Denver Metro Region

Report provided with permission of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

August 31, 2010

Arvada Reservoir -- Fishing has been above average with 125 Rainbow Trout being taken out in a 2 day period. The water is a little low and you really have to cast out as far as possible. Power bait continues to be the preference of most fishing population. A 20 pound catfish was caught and released this week. The handicap ramps and dock are all open. To check if you can put your boat on because of high winds - please call 303-420-7773. Remember - no live bait at the reservoir but worms. We are always watching for intruders like mussel.

Aurora Reservoir -- Open to boating and the water temperature is 72 degrees. All vessels must be inspected prior to launch. A watercraft access permit is required for all vehicles bringing in watercraft. Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair using power bait off a slip rig from the East end of the Dam. Trout action from boats has been good trolling with crawlers. Walleye fishing is slow to fair from the dam using crawlers, leeches, jerkbaits and crankbaits from boats on the flats. Boaters are reporting success for small walleye trolling with crawlers and bottom bouncers. All other species are slow. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors. For more information, call 303-690-1286. Hours of operation September 6:00am-8:00pm.

Barr Lake -- *The Boat Ramp Bridge re-opened Saturday August 21st. The water level is 9 feet below full. The water temperature is approximately 76 degrees. Trout from the shore is slow. Boating is also slow for Trout, and good for Walleye with bottom bouncers. Wiper are picking up. Perch from shore and boats is great with worms. The algae is blooming. Be aware of afternoon storms, and high winds!

Bear Creek -- Fishing for rainbows has slowed this past week; Mepps Black Fury has worked the best along with Kastmasters in silver and gold. The stream between Evergreen Lake and Bear Creek Reservoir offers an opportunity to enjoy fishing, great scenery, areas to have family picnics. (All rainbows must be returned to the water immediately) Severe thunderstorms can create sudden, fast-moving water conditions. Extreme caution must be observed when fishing any canyon or low lying area. Always keep an eye to the sky and pay attention to rising water. You should have an escape route planned so you can Climb to Safety.

Bear Creek Reservoir -- Fishing for trout picked up this past week. Salmon eggs and garden worms have been working well. Tiger Muskie action is still slow. Fishing for Walleye and Saugeye have remained slow. The minimum size for walleyes and Saugeye is 15 inches, and only one exceeding 21 inches may be taken daily

Berkeley Lake -- Fishing for Rainbows and crappie has been slow this past week. (NOTE: Anglers must have a receipt for minnows dated within the prior 7 days on their person) Catfish have been hitting minnows and small shrimp. Berkeley has largemouth bass, bluegills, crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish 8 inches in length are typically stocked late summer to early fall. Boats are not permitted. A recreation center, playground, dog park and other amenities are available on the south side of the lake.

Centennial Park Lake -- Fishing for crappie has slowed this past week. (Note: Minnows must have a receipt of purchase dated within the past 7 days) Fishing for Catfish has been fair to slow using cut bait and nightcrawlers off the bottom during the morning hours and again after dark. The lake also has warm-water fish including bass, crappie, and perch, which become more active later in the season. No boats are allowed on the 15-acre lake, maximum depth 27 feet. A playground, restrooms and handicapped-accessible fishing pier on the west and south sides are available. Park opens at dawn until 11 p.m.

Chatfield Ponds -- No report was received. Please call Chatfield State Park for current fishing and boat inspection information. Phone (303) 791-7275.

Chatfield Reservoir -- All trailered vessels must be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species before launching. Inspections are conducted at the North and South boat ramps daily from 6am-10pm, if you arrive before or after hours, you may still launch if you have a state seal on your boat, just follow the Pre-Inspection directions as posted. Yellow seals are only good from the park you came from. The water temp is between 75-78 degrees. The water level is down 4.5 feet. SM Bass remain the easiest to catch along the Dam with light colored grubs and jigs. Trout have been productive in the deeper sections, along Massey Draw and the Dam with spinners and powerbait. Walleye fishing has slowed to a crawl but worms and flies work well if you can find them. Bluegill have been doing well in the gravel ponds on worms.

Cherry Creek Reservoir -- Fishing has picked back up, since the lake turned over two weeks ago. The shad have appeared in schools throughout the lake. Cast into the schools of shad with a different looking bait, like green worms, for the walleye. Trout are hitting worms, salmon eggs, and orange power bait. Nightcrawlers dropped straight down, off the boat docks, are providing anglers with good success for Large Mouth Bass. More bass have been caught this year than in recent memory. A few crappie have been caught by any of the concrete structures. This last week, a 22 lb. catfish was caught off the rip rap. Shore fisherman should fish off the bottom using marshmallows or inflating worms to avoid the crayfish.

Clear Creek -- As of August 30: Flows remain about average for this time of year, with 102 cfs at Lawson and 153 cfs at Golden. Water clarity is good and fishing is fair. Grasshoppers are abundant this year, and consequently hopper patterns are working well when the sun is out. The only hatch seen last week was a pretty good yellow sallie hatch in the early evening. Try small (#16) yellow sallie dries and nymphs. Other flies that are working are purple parachute wulffs and gold-ribbed hare's ears, both in #16. As always, keep changing patterns if the one you're using isn't working. Set the hook quickly, as the strikes have been very short. Fish are holding in the slightly faster runs and riffles.

Clear Lake -- Fishing for rainbows has slowed this past week. Live crickets or grasshoppers fished with a fly and bubble has continued to be effective for rainbows 10-12 inches. This lake lies south of Georgetown, off Guanella Pass road. This road is closed to all thru traffic, and is barricaded off just past Clear Lake, for road construction. Parking may be a problem depending on how many vehicles there are. Car-top non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. Rainbow Trout will be stocked during June and July.

Evergreen Lake -- Evergreen Lake is normally stocked the second week of each month but may vary each month. The last stocking was on July 15th 2010. Trout are biting on worms and power bait mainly. Tiger Muskies are hitting in the early afternoon and the brown trout have been hitting in the early morning in the creek. The old boat house is open from 9:30am - 5pm Monday through Thursday and 9:30am - 8pm Friday - Sunday. The boat house has fishing tackle, drinks and snacks as well as boats to rent. You may contact The Lake House 720-880-1300 or visit www.evergreenrecreation.com for more information.

Georgetown Lake -- Fishing for Rainbows picked up this past week, although fishing in general has been slow. Salmon egg and worm combinations have been working the best. Keep an eye to the sky for any signs of lightning, springtime weather can change quickly, be prepared. The Lake is typically stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout and is home for some brown, cutthroat and brook trout. The south side of the lake offers good fishing along with natural windbreaks, which can come in handy in this typically windy canyon.

Gross Reservoir -- Fishing has been good for Rainbows, 10-14 inches. Salmon eggs, worms, and Power Eggs are working the best. Action has picked up a little for tiger muskies in the shallow coves near the boat launch. The reservoir is open to boating beginning Memorial Day thru September 30. Only hand carried watercraft are permitted, no motors allowed (hand powered only). Gross requirement: A wearable floatation device (PFD) a whistle or air horn, your name, address, and phone number must be written inside the craft. Fishing is prohibited between 9 P.M. and 4 A.M. or as posted at the main entrance.

Jim Baker Reservoir -- Bass fishing has slowed this past week. Fishing for rainbows has been only fair using salmon eggs and worms fished off the bottom. Catfish have been taking nightcrawlers and stink bait. This little lake also has smallmouth bass, walleyes, panfish, and tiger muskies. A few bass have been caught using spinnerbaits. Catfish are hitting stink bait and chicken livers. There are no reports for walleye or Tiger Muskie at this time. Boats are not allowed. Fishing hours are sunrise to sunset.

Main Lake -- Fishing for trout has been slow to poor in the mornings and afternoons using salmon eggs and PowerBait. When fishing the east side of the lake, and along the rocks, be sure to check your bait every 15 - 20 minutes, to ensure that you're not just feeding the crawdads. Remember to use bright colors on bright days and dark colors on dark or overcast days. Crappie, bluegills, channel catfish, suckers and yellow perch are also on tap. This urban reservoir has a surface area of 45-acres.This is an ideal lake for "Close to Home" fishing located in the Lakewood area. No boats are allowed on the lake. Park opens at dawn and closes at 10.30 p.m.

Quincy Reservoir -- Quincy is open to boating. The water temperature is 76 degrees. All watercraft must be inspected before launching. All vehicles bringing in watercraft are required to have a Watercraft Access Pass. Water level has started to drop and aquatic vegetation is thick in shallow areas. Bass fishing is slow to fair with some reports of success using weedless plastics, buzz baits and top water lures. Trout fishing is productive in the evenings using top water flies and Kastmasters. Quincy is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. The limit for trout is two fish. Bass must be 18 inches or longer to possess. All boats must be hand-launched. Only electric motors are permitted. Park hours for September 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information, call 303-693-5463.

Sloans Lake -- Trout and catfish have been slow this past week. A few crappie have been hitting live minnows on the south side of the lake by the trees. (NOTE: You must have a receipt for all minnows; this receipt must be dated within the last 7 days to be valid).

South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) -- Vital Reservoir Work to Close Waterton Canyon. Denver Water will remove massive amounts of Hayman Fire sediment. As a result; a Denver Water contractor will dredge the reservoir to remove at least 625,000 cubic yards of sediment. Waterton Canyon will be closed as follows: Monday, Aug. 2, 2010 until Sunday, Dec. 3, 2010 Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 until Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. Neither the parking lot at the canyon's entrance nor the canyon will be accessible during the closure. Some contractor activity will precede this date but there will be flaggers to caution the public during July. Access to The Colorado Trail from Waterton Canyon also will be closed during these times. For more information contact www.ColoradoTrail.org

Standley Lake -- Fishing times are sunrise to sunset and will be strictly enforced. Water temp is approx. 75 degrees. Aquatic bait is no longer allowed at Standley Lake; this includes salamanders, leeches, crayfish, frogs and minnows. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) regulations are in effect. All boats in 2010 must be sprayed off and quarantined for 11-15 days to be allowed onto the lake. A $6 fee is charged for all drive-in traffic. Drive in access is available from 7am to sunset. For more information, contact the Standley Lake Nature Center at (303) 425-1097.