Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Fishing report - Southeast

Details

Created on Wednesday, 13 October 2010 15:36

Written by Nathan

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

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

Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) -- The river is running higher this week - about 175 cfs at Granite and 325 cfs in Browns Canyon. With cooler temperatures, the fishing has slowed a bit but watch for an uptick in activity later in the week when warmer weather returns. Blue wing olive mayflies continue to produce well in the afternoon. Caddis larvae and attractor beadheads do well in the morning.

Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) -- The upper Arkansas River is definitely cooling down temperature-wise but is still fishing well in the afternoons. Think blue wing olive mayflies or midges. Caddis larvae may also produce well.

Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) -- Bighorn Sheep Canyon is in prime form. Water is clear to green, peaking at about 58 degrees, and flowing at 380 cfs at Wellsville. Fish are taking beadhead mayfly and midge patterns in the morning, mayfly emergers midday, and will rise for a dry mayfly, caddis or hopper in the afternoon. Look for warm weather later in the week to accentuate this feeding pattern.

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

Bonny Reservoir -- Due to budget and staffing reductions, the lake has closed to all boating starting October 1. Conditions permitting, the lake will re-open next year in April on weekends and all days in May. A few catfish have also been taken off the north shore (especially at night) with typical baits. Not many fishing this time of year. DOW stocked some small catfish recently that will grow to harvestable size by next year. The Wagon Wheel campground is still open with water and electric. Water temp is 60 degrees and cooling.

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

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

Clear Creek Reservoir -- The reservoir is now open to boats four days per week, Thursday through Sunday, from 7:00 AM through 5:00 PM. Fishing from shore with Powerbait on the bottom, wet flies with bubbles and some dry flies early in the mornings. The most productive times are from first light until mid morning. Trolling from boats has done better than shore fishing with catches of trout, Kokanee salmon, and occasional tiger muskies are frequently caught on the classical Rapala minnow from 4 to 12 inches in length. Trout and salmon, on reflective spoons, spinner lures, and Jakes lure the golden version with red spots. September 26 is the last day the reservoir is open to trailered boats with motors, after which it is closed for the winter.

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

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

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

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

Eleven Mile Reservoir -- Trout: South-side still producing in popular spots: Roger's Mountain, Lazy Boy, Rocking Chair, and Witcher's Cove. Average trout size has been 14-19 inches. Bait/Lure/Technique: PowerBait, Kastmaster, Taz Devils, Marshmallows, Arnies, Worms, Salmon Eggs, and Dick Nites. Kokanee Salmon: Snagging is open, although the spawning run has only just started to begin. Northern Pike: Pike Bunnies, Spinners, and various Rapalas. Limits are unique at Eleven Mile: 4 trout of which only 2 can be 16 inches or greater; 10 Kokanee salmon; no limit on Pike. Boat inspections are required for all trailered vessels before launching at Eleven Mile.

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

Hale Ponds -- The series of small ponds east of Bonny Reservoir was stocked in April & May and scheduled to be stocked 1st week in September with catchable-sized trout. Stocking with largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish was completed in Sept. Fishing continues to be slow but is picking up some with cooler weather. There have been a few bass caught on artificials and catfish caught on bait.

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

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

Horseshoe Reservoir -- Trout fishing has been good on shore and from a boat. Trout seem to be biting on powerbait and nightcrawlers. We are asking boaters to be off the water at 6:30. The ANS inspection station closes at 3:00 PM. Any vessels that need to be inspected after 3:00 PM are asked to stop at the Visitor Center for inspection.

Hugo Pond -- Anglers fishing Hugo ponds are reporting catches of channel catfish--in 9-18" range, using nightcrawlers.

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

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

Karval and Kinney Lakes -- At Karval Lake, the bluegill are hitting their usual bait....anything that hits the water! Anglers are beginning to take channel catfish in 9"-12" range, w/nightcrawlers and stink baits at Kinney Lake.

Lake Henry -- Water levels at Henry are decent, but lower than in the spring. Water temps are in the high 60s. Henry has been fair to good for large channel catfish and bullheads. Fishing has been fair for wiper.

Lake Meredith -- Meredith is open for fishing. Water levels are decent for launching boats. Water temps are in the high 60s. Fishing is fair for wiper, striper, crappie, and channel catfish. Fishing has been good for bullhead.

Martin Lake -- Trout fishing has been good on Martin. Most people are catching trout using worms and power bait. We are asking boaters to be off the water by 6:30. The ANS inspection station closes at 3:00 PM. Any vessels that need to be inspected after 3:00 PM are asked to stop at the Visitor Center for inspection.

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

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

Mt. Elbert Forebay -- The August effect still lingers somewhat for shore fishermen with slow results, but belly boaters and those in small craft are doing better. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbows from late May through August. As usual, worms and power bait have been effective. The Forebay has the best population of mackinaw in the Arkansas River basin. They average 17 inches but run up to 40-plus. The Mack limit is one fish, and all fish between 22 and 34 inches must be released. Carry-on boats and float tubes are permitted on the Forebay, but boaters should be aware of possible dramatic fluctuations of the water level.

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

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

Nichols Reservoir -- Nichols is accessed by a 1.8 mile hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. Fishing success is fair for pan-sized trout. Most anglers are reporting catches using Power Bait and night crawlers.

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

Pikeview Reservoir -- Fishing has slowed down. Power Bait fished just off the bottom has still been producing rainbow trout. Kastmasters and roostertails fished slow is a good bet. Fishing has been best early in the morning or late evening as weather cools. The lake also has some saugeye, catfish and tiger muskies. A paved, designated parking area is available off Mark Dabling Road. Other amenities include a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk to one of two fishing piers. Beginning the week of September 7th 2010, the toilet facilities will close, as will the trash service, for remainder of year.

Pueblo Reservoir -- Walleye fishermen have been catching some nice legal fish at various spots on the lake. They've been located in deeper water, approximately 50-60 ft and are on the bottom biting on crayfish and night crawlers. Wiper fishing has been marginal, although a few anglers have found them in amongst schools of shad. Bass fishermen have reported having good luck with poppers in the various coves.

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

Queens Reservoirs -- Upper and Lower Queens reservoirs are dry. Rampart Reservoir -- Rampart is fishing great and anglers are getting mixed bag limits of Lakers, Browns, and Rainbows. Bank anglers are reporting limits of rainbow trout by fishing with suspended baits about 5 feet below a casting bubble. Trout anglers have also had success fishing half a night crawler off the bottom. 1/4 oz Mr. Twisters fished off the bottom are yielding some success for Lakers towards the lake inlet. Fishing remains good due to recent plants of catchable trout. Rampart Reservoir will be closed to motorized, trailered watercraft starting Monday Oct 3rd, 2010. The DOW would like to thank all the boaters for their cooperation in the Watercraft Inspection Program

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

Rosemont Reservoir -- Anglers are reminded that this is a fly and lure only water!! Quite a bit of action on Pistol Pete's and green/white Tasmanian Devils. (9/5/10)

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

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

South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Eleven Mile) -- Flow: Techniques: San Juan Worms, RS IIs, Pheasant Tails, Buckskins, Various Caddis Patterns, and Parachute Adams. The South Platte between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs is catch and release only and artificial flies and lures only.

South Platte River, Deckers area -- The river in this area has seen some stress this year with construction at Cheesman, some summer flooding and warmer than normal temperatures. Current flows are ranging from 130 - 175 cfs. Vegetation in the water is challenging in some areas even with dry flies. Fish have been rising to Tricos, blue winged olives and rusty spinners. A few black ants and spiders have seen some strikes. Overall sizes are very small...like a 22-24! Nymphing has been tough with moss flows but a red copper john took several nice browns just up from the bridge.

South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon -- The flows in the Canyon are hovering around 90 cfs, above the 81 year seasonal norms. Tricos and Blue Winged Olives are still hatching. BWO's are off about 8:00 AM with the Tricos following and the spinner fall lasting into the afternoon. Parachute Adams or Para BWO patterns in size 20/22 and Trico Spinner patterns in size 22/24 are working. Nymphing is difficult because of the weeds and there is a lot of loose grass floating in the water. Pheasant Tails and Barr's BWO Emergers are working for nymphs; in about size 20-22. Please remember that Elevenmile Canyon Regulations are flies and lures, catch and release only upstream of Springer Gulch Bridge. Standard regulations apply to the river below the bridge and there are lots of fish and plenty of water to fish in this area.

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

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

Trinidad Reservoir -- Trinidad Lake is currently still holding at 506 surface acres with the surface temp approx. 59º F. Fishing for rainbow trout and walleye is still great. This past weekend we had a 23” wiper caught from shore!!! Remember, as the weather begins to cool, the fishing will get even better!!! Be prepared to stop and have your boat inspected for ANS. Boaters beware of floating debris and unmarked hazards as the water slowly lowers. Anglers are reminded to check the regulations for bass and walleye at Trinidad Lake and to wear your PFD. All the campgrounds and park facilities are now open. For more information call the Visitor’s Center at 719-846-6951.

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

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

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

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

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