1. Art and Diseño

C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
Fishing Regulations
Fishing Report
TUESDAY, January 27, 2015
Information for Anglers
Review
Rent an ice fishing kit for free at Stagecoach State Park
Stagecoach State Park is offering the free rental of ice fishing kits to anyone that wants to see what the fuss is all about.
"Like many other outdoor activities, you want to be sure you have the right gear," said Park Manager Craig Preston. "This is
a great deal for anyone that may have thought about ice fishing but is not sure about investing in all of the proper
equipment just yet." Made possible with a grant through the Foundation for Colorado State Parks, the kits include the basic
equipment necessary to get started, including two rods designed for ice fishing, tackle, an ice scoop and an ice auger upon
request.
Elkhead Reservoir and native fish to be discussed at open house in Craig
Residents of Craig and the surrounding areas will have the opportunity to discuss the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish
Recovery Program and Elkhead Reservoir fish management with several key partners during an open house, Thursday, Feb.
5, beginning at 6 p.m. at Craig City Hall, 300 West 4th Street. The open house format will allow program representatives to
answer questions and provide information about the multi-faceted program and its goals of protecting four endangered
native fish - the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, bonytail and razorback sucker - found only in the Upper Colorado
River Basin. "People who attend will learn what they can do to help us achieve what we all want, that is to bring this
recovery effort to a successful conclusion," said Senior Aquatic Biologist Sherman Hebein of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
"We understand that people have questions and concerns, so we welcome this opportunity."
CPW adjusts bag limit at Antero
Due to Denver Water’s need to drain Antero Reservoir in the summer of 2015, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is
adjusting the bag and possession limit to allow anglers the chance of harvesting additional fish prior the reservoir going dry.
The following emergency salvage regulations apply only to Antero Reservoir, located in Park County:
--A valid Colorado fishing license is required in accordance with state statutes, --All currently legal fishing methods at
Antero Reservoir will continue to be allowed. No snagging of fish will be allowed, --The bag and possession limit during the
public salvage is eight trout with no size restrictions, --Notification of the salvage opening and closing will be made through
news releases and informational signs posted at strategic locations at Antero Reservoir., --Public salvage began Saturday,
Jan. 10, with operations to cease upon closure of the reservoir to public access by Denver Water.
Now you can take the #ColoradoOutdoors anywhere. Follow us on @instagram @coparkswildlife!
http://instagram.com/coparkswildlife
Join our new CPW Fishing community on Facebook Colorado anglers can "like" the new CPW Fishing Facebook
page to get tips, share stories and more. If you love fishing, this is the place to be. Before you head out fishing,
head for facebook.com/cpwfishing.
Fish with us on Twitter
Colorado anglers can get fishing updates directly from CPW on Twitter. Follow @CPWfish.
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
Ice fishing clinics
New and novice anglers are invited to two, two-day ice fishing clinics in the Fort Collins area that will combine classroom
learning and a guided outing. First clinic: Friday, Jan. 30, 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 31, second clinic: Friday, Feb. 6,
6:00 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 7 in Room 133, Wagar Building, Colorado State University campus, Saturday: Ice fishing
location will be dependent on conditions, likely in Red Feather Lakes area. Register at http://www.registered.com/programs/colorado/118-colorado-outreach.
Be sure you know ice fishing safety, read more at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/IceFishingSafety.aspx.
Colorado Ice Fishing Tournaments
Reminder: All tournaments require a valid Colorado Fishing License.
Jan. 31 First Annual Westcliffe Ice Fishing Tournament, Lake DeWeese. Go to http://www.thecliffscolorado.com/ for more
information.
Feb. 7 Blue Mesa Reservoir- Tightline Outdoors presents the final round of the Ice Addiction Tournament Series with a
$2,500 cash first place prize! No augers or ice huts allowed, all holes will be pre-drilled. Details and rules
here: TightLine Outdoors.
Feb. 7 Delaney Buttes- the North Park Chamber of Commerce presents round two of the 2014 Ice Fishing Tournament
series with a $1,000 grand prize! Details and rules here: Delaney Buttes Ice Fishing Tournament
Feb. 7 Island Lake on the Grand Mesa- the Cedaredge of Commerce presents a fun ice fishing tourney with cash prizes! Kids
17 and under are free, adult entry is $30 each. Details and rules here: Cedaredge Ice fishing tournament on Island
Lake.
Feb. 8 Eleven Mile, the second leg of the 2014 Cabelas Colorado Classic Pro-AM Ice Fishing Tournament series, hosted by
Eleven Mile Sports. The contest start and finish will take place at the North Boat Ramp of Eleven Mile State Park.
The field consists of up to 150 two-man teams with each team allowed to weigh in a total of two trout for their
total weight. More information at http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/pages/calendar.aspx?calid=1601.
Feb. 13-14 Silverthorne Pond Fishin Tournament, pre-register at
http://www.icefishingcolorado.com/apps/webstore/products/show/1203808.
Feb. 21 Taryall- Chapparell General Store presents the Taryall Ice Fishing Tournament! Cash prizes for several trout
categories. Details and rules here: Taryall Ice Fishing Tournament
Feb. 21 Lake City/Lake San Cristobol- First through third place prizes are available for the three biggest, live fish brought
in to weigh-in. The tournament runs from 8:30-4:30. For more information contact Jerry Sharpe (970) 944-2484
[email protected].
Feb. 21 Wolford - More details at the chamber of commerce web site: Wolford Ice Fishing Tournament
Feb. 28 3rd Annual Gunnison Ice Fishing Tournament at Elk Creek boat ramp, call Ryan Johnson at 970-209-6495 for more
information.
See updates to this listing at http://icefishcolorado.com/Colorado_Ice_Fishing_Tournaments and
http://www.icefishingcolorado.com/tournaments.htm
Stocking Report
The following waters were recently stocked with catchable (approximately 10") trout:
Eleven Mile State Park
Northeast Region
1/26/2015
Monument Lake
Southeast Region
1/26/2015
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
Conditions Report – Metro Area
Aurora Reservoir
The reservoir is about 90% ice now and the ice thickness ranges from 0-7”. Please use caution as conditions are constantly
changing! Questionable areas on the main body are camouflaged by snow. There is no open water for shore fishing at this
time except for a small area in the Marina at the fishing pier. The thickest ice will be in the back of the coves. The water
level is also coming up. A few reports of trout, walleye and some perch being caught using jigs will meal worms and
minnows. Some nice rainbows ranging from 2-3 pounds have been caught in the marina cove using minnows. Most reports on
perch are mostly small ones 6-8” using jigs tipped with wax worms in 8-12’ of water. Try deeper water for larger perch 3045’. For more information call 303-326-8425. January hours 7:00 am-6:00pm. Closed to boating for the season. This
includes hand launched watercraft such as float tubes, paddle boards, canoes etc.
Quincy Reservoir
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. WILL REOPEN MARCH 1ST 2015 FOR MORE INFORMATION call 303-326-8430. Fishing is restricted to
artificial flies and lures only. Only watercraft capable of being launched by hand permitted and electric motors only. All
watercraft must be inspected prior to launch at this time.
Conditions Report - Northeast Colorado
Carter Lake
The few trout that have been pulled out have been with unspecified power bait.
Elevenmile Reservoir
The lake is currently being reported between 17 to 22" thick with 6" of new snow in many areas, although there are wind
blown areas that are clear of snow. TROUT: (FAIR) The annual massive winter stocking has been completed. Lots of little
fish are out there, so bigger fish on the prowl. Large trout eat lots of stockers too! It is not all that unusual to catch a large
Trout on your tip up when fishing a waterdog or sucker for Pike. The little fish have speed to their advantage as the larger
fish move much more slowly in the winter. That's why an easy meal is often the ticket for them. When the fish are rejecting
your offerings try an easy meal. A single salmon egg fished directly on the bottom or even Power Bait on a three inch
leader. You'll want to use a spring bobber or sensor with this technique. You will see your sensor move ever so slightly and
if you are quick enough its, fish on! GOOD reports with several nice 5+lb, 6.5lb, & 8.2lb trout this weekend - The Stoll
Mtn, Lazy Boy and west to the Inlet triangle is still getting the most reported results. KOKANEE SALMON: (FAIR to
SLOW) Fish are being caught from Goose Island all the way down to Deer Island. Move if your spot is dead, they can be
located. Limits may be hard to come by, but 5 or 6 will do. Size varies with mostly smaller ones showing up of late. Swedish
Pimple's, Kastmaster and Krocodile's are effective if tipped with meal worms. Try a 3/8 oz Kroc (White Pearl) on the end of
one rig. Its gets down fast when you need to and the fish are not shying away because of the size. Work them vigorously
NORTHERN PIKE: (FAIR) Action has improved slightly. At least more pike are being seen. The stockers have brought them
out of hiding. North Shore anglers have reported seeing huge Pike picking up easy meals. Your easy meal offering is a water
dog or whole sucker on a tip up. It doesn't get any easier than that. Lots of stockers and numerous big fish, both Trout and
Pike, are in 8 or less feet of water. DREAM STREAM (GOOD): Nice big fish being caught with wooly buggers, hares ears and
san juan worms, most action mid morning to mid afternoon. Attention Ice Fishermen: Please remember that ice is
inherently dangerous, especially at this time when it is just beginning to form. Ice thicknesses may vary considerably within
relatively short walking distances. Please remember that if venturing out onto the ice it is advisable to drill test holes
as you go out, wear a PFD, carry at least 75 feet of rope and go out with a second person.
Flatiron
Small areas of the reservoir have been exposed time to time and no news has been given by anglers pertaining to successful
catches. However in the recent past the report has been that anglers are having success with different kinds of power bait,
fireballs, and worms. Reminder: access to the south shore of Flatiron Reservoir is at Cheyenne Day Use, just south of the
gate on County Road 31. It is usually open 8:00 a.m.-Sundown. It will be closed when there is ice cover as has been the case
lately.
Pinewood
The lake will most likely have limited access due to ice cover with the drop in temperature. As of now, Fisherman’s Cove
has been bringing in trout using power bait and salmon eggs.
Spinney Mountain
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
Spinney Mountain State Park is closed for the winter. The Park remains closed until the ice comes off the reservoir in the
Spring of 2015. DREAM STREAM: (GOOD) Nice big fish being caught with wooly buggers, hares ears and san juan worms, most
action mid morning to mid afternoon. RIVER ABOVE SPINNEY (FAIR): Wooly Buggers, Damsels, and Trout Trap Jigs are
working well in the mornings and evenings, with the typical mid-day slow down. (Courtesy of Chaparral Gen. Store)
St. Vrain State Park Ponds
All ponds on the North and South sides of the park are open to fishing and have been stocked several times this year. Fishing
for bass and trout is good! Bald Eagle Pond is artificial flies and lures, and catch and release only. Don't forget your fishing
license!
Conditions Report - Southeast Colorado
Arkansas River
Buena Vista-Salida Area: Flows in this segment are in the 300-350 cfs range now and visibility is good though there is
significant ice in Browns Canyon. Most fish have migrated toward winter water - areas of good holding water adjacent to
current. These can be the long, slow, deep pools or smaller shelf holes. Either way, fish will be most active during the
warmest part of the warmest days, though any day in the 40s with an overnight low in the 20s ought to be productive.
Stonefly/attractor nymphs paired with midge larvae seem to be the best combination. The Arkansas River has a fair water
temperature differential from Buena Vista to Salida, with more active fish to be found between Big Bend and Salida then up
in Browns Canyon and above. With the recent cold weather, many fish are now located in winter holding water. As a result,
focusing on deeper, slower runs is important. And since fish are congregating in these locations, once fish are located,
working an area hard makes more sense than continually moving into new water.
Below Salida:
We've got some very nice weather moving into the valley for the next seven days (at least), with highs in the 50s projected
from Saturday through Thursday. With accompanying overnight lows forecast to be in the upper 20s, this should generate
some very productive winter fishing in Bighorn Sheep Canyon and up through the Big Bend reach to the bottom of Browns
Canyon. The go-to rig at this time of year couples a golden stonefly with a striated midge larva. For those with the casting
confidence, splice an attractor nymph between them. Key to success at this time of year is targeting those parts of the
river that hold a good congregation of fish, and then making sure one is fishing down to their depth. Places with some deep
slow water and a mid-speed current going past will provide winter fish with an easy resting place adjacent to a good warmday chow line. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is rife with such winter water and fish will be actively working the calm side of those
seams from 10:00 to 3:00 or so during the warm weather ahead.
Lathrop
Boats Ramp Closed to boating until March 15. The lakes will be closed to all trailered boats, and only open for hand
launching.
Fishing is starting to pick up a bit, only a small portion of Martin is open, the rest of the lake is still iced over, as is
Horseshoe.
Stop by the visitor center to let staff know how the fishing is, or to show off an impressive catch!
Conditions Report - Northwest Colorado
Elkhead Reservoir
Fishing seems to be picking up at Elkhead with fisherman reporting ice 5" to 8" at the north end; anglers are reporting
catching pike and crappie. Ice varies on the lake so watch out for those gray spots. As always use extreme caution when
on the ice.
Highline/Mack Mesa
The ice on both Highline and Mack Mesa Lakes is not safe to go onto! There is still no open water along the shore lines
of Highline Lake. The open water in the middle of Highline is spreading daily; we are watching its progress! The conditions
at both lakes change daily, so contact the Visitor Center for updated information.
Both Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake were stocked with 2,400 trout earlier this fall.
If you catch a fish and would like your photo posted on our Big Fish Board, just stop by the Visitor Center or track down a
Ranger, and we'll take your photo and post it! Stop by the Visitor Center and take a look at what others have caught.
We have a huge variety of Power Bait in the Visitor Center, but we are out of nightcrawlers for the winter.
You can also pick up your 2014 and 2015 fishing licenses on your way to the lakes. Just stop by the Visitor Center!
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake are closed to boating for the season. Fishing is available at Mack Mesa Lake! There is
fishable open water on the north shore and from the pier on the south side of the lake.
James M. Robb
Due to unseasonably warm conditions, ice has receded at Fruita and Connected Lakes, with Fruita almost completely open
water. Duke Lake at Connected Lakes is frozen with 0-2 inches of ice, but the other lakes have areas of open water. The
edges are soft at Corn Lake with ice 0-2 inches. Island Acres Old Orchard has 0-2 inches of ice. Roans Pothole at Island
Acres has small areas of open water. Ice thickness varies and is never considered "safe", please use caution!
Pearl Lake
Ice fishing is slow. The last group we spoke to had a little success but it took all day. Ice is between 0 and 12 inches with
some slush in spots.
Rifle Gap Reservoir
Fishing has started to slow, with the west end producing better than the east end. Trout have been active throughout the
lake. The ice varies from 5 to 8 inches throughout the lake. There are weak spots around the edges and open water at the
east inlet. Always use caution when fishing on the ice and be sure to fish with a buddy. Ice fishing on the lake can be tricky
here at Rifle Gap. Ice thicknesses vary across the reservoir as a whole, and can vary significantly even a few yards away. Ice
rescue stations are located at popular areas around the lake, but nothing can provide for your safety like taking proper
precautions and planning and preparing for the unexpected. Recommended items to bring along are ice awls, life jacket,
rope and a fishing buddy.
Stagecoach Reservoir
The reservoir was stocked earlier in October with 35,000 rainbow trout. Anglers are reporting up to 18"-20" rainbow trout
while icefishing on the inlet, Morrison Cove and Keystone. Powerbait, salmon eggs, wax worms and tube jigs are the popular
choice of anglers. The lake is iced over. The responsible harvest of pike at Stagecoach is encouraged. For current flows p
lease visit the USGS website. The lake is iced over. The ice thickness varies throughout the lake anywhere from 8"-14" with
the inlet having the thickest ice and the middle of the lake being the last to freeze. There is a layer of crust on top with
some slush on parts of the lake. Snowmobiles are not recommended at this time and please use caution as we are have
early season conditions. For additional updates along with the latest ice report look us up on Facebook or click the link
below. Stagecoach State Parks
Steamboat Lake
Reports lately have been great fishing in the Marina area, Placer cove has been fishing very well. The last group were using
crawlers and eggs on a Jig and caught a "whole mess of em" Ice is between 0 and 14 inches with some areas of slush on top.
Sylvan Lake
Twelve plus inches of ice with a layer of surface slush. Fishing has been good. Seeing some nice 10-12" Brookies and large
Rainbows. Best luck seems to be in mornings with a jig with meal or wax worms. Unsafe conditions can always exist so
please USE CAUTION!
Vega Reservoir
Currently the lake has 8 - 10 inches of ice. Always remember to use caution when accessing the ice. Anglers have reported
catching some very nice rainbows in the 14 - 16 inch range using meal worms and ice jigs. The park has about a foot of
snow on the ground.
Yampa River
There are still a couple spots of open water on the river but some anglers are reporting catching browns and a few pike out
of the Yampa. Use extreme caution when around the river ice
Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado
Crawford Reservoir
Anglers have reported catching crappie from 6-10 inches, perch 5-7 inches and trout from 10-14 inches. Smaller catfish have
been reported, as well as largemouth bass. Anglers have been catching mostly in the cove near the dam, but there have
also been a few accessing the ice from the West Side Day Use Area and Clear Fork campground. The lake has been
completely covered in ice since December 25. It has snowed several times on top of the newly formed ice. This snow acts
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us
as an insulator, therefore slowing the freezing process. Currently, anglers have reported 6-10 inches of ice in some places.
With the warmer weather, the edges of the ice decay in the afternoon. In some places the bad ice is only a foot from the
bank, but other places it could be 20 feet out. Also, the water level is coming up 5-6 inches per week which breaks the ice
from the shoreline. If you are planning on going onto the ice, be sure to drill test holes as you go so you can judge the
integrity of the ice. Never go on the ice alone, and always wear a life jacket. Remember, no ice is safe ice!
Jackson Reservoir (Mancos State Park)
The lake is ice-covered. Ice thickness varies but averages approximately six inches of clear, hard ice with approximately
three inches of milky, rotten ice on top. As always with ice, especially in Colorado's widely variable climate, use plenty
of caution. You can click here to see tips on ice safety. Ice fishing is very good for rainbow and brown trout averaging 11"
and small yellow perch. Pods of nice 8-10" perch are available when you can find them, or they find you. The inlet channel
(if you're up for a bit of a walk or ski) and along the rip rap of the dam are good spots. The trout are often suspended in
the water column. If you have a second rod stamp or multiple anglers in the group, try one presentation within 6" of the
bottom, and others suspended. Small jigs (1/8 oz) and small spoons (e.g. 1/8 or 1/4-oz Kastmaster) tipped with mealworm,
waxworm, or a small piece of nightcrawler are excellent options. If you're chasing the perch: try deep (40 feet+) water
depths and fish a compact (small hook size, but at least 1/8 oz...1/4 oz if you can keep the hook size small) jig or spoon
right on bottom. Use a very sensitive rod and preferably braided line with a flourocarbon leader for extra sensitivity and
low stretch at that depth. Tip the jig or spoon with mealworm, waxworm or earthworm pieces. Let it touch bottom, and
slowly raise and wiggle. Very high numbers of small yellow perch are common. Good luck! The Durango Herald recently
compiled a piece on Mancos State Park ice fishing that can be viewed here. A park pass is required on vehicles in the park.
Daily park passes are available at the self-serve pay station at the park entrance. There is no limit on the number of perch
you keep. Perch population numbers are very high, resulting in some stunting, and you are encouraged to keep them; the
daily limit for trout is 4. For fishing rules/regulations and information, please visit the Fishing page.
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Information is provided by CPW employees and local fishing enthusists. Keep in mind that fishing conditions change on a
constant basis. A lot can change in a week from the time this fishing conditions report is produced. If the water you are
interested in knowing more about is not listed here or if you're looking for the most current information we encourage
anglers to explore some of the numerous private websites that offer fishing condition reports.
Help your fellow fisherman and submit your fishing reports all year round to [email protected] or go online at
http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fish-Reporter.aspx .
DNR Fish Reporter
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE ▪ 1313 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 ▪ (303) 297-1192 ▪ cpw.state.co.us