Southeast Region

Report provided with permission of the
Colorado Division of Wildlife

August 31, 2010

Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) -- Fair to good for channel catfish and black bullheads, slow for all other species with the occasional white bass being caught. Blue Lake has always been a popular catfish destination, and plenty of large channel and blue cats inhabit this lake. The water level is dropping due to irrigation needs. The lower boat ramps are usable.

Anticline Lake -- Due to warmer water temps, the pond is not stocked for the summer months. Rainbow trout have slowed, but can still be caught on a variety of Powerbait colors

Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) -- The flow through Browns Canyon is in the 350 cfs range, allowing good wade access from Buena Vista to Salida. With boat traffic largely finished for the season, and the river easily forded at Hecla Junction, this opens up a miles of additional water for the wade angler. The deep pools of the canyon can be a challenge to plumb, but the pocket water throughout the canyon is excellent. Look for suspended feeders in the deeper pools when clouds and blue wing olive mayflies are present.

Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) -- The upper Arkansas continues to slowly recede as the summer draws toward a close. As of Sunday, we had 98 cfs in Hayden Meadows and 176 cfs at Granite. The river is quite clear so a low profile, low impact clothing, and a studied presentation are important up in the meadows. Down in the Granite Gorge, where pocket water is the rule, dry-dropper rigs are working well along the edges. At these flows, browns can populate much of the river bottom so nymphing the deeper runs is also effective.

Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) -- Bighorn Sheep Canyon has a flow around 375 cfs and visibility is excellent. The fishery is in transition as browns move off the edges into riverbed pockets and mid-stream shelf lines, the result of a slower current velocity. Also in transition is the list of likely foodstuffs. Blue wing olive mayflies are beginning to hatch again - even more common are swimming nymphs that become available to the fish without ever hatching. Large stoneflies and hoppers are also making a strong showing, putting more emphasis on the choice of "indicator" dry fly.

Blue and Bear Lakes -- The access road to the lakes is open as of 5/26/10. Water temperatures are cooling down and trout have been responding nicely. The lakes were stocked the week of June 14th, June 28th and again the week of July 5th. Please note that you are fishing in bear country. Please be responsible by keeping trash contained and store anything that has an odor in a secure vehicle with windows closed. Thank you!

Bonny Reservoir -- The State Water Engineer has stopped the flood water release! Boat ramps should be usable for the Labor Day weekend with depth from 3.5 to 4 feet. Several walleye and white bass have been taken off the face of the dam with crankbaits. A few (some people with limits) catfish have also been taken off the north shore or off boats with typical baits. White bass have also been taken while schooling. Water temp is 75 degrees. The lake is open for boating for the summer with no decision yet on closing. No night operation allowed weekdays (Sunday night to Thursday night). Due to staffing reductions, there will be times that boating will be at your own risk.

Brush Hollow Reservoir -- Trout fishing is slow. Bass is good, but the water level has dropped dramatically. The boat ramp is still open. Fishing for catfish at night has been good.

Cheesman Reservoir -- Cheesman Reservoir will be closed to all visitors beginning Jan. 1, 2010, as Denver Water makes essential upgrades to the dam, which was built in 1905. The reservoir is scheduled to reopen May 1, 2011. Upper and lower Gill Trail will remain open to hikers who want to access Cheesman Canyon throughout the closure period. During the closure, Denver Water will be upgrading the dam's valve system, which was installed when the dam was built in 1905, and will be installing underwater trash racks to prevent debris from clogging the valves. Cheesman is more than 100 years old, and the underwater valves that Denver Water is replacing were installed in 1905 and the late 1920s

Clear Creek Reservoir -- Clear Creek Reservoir is open to boats five days per week, Thursday through Monday, 6:00 AM through 9:00 PM. The water temperatures are about 58 degrees. Water level in the reservoir is still high. Bank fishing with worms or power bait has been fair to good. Panther Martins and Kastmasters (the rainbow trout color) seem to be the spinning lures of choice, with yellow spinners also a preferred color. Casting from boats has reported large numbers of fish caught and released, and some Kokanee large enough to be considered for dinner. Some trout have also fallen prey to gray Adams flies but, on the whole, fly fishing has been off a bit. Recently some legal (over 36 inch) tiger muskies have been caught from boats. Fishing for early August has been fair.

Cottonwood Lake -- Cottonwood lake in Chaffee County has been good fishing in early August using about any kind of bait during the day. Bottom fishing during the heat of the day seems to work best, while evenings without wind can see some good fly fishing from shore or from boats. Belly boats have been very popular. The lake has restrictions that allow hand propelled boats only. No motors or sails.

Crystal Creek Reservoir -- Crystal Reservoirs fishing has slowed a bit with the warmer weather. Fish will just about bite anything including a variety of Power Bait colors, worms, and salmon eggs. Be wary of the afternoon thunderstorms, which have been quite heavy the last week.

Crystal Lake -- This small, flies and lures only lake, is just a few miles south of Leadville on Hwy 24. It is stocked with catchable rainbow and sometimes cutthroat. Browns and Brooks are also present in lower numbers. Submerged vegetation in this very shallow body of water make it difficult to fish using lures except near the outlet. Fishing success has slowed during the day, but improves late evenings.

Daigre Reservoir -- Water is cooling down and trout have been hitting nicely on flies as well as lures. Water was stocked on June 17th and again the week of July 12th. Remember, artificial flies and lures only please.

Doug Kissel Pond -- Oxygen depletion and incoming warm water from storm runoff has negatively impacted fish in the pond. Water conditions are improving rapidly. Fall stocking of trout is anticipated as water temperatures decline.

Eleven Mile Reservoir -- Trout: Evening to Mid morning still seeing the best action, with sporadic bites in mid-afternoon. The action has slowed due to the reservoirs late turn over. South-side still producing in popular spots: Rogers Mountain, Sucker Cove, and Witchers Cove. Bait/Lure/Technique: PowerBait (Rainbow, Red, Blue, Salmon Peach, White), Kastmaster, Tasmanian Devils, Marshmallows (Garlic), Arnies, Worms, Salmon Eggs, and Dick Nites. Kokanee Salmon: Between Deer, Duck and Goose Island at unknown depths. Northern Pike: No New Report. Pike Bunnies seem to be working best. Limits are unique at Eleven Mile: 4 trout of which only 2 can be 16 inches or greater; 10 Kokanee salmon; no limit on Pike. Boat inspections are required for all trailered vessels before launching at Eleven Mile.

Frantz Lake -- Shoreline anglers have been successful in catching rainbow trout in the 6-12" range using a variety of colored e.g., (rainbow, pink, salmon peach) power bait, in addition to salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. For the past week, smallmouth bass fishing has been sporadic. Shoreline anglers have been catching some smallmouth bass in the 8-16 in. range using various crayfish imitation lures and flies. The current water temperature at Frantz Lake is 68 degrees F. Look for the fishing to improve in the next coming weeks as water temperatures begin to decline. This specific body of water is located in Chaffee County, Salida, CO. Anglers may access this body of water by driving 3/4 Mile NW of Salida on HWY. 291 to CR 154; then 3/4 mile west, adjacent to the Mt.Shavano Hatchery.

Hayden Meadows Reservoir -- This small reservoir is just off of Hwy 24 at the Arkansas River crossing south of Leadville. The reservoir is stocked heavily each summer and fish carry over to the next spring. Fishermen success is good following stocking and stocking occurred last week. Fishing success has been good with baits and a little slower with flies. Success had slowed in August, but improved with the stocking. Should be fair to good fishing for the holiday.

Holbrook Lake -- Fishing is slow for all species. Holbrook has had various stages of water levels for the past 5 years, ranging from completely full to almost dry. As a result, fisheries management has been very difficult. From year to year, various fishing opportunities may exist at Holbrook as fish enter through the canal system, but formal fisheries management will only resume when the risk of lake depletion has been minimized to the point where fish stocking has the opportunity to be successful.

Horseshoe Reservoir -- Boat traffic on Horseshoe has decreased with fall approaching. The boat ramp gates are being closed between 7:00 and 7:30 pm. Most shore fishermen are catching their limit of trout using worms. There have been a few reports of perch being caught. There was also a 13 pound catfish caught last week by a boater. The lake is at full capacity and the water temperature is currently between 72 and 75 degrees.

Hugo Pond -- During the day, fishing is slow. Evening and night fishing with night crawlers should produce more fish.

Jacksons Pond -- Jackson's Pond is an 8 acre pond immediately south of the town of Eads. It is seasonally stocked with catchable rainbow trout (spring & fall). Other species available include: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, and carp. Fishing has been slow to moderate for catfish and somewhat better for smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Jefferson Lake -- Fishing for lake trout was slow to poor, from shore, using sucker meat, salmon eggs, night crawlers and PowerBait this past weekend (7/17). Fishing was slow to fair, from shore, for small rainbows, using a variety of flies and lures on the north side of the lake near the inlet. The lake is stocked throughout the summer. If you happen to hook into any lake trout that are tagged, please email Jeff Spohn (Aquatic Biologist) @ jeff.spohn@state.co.us

John Martin Reservoir -- The reservoir has been fair to good for carp and catfish, with the occasional drum, and white bass/wiper. Fishing is good for catfish in the settling basin. The east Parks Boat ramps is usable. All trailer launched boats are required to be launched from boat ramps.

Karval and Kinney Lakes -- Small numbers of blue gill are being taken on the surface in late afternoon at Karval Lake. Fishing is slow for all species at Kinney Lake.

Lake Henry -- Lake levels are high. The boat ramp and pier are in good condition. Water temps are currently in the 70s. Fishing is good for carp, and fair for channel catfish and bullhead. It is slow for all other species.

Lake Meredith -- Meredith is open for fishing. Water levels are high. Water temps are in the 70s. Fishing is fair for bullheads, and slow for all other species.

Manitou Lake -- Fishing is slow. Some luck fishing off the bottom with worms. 7/1/10

Martin Lake -- Trout fishing has been great on Martin. Most people are catching their limit using worms and power bait. There was a report of a small pike caught on the west side of the lake as well as a few catfish. The bass fishing has not been doing very well. Boat traffic continues to decline with the summer coming to an end and the boat ramp is closed earlier now with sunset happening between 7:00 and 7:30 pm.

Midwestern Pond -- Midwestern Farms Pond is a 35 acre lake located 6 miles east of Granada on Hwy 50. This deep pond has been stocked with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, wiper, striper, yellow perch, and bluegill. Fishing has been slow to fair for trout with a few largemouth and smallmouth bass and a few catfish being caught.

Monument Lake -- Fishing has been good for rainbows with Kastmaster Lures and Pink Power Eggs. Be Bear Aware western Las Animas County

Mt. Elbert Forebay -- August has caught up with the Forebay as fishing success has slowed, but is getting a boost from recent stocking. Fishing continues to be fair for good-size rainbows early and late in the day. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbows from late May through August. As usual, worms and power bait have been effective. The Forebay has the best population of mackinaw in the Arkansas River basin. They average 17 inches but run up to 40-plus. The Mack limit is one fish, and all fish between 22 and 34 inches must be released. Carry-on boats and float tubes are permitted on the Forebay, but boaters should be aware of possible dramatic fluctuations of the water level.

Nee Gronda Reservoir -- Lake levels have declined since fall 2009. The main boat ramp is currently not in service. A small gravel ramp located about 100 yards to the south of the main ramp can be used to launch small boats only. Nee Gronda was covered by ice for 3-1/2 months last winter. The ice and snow cover, combined with low water levels and no fresh water coming in, created low oxygen conditions that caused a substantial fish kill. Efforts are underway to restock Nee Gronda.

Nee Noshe Reservoir -- Nee Noshe is very low. Currently, the south gravel ramp is in service. This ramp may become inoperable as lake levels recede. Boaters should call the Lamar DOW office for current conditions before towing a boat to Nee Noshe. Fishing in 2010 will target primarily catfish and wiper, as these two species remain available to anglers in the current low water condition of the reservoir.

Nichols Reservoir -- Fishing for pan-sized trout with the typical baits, lures and flies has been very good. Nichols is accessed by a 1.8 mile hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. Many limits were caught this last week with some anglers reporting released fish counts in the double digits. Nichols is heavily stocked through the summer and offers generally good fishing for catchable-sized trout

North Lake -- Fishing has been good for rainbows and splake. Success on Bead Head hairs ear flies, Z Ray Lures, Irresistible, Black ant and Little Nipper flies. North Lake is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Be Bear Aware in western Las Animas County

Pikeview Reservoir -- Fishing has slowed down. Power Bait fished just off the bottom has still been producing rainbow trout. Kastmasters and roostertails fished slow is a good bet. Fishing has been best early in the morning or late evening as weather cools. The lake also has some saugeye, catfish and tiger muskies. A paved, designated parking area is available off Mark Dabling Road. Other amenities include a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk to one of two fishing piers, and enclosed pit toilets.

Prospect Lake -- Fishing for Rainbow Trout has been fairly slow due to the warmer weather. Anglers are still seeing a few limits, but catch rates have slowed tremendously over weeks past. Successful anglers are generally using fly and bubble or power bait fished just off the bottom in 6-8 feet of water. Fishing has improved for anglers targeting crappie, catfish, and bluegills. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout through the early spring and again in the fall. Some larger brood fish from the state hatchery system usually also are stocked in the spring and fall. The lake also has saugeye that should be approaching 17-20 inches, wipers to 15 inches. Numerous habitat structures to attract crappie have been placed in the north and south ends of the lake.

Pueblo Reservoir -- Pueblo Reservoir has seen some good wiper activity. Wiper anglers have had success both trolling with various rapala lures, and with casting into feeding shad on the surface with shad imitations. Wiper boils can be fast and furious, and locating them is the key to getting these fighting fish on the line. Walleye fishing continues to be good as the fish have moved into deeper and cooler water. Fishing with a weighted, bottom bouncing rig and an attached night crawler can often be just the right temptation for a strike.

Quail Lake -- The Colorado Springs city lake is heavily stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Fishing for rainbows is slow due to the high temperatures but a few have been caught on Panther Martins. A fly and bubble is also a great way to land plenty of fish. Fishing for catfish, bluegills and yellow perch has become more active.

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

Rampart Reservoir -- Rampart is fishing great and anglers are getting mixed bag limits of Lakers, Browns, and Rainbows. Bank anglers are reporting limits of rainbow trout by fishing with suspended baits about 5 feet below a casting bubble. Trout anglers have also had success fishing half a night crawler off the bottom. 1/4 oz Mr. Twisters fished off the bottom are yielding some success for Lakers towards the lake inlet. Fishing remains good due to recent plants of catchable trout.

Riverside Ponds -- Shoreline anglers have been catching nice rainbow trout (6-13 in.) with small midges, dry flies, worms, salmon eggs and Powerbait. The current water temperature is 67 degrees F in the upper pond and 71 degrees F in the lower pond. Fishing for smallmouth bass remains slow. Fishing access may be obtained by driving to the MT. Ouray state wildlife area located in Chaffee County, Salida, CO. From the town of Salida, anglers can drive .5 miles NW on HWY. 291, then .5 miles W on CR 154. From there go 1.25 miles NW on CR 160.

Sands Lake -- Shoreline anglers have been catching a few rainbow trout in the 8-14 in. range using worms, salmon eggs, and Powerbait. In addition, fly-fishing anglers have also been catching nice trout using beadhead nymphs, e.g., (hare's ear's, pheasant tails, and prince nymphs). The current water temperature is 64 degrees F. Sands lake is located in Chaffee County, Salida, CO. Anglers may access this lake by driving .5 Miles NW on HWY. 291 from the town of Salida. This lake is east of the HWY. opposite of the Mt. Shavano Hatchery.

Skaguay Reservoir -- Fishing has been good for trout using night crawlers and power bait. The water level has dropped by about two feet, but you can still use the boat ramp. Pike fishing is slow.

South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Eleven Mile) -- Flow: 153 cfs 8/31/2010 08:30 , Gage Height 1.34 Ft. Techniques: Buckskins, Mercury Pheasant Tails, Sparkle Wing RS II's, Copper johns, pheasant tails, damsels, and San Juan worms. The South Platte between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs is catch and release only and artificial flies and lures only.

South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon) -- Fishing has been great through the canyon! Last week flows were at around 368cfs. PMDs and midges are present and we're even seeing some tricos move back into the area. A San Juan worm trailed by a Pheasant Tail caught a nice big 20" rainbow last week. Top-water action was good using PMDs.

South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon -- The flows in the Canyon are holding around 120 cfs as of this posting, Aug 28. Tricos, Blue Winged Olives, and a few Pale Morning Duns (PMD) are hatching. The Trico hatches and spinner falls are short lived so go early and go small; size #22-24. Also try some attractor dry flies such as Royal Wulffs and H&L Variants as well as hoppers and ants. Pheasant Tails, WD 40's, Barr's PMD Emergers, and Benton's Black Shucking Midge are working for nymphs. Please remember that Elevenmile Canyon Regulations are flies and lures, catch and release only upstream of Springer Gulch Bridge. Standard regulations apply to the river below the bridge and there are lots of fish and plenty of water to fish in this area.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir -- Trout: North end of the Reservoir seems to producing more fish. Lower Dam Parking Lot also producing, as well as beach near the South Boat Ramp. Technique: Woolly Buggers, Kastmaster, Spoons, Various Tube Jigs, ap muskrats, pheasant tails, Sow bugs, Tasmanian devils, and Rapalas. Northern Pike: No New Report. SPINNEY MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR REGULATIONS: Artificial flies and lures only. Bag limit for all species of trout is one fish 20 inches or larger. There is no limit on Northern Pike. Spinney is open a half hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, with no boating or fishing half an hour after sunset. Boat inspections are required for all trailered vessels before entering the park at Spinney Mountain.

Thurston Reservoir -- Thurston Reservoir currently has very good water levels. Fishing has been good for largemouth bass, and fair for crappie and catfish.

Trinidad Reservoir -- Trinidad Lake is currently 630 surface acres with the surface temp approx. 72º F. Fishing continues to be great!!! We're still seeing a lot of nice rainbows and catfish being caught and the walleye and bass are doing great. As the weather begins to cool, remember the fishing will get even better!!! Be prepared to stop and have your boat inspected for ANS. Boaters beware of floating debris and unmarked hazards as the water slowly lowers. Anglers are reminded to check the regulations for bass and walleye at Trinidad Lake and to wear your PFD. All the campgrounds and park facilities are now open. For more information call the Visitor's Center at 719-846-6951.

Turks Pond -- Channel catfish are currently the main species being caught. They are being caught on chicken liver, shrimp, and stinkbait. Channel cats have been ranging in size from 18 to 27 inches. Catfish are being caught all night long, but most are being caught in the early morning hours (2:00 AM-7:00 AM). Wipers are still being caught occasionally, especially on windy days. Fish for wipers on the downwind side of the lake. Most wipers are 13-15 inches in size, but some 20-27 inchers are occasionally being caught.

Turquoise Lake -- The lake is stocked on a regular basis during the summer with catchable size rainbows and cutthroat trout. The south and east shorelines usually offer good fishing for Mackinaw. The limit for mackinaw is two out of the total four fish limit, with no size restriction. Boat inspections began in May at the Matchless ramp from 6 a.m. to dark daily. August is here and so are the doldrums as fish catching success has slowed. Late evenings offer some success. Shore fishing spots at the inlet and north of both sides of the dam are best. Catch rates are still down as the holiday approaches, but there are periods when hot spots pop up.

Twin Lakes -- Boat inspections are conducted at the Dexter Point ramp from 6 a.m. to dark, 7 days a week during summer season. The Red Roster ramp will be closed to trailered watercraft all of 2010. The Mackinaw population continues to improve. Fishing is still slow most of the day and over most of the lake, but fair results on catchable sized rainbows on worms and hardware below the power plant, near the dam and the south shore of the Lower Lake early and late.

Wahatoya Reservoir -- Water is cooling down and trout have been hitting nicely on flies as well as lures. Water was stocked on June 17th and again the week of July 12th. Remember, artificial flies and lures only please.

Willow Springs Ponds -- Fishing for catchable-sized trout and channel catfish has been slow with success varied among anglers. Bluegill are easier to catch using worms. The ponds east of Interstate 25 near Fountain have been rehabilitated, refilled and stocked with a variety of fish that includes trout, small and catchable-sized bass, wipers and panfish. A fish-consumption advisory for some species of fish is in effect because of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and anglers are advised to read the informational signs at the lakes.

Wrights Lake -- Wrights Lake six miles west of Nathrop is flies and lures only. Fishing has been good here in early August. Most anglers use flies with fly rod or fly and bubble setup. Lure fishing is slower. The extreme west shore is private, so avoid that end of the lake.