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+--- Thread: Southwest Region fishing reports (/showthread.php?tid=126134)
Southwest Region fishing reports - daymere - 04-20-2004
Animas River - The Animas River is pretty well blown out by runoff, flowing at 1,200 cfs, but some fish can still be caught on big streamers. Changeable conditions will persist into late May or early June. This is one of the newer Gold Medal fisheries in Colorado, recovered from a legacy of mining, with a great population of rainbows and browns.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/animas.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=True,244073,4128289,248804,4141123,Animas%20River,0&Extent=237968,4127648,254909,4141765"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Beaver Creek Reservoir - Ice is off and the lake is close to spilling. Anglers are catching some nice 16-inch trout from shore and boat, mostly with bait.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,352936,4162104,-1,-1,Beaver%20Creek%20Reservoir,0&Extent=348136,4158104,357736,4166104"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Big Meadows Reservoir - Ice is melting but will not be fully off until the end of April. Vehicular access is still difficult due to snow drifts.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,340673,4155917,-1,-1,Big%20Meadows%20Reservoir,0&Extent=335873,4151917,345473,4159917"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Blue Mesa Reservoir - Fishing is improving rapidly day to day. The browns are following spawning crayfish into the shallows and hitting on big Rapalas or Marabou jigs tipped with meal worms. Lake trout fishing is still spotty but anglers who know what they're doing are beginning to catch large macks in 40-55 feet of water. Troll large flatfish or use a tube jig scented with sucker meat. Lake trout fishing will get really hot as the mackinaw move up in the water column following their favorite forage, kokanee salmon, which are already being caught near the surface on trolled Needlefish, Arnies and Kokanee Killers. Surface water temperature remains in the mid to upper 40s. Look for fishing to improve when it reaches 50-55 degrees.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,296341,4258519,-1,-1,Blue%20Mesa%20Reservoir,0&Extent=295189,4257463,304789,4265463"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Conejos County (high country lakes) - High country lakes are still inaccessible and iced over. Ice-off for most of these lakes occurs in May or early June. There is still over three feet of snow at the La Manga Pass and Cumbres Pass markers (each above 10,000 feet elevation).
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Extent=346180,4089514,439823,4167550"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Conejos County (small streams) - Conejos county had good snowpack this year. Access to small creeks is still difficult or impassable. Some of the small creeks have open water but many of the channels are running through deep snow. There is still over three feet of snow at the La Manga Pass and Cumbres Pass markers (each over 10,000 feet elevation).
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Extent=346180,4089514,439823,4167550"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Conejos River - Free of ice and fishing for wild brown trout has been good. Flows are moderate and the water is clear but rising. Spinners seem to be working best; try gold blades and olive or yellow bodies. Spring winds have started so be prepared for windy conditions. Forest Service Road 250 is closed at Rocky Mountain Lodge.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,410396,4103926,-1,-1,Antonito,0%7CFalse,386732,4103532,-1,-1,Aspen%20Glade%20CG,0&Extent=385218,4101428,390376,4105726"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Dolores River (lower) - Flowing at 30 cfs and not worth fishing. The drought has left few fish of any size and they are very spooky. Snowpack was better this year, habitat improvements have been completed below McPhee Reservoir and the 12-mile section from the dam to Bradfield Bridge has been restocked with sub-catchable rainbows and cutthroats. But it will take several years for this fishery to recover.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/dolores.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,190124,4153008,-1,-1,Dolores,0%7CFalse,166789,4204569,-1,-1,Dolores%20River%20Canyon,0&Extent=140914,4138765,224390,4211806"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Dolores River (upper) - The upper river is running high but fishes well after a cold night clears the water. Although drought has reduced the trout population in the river above McPhee Reservoir, it has been restocked with fingerling browns and a few catchable rainbows.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/dolores.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,190124,4153008,-1,-1,Dolores,0%7CFalse,166789,4204569,-1,-1,Dolores%20River%20Canyon,0&Extent=140914,4138765,224390,4211806"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
East River - Flows are 325 cfs after rising to 370 last week. Fishing is excellent around the Roaring Judy Hatchery, some of the only open public water on the East regulated for fly fishing only. All major insect groups are active -- stonefly nymphs, midges, mayflies and caddis -- on any given day. Nymphing or throwing streamers works best but caddis and mayfly hatches are starting to bring fish to the surface. The week ahead still calls for warm days and cold nights, which will keep runoff at bay. Call Almont Anglers (970 641-7404 for updates.
[url "http://www.almontanglers.com/Fishing%20Report.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=True,339329,4280858,323288,4319443,East%20River,0&Extent=316677,4280079,345088,4304939"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Echo Canyon Reservoir - The reservoir has been stocked with trout and fishing is excellent, both for 12-inch catchables and bigger rainbows left over from prior years. The best time to fish Echo Canyon is from now to mid-June; after that, weed growth becomes a problem and fishing is confined to deeper water near the dam.
[url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/swa/"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,322516,4119468,-1,-1,Echo%20Canyon%20Reservoir,0&Extent=317716,4115468,327316,4123468"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) - Flow is 308 cfs and stable; water is off-color, milk green and 41 degrees. Fishing has been good with rainbows on their redds and particularly active. Recommended flies: midges (larvae, pupa and emerger phases, Pheasant tails, Flashback PTs, BWO dries, Adams, Copper Johns, RS2 emergers, Dandelions, scuds, eggs, San Juan Worms and Woolly Buggers. Call the Cimarron Creek fly shop at 970-249-0408 for the latest conditions.
[url "http://www.cimarroncreek.com/FLYFISHING/FF_FlyfishingReport.html"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,271258,4265457,-1,-1,Crystal%20Reservoir,0&Extent=264826,4264561,274426,4272561"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Gunnison River (through the canyon) - Flow through the canyon is about 300 cfs. Fishing in the Upper Gunnison to Smith Fork has been good with many 14 to 24-inch rainbows and browns being caught. Hot flies: orange San Juan Worms, Blue Wing Olives, Golden Stones, WD-40s, RS-2s emergers, Parachute Adams, various egg patterns and Mercer's Epoxyback Golden Stones. The Gunnison River Pleasure Park is offering ferry service across the North Fork to help fishermen access the upper Gunnison.
[url "http://troutfisherman.net/pages/18.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Extent=259616,4267866,268926,4275624"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) - Flows are 470 cfs in Almont and 558 cfs in Gunnison. Hatches include caddis, midges and mayflies while stonefly nymphs remain active. Best techniques have been nymphing stones and attractors or throwing streamers. A dark caddis #12 has started to bring some fish to the surface. Lure casters have been doing well with 3/16-ounce spinners and Marabou jigs. The week ahead calls for warm days and cold nights with high winds in the afternoon. River is floatable and uncrowded. Call Almont Anglers at (970) 641-7404 for updates and float info.
[url "http://www.almontanglers.com/Fishing%20Report.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,296341,4258519,-1,-1,Blue%20Mesa%20Res,0%7CFalse,339428,4280980,-1,-1,Almont,0&Extent=295001,4251188,345613,4293365"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Jackson Gulch Reservoir - Ice is off the lake and the inlet is running at about 27 cfs. Rainbow action has been fair to good despite several small cold fronts. The inlet channel remains the best bet for trout hitting on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, spinners and thin crankbaits. Small perch are beginning to show up along the dam; use small jigs or spinners tipped with a piece of crawler or waxworm. Most of the perch are under 6 inches with an occasional jumbo.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=89&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,210246,4145801,-1,-1,Jackson%20Gulch%20Reservoir,0&Extent=206310,4141193,215910,4149193"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
La Jara Creek - Runoff has made this creek high and murky, and fishing is poor. It should be good for brown trout once runoff ends. Access to the creek on the La Jara State Wildlife Area is by foot and horseback only until it opens April 30.
[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,381174,4122657,-1,-1,La%20Jara%20Reservoir,0&Extent=375551,4118932,384694,4126932"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
La Jara Reservoir - The reservoir is free of ice and accessible but anglers should skip it for now until it is stocked with trout. The water level was lowered by drought last year and most of the fish were lost. Water conditions have improved and will continue to be evaluated throughout the summer. Current plans call for restocking.
[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&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,381174,4122657,-1,-1,La%20Jara%20Reservoir,0&Extent=374934,4121217,384534,4129217"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Lemon Reservoir - Water level is way down and the boat ramp is not usable but the lake is filling. It will take several years to recover from the drought but it has some large, naturally reproducing brown trout and will be stocked with rainbows in May.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/chart.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,264459,4140361,-1,-1,Lemon%20Reservoir,0&Extent=259435,4139177,269035,4147177"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
McPhee Reservoir - This reservoir is chronically under-utilized and a great place to fish if you like uncrowded water. Although the water level is currently 46 feet below capacity, the conservation pool is large and the boat ramp is always usable. McPhee has many smallmouth bass, best fished in June when they spawn. But trout fishing should be good as rainbows were stocked last week.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/chart.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,184563,4164673,-1,-1,McPhee%20Reservoir,0&Extent=179763,4160673,189363,4168673"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Mountain Home Reservoir - Lake is ice-free but level is low. Fishing is fair for 14 to 15-inch rainbow trout along the south shore using salmon eggs and Power Bait.
[url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/swa/view.asp"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url]
Navajo Reservoir - Now open for boating. The reservoir has risen 16 feet in the past month and the boat ramp is usable. Cold weather slowed fishing for pike, bass, crappie and catfish, but it should pick up again as the water warms. This reservoir straddles the Colorado-New Mexico border and normally covers 15,000 surface acres, but is only expected to cover 6,028 surface acres this summer. Rainbow and brown trout and kokanee salmon are found mostly on the New Mexico side. Pike, bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish inhabit the shallower northern part in Colorado.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=90&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,286800,4100014,-1,-1,Navajo%20Reservoir,0&Extent=282228,4096014,291371,4104014"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Piedra River - The Piedra is running high and not really fishable right now. This river blows out with the least bit of runoff or rain, but should start fishing well in mid-June.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/chart.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Extent=288428,4119521,296113,4125925"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Platoro Reservoir - This reservoir is still iced up, the road is closed and access difficult by snowmobile. It will fish well for splake and kokanee after ice-out. It also has brown and rainbow trout. Forest Service Road 250 is closed at Rocky Mountain Lodge. Last year the water level was low and vehicles had to traverse rough and rocky terrain to launch boats; four-wheel drive was recommended.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,363133,4134677,-1,-1,Platoro%20Reservoir,0&Extent=358333,4130677,367933,4138677"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Ridgway Fishing Ponds - The ponds have not been stocked yet and fishing for leftover trout from last year's stocking is slow. Only a few are being caught.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=88&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,258777,4234812,-1,-1,Ridgway%20Reservoir,0&Extent=255865,4230460,265465,4238460"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Ridgway Reservoir - Cold weekend weather slowed fishing for the big German browns caught earlier last week but anglers have been scoring well on last year's stockers, which have reached 12-16 inches. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for park passes, licenses and information.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=88&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,258777,4234812,-1,-1,Ridgway%20Reservoir,0&Extent=255347,4231228,263295,4237852"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Rio Grande High Country Streams - Running hard and discolored by runoff.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=True,348567,4139839,408508,4188908,Rio%20Grande%20County,0&Extent=345570,4135527,411505,4193220"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Rio Grande River - Water is clear, flowing at 576 cfs and with a midday temperature of 47 degrees. Fishing is fair to good from Coller SWA downstream to Del Norte. Woolly Buggers and stonefly nymphs drifted in the riffles or slapped against the bank are productive. The South Fork of the Rio Grande is clear and flowing at 213 cfs.
[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,330559,4190622,-1,-1,Creede,0%7CTrue,355857,4170654,333754,4153709,South%20Fork%20Rio%20Grande,0&Extent=319365,4159307,358180,4193270"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Road Canyon Reservoir - Ice is nearly off and access is good all around the lake. Fishing is good for 13 to 15-inch rainbow trout using lures such as Panther Martins; best mornings and evenings.
[url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/swa/view.asp"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url]
San Juan River - River above Navajo Reservoir is currently blown out by runoff, though conditions change daily depending on the weather. Fishing below the dam, on the San Juan Quality Waters in New Mexico, is usually excellent.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=True,331745,4136884,348417,4141590,East%20Fork%20San%20Juan%20River,0&Extent=330911,4131596,349250,4146878"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Sanchez Reservoir - Sanchez Reservoir is low and free of ice. Fishing for walleyes and northern pike is slow, but should improve as the water warms. Boat ramp is unusable, but small boats can be launched east of the ramp.
[url "http://wildlife.state.co.us/swa/view.asp"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url]
Skaguay Reservoir - Ice is melting fast and there is enough open water on the west side for fishing. Anglers have been catching some nice rainbows of up to 16 inches and the lake will be stocked with 12-inch catchables soon.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,495506,4281985,-1,-1,Skaguay%20Reservoir,0&Extent=490706,4277985,500306,4285985"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Spectacle Lake - Open and accessible but anglers should skip this lake for now. A dam failure lowered water levels and quality last year, killing many fish. There will be no restocking until the dam is repaired and water conditions improve. Repairs are scheduled by the U.S. Forest Service early this summer.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,372250,4114404,-1,-1,Spectacle%20Lake,0&Extent=367450,4110404,377050,4118404"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Taylor Reservoir - No reports.
[url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Extent=357526,4295712,366408,4303113"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Taylor River - River remains gin-clear, flowing at 52 cfs below the dam and 145 in Almont. Dry/dropper rigs have been productive in the riffles and runs. The fish are still a little lethargic and haven't been hitting spinners with any regularity. This a great time to fish the catch-and-release water below Taylor Park Dam without having to fight the crowds of summer, and the river is at its easiest level to wade. Spring Creek has also been fishing well with only 3 miles of road thawed out it is seeing good caddis and ice stone hatches. Call Almont Anglers at (970 641-7404 for updates.
[url "http://www.almontanglers.com/Fishing%20Report.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,339428,4280980,-1,-1,Almont,0&Extent=336900,4279412,346500,4287412"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Trujillo Meadows Reservoir - Only accessible by snowmobile at this time. Expect vehicular access in early June. There is still over three feet of snow at the Cumbres Pass marker. Fishing should be good for brown and rainbow trout after the ice comes off later this month or early May.
[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,371331,4101009,-1,-1,Trujillo%20Meadows%20Reservoir,0&Extent=366531,4097009,376131,4105009"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park - The release rate from Ridgway Reservoir dropped a little to 270 cfs. Fishing has been good with reports of many 16 to 21-inch trout being caught and released. Use egg patterns, Hare's Ears or Prince Nymphs.
[url "http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=88&action=park"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Topic=Fishing&Place=False,260381,4232531,-1,-1,Ridgway%20State%20Park,0&Extent=255581,4228531,265181,4236531"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
Vallecito Reservoir - Pike fishing is very good as these fish feed actively during their spring spawn. An angler caught a 20-pounder measuring 40 inches recently. Pike fishing will decline after rainbow trout are stocked in May, since anglers' lures will have to compete with this tasty natural forage, so catch as many pike as you can while the catching is good. The best trout fishing here is May through July, then kokanee from July to summer's end. But kokanee fishing may not be as good this year because many salmon were killed by oxygen depletion due to low water levels last August.
[url "http://www.creativelinks.com/recreat/chart.htm"][#0000ff]More info[/#0000ff][/url] | [url "http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/maps/default.asp?cmd=INIT&Place=False,272195,4139652,-1,-1,Vallecito%20Reservoir,0&Extent=267875,4138148,277475,4146148"][#0000ff]Interactive Map[/#0000ff][/url]
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