Fishing Report - Northeast (6/4)

Fishing conditions change on a constant basis, so you may need to check multiple sources for the most up-to-date information. State wildlife officials encourage anglers to explore the numerous private websites that offer fishing condition reports, such as www.fishexplorer.com, www.coloradofisherman.com, www.fishhound.com and www.sportfishcolorado.com. Many fly shops and marinas offer fishing condition reports.  

See the state's Stocking Report, which shows were catchable trout were recently stocked.

See seasonal fishing information and learn how to get a fishing license.

Regions: Denver Metro, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest

Antero Reservoir (Park County)  
Colorado Fly Fishing Guides reports that Antero  is currently fishing very well, at least on the fly.  Fish between 15" - 18" ( and an occsional "rod breaker") are being taken with regularity on damsel and midge patterns.  Rainbows and cutbows seem to be the majority of the take, but occasional browns and cutthroats are present as well.

Boyd Lake State Park (North of Loveland, Larimer County)  
Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing is fair on spinners in the reedy areas along the north end. White bass are hitting jigs on the south and west ends. Carp, catfish and bluegill fishing is poor with no reports from anglers. Crappie catch has been fair with minnows on the south end. Trout anglers are doing well with bait in the inlet. Walleye are sitting in about 12' of water and Bottom Bouncers are doing the trick. The current water temperature is estimated to be hovering around 70 degrees with a depth of 49.16 feet. 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 Colorado Fishing Regulation for further clarification and information.

Carter Lake (Larimer County)  
The Larimer County rangers tell us that recent plantings of trout into Carter Lake have improved shore fishing. Trout are mostly catchable size that are being caught. PowerBait and worms continue to be the choice of most fishermen. Walleye fishing has improved with a report of a 20" walleye being caught from a boat. As weather and water temperatures improve we expect the fishing to do the same. Make sure to read special fishing regulations associated with Carter Lake walleye, all walleye over 21" in length must be returned to the water immediately.

Eldorado Canyon State Park, South Boulder Creek (Boulder County)  
Anglers say fishing has been good with the warm weather and rapidly rising creek. South Boulder Creek holds some nice fish, mostly browns in the 8 to 12 inch range, and an occasional 12 plus inch fish. We have also seen more and more rainbows that make it down from Gross Reservoir. The water is clear and cold with flows around 200 cfs. Fish are hitting on a variety of nymphs:  #16 RS-2s, and pheasant tails, #18 midges and purple psycho princes. For the younger kids and non fly fishers we have also seen some success with live worms and salmon eggs.  Come early (at sunrise) and avoid the picnic crowds and please be careful on the slick rocks.

Eleven Mile State Park (Park County)  
Trout (Good to Very Good) Midge hatch is still on but the fish are biting. The best reports are coming during the early morning hours and in the evening. Shore fishermen are reporting mostly 13 – 16” trout being caught mainly near Howbert Point, Cross Creek and on the west end of the North Shore Campground. The fish seem to be biting on a combination of marshmallows with Nightcrawlers and Powerbait in pink and orange. Boaters having most luck in the 15’ to 25’ range with Tazmanian Devils and Kastmasters in pinks. Pike (Fair to Good) Decent pike are being caught by fishermen that are sticking to the shallows on the west end of the reservoir. Try Pike Bunnies and larger size tube jigs. Salmon (Fair) A few reports are coming in. Try Pop Gear, Flashers and Dick Nites on a downrigger in the 25’-35’ range east of Deer Island.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park Ponds (Jefferson County)
Slough Ponds was stocked with catchable trout last week. The remaining ponds have also been stocked and are fishing well. 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 but they started releasing water on June 3. Water temperature is approximately 75 degrees. Shorefishing has been good from the dam, north shore, boat ramp and west shore for wiper and walleye using mussels, nightcrawlers, rapalas, jigs, and minnows. Boat fishing has been good for wiper and walleye using lindy rigs, bottom bouncers, and trolling crankbaits.

Jumbo Reservoir (Logan and Sedgwick Counties)
Water levels are beginning to drop and the temperature is in the mid 60’s.  Small mouth bass, walleye and trout fishing is pretty good.  A few crappie are being caught as well.  An annual fishing license OR a state wildlife area permit is required for ages 19-64 to enter Jumbo.  All boats must be inspected.

North Sterling State Park (Logan County)
Wiper fishing has been good along south end of dam, Balanced Rock, south boat ramp, and Darby point areas using green mussel or trolling shad imitation lures.  Lots of wiper in the 6-8 pound range coming out. Crappie are hitting on the south end of the dam along weed beds and around the marina bay on minnows or curl tail jigs. Still seeing trout in the 18-24 inch range along the dam on worms, power bait, or small lures.

Prewitt Reservoir (Washington County)
Fishing is pretty good—walleye and saugeye is good off the dam.  Water temperatures is in the mid 60’s.  The boat dock is in and all boats must be inspected.  An annual fishing license OR a state wildlife area permit is required for ages 19-64 to enter Prewitt.

Spinney Mountain State Park (Park County)
Both ramps are available for use. Spinney – Trout (Good) The hatch is still on. The fish are sticking mainly to the deeper waters. Reports of successful catches are coming from the northwest end of the reservoir with an assortment of Rapalas and Kastmasters. Pike (Fair) Shore fishermen are doing best near the shallows on the south side of the reservoir. South Platte above Spinney – 97.7 cfs on 6/2/12 at 15:45. Dream Stream –Between Spinney & "bridge", small nymphs and emergers are working well. Between "bridge" & 11Mile, medium size black beauty, san juan worms, and caddis larvae and pupae are working well. Stream flow: 102 cfs on 6/2/12 at 15:30, gage height 1.1 ft.

St. Vrain State Park ponds (Weld County)
Sandpiper, Mallard and Coot ponds were stocked with trout several times throughout the spring. Fishing for trout is good at this time. Please be aware that the bag limit for rainbow trout is four per person per day and is strictly enforced. Please note that Bald Eagle Pond has the following Restrictions: 1. Fish with flies and lures only. 2. All bass must be returned to the water immediately. PLEASE REMEMBER TO CARRY YOUR FISHING LICENSE WITH YOU WHILE FISHING.