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+--- Thread: Northwest Region fishing reports (/showthread.php?tid=126129)
Northwest Region fishing reports - daymere - 04-20-2004
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) - Flowing low and clear out of Green Mountain Reservoir. Small spoons are most successful here while flyfishers do well with a Copper John dropped from an Orange Stimulator. The return of warmer weather has revived midge and BWO hatches. The tailwater beneath the dam is subject to security closures but there are several accesses downriver to the confluence with the Colorado. Some of these are quite narrow and anglers are requested to respect adjoining private property.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,386263,4414736,-1,-1,Green%20Mountain%20Reservoir,0&Extent=383709,4415216,386512,4417552"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) - The flow out of Dillon Reservoir remains 52 cfs. Fishing has been consistent with midges (Black Beauties, Miracle Nymphs, Barr's cream and red midge larva, Biot Midges) below the surface and Brook's Sprout Baetis on top. From Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir, best flies are Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Hare's Ears, Randy's Baetis and small stonefly nymphs. Best fishing is from the Heeney turnoff to the reservoir.
[url "http://www.fishcolorado.com/fishingreport/currentreport/report.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,410507,4387033,-1,-1,Dillon,0%7CFalse,386263,4414736,-1,-1,Green%20Mtn%20Res,0&Extent=371148,4379743,418684,4419357"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Colorado River (below Parshall) - River is slightly off-color but eminently fishable. Use Copper Johns with a red or chartreuse tail, Flashback Pheasant Tail or Blue Wing Olives on warmer days. Whitefish action by the Pumphouse has slowed. Little or no runoff is expected this year, meaning the river should stay clear except after heavy rains.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,399805,4434528,-1,-1,Parshall,0&Extent=391032,4431501,401737,4440421"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) - Great Blue Wing Olive hatches from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The best fishing is around New Castle, Rifle and Silt. Streamers provide the best action on overcast days. Current flow at Glenwood Springs is 2,460 cfs. Hot flies include BH Princes, Beerhead Baetis, Perfect Baetis, B.D.E. BWO, Autumn Splendors, Zuddlers, and Slump Busters.
[url "http://www.taylorcreek.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=786&top=781&level=2"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,300299,4380245,-1,-1,Glenwood%20Springs,0%7CFalse,260858,4379606,-1,-1,Rifle,0&Extent=244174,4355144,329572,4426309"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Colorado River (near Granby) - Good flow and fishing has been good. Nymphs and midges still work but surface action is starting with Caddis, Olive Duns and Blue Wing Olives. Dry/dropper rigs and egg patterns are effective.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Extent=416178,4435958,425778,4443958"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Crystal River - The Crystal River is currently flowing at about 300 cfs and clouded by runoff. Call the Taylor Creek Flyshops at (970) 927-4374 for updates.
[url "http://www.taylorcreek.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=786&top=781&level=2"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Extent=303376,4350161,316189,4361372"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Elkhead Reservoir - Runoff has muddied the lake and no anglers' reports at this time. Fishing for stocker trout should be good once the water clears.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,297929,4492256,-1,-1,Elk%20Head%20Reservoir,0&Extent=294473,4489888,304073,4497888"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Freeman Reservoir - The lake is still frozen and inaccessible. Ice-out usually occurs in June but may be earlier this year due to unseasonably warm weather.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=True,534579,4233672,535598,4234156,Runyon%2FFountain%20Lakes%20SWA,0&Extent=530289,4229914,539889,4237914"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Fryingpan River - The Fryingpan is running clear and low with a drop in water levels this past week. Current flows are 54 cfs. Good BWO hatches on the lower river, and great midge hatches on the upper river below Ruedi Dam. Best time of day is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hot flies: CDC Thorax BWO, Sparkledun BWO, Bill's Adult Midge, Fryingpan Emergers, Poxyback Baetis, RS-2's, CDC Loopwings, Zebra Midges, Micro Eggs, and Epoxy Mysis.
[url "http://www.taylorcreek.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=786&top=781&level=2"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=True,355942,4356063,369542,4357396,North%20Fork%20Fryingpan%20River,0&Extent=355262,4350496,370222,4362962"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Granby Reservoir - Ice-off was about a month early this year and fishing is excellent. The lake level is about 50 feet low but the boat ramp at Sunset Point has been extended and is usable. Anglers are catching a lot of 17 to 18-inch lake trout on Rapalas, Z-Rays tube jigs sweetened with sucker meat.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,238023,4321509,-1,-1,Granby%20Reservoirs,0&Extent=233223,4317509,242823,4325509"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Grand Lake - Ice is off and good trout fishing for rainbows continues to be good at the river inlet and near the boat launch. Lake trout are a little tougher to catch but some are being brought in on sucker meat and large spoons.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,431686,4454124,-1,-1,Grand%20Lake,0&Extent=426886,4450124,436486,4458124"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Green Mountain Reservoir - Ice is off but shoreline is extremely muddy. No fishing reports yet but this is a good time to catch big lake trout and German browns which feed aggressively after ice-out.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,386263,4414736,-1,-1,Green%20Mountain%20Reservoir,0&Extent=381463,4410736,391063,4418736"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Green River - Water is slightly off-color due to recent rains but fishing remains good. Nymphing is the order of the day with beadheads and Woolly Buggers. Fishing usually tapers off in July as the water warms, then picks up again in the fall as brown trout begin their spawn.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,165396,4501663,-1,-1,Green%20River,0&Extent=160596,4497663,170196,4505663"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Harvey Gap Reservoir - Lake is full and the temperature is 48 degrees. Fishing is excellent for trout using small spinners and standard baits. Fishing is good for pike and perch. Crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish and tiger muskies also inhabit this lake. The minimum size limit for bass is 15 inches and the bag and possession limit for catfish is two fish. There is a single-lane concrete boat ramp located at the east entrance to the park but motors are restricted to 20-horsepower.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=66&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,271937,4387671,-1,-1,Harvey%20Gap,0&Extent=267366,4383671,276509,4391671"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Highline Lake - Highline has been stocked with 8,400 trout and 100 brood Tasmanian Rainbows. Fishing is good with trout hitting a variety of lures and baits. Crappie and bass also are starting to bite, with bass ranging from 2 to 8 pounds. Best bass lures: Brush Hogs and 10-inch Power Worms. Water temperature is 60 degrees, lake is full and spilling.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=68&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,168546,4353416,-1,-1,Highline%20Lake,0&Extent=163746,4349416,173346,4357416"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Lake Avery - Ice is all off and fishing for trout left over from last year's stocking is good. Worms and Power Bait are most effective.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,273967,4427757,-1,-1,Lake%20Avery,0&Extent=269167,4423757,278767,4431757"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Mack Mesa Lake - The lake has been stocked with trout and fishing for 12-inch rainbows has been very good with various baits. Power Bait in assorted colors and pink or red salmon eggs have been doing well. There have been rumors of largemouth bass caught here though they are not stocked. The water temperature is 60 degrees.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=68&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,168628,4354771,-1,-1,Mack%20Mesa%20Lake,0&Extent=163828,4350771,173428,4358771"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Muddy Creek - Some runoff above Wolford Reservoir but the tailwater is still running low and clear. Flor 15 to 20 cfs below the reservoir and fishing is good in the tailwater using Woolly Buggers, copper Kastmasters and yellow and black Panther Martins. Rainbows have been averaging 12 to 14 inches with an occasional larger brown.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Extent=377645,4437665,385600,4444625"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Pearl Lake - Lake is still iced up and the road closed by snow. Will open in a few weeks.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=59&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,340626,4515716,-1,-1,Pearl%20Lake,0&Extent=335826,4511716,345426,4519716"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Rifle Gap Reservoir - Water temperature is 48 degrees, water level is 21 feet below full and fishing is excellent for rainbow trout. They are being caught on Rapalas, small spinners, worms, salmon eggs and Power Bait. Park rangers say the best fishing is at the east inlet. The lake also harbors sizeable perch (14-inchers are not uncommon), smallmouth bass, pike and walleyes. The bag and possession limit for smallmouths is two fish 15 inches or larger and fish caught between May 1 and June must be released. The bag and possession limit for walleyes is three fish, only one of which may be longer than 18 inches.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=64&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/presentation/chameleon/map.asp?Cmd=ZoomToPlace&QBox=False&X1=263926.93271&Y1=4390067.77991&X2=-1&Y2=-1&Name=Rifle%20Gap%20Reservoir&state=zoomIn"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Rio Blanco Lake - Pike fishing is starting to get good. The local pike population has been augmented by fish removed from the Yampa River.
[url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/swa/index.asp"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,226151,4442297,-1,-1,Rio%20Blanco%20Lake,0&Extent=221351,4438297,230951,4446297"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Roaring Fork River - The Roaring Fork is red hot right now with awesome hatches of BWOs, Caddis, Midges and March Browns. The lower river below Carbondale has been muddied by runoff but the upper river is clear and fishing extremely well. Flows are 57 cfs in Aspen, 393cfs in Basalt, and 882 cfs in Glenwood Springs. Hot flies: Pheasant Tails, Poxyback Baetis, Angelcase Emergers, Johnny Flashes, RS-2s, BH Princes, Electric Caddis, Buckskins and Zebra Midges.
[url "http://www.taylorcreek.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=786&top=781&level=2"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=True,303341,4365076,308270,4372411,Roaring%20Fork%20River%20SWA,0&Extent=300964,4364710,310647,4372778"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Shadow Mountain Reservoir - Ice is off and fishing has been fair to good especially at the canal mouth and old river channel. Tube jigs sweetened with waxworms and painted jigheads fished beneath slip bobbers work well at finding the right fish depth. Rapalas also do well on rainbows and browns.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,428488,4450854,-1,-1,Shadow%20Mountain%20Lake,0&Extent=423464,4448934,433064,445"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Stagecoach Reservoir - Ice is off and the reservoir is open to boating. Trout fishing is excellent at the inlet, fishing for pike is fair. Use sucker meat for pike as the fish are still somewhat lethargic, but switch to lures when the water temperature goes up. Effective lures include Triple Clickers, black and white-striped Daredevl and Black Fury Spinners. Stocker trout can be caught on salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, small spoons or spinners. Most of the trout caught are 12-14 inches long but some run 18 to 22 inches. Boat ramps are open.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=62&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,340269,4459159,-1,-1,Stagecoach%20Reservoir,0&Extent=338669,4457431,348269,4465431"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Steamboat Lake - Placer Cove and the Marina areas are open for fishing. Roads into Meadow Point, Rainbow Ridge and Sage Flats are still closed by snow and mud but can be reached by foot. In early morning skim ice is still forming in the cove areas. Wooly Buggers and large generic patterns are working well.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=58&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,334774,4517264,-1,-1,Steamboat%20Lake,0&Extent=329974,4513264,339574,4521264"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Trappers Lake - Frozen and will not ice out until late May or early June. Cutthroat trout reproduce naturally in this high lake and fishermen are allowed to keep all the brook trout they can catch to make room for the cuts. Look for good fishing immediately after ice-out just before the cutthroat spawn.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,309548,4428388,-1,-1,Trappers%20Lake,0&Extent=304748,4424388,314348,4432388"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Vega Reservoir - The Island boat ramp is now open and the Oak Point and Early Settlers boat ramps will be opened as the lake fills. Buoys have not been placed on the lake, and underwater hazards may exist. Shore fishing is excellent and inlet streams are running, but access is muddy in places. Trout hitting Power Bait, salmon eggs, worms and the hot lure of the moment, a #2 Panther Martin in blaze orange. Most fish are running 14-16 inches. The Oak Point, Aspen Grove, Pioneer and Early Settlers campgrounds are open but the camper services building is still closed at this time.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=69&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,257444,4345207,-1,-1,Vega%20Reservoir,0&Extent=252644,4341207,262244,4349207"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
White River - Water is off-color and river is running high, but still fishable. Some surface action with Blue Wing Olive and midge hatches.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=True,268607,4425190,274686,4427999,White%20River%20SWA,0&Extent=268303,4423808,274990,4429381"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Williams Fork Reservoir - Water level is rising and some people are launching boats beside the boat ramp, which is still out of the water. Fishing for lake trout is really good with big spoons, #7 Rapalas, yellow and black Five of Diamonds, and sucker meat. Some of the macks run 30 inches or more. Pike fishing is also getting good in the fingers on the west side of the lake and the flats at the south end. Use sucker meat or big red/white or yellow streamer flies. Trout fishing is consistently good with 3 to 4-pound browns hitting #5 Rapalas, gold-colored Super Vibrax spinners and nightcrawlers.
[url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/swa/index.asp"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,397237,4432157,-1,-1,Williams%20Fork%20Reservoir,0&Extent=392085,4425693,401685,4433693"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Williams Fork River - Running low and clear. Nymphs, emergers and egg patterns are still the way to go with Blue Wing Olives providing some surface action in the afternoons. Lure casters are doing well with gold on gold Panther Martins and Honeybee Roostertails.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,397237,4432157,-1,-1,Williams%20Fork%20Reservoir,0&Extent=390832,4420999,407144,4435272"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Willow Creek Reservoir - Ice is off and anglers report hit-or-miss fishing for browns and rainbows. Some do well with salmon eggs, worms, Kastmasters and spinners; others get skunked.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,419814,4444373,-1,-1,Willow%20Creek%20Reservoir,0&Extent=415014,4440373,424614,4448373"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Wolford Reservoir - Lake is totally free of ice and the boat ramp is usable. Upper end of the reservoir is very discolored by runoff but lower lake is clear and fishing is excellent. Anglers are catching many splake, rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 18 inches. Shore casters do best with nightcrawlers or Power Bait while boaters are getting the most fish with a variety of copper-colored lures that best resemble crayfish -- Kastmasters, Super Vibrax and Panther Martins.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Extent=370758,4437801,389958,4453801"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Yampa River - Running high and muddy. Fishing for pike and catfish is still good in the sloughs but forget smallmouth bass for now.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=60&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,296040,4488357,-1,-1,Yampa%20River%20Corridor,0&Extent=291240,4484357,300840,4492357"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
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