Fishing Report - Denver Metro (9/24)
Regions: Denver Metro, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest
Aurora Reservoir (City of Aurora)
Water temp is 66 degrees. Trout fishing from shore is slow to fair. Best success has been from the East and West end of the Dam using PowerBait and crawlers from a slip rig. Boaters are reporting fair success on trout trolling with crawlers. Try anchoring in 25-35 feet of water and dropping down crawlers and power bait. Walleye action is fair to good using jigs, spoons and bottom bouncers. Most are not of legal size to possess. Perch action is good using jigs and worms. Most are on the small size. We should start to see most species pick up as the water starts to cool off in the next couple of weeks. Boats are restricted to electric motors only. The park hours for September hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information please call (303) 690-1286.
Arvada Reservoir (City of Arvada)
Holding steady… slow fishing and no new stocking activity. The water level has dropped considerably but it has not hampered boat launching. The good news about the lower water level is that shore fishermen can walk out further and cast further into the deeper water. Our new hours for September and October are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Barr Lake State Park (Adams County)
The reservoir will not be drained! Water clarity is good; temperature is 74 degrees. The public fish salvage is still in effect. Best times are early morning and late in the evening. Anglers are catching trout on both sides close to the dam; they are also hooking perch, smallmouth bass and carp from shore. Worms are still your best bet for bait. Corn for carp and chicken livers for catfish also doing well. The water is 6 1/2 feet deep at the yellow corrals, go 20 feet west and the lake is 10 feet deep. Also try all around the west outlet. A state parks pass is required ($7 Daily Pass or $70 Annual Pass).
Chatfield State Park (South of Littleton, Douglas and Jefferson County)
The walleye fishing has picked up the past few days. Bluegill and perch are good from shore. Bass fishing has been slowing down. Rainbows are slow but cooler weather in the next few days is likely to recharge the trout for the weekend. Try targeting trout on cloudy days when feeding activity can spike early and late. Large catfish are being caught from Gravel Ponds and King Fisher off egg sacks, as well as worms.
Cherry Creek State Park (South of I-225 and east of I-25, Arapahoe County)
The water temperature is currently at 64 degrees. There is construction at Mountain Loop and Lake Loop. Be aware of periodic closures due to that construction. Walleye have been caught at Tower Loop, the Point at the Marina and on the east shore. The East Shades has produced bass and Lake Loop trout. All of this has been accomplished using lures. Boaters, please remember to stay at least 60 feet away from in front of the tower structure. The east and west boat ramps are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Starting Oct. 1, the inspection hours will change from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. No launching is permitted outside those hours without previous inspection.
Quincy Reservoir (City of Aurora)
The water level is low and shoreline conditions are muddy. Trout fishing is slow at this time. Some reports using flies. Bass fishing is slow to fair using plastics, jigs, crank baits and top water lures. The park hours for September hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Restricted to artificial flies and lures. Hand launched and electric motor propelled boats only. For more information please call (303) 693-5463.
Standley Lake (City of Westminster, Jefferson County)
No fishing report this week from the City of Westminster. Standley Lake is open to boating and camping for the season. You must obtain a Sail/Fish boating permit ($200) to have access to the lake or purchase a single-day use fishing permit ($15). These are available for boats with 20 horsepower or under engines only and must meet current quarantine times to access to the lake. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) regulations are in effect. Fishing times are 7 a.m. to sunset and will be strictly enforced. Aquatic bait is not allowed at Standley Lake; this includes salamanders, leeches, crayfish, frogs and minnows. Call for more details. A $7 fee is charged for all drive-in traffic. Drive-in access is available from 70 a.m. to sunset. For more information, contact the Standley Lake Nature Center at (303) 425-1097.
