Fishing Report - Northeast (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, Northwest, Denver Metro
Antero Reservoir (Park County)
Still no report from Antero. If you're up that way and want to share some information with fellow anglers, drop us an email at: fish.reporter@state.co.us.
Big Thompson River (Larimer County)
Fish reporter Jim says the Big Thompson is fishing pretty well. He was having success with brown trout on a size 20 poison tung pattern (small midge). He says "it wasn't easy fishing, but it was consistent."
Boyd Lake State Park (North of Loveland, Larimer County)
Largemouth bass fishing is really picking up. Anglers are doing well with plastics in the brush and weeds where bass are seeking cover. Trout fishing is very good right now on multiple baits and lures. Smallmouth bass and white bass are both fair. No reports from the bluegill, catfish or carp crowd at this time but the crappie fishermen are doing well on minnows near the docks. Trollers are reporting a good catch on walleye in deeper waters. Yellow perch fishing is fair. The current water temperature is estimated to be hovering around the mid 50's, with a depth of 52.1”. PLEASE NOTE: Any Live fish collected for use as bait may only be used in the same body of water from which they were collected. All live baitfish from a commercial source and transported by anglers must at all times be accompanied by a receipt for the source. See the 2011-2012 Colorado Fishing brochure for further clarification and information.
Carter Lake (Larimer County)
Will at Larimer County says no changes yet. The walleye fishing has been slow but could turn up at any time with water temps starting to rise. Current temp is about 50 degrees. Trout have been very active from the shore. This is a great time of year to fish from a boat at Carter. Launching hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Minimum size for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches. Walleye bag limit is three up to 21"… anything else goes back in the water.
Eleven Mile State Park (Park County)
The lake opened to boating on April 3. TROUT: GOOD - The bite is short in duration but intense when it is on. Mid-morning is the best. The Lur Jensen Needlefish has been outstanding once the correct color of the day is determined. Use a red head lure regardless. The west end is holding the most fish with the Stoll, Lazy Boy, Cross Creek triangle being very productive. Lead Core line rigs are working very well. Try a 20 ft - 4# to 6# mono filament leader with lure tied directly to that and work it down 2 to 4 colors. Shore anglers are also doing well - mostly west. Typical baits (nightcrawlers, eggs, spawn sacs) with chartreuse or white Power Bait leading the pack for now. SALMON: No report yet. NORTHERN PIKE: GOOD - The pike continue their late ice season aggressiveness. Action is strong mid-morning and continuing into early afternoon. Work the west end from the wash out to the North side. The big ones are hugging the bottom in 23 to 25 feet of water. The down rigger and a large Rapala will put you where you need to be. All trailered vessels are required to go through a MANDATORY Inspection prior to launching a boat on the reservoir or removing it from the reservoir.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park Ponds (Jefferson County)
Ponds were last stocked with Trout on Oct. 5. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers five fishing ponds open year round to all park visitors. The ponds are Kriley, Slough, Ranch Ponds East and West, and Dudes Fishing Hole. Each angler is allowed four fish per day with eight being the maximum number in possession. Anglers have the best success in the early morning and the hour before dark. No live baits are allowed with the exception of worms. Please call the Visitor Center for directions at 303-582-3707.
Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park (Larimer County)
The six northern most coves of Horsetooth Reservoir are accessible from Lory State Park for fishing. Anglers can target walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, and trout.
Jackson Lake State Park (Morgan County)
The reservoir is full. Water temperature is 60 degrees. Fishing at the inlet has been good for wiper, walleye, and trout using nightcrawlers and in the shallows using rapalas. Fishing from the dam and west shore has been good for trout and wiper using nightcrawlers, power bait, and mussels.
Jumbo Reservoir (Logan and Sedgwick Counties)
The lake is almost full. Water temp is reported at 52 degrees. Trout are being caught on worms and power bait.
North Sterling State Park (Logan County)
The reservoir is completely full, with the inlet and outlet both shut off. Few fishermen have been out so far this year but park staff has seen some trout and some excellent catfish that have been caught.
Prewitt Reservoir (Washington County)
Heard from one angler who landed a 19" wiper while drift fishing Prewitt about a week and a half ago. Nice work. Also reports of carp hitting on shad-type lures. Water temp at Prewitt is 55 degrees. Outside of the band of winter weather that swept through conditions have been nice enough to keep anglers on the water for full days.
Spinney Mountain State Park (Park County)
Spinney Mountain State Park opened on April 2. Both ramps are available for use. A wide variety of fishing tube jigs, flies and lures are all working great so get set for some of the best fishing of the year. Shore fishing is excellent. The quantity of fish caught on opening day was good with a pretty fair percentage of them being browns. Pike have already become active and aggressive. Belly boaters and shore fishermen are all doing well. South Platte River ("Dreamstream") below Spinney: Flow at 104 cfs on 4/13. Flows remain very consistent. Fishing is fair to good from Eleven Mile to the weir. Better numbers above, but they might not be as large in size. Fish being caught are bigger in size just below Spinney dam. Try a dry fly, nymph or small midge. South Platte above Spinney: 49 cfs on 4/13. No report, but the action should be good with a calmer flow than below the reservoir.
St. Vrain State Park ponds (Weld County)
Sandpiper, Mallard and Coot ponds were stocked with trout several times this spring and will be stocked frequently through May. Fishing for trout is good at this time. Folks up at St. Vrain tell us that Coot Pond is a hot spot if you're using powerbait and worms on the bottom or bubble flies in the evening around dusk. Fishing for warm water species has been slow, but it is getting better as the water temperature warms. Please note that Bald Eagle Pond is restricted to fly and lure only and all bass must be returned to the water immediately.
