Colorado Division of Wildlife’s fishing report for the week of Aug. 14, 2007:

Stocking report

Buena Vista Kids Pond, Buena Vista

Colorado River #11, Below Shadow Mtn. Reservoir

Colorado River #12, Above Shadow Mtn. Reservoir

Crystal River #1, Above Carbondale

Crystal River #2, Above Redstone

Emerald Lake, southwest of Leadville

Fooses Lake, west of Poncha Springs

Georgetown Lake, Georgetown

Hayden Meadows Reservoir, south of Leadville

Montgomery Reservoir, northwest of Fairplay

North Fork Reservoir, northwest of Maysville

Sands Lake, Salida

Santa Maria Pond, east of Grant

Wilderness on Wheels Pond, north of Kenosha Pass

Fishing overview

Hotter, drier weather returned to much of Colorado during the past week, and fishing went back to a typical, mid-August pattern.

Though localized rains still can temporarily discolor rivers and creeks, most have been flowing low and clear. Some residual effects from a mud slide a week ago may be evident on the lower few miles of the Frying Pan River, but its upper portions were unaffected. Portions of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers below the Frying Pan also have been clearing.

Improved conditions also have been evident on the Arkansas River below Salida and along streams in southwestern Colorado, where conditions now are prime. The upper Gunnison River is clear and at a very good level for wade or float fishing, and kokanee salmon from Blue Mesa Reservoir have begun moving into the river.

The salmon are the first wave of a spawning run that will take them to the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Roaring Judy hatchery on the East River above Almont. Fishing for the salmon is permitted on the Gunnison, but catch-and-release provisions are in effect through Oct. 31. Other restrictions apply on the East River and the hatchery property; check the DOW’s fishing regulations booklet.

Lake fishing for trout, mackinaw and salmon is largely a hit-or-miss proposition. Mackinaw and most salmon remain in deep water, requiring specialized equipment such as downriggers or lead-core line. Other trout also tend to be in deeper water. The old early/late routine for the best fishing remains as valid as ever.

The rule also applies to warm-water fishing. Wipers and walleyes are most active in low-light periods, and fishing for catfish can be an enjoyable pursuit well into the night.

With the heat of summer and irrigation demands, water levels are dropping in a number of reservoirs. Boat launching is problematic at Bonny Reservoir near the Kansas border. Levels also are dropping in Prewitt, Jumbo and Jackson reservoirs in the northeast quadrant, and in several impoundments along the northern Front Range.

Water is dropping in Crawford Reservoir on the Western Slope. In the San Luis Valley, Smith Reservoir south of Blanca has been drawn down to the point that an emergency fish salvage is under way.

By contrast, mountain creeks, beaver ponds and Alpine lakes are in optimal condition. They offer cutthroat and brook trout, and an escape from the heat of summer in spectacular mountain settings that are worthy of a visit even if the fishing happens to be a little slow.

Denver Metro

Arvada Reservoir: Fishing for trout has been fair on Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spinning lures. Early mornings and late afternoons usually are the best times to fish this time of year. Some catfish are being caught from the shore on night crawlers and other traditional catfish baits. Only electric motors are permitted for boating. Belly boats may not be used.

Aurora Reservoir: The water temperature is 69 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair for some and good for others. The best area from shore is the east end of the dam, using Power Bait from a slip rig cast out 40-50 yards. Evening and morning fishing has been most productive. From boats, fishing is fair to good trolling with night crawlers and Pop Geer, or anchoring in 25-35 feet of water and dropping down crawlers or Power Bait. Walleye action at present is fair to good. However, most are under the legal size limit. Most walleyes are being caught using bottom bouncers with crawlers, jigs or spoons. Perch action is fair to good using jigs. All other species are slow, or no reports have come in. The limit for trout is two fish. Boating is restricted to electric motors.

Barr Lake: The water level remains good. The overall summer fishing has been slow. A few trout may be taken on Power Bait off the bottom. Minnows are taking just about everything, and catfish are moving for large dead shiners off the bottom.

Bear Creek: Fish in the tailwater right below Evergreen. People using small Pheasant Tails or small midges have been having a great time.

Bear Creek Reservoir: Fishing in the reservoir has been slow. Rainbow trout have been caught on rainbow Power Bait or salmon eggs. Some smallmouth bass have been taken on worms.

Berkeley Lake: The 40-acre lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring, and the trout provide most of the early season action. The lake also has largemouth bass, bluegills crappie and channel catfish, among other warm-water species. Fishing for those improves later in the season. Boats are not permitted. A recreation center, playground and other amenities are available on the south side of the lake.

Centennial Park Lake: The lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout in the spring. The lake also has a variety of warm-water fish, including bass, crappie, catfish and perch, which comprise most of the summertime catch. No boats are allowed on the 15-acre lake. A playground, restrooms and handicapped-accessible fishing pier are available.

Chatfield Ponds: Bass are close to shore. Fish with a large shiner or fat worm right off the bank.

Chatfield Reservoir: The level remains good and the temperature is above 70 degrees. The reservoir has plenty of walleyes. Boaters working Rapalas along the dam face have done all right. The spillway also is a likely location but it's largely hit-or-miss. The minimum size for walleyes at the lake is 18 inches, and only one exceeding 21 inches may be kept daily. Boaters are reminded to watch out for unmarked hazards.

Cherry Creek Reservoir: The water level is normal and the temperature is about 80 degrees. Boaters are getting walleyes off the face of the dam on Rapalas or a Lindy Rig tipped with a leech. Trout fishermen are catching a few on minnows off a bobber.

Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119): Fish along the edges with black Woolly Buggers or dry flies with a dropper. Respect private property along the creek.

Clear Lake: The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road offers fair to good fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout. It also has some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. The north shore often is the best location. No boats are permitted on the lake.

Evergreen Lake: Try an Uncle Buck's spinner or night crawlers around the inlet for some decent-sized trout. Watch for tiger muskies in the shallows.

Georgetown Lake: Catching trout here usually is little problem, and regular stocking keeps the fishing good. Use chartreuse Power Bait off the bottom or a night crawler broken in half.

Gross Reservoir: Fishing for trout has been fair. The inlet often is best, but the dam area also can be productive. Try night crawlers or small spoons. Watch the shallows for tiger muskies. A large, shallow-running Rapala might tempt one.

Jim Baker Reservoir: A few trout may be taken on Woolly Worms and minnows off a bobber. The lake also has smallmouth bass, walleyes, panfish and tiger muskies. Boats are not allowed. Fishing hours are sunrise to sunset.

Ketring Park Lake: The 15-acre lake has a variety of mostly small warm-water fish. The action has been slow. Boats are not allowed.

Main Lake: The fluctuating 45-acre lake has bass up to 18 inches, crappie, bluegills, catfish and other warm-water species. Fishing has been slow to fair. Evenings generally have been best. No boats are allowed on the lake.

Quincy Reservoir: The water temperature is 72 degrees. The water level is slowly dropping and will continue to drop over the remainder of the summer. Trout fishing is slow to fair using Callibaetis patterns and Hare's Ears. Bass fishing has slowed some, but is still rated at fair to good using jigs, spinnerbaits, crawfish imitations, crankbaits, buzzbaits and surface plugs. Perch action is fair to good on jigs. Most are on the small side. Quincy Reservoir is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures. Please see the definition of artificial in the Colorado Division of Wildlife's fishing regulations booklet. The limit for trout at Quincy is two. Bass must be at least 18 inches to keep. All boats must be hand launched. Electric motors only. For more information, call 303-693-5463.

Rocky Mountain Lake: The lake has a variety of warm-water fish including largemouth bass, panfish and catfish. Trout are stocked in the springtime, and a few might still be taken off the bottom on Power Bait. Boats are not allowed. The minimum size for largemouth bass is 15 inches. A playground and restrooms are nearby.

Sloans Lake: Summertime fishing has been slow. An occasional bass may be taken on plastic worms or night crawlers, and carp offer other possibilities.

Smith Reservoir: Warm-water fishing has been poor to fair. The 45-acre lake has crappie, bass, bluegills, catfish and perch. Its largemouth and smallmouth bass provide potentially good fishing well into the summer. Early and late in the day tend to be the best times. No boats are allowed on the lake.

South Platte River (Waterton Canyon): The river has been unusually high and discolored. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen often are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers usually are the most effective bait in the unrestricted lower stretch.

Standley Lake: The lake is still at capacity and the water temperature has been around 72 degrees. Trout fishing has slowed down from the shore, but a few still are caught on Power Bait and salmon eggs early in the morning. Boaters are having fair success trolling for walleyes, wipers, trout and bass using a variety of spoons and spinners. A few large walleyes and wipers were caught last week. A $6 fee is required for drive-in access. Walk-in access is free. Permits for boats under 20 horsepower are available for $15 per day. For more information contact the Standley Lake Visitor Center at 303-425-1097.

Washington Park Lakes: Crappie running up to 10 inches, bass, bluegills and catfish can provide some interesting fishing in an urban-park setting. Try a small Fle Fly jig or live minnow below a bobber about 3 feet down for crappie during the cool times of the day.

Webster Lake: The lake is stocked with catchable-sized trout in spring and early summer. Fishing for them usually is good early, but tapers off during the heat of summer. The lake also has channel catfish, bass, perch and crappie. Warm-water fishing has been fair in the mornings and late afternoons. No boats are allowed. A handicapped-access fishing pier, playground and other facilities are available.

Northeast

Barnes Meadow Reservoir: Fishing pressure has been moderate on the weekends. Power Baits, salmon eggs and spinning lures including Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, Mepps, Dardevles and the like, as well as fly fishing, will work well. No motorized boats are allowed, and please pack out what you pack in.

Big Creek Lakes: Fishing for catchable-sized rainbow trout has slowed but remains fairly good on spinners and the typical baits. A few mackinaw still are taken, but the action has slowed from the early season. The bag and possession limit for lake trout and splake on Lower Big Creek Lake is three fish, of which only one can exceed 26 inches.

Big Thompson River: Flows are at 139 cfs. Caddis and terrestrials are offering the best action. With the hot weather, expect caddis hatches. Try size 16 elk-hairs and Silveys Visibles, and Z Wings, Glo Bubbles and Hotwires for nymphs. Hopper/dropper rigs are a good way to fish the Big T. A No. 10-12 hopper and a bead-head can make for some fun fishing. For spin-fishing, Mepps and Panther Martins will work well. In the non catch-and-release section, salmon eggs are an ideal bait. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.

Boedecker Reservoir: Fishing for catfish from late afternoon into the night has been fair on chicken livers, dead minnows and commercially prepared baits. Other species have been slow.

Boulder Reservoir: Fishing for smallmouth bass remains fair along the dam on jigs of various colors, Gitzits and plastic worms. Some have been around 16-17 inches. Walleyes have been plentiful, but they tend to be relatively small. Trolling has been fair, but the activity generally is over by 9 a.m. Boating fees for the reservoir have discouraged a number of fishermen.

Boyd Lake: The lake has been dropping. The surface temperature is 78 degrees. Clarity is normal unless boat traffic is heavy. Fishing has slowed, but with a little effort fish still can be caught. The Huron Cove area recently produced some perch, bluegills, white bass, catfish and small walleyes. Fishing for largemouth bass has been challenging. Crankbaits have taken a few up to 15 inches by the pump house. Trolling for walleyes remains fair, at best. Fishing for catfish has been fair to good at night. Check the DOW's regulations booklet for size restrictions on walleyes and largemouth and smallmouth bass. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a mercury advisory for large walleyes from the lake. Call the park office at (970) 669-1739 for additional information.

Carter Reservoir: Trout fishing has been slow. Walleye fishing has been excellent on the east side between Carter Knolls and Dam 1. Walleye fishing is best using Flatfish, crawler harnesses and pink Wedding Rings.

Chambers Lake: Fishing for rainbow trout has been productive. The water level can fluctuate, but at last report was very low and the boat ramp was not usable. The campground is open. Power Baits, spinners, Kastmasters and similar lures will work well. Remember, no live minnows may be used as bait above the 7,000-foot elevation on the Eastern Slope of Colorado.

Cowdrey Lake: Cowdrey Lake is fishing well. Hatches of damselflies, Callibaetis and some large caddis have been coming off daily. The moss in the lake is growing fast, which makes for tough fishing from the shore. During the hatch, try stripping a damsel nymph in about 5 feet of water. Nymph fishermen should try fishing below an indicator with a three-fly rig. Go 8-10 feet below an indicator, fishing a Callibaetis, to a midge, to a Copper John.

Dixon Reservoir: The fishery appears healthy after some concerns about winter kill. At last report, the water level had come up, putting some of the weed beds under water and making fishing easier. Fishing generally has been slow, however, though some small bass and large carp might be taken. The temperature is 81-84 degrees and the algae bloom is in full swing.

Douglas Reservoir: The level is dropping, the water is murky and the temperature is in the low 80s. Boat docks are out of the water, but the ramp still is usable. Fishing for small bass, crappie and carp is fair. Wiper action is spotty. Trout fishing is marginal. Trollers have been hitting a few off the boat ramp and along the dam face on small, slowly trolled crankbaits. Salmon eggs off the bottom are also getting a few.

Dowdy Lake (Red Feather): As the summer temperatures are rising, this is a great escape for some fishing. Anglers have reported slow to poor fishing in recent days, however. Try Power Bait from shore or casting Kastmasters back toward shore from a boat.

East Delaney Lake: East Delaney is fishing very well. Good hatches of damselflies, Callibaetis and caddis are coming off daily. Damsel and Callibaetis nymphs are working the best throughout the hatch. In the evening, try throwing mosquito patterns to rising fish along the shoreline. The moss is starting to become a problem. Try using a float tube or pontoon to fish the lake. Inquire in Walden for more information. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.

Estes Lake: Lake Estes has been fishing very well, especially in the mornings or evenings. For fly fishing, try midges in size 18-22 for surface activity in the mornings and evenings. Try Woolly Buggers, midges, caddis, hoppers, ants and beetles for cruising fish. For spin fishing, try flashy lures and bait, especially salmon eggs at the inlet. Fishing around the lake also can be good with a worm or Power Bait.

Flatiron Reservoir: Flatiron was recently stocked with 800 2- to 5-pound trout. Fishing is best using salmon eggs, worms and lime-green Power Bait.

Hidden Lakes: The road to the lakes is open and U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are available.

Hohnholz Lakes: Lake No. 3 is the place to be. Of the three lakes, it has the largest trout and fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. Use a black Woolly Bugger or a gold-colored Kastmaster. The fish are big and hungry.

Horsetooth Reservoir: The water level continues to drop, the midchannel temperature is 74 degrees and clarity is good. Fishing for smallmouth bass remains fair. Most are in or adjacent to deeper water. A variety of soft-plastic lures fished along rocks and drop-offs may take some, and spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective late in the day. Anglers have reported fair walleye action in the Inlet Bay and South Bay areas. Reports also have come in of some large walleyes taken along Soldier Dam, as well as during the nighttime in the South Bay area. Some nice-size crappie have been caught at the night in Inlet Bay. Silver Rat-L-Traps and white Mister Twisters are still a good bet. All walleyes must be at least 18 inches long, but only one can exceed 21 inches.

Jackson Reservoir: Fishing is slow to fair for trout and small walleyes in the outlet using worms sprayed with Trout Gravy. A few wipers being caught from the dam using crawdad tails, Mister Twisters and worms. Fishing is slow in the lake for all species. No reports have come in of fish being caught from boats. The water level is approximately 3 1/2 feet down from full and the lake is open to boating. Water is being released for irrigation purposes. At this time, it appears the reservoir will be open to boating through Labor Day Weekend and beyond; however, this is only speculation.

Joe Wright Reservoir: Grayling are the primary species caught in the lake, although rainbow and cuttbow trout can be caught, as well. The lake has a special regulation that only artificial flies and lures may be used (no bait fishing). The daily bag and possession limit is two trout. Grayling fishing at the inlet has been good the past several weeks. Small surface or sub-surface flies, as well as lures, can be effective.

Jumbo Reservoir: The reservoir's water level has dropped six feet from full over the last week because irrigation has started. The most accessible boat ramp is the one on the east. The others are almost out of the water. The trout fishing is fair by trolling. Shad have been stocked into the reservoir, which will help the young walleyes gain size. A habitat stamp is required to enter Jumbo and Red Lion Annex.

Lake John: Lake John is fishing well. Great hatches of damselflies and Callibaetis are evident from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, weather permitting. During the hatch, try one of two things: If you're a dry fly guy, put on a dry fly that imitates a damsel or Callibaetis, followed by an emerger of that same bug. Try to locate fish by seeing a rise, and cast to it. (Try to guess the direction in which the fish is feeding.) If you're a nymph fisherman, try fishing below an indicator with a three-fly rig. Go 8-10 feet below an indicator fishing a Callibaetis, to a damsel, to a Copper John. Spin-fishermen try Tasmanian Devils, Kastmasters, Rapalas and Mepps Spinners. Inquire in Walden for the latest.

Laramie River at Hohnholz SWA: The camping area remains the best spot for fishing. Trout are taking small Pheasant Tails and RS-2s. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures, and the bag and possession limit is two trout.

Lon Hagler Reservoir: Fishing generally is slow, although some wipers and white bass have been taken very early and late in the day. Some 2- to 3-pound catfish also have been taken at night on the traditional catfish baits.

Lonetree Reservoir: The water level has dropped but remains good. The temperature is 80-81 degrees, and visibility is 2-3 feet. Fishing for small- to medium-sized bluegills has been good along the outside edge of weed beds. An occasional perch and crappie also might be taken, and some wiper boils have been noted just before sunset. Fishing for walleyes has been slow. The minimum size is 15 inches, and fishermen may take only one walleye longer than 21 inches per day.

Long Draw Reservoir: The road is open to the lake and campground. Fishing has picked up and can be exceptional at the right time of day. No bait fishing is allowed, but spinning lures and artificial flies will work well.

Lost Lake (at Chambers): Fishing pressure has been high on the weekends, with some success. The lake has been stocked, and Power Baits, salmon eggs and worms, as well as various lures, will work well. The lake has a litter problem, so please pack out what you pack in.

North Delaney Lake: North Lake fishing is good. The best reports are coming from night fishermen. Try fishing from 7 p.m. to midnight. Throw size 2-4 black and olive leeches. Try using a slow-sinking line or very long leader. The fish are fairly deep, at 8-10 feet. Damsel and Callibaetis are coming off thick. Look for cruising fish along the shore chasing damsels. Nymphing with two or three flies fished 6-10 feet below an indicator is most productive during the day. The lake is designated Gold Medal Water, and special regulations apply. Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. The limit is two trout. Brown trout of 14-20 inches must immediately be released. Rainbows and cutthroats of 18-22 inches must be returned to the water. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.

North Michigan Lake: Fishing is good, with people catching trout on worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs. Fly fishing above and below the reservoir also has been very good. Anglers have been most successful using Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and a variety of caddis flies.

North Park Alpine Lakes: The high lakes are fishing well. Nice-sized cutthroat are being caught on Adams, caddis patterns and Woolly Buggers.

North Park Streams: The tributaries in the valley are still experiencing unsettled conditions. Heavy afternoon rains are bringing water levels up. When temperatures are right, look for feeding fish to be exposed. The hopper-dropper rig is a great bet this time of year. Under a grasshopper pattern, nymph with gold-ribbed Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, 20-Incher stonefly and leech patterns. Fish are also feeding on PMDs throughout the mornings. Never walk up on a hole without first scouting it for visible fish.

North Platte River: Heavy rain last week raised Platte flows above 400 cfs. This should flush out much of the moss, creating clean gravel beds for fall browns and improving the ease of fishing. Clarity should improve over the next few days. In the meantime, try nymphs, streamers or spinners.

North Sterling Reservoir: The lake is a few feet down and the outlet is running. Wiper fishing generally is fair, but at times the activity for small fish can be excellent. One couple recently caught and released 50 12- to 14-inch wipers on silver- or orange-flasher worm harnesses and night crawlers. Otherwise, try the south end of the dam and around the south boat ramp with green mussels and shrimp. Catfishing still is good on the flats, with cut bait working the best. Some smallmouth bass in the 12 to 15-inch range have appeared along the dam. Work lures along the rocks for best results.

Parvin Lake (Red Feather): Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures, and the daily and possession limit is two trout. Using a gold Kastmaster on the south side should produce some nice browns. A large Prince Nymph will also do well. Boating is prohibited except for float tubes used for fishing. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area.

Pinewood Reservoir: Fishermans Cove remains the most reliable spot. Salmon eggs and orange Power Bait have been working best. Tiger muskie fishing has been decent using crawler jigs.

Poudre River: Through some mostly weather-related ups and downs, the upper Poudre has been generally clear and fishing well. Caddis, pale-morning-dun and red-quill mayflies have been the main hatches. Grasshoppers also have been evident. Hopper-dropper rigs, with a Pheasant Tail or small Copper John as the trailing fly have been especially effective.

Prewitt Reservoir: The reservoir water level has dropped significantly because of irrigation. The boat dock is barely in, so be careful putting boats on the water. Catfish and wiper fishing is fair. Walleyes have slowed down. An annual habitat stamp is required to enter Prewitt Reservoir.

Ranger Lakes: Ranger Lakes are fishing well, especially the lower lake. Renegades, Bumblebee flies, Rooster Tail spinners, caddis flies, Parachute Adams dry flies (in the evenings), worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs all have been effective.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Rocky is fishing very well. The Big Thompson in Moraine is flowing at 23 cfs and other streams are in great shape. Stoneflies and caddis are the main hatches. For stoneflies, a size 16 Yellow Sally is the trick. Elk Hairs, Silvey's Visible Caddis, Last Calls and Z Wings are good choices for caddis. Terrestrial fishing has been very good, Hoppers (size 10-12,) beetles and ants are excellent searching flies for the park. Spin fishing will take a few fish; go small and dark on your spinners. Check the regulations before you fish in the park because it has special-regulations areas and bait fishing is limited to kids in selected areas. Inquire in Estes Park for more details.

Seeley Lake: Look for bass in fairly shallow water around the weed beds. A black or white rabbit-hair jig will do the job. The minimum size for bass is 15 inches. Habitat stamps are required.

Seymour Reservoir: The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. A variety of baits and spinning lures can be effective. A habitat stamp is required of everyone visiting the state wildlife area.

Simpson Ponds: With good water levels and suitable temperatures, the ponds still provided periods of good fishing for largemouth bass. Soft-plastic lures have been the most consistent. Also, try topwater baits such as Chug Bugs, poppers and buzzbaits in the evening. Catfish are active in the evenings into the night, and may be taken on stink baits, chicken livers and other typical catfish baits.

South Delaney Lake: Fishing in South Delaney lake has been good. Great damselfly, Callibaetis and caddis hatches are evident. The best reports are coming from anglers fishing during the hatch and looking for cruising fish along the shoreline. Try to spot these fish cruising, throw a damsel nymph in front of one and strip it to the shore. Fishing at or after dark greatly improves your chances for catching larger fish. Rapalas, big streamers and crayfish patterns are best.

St. Vrain River: The Vrain is running at 75 cfs at Lyons. Caddis and Yellow Sallies are a good choice. Size 16 Sallies, Elk-Hair Caddis, Last Call Caddis and smaller Stimulators will work as dries. Nymphs to try: Z-wing Caddis, Glo-bubble Caddis, and Mangy Caddis. Terrestrial fishing is good with Hoppers, size 10-12; beetles and ants. Spinners such as Mepps or Panther Martin also will work well.

Teal and Tiago Lakes: The lakes have been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing with standard baits and lures has been fair to good. U.S. Forest Service camping facilities are open for the season.

Union Reservoir (Calkins): Fishing for wipers has been slow. Shore fishermen are having some success catching channel catfish using shad for bait. The reservoir remains full, and large schools of shad can be seen along the shore.

Watson Lake: This lake has some surprisingly large trout. Try a fly-bubble outfit with a black Woolly Bugger.

Wellington Reservoir #4: The water level has been dropping. The temperature is 77-80 degrees, and visibility is about two feet. Fishing for all species has slowed with the warm weather. Try a worm off the bottom or a minnow on a bobber.

Northwest

Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir): Flows below Green Mountain Dam on Tuesday morning were 680 cfs, up from last week. Catch-and-release provisions went into effect May 1 for the river from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. The river holds its share of trout, but through much of this section courses through private property.

Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.): The monsoon season has finally come to the high country. Be sure to watch the weather before you plan your trip to fish the Blue. Heavy rains can cause the river to turn to chocolate milk. In town, small midges and mysis remain the flies of choice, while downstream, caddis and BWOs remain the most consistent.

Colorado River (below Parshall): The flow at Parshall, below the Williams Fork tributary, on Tuesday was 295 cfs. Near Kremmling, below the Blue River confluence, the volume was 1,010 cfs. Though the flow and clarity can vary depending on rain and tributary flows, conditions generally have been good and the river has been fishing well downstream as far as State Bridge. Caddis have been the main hatch this time of year, and grasshoppers and other terrestrials also have been on the water. Muddler Minnows have been effective in some of the faster water, and spin fishermen report results on silver-bladed Mepps spinners.

Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle): The Colorado River has been flowing at 2,500 cfs in Glenwood Springs. The river is fishable again, with water visibility ranging from 12 to 18 inches. Look for the best fishing to be early in the morning until midafternoon. Focus on fishing typical Colorado River attractor patterns such as San Juan Worms, Princes, Lite Brite Caddis, Hairy Sallies, King Kongs, B/C Hoppers, Stingin' Clousers, Tan Ziwis and Woolly Buggers.

Colorado River (near Granby): Flows on Tuesday were 88 cfs below Windy Gap, 295 cfs below the Williams Fork confluence near Parshall and 1,010 cfs near Kremmling. Fishing continues to be good. Caddis, mosquito and many other dry fly patterns have been working, as well as the normal wet flies such as Prince Nymphs, RS-2s and Copper Johns. Make sure you have insect repellent; the real bugs out there are very hungry. In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.

Crystal River: The Crystal River is flowing at 157 cfs in Carbondale, and finally clear and green in color. Fishing has been best from Marble downstream to Redstone. Fishing is picking up around Carbondale, with some large Roaring Fork River fish moving into the river. Look for mostly nymphing opportunities with sporadic caddis hatches. A few lingering green drakes are hatching along the upper river.

Elk River: The Elk is flowing clear and fishing well. Dry fly fishing has been good on both the Christina State Wildlife Area and the upper river. Notable summertime hatches include caddis, and Trico and red quill mayflies. Grasshoppers and other terrestrials also are on the water.

Elkhead Reservoir: The reservoir is open, after a two-year draw down for dam reconstruction. Access for fishing and day use will be allowed this summer, with camping and other activities coming on line as construction is completed. The lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout and smallmouth bass. Fishing is picking up as the water clears. The fish are concentrated, so please be aware of how sensitive this new fishery is.

Fryingpan River: The Frying Pan River is flowing at 300 cfs below Ruedi Reservoir and is gin-clear down to Mile Marker 4. Below Mile Marker 4, the river is discolored from last week's mudslide. Green Drakes are hatching all the way up to Mile 12, with heavy PMD hatches throughout the river. The dry fly fishing is still hot and heavy, though nymph fishing is equally productive with the slight increase in water levels. Hot flies include: BDE Drakes, Drake Cripples, Drake Sparkleduns, Pink No Hackles, Yellow PMD Sparkleduns, Pheasant Tails, RS-2s, Soft Hackle BWOs, Barr's BWO Emergers, Poxyback Baetis, Tim's Mysis and Epoxy Mysis.

Granby Reservoir: Recent rain and some cooler days improved catching for a short period of time. Otherwise, fishing has become more challenging with the hot weather, especially during midday, but catching still is possible. Stream inlets flowing into the lake remain prime areas. Spinners, Rapalas, slip-bobber rigs and bottom-fishing techniques all produce fish. Vertical jigging is working well. Trolling with downriggers for mackinaw, mainly at 50-70 feet, is producing fish, including a recent 35-pounder and several between 10 and 30 pounds. Some kokanee are being caught, but are proving a match for most fishermen. Kokanee have been found in several different places on different days and at varying depths, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.

Grand Lake: Consistent fishing on this deep, natural lake requires some learning and experience but can be highly rewarding. Spinners, Rapalas, vertical jigging, fly fishing, trolling and bait fishing all can produce brown trout, rainbows, large lake trout and kokanee. Boat access between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir is possible. The water level of this lake remains constant. Fishing off the public dock area and in the channel between the lakes remains good. Trolling is also productive. Inquire in Granby for updates.

Green Mountain Reservoir: The lake is still full, but the fishing is very slow. Kokanee salmon are down about 40 feet. A few trout are still being caught on night crawlers.

Green River: No current reports are available. The Green, in the extreme northwest corner of Colorado, remains open the year-around, with some of the best fishing in early April and May, when spawning rainbows and cutthroats begin to feed aggressively. Bead-head nymphs, stonefly patterns and midge imitations all can be effective. Fishing usually slows down with warming water in the summer but picks up again in the fall, when brown trout become active.

Harvey Gap Reservoir: Even though the water level dropped during the past week, the fishing still is very good. Many good-sized perch of 13-14-inches reportedly have been caught in the northeast end of the lake. The perch have been hitting on a small hook with a small piece of a night crawler on the end. The catfish have been active by the dam, mainly after dusk. Some good-sized trout have been reported by the spillway.

Highline Lake: The bass are still biting. Several ranging from 3 1/2 to 5 pounds have been taken. Folks are still catching their limit of crappie on jigs of all colors. The catfish also have been biting. Bass must be at least 15 inches long to keep. The water temperature is above 70 degrees. Highline's water level is at capacity and will be for the rest of the summer. Highline is open for boating, so fishing usually is best early in the morning. Both boat ramps are open. Use caution on the east ramp because of a buildup of silt and debris from the inlet.

Jerry Creek Reservoirs: The Mesa County reservoirs near Molina will close to public access on Aug. 20 for dam and spillway reconstruction. They are to reopen on June 1, 2008.

Lake Avery: Hot weather has slowed the fishing. Trout have moved to deeper water and boat fishermen have been doing better than shoreline fishermen. Trolling with a variety of spoons and spinners still is the most consistent approach.

Mack Mesa Lake: The water temperature is 75 degrees. Fishing is very slow. Anglers have reported catching sunfish. Mack Mesa is restricted to hand-propelled craft or boats with small, electric trolling motors. Don't forget your PFDs if you are fishing from a boat.

Muddy Creek: Flows below Wolford Mountain Reservoir have been up and down - up to 70 cfs a week ago and back to 21 cfs on Tuesday morning. Fly fishermen have done best using black and green Woolly Buggers.

Pearl Lake: Pearl Lake fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and spoons are seeing some success, with all colors catching fish equally well across the lake. Fishing has been hit-or-miss in the early morning and late evening hours. People are still catching fish, but a little more work is needed to get them to bite.

Rifle Gap Reservoir: The water level has been dropping, creating lots of mud lines that can stain the water during windy times. The temperature is 72-74 degrees. Fishing for mostly small perch in the west end by Rainbow Point has been good for shore fishermen. Several reports have come in of walleyes being caught by the island and around the boat ramp. Northern pike have become active this week, with some good reports of pike being caught in the shallows.

Rio Blanco Lake: Hot weather, extensive weed growth and the algae bloom have slowed the action. Topwater lures still are taking a few bass and small northern pike early in the morning, but the weed growth makes a boat a virtual necessity for fishing.

Roaring Fork River: The Roaring Fork River is clear from Aspen to Basalt, as well as from Carbondale down to Glenwood Springs. From Basalt to Carbondale the river is discolored from last week's mudslide along the lower half of the Frying Pan River. Good caddis and PMD hatches are occurring throughout, with green drakes still lingering along the upper river above Snowmass. The nymph and streamer fishing has been good, with hot fly patterns including: Princes, Copper Johns, STDs, BLMs, Pheasant Tails, Biot Baetis, Sparklewing RS-2s, Soft Hackle BWOs, San Juan Worms, Stimulators, King Kongs and Trixy the Hoppers.

Shadow Mountain Reservoir: Pumping through the canal is happening often, making the canal and the area where it dumps into the reservoir prime fishing areas. Kokanee have been plentiful. Worms, artificial baits and salmon eggs fished on the bottom have been productive. Slip-bobber rigs work very well, also. Spinners, Rapalas and other lures work in the main reservoir. Conditions below Shadow Mountain Dam also are excellent. The flow rate has dropped and fishing conditions have remained good. Sow bugs, nymphs, especially Greggs Emergers and RS-2s, and caddis patterns have been doing well for fly fishermen. Lures and bait also are productive. Brown trout are plentiful in this area. More kokanee also are being caught in this location; mealworms are working well.

Stagecoach Reservoir: Trout fishing is still slow, but some fish are being caught across the lake on Power Bait, Rooster Tails, Kastmasters, Dardevles, Panther Martins and other small spinners. Northern pike are being caught across the lake in 10-20 feet of water by bouncing tube jigs of baitfish or crawdad colors off the bottom. One gentleman recently caught a 22.2-pound pike in 10 feet of water near Pike Cove. In the tailwaters, trout fishing still is very good. The water is flowing a little faster, but using small (No. 18-22) midge patterns, scuds, RS-2s, Copper Johns, red San Juan worms and nymphs will produce some fish. Early morning and before-dark hatches have been occurring, resulting in some good dry fly fishing. For more information, visit www.parks.state.co.us

Steamboat Lake: Fishing has slowed down because of warm weather. Salmon eggs, Power Bait, Rooster Tails, spoons and Panther Martins continue to be proven producers through the hot summer months. Fish have shown more preference to 1/16-ounce lure sizes, but still aggressively bite up to 3/4-ounce lure weights. For fly fishing, try dark-color Woolly Buggers.

Sylvan Lake: Fishing at Sylvan Lake is excellent. Rainbow, brown and brook trout are biting on worms, Power Bait, spinners and flies.

Trappers Lake: Fishing for cutthroat trout remains fair to good, though success typically varies from day to day and among fishermen. Effective fly patterns include Renegades, olive Woolly Worms and black ants. Spin fishermen have been taking some trout on pearl-finish and black-and-white spoons. The lake is an outstanding fishery for naturally reproducing cutthroat trout. Fishermen may use only artificial flies or lures. The limit on cutthroats is two fish. All cutts longer than 11 inches must immediately be returned to the water alive. Fishermen are encouraged to keep all the brook trout they catch.

Vega Reservoir: Fishing has been decent at Vega Reservoir. Anglers have been doing well in deeper water with Flatfish lures and Panther Martins. Daytime temperatures have been reaching the high 80s and dropping into the low- to mid-50s at night.

White River: The river is low and clear and the hopper season is in full swing. Though single grasshopper patterns have worked fairly well, hopper-dropper combos have been especially effective. Bead-head Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns and Pheasant Tails also can work well on their own but are even more effective fished under a hopper pattern or Stimulator. Lure fishermen have done OK on rainbow or black-with-yellow-spots spinners. A 6-pound brown trout was taken on a spinner last weekend.

Williams Fork Reservoir: The lake remains full. Fishing for kokanee salmon and a few rainbow trout has been fair, but with hot daytime temperatures has been slowing down. A few mackinaw have been taken from deep water. The reservoir also has some large northern pike that prowl shallow areas of the lake into early August. Large streamer flies, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are suggested.

Williams Fork River: The flow below Williams Fork Reservoir on Tuesday was 154 cfs, up from last week. Look for mixed hatches of midges, caddis, and blue-wing-olive, pale-morning-dun and red quill mayflies. Effective fly patterns generally are small, size 18-22.

Willow Creek Reservoir: Shoreline fishermen are reporting some success for trout and trolling is producing results, even though hot daytime temperatures make it more difficult. This is a beautiful area with a very nice campground and easy fishing access. Boating is encouraged, but it is a no-wake reservoir. It generally gets less fishing pressure than other area lakes. Worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs are commonly used, as well as spinners, spoons and crankbaits. Fly fishing is productive. Inquire in Granby for updates.

Wolford Reservoir: Fishing is starting to pick up again. Rainbow trout are being caught from the banks using rainbow Power Bait and night crawlers. Boaters are catching rainbows by trolling with cow bells with night crawlers. Fishermen are still landing kokanee near the dam using Needlefish.

Yampa River (Hayden through Craig): The river has come up slightly over the last week and with cooler water temperatures, the fishing should pick up, as well. Try fishing late evening or very early morning. Focus on deeper water and riffle runs. Yampa River State Park will have walk-wade access, but floating will be restricted until water levels allow legal access. Fishermen should be very aware of stress on fish due to high temperatures and low oxygen levels. Contact Yampa River State Park for more information.

Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat): Recent rains have improved flow and temperature conditions along the river, and the voluntary fishing closure has been lifted. Trico mayflies have been very evident in recent days, and the hopper season is under way. A few caddis also have been coming off the river.

Southeast

Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake): Blue Lake is currently full but irrigation releases have begun, so the lake will drop quickly. The high-water boat ramps are still in service. Fishing has been fair for catfish. Fishing for crappie has been spotty, with some periods of fairly good activity being reported.

Antero Reservoir: The Colorado Wildlife Commission has approved an emergency regulations change for Antero to reduce the loss of fish that have been caught and released. The new daily bag and possession limit is two trout of any size, a change from the earlier limit of four fish, of which only one could exceed 16 inches. The change went into effect on Aug. 13 and will be reviewed after 90 days. Fishermen are asked to take some care with fish to be released. Don't play them to exhaustion; use heavier fly lines and tippets and stiffer-action spinning rods. Handle fish as little as possible; keep them in the water and take time to adequately revive them before release. The reservoir was drained in 2002. It has refilled and been stocked with rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat trout and splake.

Anticline Lake: Fishing has been slow. Additional stocking of trout before September is unlikely because of high, summertime water temperatures. Most of the typical baits and lures are effective here then, but success usually depends on periodic stocking.

Arkansas River #3 (Through Pueblo): The flow below the dam on Tuesday was 853 cfs. Flows typically are higher on weekends. Fish generally still are concentrated in clearer water near the banks and in pocket water. Fish a No. 12 bead-head Prince Nymph, and use a San Juan Worm as the dropped fly. Black or olive Woolly Buggers fished in the deeper water will be effective. Habitat improvements have created deeper pools and structure for the fish to thrive in even when releases from Pueblo Dam are minimal. Standard fishing regulations and limits are in effect on this section of the river.

Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida): Fishing from Buena Vista to Salida has been excellent since the major monsoon activity ended. Flows are 615 cfs around Buena Vista, 927 cfs in Browns Canyon, and 940 cfs at Wellsville. A significant amount of water still is coming out of the tributaries, but it is mostly clear and not impacting visibility. Fish are coming up to attractor dries, caddis and hoppers.

Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista): The Arkansas River above Buena Vista is in excellent condition, with flows of 140 cfs at Hayden Meadows and 405 cfs at Granite. Clarity is very good. Hatch activity has slowed; some caddis and red quill mayflies are around, but hoppers and other attractors are working very well.

Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City): The river below Salida is quickly recovering from the past month of monsoon rain activity. Clarity is improving and flow levels are dropping. A lot of hungry fish that have seen little pressure since spring are in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Attractor dries, caddis and hoppers are readily bringing trout to the surface. Streamers are also moving a lot of fish.

Beckwith Reservoir: Fishing for 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout has been poor. The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and bluegills, which comprise most of the catch during the summer. Boaters have access near the south end of the dam. Only electric motors may be used.

Blue and Bear Lakes: The popular small lakes southwest of La Veta offer fishing primarily for catchable-size rainbow trout. Fishing success largely depends on periodic stocking.

Bonny Reservoir: Fishing has slowed a bit because of the heat and the boat ramp becoming harder to use. Catfish are still doing well and are being caught from shore in the shallows on the north side. The boat-ramp depth is 2 feet, and the channel going out to the main lake is only 12 inches deep. Smaller boats have been pushed through the channel to access the main lake.

Brush Hollow Reservoir: Fishing for trout has slowed way down with the heat of summer, but fishing for warm-water species that include largemouth bass, walleyes, channel catfish, crappie and bluegills remains fair to good. Catfish have comprised much of the recent catch. The water level still is good, but starting to drop. Wakeless boating is permitted. A habitat stamp is required to use the state wildlife area. A mercury advisory by the Colorado Department of Public Health is in effect for walleyes of a certain size.

Catamount Reservoirs, North & South: Fishing has slowed from the early season, but remains fair to good. Anglers still are taking trout on Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns and assorted spinning lures, including Kastmasters, Little Cleos and Dardevles. On South Cat, where bait fishing is permitted, salmon eggs and yellow Power Bait have been effective. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures on North Catamount. Access to both is from the Pikes Peak Highway and requires paying a fee. Hours of operation will be: through My 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; May 25-Sept. 3, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sept. 4-30, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays.

Cheesman Reservoir: The Goose Creek arm of the reservoir has reopened to fishing after a five-year closure following the Hayman fire. Fishing has been hit-or-miss, best early in the morning and late in the day. Smallmouth bass have comprised much of the catch, with a few brown and rainbow trout taken near the Goose Creek inlet. The lake has rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike and yellow perch, and recently was restocked with fingerling kokanee salmon.

Clear Creek Reservoir: The drawn-down lake is closed to all public access until maintenance work on the dam is complete. The target date for reopening is Dec. 15.

Cottonwood Lake: Fishing remains fair to good on night crawlers, salmon eggs and rainbow Power Bait. Super Dupers, Thomas Buoyants and Z-Rays have been effective lures. Various types of flies have been productive in the evenings. High lakes in the vicinity are open and fishing for mostly cutthroat trout has been fair, primarily on small lures and flies.

Crystal Creek Reservoir: Fishing for catchable-sized trout has slowed a bit, but remains fair to good on a variety of baits and lures. Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms all have been taking some fish. Kastmasters, Dardevles and Panther Martin spinners have been effective lures. Fly-bubble rigs have worked well in the late afternoon on some days. The water level is considerably better than the past couple of years. The reservoir is part of the North Slope Recreation Area, and access requires paying a fee at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate. The highway crosses the dam. See the entry for the Catamount reservoirs for hours of operation.

Daigre Reservoir: Fishermen report good success for rainbow trout on light-green flies, various nymphs and other dark flies, and Pistol Petes. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at the lake.

DeWeese Reservoir: Trolling with cow bells or lures remains the most productive. Shore fishermen have been catching fish on lures, rainbow and green Power Bait, marshmallows, Fireballs and worms. Most trout are around 12 inches, with some up to 16-17. The lake also has abundant smallmouth bass, mostly of 6-12 inches but with a few up to 16.

Elevenmile Reservoir: Overall trout-fishing success is fair. With recent stockings, fishermen are doing well along the coves around the marina. The best reports are coming from shoreline fishermen along the south side of the reservoir. Worms combined with marshmallows, various Power Baits and assorted spinners seem to be working the best. Trout that have been caught recently are ranging from 12- to 20-plus inches. Water temperatures are reaching up into the 60s. Kokanee fishing has picked up for boaters. Northern pike fishing is great. The bag and possession limit is 10 kokanee salmon and four trout, of which only two can be 16 inches or longer. No limit applies to northern pike. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

Fountain Lake: Like other urban lakes in Pueblo, this one is stocked most months the year, but not through the heat of summer. Trout fishing typically is good in the spring, usually slows down during the summer months, but picks up in the fall. The lake also has some catfish that can grow quite large.

Hayden Meadows Reservoir: The lake south of Leadville offers fair to good fishing for catchable-sized trout. Various lures and worms have been most effective in recent days, with the best activity early and late in the day. Fly fishing usually is good late in the afternoon into the evening.

Horseshoe Reservoir: The water level is good and the temperature is about 81 degrees. Trout fishing is fair to slow. Fishing for warm-water species has picked up. Worms and Power Bait are a couple of popular items to use. Fishing for catfish still is good, especially in late evenings on water dogs. The boat dock is in place on the north side of Horseshoe. Call the park office at (719) 738-2376 for current conditions.

Huerfano River: The main public access to the primarily brown trout fishery is on the Huerfano State Wildlife Area southwest of Gardner. Fishing can be quite good, but conditions are very brushy. The upper river, from the national forest boundary to the headwaters, has a flies-and-lures restriction and a two-fish limit.

Jefferson Lake: Paving operations are complete and the road is paved all the way to the boat ramp parking lot. Fishing for rainbow trout and small mackinaw from the shore has been quite good. Larger lake trout are in deeper water. Night crawlers, black-and-white Dardevles and Kamlooper spoons have worked well. The lake typically offers good fishing for catchable-sized rainbows and occasional brook trout. Small (12- to 18-inch) lake trout can be taken from shore throughout the season. Campgrounds have been busy on weekends. Calling 1-877-444-6777 for reservations is suggested.

John Martin Reservoir: Though dropping, the reservoir still covers lots of surface acres and both boat ramps remain in operation. Fishermen have been getting walleyes and saugeyes between the ramps, wipers off the point and catfish in the spillway. A few catfish also have been taken from the reservoir.

Karval and Kinney lakes: Kinney has been producing a few small catfish, but few fishermen have been on the water and the overall fishing appears pretty slow. Trout stocking of both lakes and the nearby Hugo SWA ponds has been suspended for the summer. All also have most of the common warm-water species. Deer flies can be a nuisance this time of year.

Lake Henry: The water level at Henry is good. No current fishing reports are available.

Lake Meredith: The water level at Meredith currently is good. Fishing for all species is slow. This is the third year since the lake was restocked, after having been drained. Fish should be approaching catchable size. Crappie, saugeyes, catfish and wipers have been stocked in good numbers since the lake was refilled.

Manitou Lake: The popular U.S. Forest Service lake north of Woodland Park is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout through the summer. Fishing success largely depends on the stocking. Weekdays are less crowded. Excellent water levels are expected this year. Payment of an entry fee is required. Campgrounds and other amenities are nearby.

Martin Lake: The water level is good. Fishing for trout is fair; a few still are being caught. A few wipers were caught last week, one of 26 1/2 inches, weighing 11 pounds. The lake has been stocked several times, and the kids' pond also has been stocked with trout. The water temperature is about 83 degrees. Some catfish and bass have been caught. Northern pike are also becoming active. Baits that are being used are worms, Power Bait, minnows and water dogs. Call the park office at (719)738-2376 for current conditions.

Montgomery Reservoir: The lake near Hoosier Pass offers fair to good fishing for catchable-size rainbow trout and a handful of brook and brown trout. Success usually depends on periodic stocking. Fishing is prohibited on the south side of the reservoir and from the west face of the dam.

Monument Lake: This 40-acre lake filled last year and has provided good fishing for catchable-sized trout in 2007. The standard assortment of baits and lures has been effective. The level remains high and the water has been somewhat discolored. Warm-water fish were stocked as fingerlings last year, but will not be large enough to interest fishermen for another year or two.

Monument Reservoir: Shoreline fishing for rainbow and brown trout has been good on Power Bait, and many fly patterns also have been taking fish. Likely patterns include black gnats, mosquitoes, Royal Coachmen and gray-hackle yellows. Live minnows may not be used at bait in Eastern Slope waters above 7,000 feet in elevation and on virtually the entire Western Slope.

Nee Gronda Reservoir: Boat access is available with the completion of a new low-water ramp on the east side. Fishing is slow for most species. Typically, midsummer fishing is slow. As fall approaches and water temperatures cool, fishing should improve, especially during morning and evening hours. Anglers should watch for surface-feeding schools of wipers this time of year. Fishing can be fast and furious for those who can find surface action.

Nee Noshe Reservoir: Nee Noshe is very low, at less than 500 acres. Boat access is available, but launching is limited to small and medium-sized boats. Fishing is very good for wipers and white bass, and fair for saugeyes. Boat fishermen are catching large creels of wipers by trolling jigs and crankbaits; bank fishermen are having success with worms and shrimp.

Nichols Reservoir: Fishing for pan-sized trout has slowed somewhat but should improve with recent stocking. Nichols is accessed by a hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. The reservoir is heavily stocked with catchable-sized trout and offers better-than-average fishing through the summer.

North Lake: Fishing for mostly rainbow trout has been excellent on a variety of flies. Productive patterns have included emergers, mosquitoes, Royal Coachmen, red Humpies, black gnats, gray-hackle yellows and Royal Wulffs. Red-and-white lures and silver Kastmasters also have been effective. The lake also has an improving population of splake. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures at North Lake. Habitat stamps are required of all visitors to the state wildlife area, unless excluded by age or disability.

OHaver Reservoir: Success varies widely among anglers but in general, fishing has been slow. Rainbow and green Power Bait has been taking some pan-sized trout. Belly-boating fly fishermen have enjoyed some good success late in the day.

Palmer Lake: The water level has been very low the past few years. No fish will be stocked until the water level is suitable.

Pikeview Reservoir: Fishing generally has been slow. Fishermen have been catching a few saugeyes and catfish. This Colorado Springs city lake is a developing warm-water fishery with a variety of species present, including some saugeyes up to five pounds. Construction work is complete, and a paved, designated off-street parking area is available. Sidewalks have been poured along the east and south shorelines. Other amenities include a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk to one of two fishing piers and enclosed pit toilets.

Prospect Lake: The lake in Colorado Springs has been refilled and is stocked with trout in spring and fall. Summertime fishing has been slow, with fishermen catching a few trout and some small wipers and catfish. Rebuilding the warm-water fishery continues, but fishing for bass, catfish, panfish and wipers still is a year or two away.

Pueblo Reservoir: Fishing for decent-sized wipers and largemouth bass has been fair in the west end on leeches along the rocks. Early mornings have been the best time. Worm harnesses with night crawlers have taken some mostly small walleyes in the north marina cove. A few catfish have been taken in the evening but fishing for them remains unusually slow. The water level is the best in recent years and the clarity is good. Fish populations remain good. Walleye numbers remain high, but most are not legal-sized. Wipers are stable, with many in the 15- to 22-inch range. Smallmouth and spotted bass are doing very well, and largemouths have been increasing with higher water. Catch rates will be high, but most bass will be under 15 inches. Catfish numbers are low to moderate but many are good-sized.

Quail Lake: The overall summertime fishing has been slow, but anglers have been getting some small perch and an occasional northern pike. The Colorado Springs city lake is stocked with catchable-size trout into early summer, but with rising water temperatures stocking is suspended until the fall. The lake also has a variety of warm-water fish, including largemouth bass, catfish and bluegills.

Queens Reservoirs: Upper and Lower Queens reservoirs are dry.

Rampart Reservoir: Fishing for decent-sized rainbow trout and an occasional mackinaw has been fair, but recent stocking should improve the odds. Mornings and late afternoons have been the best times. Excellent water levels are expected in 2007. The lake is heavily stocked with rainbow trout and also has mackinaw. Fishing for mackinaw from shore is especially good soon after ice-out. Access to the boat ramp requires crossing the dam and can be affected by Homeland Security considerations. In general, it is available from mid-May to early October, but restrictions apply to some types of vehicles. Recreation facilities are managed by a U.S. Forest Service concessionaire and entry requires payment of a fee.

Runyon Lake: This is one of several Pueblo-area lakes stocked through much of the year. The lake recently was stocked with catchable-sized trout, but additional plants before September are unlikely because of high water temperatures. The lake also has some catfish that can grow to impressive size.

Skaguay Reservoir: Fishing for catchable-sized trout from shore has been good, with green and orange Power Bait working the best. The water level is very good after several years of drought and likely will remain that way through the summer. The lake also has some northern pike up to 40 inches, and anglers are encouraged to keep all the pike they catch. The inlet area offers the best pike habitat. Facilities include a boat ramp. Wakeless boating is mandatory and a habitat stamp is required. The creek below the dam offers fishing for brown trout.

South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile): The Trico hatch is occurring between 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Pale morning duns have been coming off later, and many micro caddis still are around. Flows are slowly dropping and temperatures are increasing. Average flows from the past week were 150 cfs. Some good-sized trout still are being reported. A good number of browns in the 10- to 18-inch range have been caught and released. Pheasant Tail nymphs, caddis and San Juan worms have been effective in the higher water, along with the usual midges. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures on the stream, and catch-and-release rules apply. As usual, this area attracts large crowds.

South Platte River, Deckers area: Flows below Cheesman Dam have come down a little and on Tuesday morning were at 441 cfs. The water through Cheesman Canyon has been fishably clear. Below Deckers, clarity still can be an issue. In the canyon, fish have been moving into riffles and faster runs. San Juan worms and scud patterns may take some fish, and midge activity around the edges of the main current is possible. A small nymph or midge emerger trailing a San Juan worm or larger Pheasant Tail can be an effective rig.

South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon: Flows have come down a little and on Tuesday morning were 277 cfs, still a bit high. Look for Tricos, afternoon caddis, pale morning duns and possibly some blue-wing-olives to be on the water. Standard dry fly patterns imitating the above, along with caddis pupae and larvae, drowned Tricos, Barr's PMD emergers and Pheasant Tails should be effective.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir: Spinney fishing is fair to good. Fishing at Spinney is by artificial flies and lures only, with a bag and possession limit of one trout at least 20 inches long. Midges, Callibaetis mayflies and damselflies have been evident on the water. The surface water temperature is in the mid-60s. Both boat ramps are open. Fishing has been good throughout the day, with average trout catches in the 18- to 22-inch range. The most successful flies have been various nymphs, midges, scud patterns and streamers. As usual, tube jigs and lures also are productive. This is a day use park, opening 1/2 hour before sunrise and closing one hour after sunset. Boating is permitted daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

Tarryall Reservoir: Plenty of rising trout have been evident but they have been selective feeders. Shore fishermen have taken a few on Mepps spinners, rainbow-pattern Dardevles and a variety of baits. Fly fishermen have enjoyed some good activity for rainbows and browns in the upper end of the lake on damselfly and Callibaetis mayfly imitators. Northern pike also have been prowling the region and can be taken on streamer flies and crankbaits. The lake has rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout in the 11- to 16-inch range and an occasional larger brown. Its northern pike have been growing in size and turning up in the catch more frequently. Anglers are encouraged to keep all the pike they catch. Wakeless boating is permitted. A habitat stamp is required of all visitors to the state wildlife area.

Trinidad Reservoir: Trinidad Lake currently is around 750 surface acres and dropping. The surface temperature is 70-75 degrees, with subsurface temperatures around 60-70. Fishing has been fair, although the dropping lake levels and rain have made it spotty at times. Trout fishing is good from shore and boats. Catfish have been good. Bass and perch are still good, with a few bass over the minimum length being caught. Some legal-sized walleyes have been caught from boats, and a lot of short walleyes still are being caught from shore. Wipers and crappie have been slow. Anglers are reminded to check for special limits on bass and walleyes at Trinidad Lake. Boaters use caution because floating debris may be in the lake and other hazards are starting to appear.

Turks Pond: Well repairs have helped improve the water level at Turks Pond. A new boat ramp extension was added last summer. Fishing is fair to good for catfish and slow for all other species.

Turquoise Lake: The lake is almost full. Fishing has been spotty, typical of many large reservoirs in August, with some parts of the lake more productive than others. The inlet region might be the best bet for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Night crawlers, salmon eggs and Power Bait all have been taking some fish. Mackinaw have moved into deeper water. Large crankbaits, spoon-type lures and sucker-tipped Gitzits still might take a few. The bag and possession limit is two lake trout. The lake also has rainbow trout and an occasional large brown. The lake has been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, the first time in a number of years they have been available. Two boat ramps and U.S. Forest Service camping facilities are available.

Twin Lakes: The water level remains high. Fishing for rainbow trout from the shore remains fair. Power Bait has been the most productive. The lower lake below the power plant and the channels around and near the dam have been the best areas. Mackinaw have moved into deeper water. Deep-trolling with blue or silver Flatfish or tube jigging along the bottom might take a few. The mackinaw population continues to rebound, with the average size approaching 20 inches and some approaching 40. Catchable-sized trout are stocked through the summer.

Twin Lakes (Mt. Elbert) Forebay: Fishing for rainbow trout and occasional mackinaw remains fairly good in the forebay just to the north of Twin Lakes. Dardevles, Kastmasters, Krocodiles and Power Bait have been working well. The forebay has the best population of lakers in the Arkansas River basin. The average size is 17 inches and the largest exceed 40. The forebay also has abundant rainbow trout, replenished by periodic stocking. Hand-carried boats including float tubes are permitted on the forebay. However, boaters should be aware of potential fluctuations and strong currents. The best boater access is at the southwest corner of the reservoir. Park along the edge of the road but do not block the locked gate.

Two Buttes Reservoir: Two Buttes Reservoir is dry.

Valco Ponds: Three of the old dredge ponds along the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir are open for fishing. They offer saugeyes and channel catfish, as well as some decent-sized bass and bluegills. Limited-harvest fishing for the bass is strongly encouraged to protect their population.

Wahatoya Reservoir: Fishing for rainbow trout remains good. Anglers have been using a variety of nymphs, light-green flies and Pistol Petes. Fishermen may use only artificial flies and lures. Boats with motors are prohibited.

Willow Springs Ponds: The ponds east of Interstate 25 near Fountain have been rehabilitated, refilled and stocked with a variety of fish that includes small and catchable-sized bass, wipers and panfish. Trout were stocked earlier, and will be stocked again in the fall. No fish-consumption advisories are in effect.

Southwest

Animas River: The river is running clear and low again after a break in the monsoon rains. Grasshoppers are in their prime, so hopper patterns in sizes 8 and 10 are recommended, drifted along the bank. Caddis hatches continue in the evenings. Spinners should be working well, also. If the water is cloudy, use streamers - Woolly Buggers and sculpin patterns.

Beaver Creek Reservoir: Fishing is picking up, with good action for 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout using bait and lures from shore. Fly anglers report good fishing using large black Woolly Buggers for rainbow and brown trout.

Big Meadows Reservoir: Fishing was reported as good for 10- to 13-inch rainbow trout and some brook trout using bait and flies. Fly anglers reported good success using large black Woolly Buggers.

Blue Mesa Reservoir: Kokanee salmon are in a pre-spawn mode, gradually moving toward the Gunnison River inlet. Most remain fairly deep, in 50-75 feet of water. The best results are by trolling with Dick Nites and Arnies, or by vertical jigging on calm days with Swedish Pimples and similar spoons. Lake trout fishing is slow. Look for them at 150 feet. Trout fishing has been fair, with most fish taken on bait off the bottom or trolling from 30 to 45 feet with cow bells and worms or Rapalas. Perch fishing is good in any of the shallow bays around the lake on small jigs or worms.

Conejos County (high country lakes): The high lakes are open. Be prepared for thunderstorms; good rains with lightning are not uncommon. Red, Trail, Green, Blue, Glacier, Tobacco, Bear, and Lake Anne have been some of the more popular high lakes with anglers, and have been fishing well. Fishing is expected to be good throughout the summer and into fall.

Conejos County (small streams): Conejos County is home to many small streams that are open and fishing fair to good for a variety of trout, including brooks, browns, and cutthroats. A few small streams in Conejos County are native-cutthroat trout waters with special fishing regulations, so please consult your 2007 fishing regulations directory.

Conejos River: Fishing on the Conejos has been excellent for brown trout. Insect activity has been good. Conejos County has been experiencing heavy rains, causing stream conditions and flows to change daily, so anglers should check local stream flows prior to fishing the Conejos. Angling pressure has been moderate. The Conejos River has two sections of special fishing regulation waters: From the upper boundary of Aspen Glade campground upstream to Menkhaven Resort, artificial flies, only, with a daily bag and possession limit of two trout at least 16 inches long, and from the confluence with the South Fork of the Conejos River upstream to the lower bridge at Platoro, artificial flies and lures only, with a daily bag and possession limit of two trout at least 16 inches long.

Crawford Reservoir: The lake offers fishing for trout, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish. Fishing was reported as poor to fair over the weekend. Catfish were the main catch, on chicken livers or hot dogs, and most were being caught at night. A few perch and crappie were taken during daytime hours. Water temperatures are still in the low 70s. The lake is still going down 12-15 inches per day and the Iron Creek boat ramp will become unusable sometime this week. Be advised, if beaching your boat overnight, don't pull it too high out of the water.

Dolores River (lower): With little water flowing out of McPhee Reservoir, the level is low and fishing is poor.

Dolores River (upper): The river is running clear and low, ideal for dry flies and spinners. Hatches are continuing, so emerger patterns and dry flies are a good bet. Grasshopper patterns also are good now. Try streamers when the water is running muddy.

East River: The East was flowing at 147 cfs at Almont on Tuesday morning. Though rain can temporarily discolor the water, the river generally has been fishing well with dry flies and nymphs. Mixed hatches of caddis and Yellow Sally stoneflies have been coming off most of the day. Productive fly patterns include elk-hair caddis, royal and yellow Humpies and Stimulators for dries; Prince Nymphs and 20-Inchers for nymphing.

Echo Canyon Reservoir: Warm weather has warmed the lake substantially, so fishing is rated as only fair. Fishing is best in the morning and evening with worms, Power Bait, small spinners and dry flies for trout and bass. Weed growth along the bank is a perennial occurrence, so casting from the shore is getting tougher. Fishing will improve in late summer when the weather begins to cool again.

Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam): Flows have jumped up to 813 cfs. Clarity was off-color again last week because of monsoonal rain dumps and landslides upstream. Call ahead for current information. Caddis and PMDs are the main hatches. Try yellow and melon-quill patterns in sizes 16-18. Use a Stimulator as a strike indicator in the hopper-dropper combination. Midges, especially a red midge, are doing well in the afternoon. Scuds in olive and orange, Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs are the usual nymphing patterns.

Gunnison River (through the canyon): The flow in the Gunnison Gorge has been 809 cfs. A No. 14 Bead-head Hare's Ear has been hot this week, and hoppers have been good. Prince Nymphs and San Juan Worms have not been working as well this week. Fishing has been good the past few days, and the Smith Fork downstream to Pleasure Park is clear again. The North Fork is low enough to wade. A commercial shuttle/return-boat service is still available through the Pleasure Park.

Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa): The Gunnison on Tuesday morning was flowing at 624 cfs. Though localized heavy rains can create some clarity issues below the Ohio and Tomichi Creek tributaries, the river generally is clear and has been fishing well. Caddis activity has been good in late afternoon into the evening. Dark-bodied elk-hair caddis patterns and yellow Humpies have been effective on the surface, and a variety of nymphs also have worked well. Streamer flies, stonefly nymphs and silver-bladed spinners also can be productive. Kokanee salmon from Blue Mesa Reservoir have begun entering the river. Fishing for them is permitted, but a catch-and-release provision is in effect. Inquire in Gunnison for updates.

Jackson Gulch Reservoir: Rainbow trout were stocked early in the season and fishing has been good. The water level is receding and boats now are launching on the lower ramp. Afternoon thunderstorms have been occurring. Perch continue to be plentiful but are mostly small. Action along the dam for both trout and perch has been good. For trout, typical baits such as salmon eggs and Power Bait, fished just off bottom or suspended just below the surface, fly fishing, small crankbaits and inline spinners have been producing. For consistent perch action, suspend a small jig tipped with a worm under a slip bobber at about 15 feet or cast small flies along the shallow banks. Camping and other facilities are available. Call 970-533-7065, 970-882-2213 or check the link below for current conditions.

Joe Moore Reservoir: The reservoir near Mancos is full and has been stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Recent population sampling by the DOW revealed an abundance of 8- to 10-inch yellow perch and some nice-sized black crappie. Most of the perch were along the lake bottom.

La Jara Creek: La Jara Creek has been fishing well for brown trout. Fishing has been good on worms, spinners and artificial flies. Trout spook easily, so anglers should take a stealthy approach when fishing the creek. Expect good fishing well into the fall.

La Jara Reservoir: The reservoir is open and fishing has been fair for brook trout and splake. However, the level is low and the weeds have grown high and thick. Fishing with anything other than dry flies may be difficult. Last year's gill-net surveys showed the splake and brook trout populations to be doing well. Splake and brook trout averaged 16 inches. Fish have been feeding on freshwater shrimp, leeches and damselflies.

Los Pinos River: The river is running low and clear above Vallecito Reservoir. Use small dry flies and spinners. This section of river, however, gets substantial pressure. Access below the reservoir is limited by private property.

McPhee Reservoir: The level is starting to drop and the water is warming up. Trout fishing has slowed. Smallmouth bass anglers are reporting good success, but the fish are small. For smallmouth bass, use plastic worms and lizards. Remember that a slot limit applies to bass. All smallmouth and largemouth bass 10-15 inches long must be returned to the lake immediately. The DOW recently completed an electro-fishing survey and found good populations of smallmouth bass, trout and yellow perch.

Miramonte Reservoir: The 405-acre lake south of Norwood is part of the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area and 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. While catch rates appear to be down somewhat in the past year or two, the average fish size has been larger.

Mountain Home Reservoir: Fishing for rainbow trout is reported as good using the typical baits and lures.

Navajo Reservoir: The lake level is at 6075.49 feet. The water temperature on the Colorado side is 72 degrees. The northern pike and largemouth and smallmouth bass have been biting lakewide on chartreuse and red crankbaits. Fishing is best in the early morning. Kokanee-salmon fishing has picked up on the New Mexico side of the lake between Francis Canyon and the San Juan arm, along the canyon wall. Salmon reportedly are biting on white corn at 35 feet. The water is very clear. Fishing for crappie and catfish has been slow, but they still are biting. The crappie are biting on minnows.

Piedra River: The level is ideal for dry fly fishing. But frequent afternoon thunderstorms have made the river challenging to fish this summer. Use caddis, Renegade and emerger patterns. After rain, when the water is off-color, try streamers.

Platoro Reservoir: The reservoir is open and fishable. Platoro Reservoir has been fishing well for rainbow trout, and fair for kokanee salmon. Anglers have been catching rainbows on a variety of baits such as Power Bait, worms and spinners. Construction of the new boat ramp has been completed. Water levels are good and the reservoir is open to boats.

Ridgway Fishing Ponds: Huck Finn Day will be Aug. 18, starting at 9:30 a.m. Come dressed as Huck Finn and win prizes. The fish are down deep, so fish off the bottom. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area of Ridgway State Park is excellent for children because it has the only water below the dam that is not restricted to artificial flies and lures or catch-and-release fishing. A limit of four trout may be kept there, both by children and licensed adults (16 years or older).

Ridgway Reservoir: The lake is dropping pretty quickly. The fishing has been really good. Rainbow trout are biting on pretty much anything. Fishing for them is best around the boat ramp. The salmon are being caught along the face of the dam.

Rio Grande High Country Streams: High-country streams are running high but clear. Fishing is reported as fair to good using bait, spinners and flies. Fly fishermen have had good success drifting stonefly and mayfly nymphs.

Rio Grande River: The river remains high but is clearing. Willowfly, caddisfly and green-drake mayfly hatches are reported from Del Norte to Creede. Fishing was reported as good to excellent using large dry stonefly patterns, green drake and small elk-hair caddis presented on the surface.

Road Canyon Reservoir: Fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and an occasional brook trout has slowed somewhat but remains pretty good. Trolling fire-tiger-colored Rapalas and rainbow Rat-L-Traps has been productive. Shore fishermen have done OK on night crawlers off the bottom. Spinning lures and night crawlers below a bobber have worked well late in the afternoon. Many of the fish have been 16-18 inches, with some a little larger. The trout have been exceptionally chunky. A habitat stamp is required of everyone in the state wildlife area.

San Juan high-country lakes, streams: Fishing is excellent in the high-country lakes and streams. On small streams, use dry flies and hopper patterns but be stealthy, as the fish are skittish at this time of year. Spinners are a good bet, as are worms and Power Bait in the lakes.

San Juan River: The water level is low and fish are wary. Use dry fly patterns, emergers, nymphs and hopper patterns. Try a dropper rig, with a dry fly and a nymph tied in below. Regular afternoon rains will cause the water to run muddy. High-country creeks are fishing well with small dry flies and spinners.

San Luis Lake: The San Luis Lake water level is low and the boat ramp is not usable. Catchable (9-inch) rainbow trout were stocked in early April. Angling for carp was reported as good for 12- to 13-pound fish on streamer flies and nymphs.

Sanchez Reservoir: The lake is clear and the water level is rising. The boat ramp is usable. Walleye fishing is improving. Anglers report catching 16- to 20-inch walleyes using plastic worms worked along the bottom in 25 feet of water.

Smith Reservoir (San Luis Valley): An emergency fish salvage is under way at the Costilla County reservoir south of Blanca, prompted by a sharp drop in the water level because of irrigation demands. All bag and possession limits have been suspended through Sept. 3. Fishermen may catch and keep as many fish as they want. Only standard fishing methods may be used, and all other regulations including license requirements remain in effect. Both boat ramps already are out of the water and the shoreline is muddy. The lake is annually stocked with rainbow trout, which grow quickly in the reservoir.

Summit Reservoir: A fish salvage is under way before chemical treatment of the lake northwest of Mancos to remove white suckers. All bag and possession limits have been suspended and fish can be taken by snagging and hand dip nets, in addition to standard fishing techniques. Live minnows may not be used as bait. The salvage will run through Aug. 24, at which time the reservoir will be closed. Fishing licenses and habitat stamps are required. Though non-native white suckers are the dominant species, the lake also has rainbow trout, crappie, bass and channel catfish. The lake will be restocked next spring.

Taylor Reservoir: Fishing from shore has slowed with the hot weather. Trolling for rainbow trout with cow bells and night crawlers has been OK. Fishing for kokanee salmon recently has improved. Most have been suspended at about 35 feet above a 70-foot bottom. Rainbow-colored and pink lures have worked best. Lake trout are in 90 feet of water. Trolling lures such as Apex on downriggers has been effective, or try anchoring and fishing with night crawlers off the bottom.

Taylor River: Conditions have been pretty consistent, though the river has come down a bit. Flows on Tuesday were 401 cfs at Almont and 353 cfs below Taylor Dam. Above Almont, caddis and small stonefly patterns have been working fairly well. Stimulators, Prince Nymphs, Hare's Ears and Copper Johns have been working well. Woolly Buggers and other streamers also remain a good bet. The tailwater directly below the dam offers good fishing for exceptionally large rainbows, but the area attracts large crowds. Mysis shrimp and midges are the go-to patterns. Think small - sizes 18-24.

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir: Trujillo Meadows Reservoir is open and accessible. Fishing has been fair for brown trout and rainbows. Fishing pressure has been moderate during the week and heavy on the weekends. Effective methods for trout at Trujillo Meadows have been worms and lures in brown- and rainbow- trout patterns.

Tucker Ponds: Fishing is reported as fair to good for stocked rainbow trout of 10-14 inches using bait and flies.

Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park: The fishing is good now. Flows on the river have been stable. Colorado River cutthroat, Snake River cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout all call this section of the Uncompahgre home.

Vallecito Reservoir: Fishing for 13- to 15-inch rainbow trout from the bank continues to be excellent. Salmon eggs are the preferred bait now. The fish also will take worms, spinners, Power Bait or dry flies. Anglers are still catching northern pike by trolling Rapalas. A mercury advisory has been issued for consumption of northern pike from the lake.

Williams Creek Reservoir: Fishing for trout has been good in the morning and evening. As the water is warming up, action in midday is slow. Use worms, Power Bait, small spinners and dry flies. The fishing on the creek below the reservoir is good with small flies and spinners.

ANTERO EMERGENCY REGULATIONS CHANGE

The Colorado Wildlife Commission on Aug. 13 approved an emergency change to the fishing regulations for Antero Reservoir in order to reduce the loss of fish that have been caught and released. The new daily bag and possession limit, which went into immediate effect, is two trout of any size. The earlier limit was four trout, of which only one could exceed 16 inches.

The change was prompted by a significant loss of fish to hooking mortality. Many had grown larger than 16 inches in July, when the reservoir reopened to fishing. With the earlier limit, many hard-fighting trout were dying after being caught and released. Rising summertime water temperatures added to the stress on the fish.

The emergency measure will be reviewed after 90 days.

The reservoir had been closed since 2002, when it was drained. The Denver Water impoundment on the South Fork of the South Platte River was restocked with thousands of rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, and splake, brook trout/lake trout hybrids.

FISH-RELEASING TIPS

The point of catch-and-release fishing is to enable fish to live on, to continue growing and fight another day. Anglers are encouraged to practice the following precautions to improve the odds for fish survival:

Do not play the fish to exhaustion. Use appropriate tackle to land the fish quickly. Fly fishermen might use a heavier line weight with as stout a leader tippet as possible. Spin fishermen might use a stiffer-action rod and heavier line.

Keep the fish in the water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook.

Remove the hook gently and do not squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its gills.

If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line. Do not attempt to remove the hook.

Release the fish only after its equilibrium is recovered. Gently hold the fish in the water and move it slowly back and forth until it can take off on its own.

Release the fish into the most oxygenated water possible.

JERRY CREEK RESERVOIRS TO CLOSE

Jerry Creek Reservoirs, in Mesa County near Molina, will be closed for dam and spillway reconstruction Aug. 20 through June 1, 2008. The reservoirs offer potentially good catch-and-release fishing for largemouth bass and bluegills.

SMITH RESERVOIR FISH SALVAGE

An emergency fish salvage is under way on Smith Reservoir, south of Blanca in Costilla County. All bag and possession limits for the lake have been removed through Aug. 3.

Fishermen may catch and keep as many fish as they want during that time. Only conventional fishing methods are permitted, and all other regulations, including license requirements, remain in effect.

The move was prompted by a sharp drop in the water level because of irrigation demands. Both boat ramps already are out of the water and the shoreline is muddy.

Rainbow trout are stocked annually and grow quickly in the productive lake.

SUMMIT RESERVOIR FISH SALVAGE

An emergency fish salvage is under way at Summit Reservoir northwest of Mancos, and most fishing regulations have been suspended through Aug. 24.

The reservoir will be chemically treated in late August to eliminate white suckers, a species that is not native to the San Juan Basin. Consequently, all bag and possession limits for the lake have been removed.

In addition to standard fishing methods, fish also may be taken by snagging and hand dip nets. The following may not be used: seines, cast nets, trotlines, underwater spear fishing, firearms, explosives, toxicants and electricity. Live fish may not be used for bait, and live fish from the lake may not be transported to other waters.

Fishing-license and habitat-stamp requirements remain in effect. Salvage fishing is permitted from sunrise to sunset. The reservoir will be closed on Aug. 25 for the treatment operation.

Though white suckers dominate the fish population, the lake also has rainbow trout, crappie, bass and channel catfish. The lake will be restocked next spring.

LIGHTNING AWARENESS

Summertime fishing also is the time for summer thunderstorms, complete with lightning and possibly heavy rain. Colorado is among the top states in the country for recorded lightning strikes. Lightning poses some special hazards to fishermen, especially if they are on or near large bodies of water, on exposed hillsides, or carrying graphite fishing rods.

When thunderheads are building up, it’s best to get off the water quickly. Seek appropriate shelter, but avoid tall objects such as trees. If necessary, lie flat on the ground under low-profile brush until the storm passes. Don’t carry graphite rods or aluminum rod cases; leave them on the ground, find shelter and return for them later.

BE BEAR AWARE

Fishermen and campers are reminded that many of their favorite waters are in bear country. Taking simple precautions such as not leaving food out where bears can find it and keeping a clean camping site can avoid potential problems for people and bears alike. The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers brochures and other information for reducing the risk of bear encounters. They are available at DOW offices statewide.

REGULATIONS CHANGES

The Colorado Wildlife Commission recently approved some changes to the fishing regulations that are not included in the 2007 fishing brochure. They went into effect on May 1.

On the lower Blue River, catch-and-release provisions were enacted from Green Mountain Dam to the Colorado River. On the upper Blue and its Swan River tributary, long-standing closures in the fall to protect spawning brown trout from Dillon Reservoir have been removed.

On the lower Gunnison River, through the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, a slot limit protecting brown trout has been dropped. Flies-and-lures restrictions have been extended on the Gunnison from the North Fork confluence downstream four miles to the Relief Ditch diversion. Anglers there also have to release all rainbow trout.

Flies-and-lures and catch-and-release provisions were extended to the Poudre River through Gateway Park downstream to the North Fork confluence.

Quality fishing regulations were enacted for Johnstown Reservoir. A 15-inch minimum-size provision applies to walleye/saugeyes and bass, and a 10-inch minimum to crappie.

Artificial flies-and-lures fishing with a catch-and-release provision for bass were approved for the Bald Eagle Pond in St. Vrain State Park.

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