Conditions Report - Metro Denver Area

Aurora Reservoir

Park Rangers report as of 4/8/2022, “Open to boating. Due to low water levels, the public dock is not available. Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair with some good reports using PowerBait, spoons and flies. Fly casters try leech patterns and prince nymphs. For more information call 303-326-8425. Park hours for April 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Aurora Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, contact park staff by calling 303-791-7275.  
Chatfield Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, for more information please call (303) 690-1166.
Cherry Creek Reservoir

Standley Lake

There is NO ICE FISHING PERMITTED at Standley Lake. Please call ahead prior to heading to the reservoir to get up-to-date lake and shoreline fishing conditions. Contact park staff at 303-425-1097. 
Standley Lake

Quincy Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, park rangers report, “Open to boating. Trout fishing is fair using spoons. Bass fishing has been slow. Try the dam for smallmouth with jigs. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only and only hand-launched watercraft are permitted when open to boating. April Park Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information call 303-326-8424.
Quincy Reservoir

Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

As of 4/6/2022, 11 Mile Marina reports, “The lake is approximately 89% ice-covered. The wind is ripping the ice. Open water points West from Suckers Cove to Cross Creek. Many shoreline areas with open water are like North Shore. Not quite enough to fish yet but soon. April conditions can be brutal with the wind whipping off a lake with 35-degree water.” https://www.11milesports.com/
Eleven Mile Reservoir

Boyd Lake

As of 4/8/2022, park staff reports the lake is OPEN to boating. Crappie and walleye fishing is slow. Trout fishing is fair using mealworms, spinners, Wooly Buggers. The lake opens to boating today, March 25. 
Boyd Lake

North Sterling Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, park staff states no recent reports from anglers. The reservoir is OPEN to boating. All trailered vessels must go through an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection prior to launching. The inlet is ON and the outlet is OFF. Contact the park for the latest conditions at 970-522-3657.
North Sterling Reservoir

St. Vrain State Park

As of 4/8/2022, Sandpiper and Coot ponds were recently stocked on 4/1/2022. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date conditions by calling 303-678-9402.
St. Vrain State Park

Barr Lake

As of 4/8/2022 park staff reports, that the lake is ice-free with shoreline fishing opportunities available. Fishing has been slow to fair for a variety of species. Please contact park staff for the most up-to-date ice conditions by calling 303-659-6005.
Barr Lake

Cheesman Canyon

As of 4/4/2022, Angler’s Covey reports, “The flows have been stable at about 150 CFS for a week now. These are great flows for this time of year. This week will be fairly pleasant in the area with the exception of some wind in the first part of the week. The longer days have started to bring those water temperatures up and that has also increased bug activity. The trail is almost all clear of snow and ice, but you may encounter that in certain sections. Be cautious of muddy and melting snow areas as they can be just as slippery as ice itself. The fishing is great and fish are feeding primarily in deeper runs and tailouts. As the midges hatch the fish are moving into riffles to feed. Keep an eye out for that. Fishing is technical as usual. The fish are a lot more comfortable to feed throughout the river in these higher flows. Small bugs and light tippet are the standard year-round in the canyon, but larger food sources are also key right now. Be sure to mix in some larger offerings right now with the water increase. Leeches, scuds, worms, cranefly larva, larger profiled midges, and BWOs are all taking fish. Fish are keying in hard on midge and baetis imitations both subsurface and on top of the water. The big spring midge is prolific right now, so be sure to have some larger midge larva/pupae in your boxes. The spring "olives" are also getting a lot more active. They are becoming a dominant food source and the fish are starting to key in on them. They will start being more prevalent as the days get longer and the sun gets higher.” Flows: 160 CFS (4/7/2022) https://anglerscovey.com/
Cheesman Canyon

Antero Reservoir

As of 4/4/2022, Angler’s Covey reports, “There is still a good amount of ice at Antero. Recent reports are the ice is about 24 inches thick. There is currently no open water. A few warm and windy days will start to change things.”
Antero Reservoir

Bear Creek Lake

As of 4/8/2022, anglers report trout fishing is fair using spoons, spinners and jigs.
Bear Creek Lake

Deckers - South Platte River

As of 4/4/2022, Angler’s Covey reports, “The flows are stable at about 154 CFS. The fish are comfortable and have started to spread out a little more. We likely won't see any significant changes in the flows until downstream water demand increases. Be sure to watch the flows closely here and avoid fishing on days right when they raise or lower the flows. Water temps are starting to increase and this has engaged a lot more baetis activity. This week looks wonderful in the corridor weather-wise. This time of year is very exciting with fish starting to transition out of their winter metabolism. Mayflies and larger profiled midges are the preferred food sources. With the bigger flows, larger bugs are also a great idea. Scuds, leeches, worms, and crane fly larvae are all getting the attention of the fish. While midges are pretty much always the mainstay on this tailwater, the spring BWOs are getting more dominant. Be sure to have some baetis patterns on this time of year, particularly in the afternoons or on cloudy days. Depth, weight, and presentation are KEY right now, and midges are the name of the game. Look for the warmest parts of the day for the best feeding activity. Typically, smaller flies are the go to but don't be afraid to mix in some bigger attractor bugs with the standard "small stuff" right now. Leeches, scuds, and worms are all a good bet with these flow increases. The dry fly fishing is sporadic but should be increasing very soon. With the emergence of the BWOs, it’s inevitable!” Flows: 172 CFS (4/7/2022) https://anglerscovey.com/
Deckers - South Platte River

Dream Stream - South Platte

As of 4/4/2022, Angler’s Covey reports, “The flows are still a little low and we expect them to stay that way for a while longer. Don’t expect any increases until downstream water demand comes into play. This week looks pretty nice in good ole South Park, although wind will be a factor, especially in the first half of the week. Fishing has been okay but you will have to cover ground. Crowds have definitely been thick on certain days. There are still a fair amount of people looking for lake-run fish, but that pretty much ended 2 weeks ago. It appears the lake run fish have come and gone for the most part. These runs have been very short-lived the last few years. There are still some nice resident fish, but be prepared to work for them. Please be sure to move around and not camp out in one spot all day. With the pressure also comes the reminder to be a good neighbor. There is a lot of river. Midges, eggs, and leaches have been the staple food sources on the Dream. Anglers can also start to mix in some baetis and larger profiled midges into their offerings. Please be sure to keep away from any redds or spawning fish in the river. These spawning beds will produce fry (baby trout) in the spring and are vital to sustaining the fish population. We have started to see the cutthroat and cut bows start their spawning ritual. Tread Lightly!” Flows: 112 CFS (4/7/2022) https://anglerscovey.com/
Dream Stream - South Platte

Lon Hagler

As of 4/8/2022, anglers report fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures. Be sure to keep switching it up if you are not getting bites and cover as much water as you can.
Lon Hagler

Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado

Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

As of 4/7/2022, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The upper Arkansas is beginning to transition into spring mode, and though fish may still be near winter water the recent midge activity, golden stonefly molt, and maturation of blue-winged olive nymphs is starting to encourage the dispersion of fish into slightly shallower, varied water and occupation of more of the northern corridor. With nighttime temperatures lower here than elsewhere in the valley, expect a slightly smaller window of opportunity with your prime time being 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. With midges, the predominant food source, a midge larva or pupa in #16-20 is a must-have in your setup. We have seen some strong midge hatches north of BV, strong enough to prompt surface feeding and offer some dry fly opportunities. Blue-winged olive hatches could start up here any day now. Mayfly nymphs and emergers are best imitated by patterns in #16-20 range and are most active mid-day into early afternoon. Pair these smaller patterns with a weighted attractor nymph like a golden stonefly in a #10-12 and you'll have an effective "burger and fries" combination for the spring; big fly, small fly. It's advised to work the deeper, slower water in the mornings and shift focus to shallow riffles and runs nearby as the day warms.” Flows: 75 CFS at Hayden Meadows, 90 CFS at Granite (4/7/2022) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista

Lake Trinidad

As of 4/6/2022, park staff reports, “The lake is at 772 surface acres with a surface elevation of 6188.29. The water level is stable. Water temperatures are between 42 and 46 degrees. Islands have appeared and some hazards may not be marked. Shore anglers are doing well catching big trout on dough baits and worms. Boaters have reported very slow conditions, trout have been the most reported species caught. The boat ramp is open. Each vessel is required to have an inspection prior to each launch.” 
Lake Trinidad

Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

As of 4/7/2022, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, “The forecast has improved above Salida immensely since the abusive wind on Tuesday. Today will be warmer and sunny, though a little breezy at times. The week has produced some excellent mayfly hatches in the lower end of the middle basin, with some great surface feeding through and above Salida. Expect the strongest mayfly hatches on cloudy days, but be prepared for them regardless of the forecast. Even with the breeze we've encountered, there have been windows of opportunity for dry fly anglers in the early afternoon to take advantage of surface-oriented trout chasing emerging mayflies. Interest in golden stoneflies is also high as we are now in the historic window of spring molting activity. You will still likely find fish in deeper water at times, but the warmer conditions and expanding food options are driving trout to spread out and occupy more types of water throughout the corridor. Shallower runs and riffles are becoming very productive as the warming trend continues. In early spring we generally rely on nymphing as the primary approach to the Arkansas, running flies underneath an indicator, sighter, or even a large dry fly. Besides mayfly and stonefly nymphs, midges are the most plentiful food and can be effective as a larva, pupa, or even adult throughout the day depending on conditions. Often we'll fish a midge as a dropper off of a larger attractor nymph, like a large pheasant tail, hare's ear, or copper john. Golden stonefly nymphs can be fished in #10-14 and the smaller midges should be in the #16-20 range. To imitate blue-winged olive nymphs a pheasant tail, two-bit hooker, micro-mayfly, frenchie pheasant tail, etc. is definitely worth packing in a #16-18 as we move through March. Free-living and cased caddis larva should also be in your box as we are seeing more caddis activity ramp up preceding caddis hatches of late April.” Flows: 190 CFS at Hecla Junction (4/7/2022) http://www.arkanglers.com/ 
Arkansas River - Buena Vista to Salida

John Martin Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, contact park staff for up-to-date conditions by calling (719) 829-1801 or by email: johnmartin.statepark@state.co.us.
John Martin Reservoir

Lake Pueblo

As of 4/8/2022, Lake Pueblo State Park boat ramps operating hours to adjust for summer. Operating hours for the boat ramps at Lake Pueblo State Park, the busiest park in Colorado, will adjust on April 1 to the summer schedule of 5 a.m. to midnight. Ramp hours coincide with the hours of operation for the mandatory inspection station for Aquatic Nuisance Species or ANS.  
Lake Pueblo

Willow Springs Pond

As of 4/8/2022, fishing is fair to good using a variety of lures. 
Willow Springs Pond

Arkansas River - Salida to Canon City

As of 4/7/2022, Braden Barker with Ark Anglers writes, “The forecast is still breezy today, but vastly improved from the weather on Tuesday. You may still work a little to find sheltered areas safe from the wind at times, but conditions are improving as the week progresses. Flows are now at their native levels as the release from Twin Lakes has been gradually dropped over the past 10 days. This leaves us with low flows for our spring rainbow trout spawn and for our active and pending spring hatches with a lean river for spring boating. Even anglers with significant experience on the Arkansas at low flows may have to drag their boat here and there in shallow areas. Plan accordingly. Every day this week we've had reports of quality hatches of spring blue-winged olive mayflies in the lower basin and through Salida, even with sunny and windy conditions. Wind permitting, the dry fly fishing has been very good during these times. Focused, confident rises are the norm as fish that were recently wary and skeptical in the low clear flows of early spring are now seeing enough food to throw caution to the wind as they follow emerging nymphs to the surface to capture them as they ascend or as they rest on the water's surface airing out their wings pre-flight. When back eddies and foam lines are covered with these tiny little sailboats and a brown trout is hovering just downstream inches below the surface waiting to intercept these vulnerable duns, it truly is a sight to behold. To have the privilege to cast a small hand-tied imitation of the naturals into the mix and be rewarded by a confident take is the fuel that carries many anglers through the cold months of winter. Now is the time to dust off the dry fly box and freshen up your tippet supply, as the next six weeks can offer some of the best fishing the Arkansas has to offer. The warmer water temperatures and growing abundance of food are beginning to instigate the spring dispersion of fish out from their winter holding water and into nearby runs and riffles with slightly faster current and more consistent flow of food. Though we usually expect cloudy weather to prompt the strongest hatches anglers should be prepared any day they head out to encounter hatches on the water this time of year. These mayflies can hatch year-round, but we observe them in their highest concentrations in the next 4-5 weeks on the Arkansas. Interest in golden stonefly nymphs is also high as we are now in the middle of spring molting activity. Strikes may still be subtle at times, but the warmer conditions are prompting more aggressive feeding and transmitting more obvious takes. In early spring we recommend fishing multiple nymphs under an indicator, sighter, or even under a large, buoyant dry fly. Believe it or not, we do see fish sporadically strike at indicators on the surface during the winter and spring, so why not use a grasshopper to suspend your nymphs? If you encounter a blue-winged olive hatch, a dry-dropper setup with a mayfly dun as an indicator fly followed by a lightweight emerger pattern will be a great approach. Golden stonefly nymphs are a significant-sized meal and can be fished in #8-14. Mayfly nymphs like a pheasant tail, two-bit hooker, micro-mayfly, frenchie pheasant tail, etc. are worth packing in a #16-18. Don't forget about midges; they are still one of the most available food sources by volume and will continue to be an important factor through the spring. Think #18-20 most of the time for these smaller larvae, pupa, and adults.” Flows: 239 at Wellsville (4/7/2022) http://www.arkanglers.com/
Arkansas River - Salida to Canon City

Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado

Vega Reservoir

As of 3/8/2022, park staff reports, “Currently we have approximately 2 - 3 feet of snow on the ground and 12 - 15 inches of ice near the dam and Fisherman's Flats. Please use extreme caution if you access the lake as ice depths vary across the reservoir. Fishing is steady, with anglers catching some nice trout in the 12 - 16 inch range on power bait, ice jigs and mealworms.”
Vega Reservoir

Harvey Gap

As of 4/4/2022, park staff reports, “Currently we have approximately a foot of snow on the ground and no open water on the lake. The ice is thinning rapidly and just starting to pull away at the edges.”
Harvey Gap

Rifle Gap

As of 4/8/2022, park staff reports, “Ice fishing season has ended at Rifle Gap.”
Rifle Gap

Yampa River

As of 4/8/2022, park staff reports, “Anglers are finding success fishing slower moving water while the river is flowing slightly higher at the moment.”
Yampa River

Blue River

As of 4/7/2022, Cutthroat Anglers report, “Fish have finished up their spawn so streamer fishing can get really good this time of year as they try and put on calories to recover. In the deeper pieces of water, imitations of golden stonefly nymphs, worms, and leeches could work well as attractor flies. However, smaller Baetis and midge imitations will be productive as your second or third fly. Also, keep an eye out for risers, dry fly fishing can be good here when it’s on and we have been seeing some baetis mid-day.” Flows: 322 CFS below Green Mountain Reservoir (4/7/2022) https://fishcolorado.com/ 
Blue River

Eagle River

As of 4/7/2022, Cutthroat Anglers report, “Expect some stain to enter the water system during bouts of warmth. If you find open water use eggs, stoneflies, baetis, and midges. The fish will mostly be concentrated in the deep pools. Streamers have also been productive when water clarity worsens. Make sure you are getting your flies down to the right depth and you'll find more success.” Flows: 138 Wolcott to Dotsero (4/7/2022) https://fishcolorado.com/
Eagle River

Lake John

As of 4/8/2022, trout fishing is excellent using a variety of lures. Anglers are reporting success tipping their jigs with wax and mealworms. 
Lake John

Grand Lake

As of 4/8/2022, Fishing with Bernie guide Jake Foos reports, “Rainbows are starting to think about moving water again and that means we have to move towards where the spawn will take place. We suggest focusing efforts on river channels and being in the nearby areas. Match the hatch- scuds and crustaceans will produce the best. Now is the time in the year to think “natural” when selecting a color. Soft plastics drop-shotted have been the best bait as of late in 2-15 feet of water. Lake trout are definitely getting ready for their ice-out pattern and that means there is a suspended bite right now. Hole hop, fish a lot of water and find those fish. Once you have found the area they are at, stay planted, you might just have the best day of fishing yet. Fish these suspenders with something that will draw attention. Spoons have been best.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Grand Lake

Lake Granby

As of 4/8/2022, Fishing with Bernie Guide Dan Shannon reports, “For brown trout find rocks and work a more aggressive jigging action with spoon or minnow imitation bait. Lake trout are still being found at a variety of depths from 20’ to 85’. Natural colored plastics such as tubes or grubs tipped with sucker have been the go-to bait, but have a bait that glows as well as this seems to trigger the more passive fish. The ice is still holding up but average temps are increasing daily and conditions can change fast as spring approaches, stay safe as you head out on the ice!” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Lake Granby

Williams Fork Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, Fishing with Bernie guides report, “Slush has been the experience on the lake lately. If you’re headed out be prepared for both and WATERPROOF boots are a necessity. Lake trout fishing for numbers has been good in 40-80’ of water with small plastics tipped with sucker meat or a small tungsten jig with just sucker meat. Stay attentive to your rod those bites are light! As the weather continues to warm, we are expecting the larger predatory pike and lakers to start being active in the shallows, so don’t be afraid to venture from those deeper parts of the lake.” https://www.fishingwithbernie.com/
Williams Fork Reservoir

Mack Mesa Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, anglers have reported fair fishing for several species.
Mack Mesa Reservoir

Colorado River - Pumphouse Area

As of 4/7/2022, Cutthroat Anglers report, “The ice has cleared off most of this stretch and fishing is good. Water temperatures are still cold so fish are still conserving energy. The fish are podded up in deep water right now. Baetis and midges have been the main food source here! Eggs and stoneflies have also been very productive. Once you catch a fish, stay put and try not to leave fish to find fish.” Flows: 693 CFS (4/7/2022) https://fishcolorado.com/
Colorado River

Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado

Blue Mesa Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, ice fishing season is nearing its end on the reservoir. 
Blue Mesa Reservoir

James M. Robb Colorado River

As of 4/8/2022, park staff reports, “Lakes were stocked at the beginning of March and again at the beginning of April. Please ensure the responsible and ethical release of fish and properly dispose of fishing line. Remember, the daily limit for trout is four fish per person.”  
James M. Robb Colorado River

San Juan River

As of 4/8/2022 Duranglers reports, “Spring came quickly with low elevation snowmelt. Be prepared for high, dirty water unless we get a few cool days. Springtime is streamer and BWO time. Go bigger with dirty water such as streamers and stonefly nymphs.” Flows: 373 CFS at Pagosa Springs (4/7/2022) https://duranglers.com/
San Juan River

Animas River at Durango

As of 4/8/2022, Duranglers reports, “The key with the Animas in spring is watching the flows. It will be rising with warmer weather, but if we get a few cooler nights, watch for the drop and fish a streamer! BWOs will also be a staple food right now, and dry fly fishing can be good on the cooler days. Dirty water? Fish something big and/or flashy.” Flows: 409 CFS at Durango (4/7/2022) Duranglers.com 
Animas River

Gunnison River

As of 4/8/2022 Duranglers reports, “Small bugs: mayfly and midge nymphs with possibly an attractor or small stonefly nymph to bring them in. Get your weight right and fish deeper holes and slots.” Flows: 344 CFS below Gunnison Tunnel (4/7/2022) Duranglers.com
Gunnison River

Uncompahgre River

As of 4/8/2022, Duranglers reports, “Midge and baetis nymphs a must. It’s the classic winter formula here in Colorado, but make sure to have some leeches and SJ worms too. Water is low, so be super stealthy. Fishing has not been easy, but it can be rewarding if you put in the work!” Flows: 60.8 CFS below Ridgway Reservoir (4/7/2022) Duranglers.com
Uncompahgre River

Vallecito Reservoir

As of 4/8/2022, anglers reported the ice fishing season is nearing the end for the reservoir. Some open water but no new reports from anglers. If you have conditions feel free to submit them to dnr_fish.reporter@state.co.us.
Vallecito Reservoir