Fishing Report - Denver Metro (4/30)

2012-13 fishing licenses on sale now!

Regions: Southwest, Southeast, Northwest, Northeast

Aurora Reservoir (City of Aurora)
The City of Aurora tells us that the water temperature is 52 degrees; Trout action from shore has been fair to good using power bait and a slip rig. Best areas have been from the East and west end of the dam. Fly casters have been doing well for trout using olive leech patterns. Walleye action is fair to good using bottom bouncers, jigs, swim baits and drop shots. Most reports are coming in from boaters. A few reports of smallmouth and large bass being caught using jigs and swim baits. Schools of wipers are being seen cruising along the dam. All other species are slow or no report. Restricted to electric motors only. Other special use rules in effect. For more information call 303-690-1286. Park hours for May are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Arvada Reservoir (City of Arvada)
Fishing remains good from the shore and from boats. We have had some nice catches of rainbow, smallmouth and catfish.  The lake was stocked again on April 23 with 5,700 10-12 inch rainbows.  If you don't mind about a mile walk, fishing is very good on the north shore as it is not hit as hard.  Just a reminder, no water craft are permitted in the reservoir that allows any body contact with the water, such as belly boats and open bottomed rafts. Please note that the lake will be closed on June 9 until 1:30 p.m. to allow for our Annual Kids Fishing Contest. Hey kids, have mom or dad stop by the reservoir to pick up your registration form for the annual fishing contest.  We have divisions in different age groups so all have a chance at winning some great prizes. And don't forget the free hotdogs. More in our next report but registration forms are now available at the ranger station at Arvada Reservoir.

Barr Lake State Park (Adams County)
The Second Annual Barr Lake Spring Fishing Clinic is this Saturday (May 5) from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are great prizes from Bass Pro, Dick's Sporting Goods, Eagle Claw, FishExplorer and Colorado Clays plus we've got great presentations to help improve your fishing outings. There are also fishing clinics for the kids at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. but you must register in advance for the clinics by calling 303-659-5489 as space is limited. Lots of nice trout have been taken in recent weeks including a 3 lb 21 inch rainbow last week. The lake was stocked with 5,000 catchable trout recently. Bass have been biting on worms north of the boat ramp. Make sure you have a valid park pass and fishing license and good luck!

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. We did hear that the walleye fishing was good according to the folks on fishexplorer.com. 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 57 degrees. Bass fishing is fair to good using crank baits, soft plastics and swim baits. Trout fishing is fair using spoons, spinners and flies. Should start to really pick up this month for bass. Some reports of small yellow perch being caught on jigs. Restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Other special use rules in effect. For more information call 303-693-5463. Park hours for May are from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Standley Lake (City of Westminster, Jefferson County)
Standley Lake was stocked with catchable trout week before last. The lake opened to boating on May 1. 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.

Anglers wishing to contribute information to the weekly fishing report should submit their fishing tips or conditions reports to fish.reporter@state.co.us. The deadline for the weekly fishing report is Mondays at 5 p.m.

Have a suggestion for the fishing report, email us at fish.reporter@state.co.us.