Fishing Report - Denver Metro (4/23)
Changes to the 2012 Fishing Report
From Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Customers who use the weekly seasonal fishing report might notice a few changes this year. First, we're working to improve the product and target it directly to novice anglers looking for basic information and information about great places to fish. The amount of reliable fishing information available to more experienced anglers has expanded exponentially in recent years and the private sector seems to be doing a great job of sharing angler information.
This new report will still guide anglers to places to explore, but it focuses on getting out and getting started. More experienced anglers that are seeking up to the minute conditions are encouraged to check out some of the statewide fishing forums and websites such as fishexplorer.com, coloradofisherman.com or coloradofishing.net. There are also dozens of websites out there that provide local and regional fishing information from other anglers and professional guides and outfitters.
2012-13 fishing licenses on sale now!
Regions: Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Northwest
Aurora Reservoir (City of Aurora)
The City of Aurora tells us that the water temp is 50 degrees. Trout action from shore has been anywhere from slow to fair to good using power bait. The coves and dam have been most productive areas. Trout from boats has been fair to good trolling with rapalas, crawlers and spoons. Fly casters are reporting excellent results on trout using olive leech patterns. Walleye action is fair to good using jigs, bottom bouncers with crawlers, drop shots and swim baits from boats. Some small mouth bass reports on jigs. Aurora Reservoir is restricted to electric motors only. For more information call 303-690-1286.
Arvada Reservoir (City of Arvada)
Arvada Reservoir has had a great first few weeks of fishing. A lot of fishermen have been getting their limit. Most catches are rainbow trout in the 10" - 12" range. We also recorded a 2 1/2 pound smallmouth bass, a 36" catfish and a 20" walleye taken in the past couple of weeks. The favorite bait seems to be powerbait in varied colors followed by eggs and worms. Also effective was the fly and bubble with a Pistol Pete. Catches have been made from shore as well as from boats. The water level is high and the water temperature is around 50 degrees. Thanks again to all you boaters for your cooperation in following the new Colorado State regulations on boat inspections. Our goal is keep the zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species out of Arvada Reservoir. Remember, clean, drain and dry boats upon entering and leaving the reservoir.
Barr Lake State Park (Adams County)
Lots of nice trout have been taken in recent weeks including a 3 lb 21 inch rainbow on Monday (4/23)! The lake was stocked with 5,000 catchable trout this past week. Bass have been biting on worms north of the boat ramp. Walleye should be done spawning and are probably getting hungry. Make sure you have a valid park pass and fishing license and good luck! Come check out our fishing clinic on Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Chatfield State Park (South of Littleton, Douglas and Jefferson County)
Rainbows are good from all areas of the lake with powerbait. Large sizes are being caught along the dam. Walleye of keepable size are being caught from boats off bottom-bouncers at approximately 15foot depth. Bass are starting to pick up.
Cherry Creek State Park (South of I-225 and east of I-25, Arapahoe County)
The lake is open for boating. Fishing for walleye is good. The folks on the fishexplorer.com discussion boards are chatting it up about recent walleye activity including a thread that talks about using leeches for bait. There's also a good reminder on the forum to keep your receipt with you if you pick up leeches at a local bait shop (fishing regs require that you have the receipt in your possession for any live bait you purchase). There have been many reports of rainbow and crappie being caught at Mountain Loop, Lake Loop and by the tower using salmon eggs and jigs. Please remember to stay 60 feet away from the Tower on Tower Loop. Make sure you have a parks pass for your vehicle and a valid fishing license.
Quincy Reservoir (City of Aurora)
Water temperature at Quincy Reservoir is 56 degrees. Quincy is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Other special use rules are also in effect. Bass fishing has been fair to good using crank baits, jigs and soft plastics. Some smallmouth bass reports from the dam using jigs. Perch action fair on jigs. Most are on the small size. Trout action has been fair using spoons and flies. For more information call 303-693-5463.
Standley Lake (City of Westminster, Jefferson County)
Standley Lake was stocked with catchable trout this past week. The lake is currently closed to boating and camping for the season but will reopen on May 1. Fishing is allowed from shore only at this time. The current lake temperature is approximately 51 degrees. Fishing times are 7 a.m. to sunset and are strictly enforced. Aquatic bait is not allowed at Standley Lake - this includes salamanders, leeches, crayfish, frogs and minnows. Aquatic Nuisance Species regulations are in effect. A $7 entry fee is charged for all drive-in traffic. Drive-in access is available from 7 a.m. to sunset. For more information, contact the Standley Lake Nature Center at 303-425-1097.
