Hopper patterns are working well early and late. Try a hopper with a bead-head or Copper John as a dropper. Spin-casters should try a variety of lures. The town of Pagosa Springs recently completed its trout stocking project. During the summer, the town and local trout enthusiasts stocked almost 10,000 trout, of which more than 1,000 weighed at least two pounds.

San Luis Lake -- The San Luis Lake has been stocked with 10,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout. Fishing is reported as slow for trout and fair for carp on nymphs and streamers.

Sanchez Reservoir -- Fishing for northern pike and walleyes is slow as the water warms and fish move deeper. Sampling last fall documented an abundance of walleyes ranging from 13 to 23 inches in length, in addition to northern pike. Catfish action should be at its best in August.

Smith Reservoir (San Luis Valley) -- Fishing for trout has been slow to fair using bait from shore or trolling lures from boats.

Summit Reservoir -- The lake was chemically treated to remove non-native white suckers last summer and was restocked with 20,000 8- to 9-inch rainbow trout in early spring. Those fish should be approaching 10-11 inches, providing some good opportunities for fishermen. Additional stocking of catchable and subcatchable trout also is scheduled.

Taylor Reservoir -- Rainbow and brown trout still are in 20 feet of water, close to shore. Fishermen are having success for them with worms off the bottom or trolling cow bells with night crawlers. Mackinaw are scattered in 40 to 80 feet of water. Most of the smaller fish are suspended at 40 to 60 feet; larger fish tend to be deeper, at 75-80 feet. Fishing for northern pike remains slow. A handful of kokanee salmon recently were taken in 80 feet of water. The marina is open for the season.

Taylor River -- Tuesday's flows were 495 cfs at Almont and 398 cfs below Taylor Dam. The water is clear unless rain discolors tributary creeks. Caddis, stoneflies and green drakes have been hatching along the lower river, providing some good dry fly action as well as the usual nymphing. Wading still can be tricky, but parts of the river are wadable. The tailwater directly below the dam has some exceptionally large rainbow trout, but the area attracts large crowds the year around. Mysis shrimp and midges are the go-to patterns. Think small - sizes 18-24.

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir -- Trujillo Meadows Reservoir has been fishing well for rainbow and brown trout. Anglers have been catching both in the 14- to 16-inch size range. The reservoir has been busy during the weekends, with light pressure during the week. Anglers have been catching trout on worms, spinners and fly-and-bubble rigs. Fishing seems the most productive in the evening. Boats are allowed on Trujillo Meadows Reservoir; however, they cannot create a white-water wake.

Tucker Ponds -- Fishing has been reported as fair for rainbow trout using the typical baits and lures from shore.

Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park -- Fishing is fair to good on the river at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk. The flows still are high at 590 cfs. Try using hopper patterns or caddis nymphs, fished slowly in the backwaters. When water flows are way above average, try using a San Juan worm. The evening hatch was still going on last week. Try a pink Cahill or Mellon Quill in size 16 to 18.

Vallecito Reservoir -- Rising water temperatures and afternoon rains are keeping fish deep. Consequently, fishing is poor. Look for improved action in late August, when the water begins cooling down. Fish are moving into deeper water. A mercury advisory has been issued for consumption of northern pike from the lake. Trout fishing at nearby Lemon Reservoir has been reported as fair to good.

Williams Creek Reservoir -- Fishing in the lake has been poor, possibly because the larger trout have been feasting on recently stocked fingerling fish. Bait and lures, therefore, are holding little appeal for the larger fish. Try Stimulator patterns in the tailwater below the dam.