MITM Fishing Report! Rainbow Trout? Catfish?
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From: Colorado
MITM Fishing Report! Rainbow Trout? Catfish?
(from the Summit Daily News, August 1, 2006)
In the dog days of summer, cats are on the prowl in lowland waters across the state.
Channel catfish are found in almost all warm-water reservoirs and ponds in Colorado, and even in the lower reaches of rivers on both sides of the Continental Divide. Some select lakes also have blue catfish.
Though catfish may be taken throughout the day, the best fishing activity usually is during low-light periods. Catfish, more than other fish, rely on scent for feeding and that is reflected in the traditional catfish baits.
Liver baits are a standby, and chicken liver is a particular favorite. Crayfish tails, shrimp, sucker meat and night crawlers are commonly used, as are stink baits, either commercially packaged or homemade.
Catfish fishermen tend to be a gregarious lot. They may arrive at their lake in late afternoon, arrange their equipment for easy access in the dark, set up lanterns and begin fishing around sundown. Many remain well into the night. Some may listen to the radio; others insist on silence. Either way, a good time will be had by all, and the reward may be a platter of catfish fillets, with perhaps some hush puppies on the side.
But while an evening of catfish fishing adds another dimension to the summertime scene, it's hardly the only game in town.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alpine lakes, mountain creeks and beaver ponds are in their prime season. While fishing in larger mountain reservoirs may have slowed, trout still can be taken, especially early and late in the day.
Major rivers generally are low and clear, and in their summer fishing patterns. Though afternoon temperatures are becoming elevated on some, flows still are adequate. Many areas received rainfall early in the week, and though some temporary discoloration may occur, the added water will help to maintain good fishing conditions.
For the complete, statewide fishing report, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/.
Denver Metro
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) - Fishing with Elk-Hair Caddis fly patterns is a fun way to catch these little trout. Try black Elk-Hair Caddis, Adams or BWOs in the early morning or late evening.
Clear Lake - The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road has catchable-sized rainbow trout and also some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. No boats are permitted on the lake. A campground is available one mile to the south.
South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) - The river has been discolored, making fishing difficult. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers are most effective in the unrestricted lower stretch.
Northwest
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) - Flows below Green Mountain Dam have been around 371 cfs in recent days. The river through much of this section courses through private property.
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) - The recent rains have had a great effect on the Blue. A second fill and spill of the reservoir occurred, and this really kicked the bugs into high gear. Last week, green drakes were hatching in Silverthorne. At the moment, fishing through town is very good on caddis dry flies and, of course, nymphing is always an option. The activity below the 6th Street bridge has been very good in the early morning.
Colorado River (below Parshall) - Early in the week, river flows were around 300 cfs below Windy Gap Dam and 957 at Kremmling, and the water generally was clear. Fishing has been fair. With hot daytime temperatures, early mornings have been the best time to fish. Afternoons have been slow; evenings somewhat better. Caddis and yellow Sally stoneflies are the main hatches.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) - The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs is clear and fishing well in the morning and evening hours. Look for good caddis and rusty spinner fishing during those times. At midday, water temperatures have been creeping up to about 75 degrees, making fishing extremely difficult and tough on the fish. Stick to fishing during the cooler periods of the day.
Colorado River (near Granby) - Caddis, mosquito and blue dun dry patterns, and Gregg's Emergers, RS-2s and black-midge wet patterns are still working. Hotter weather has made early morning fishing best. The flow below Windy Gap is running around 187 cfs. The Williams Fork near Parshall is flowing around 38 cfs (below the dam, it is around 261cfs). In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept.
Fryingpan River - The Frying Pan River is fishing extremely well, especially with the increase (to 289 cfs) in water levels the past few days. Green drakes are almost all the way up to the dam and should peak this week. Blanketing hatches of PMDs are also abundant on the entire river during midday. BWOs are still of significant importance in the top few miles below the dam. Mysis shrimp are spilling out in heavy numbers below the dam with the higher water flows, with many large, 5- to 15-pound fish being caught. This is as good as the river gets.
Grand Lake - Conditions remain unchanged. Trolling can be productive. A few kokanee were caught recently. Jigging can be productive. Kastmasters, Rapalas and worm harnesses are popular, as well as Power Bait and eggs. Fly fishing is also productive. The east end is an area that fishes well from the bank.
Green Mountain Reservoir - Trout fishing from the shore is slowing down, but some are still being caught on night crawlers and salmon eggs. Trolling for kokanee salmon using bright-colored lures is still working toward the inlet.
Rifle Gap Reservoir - The lake is 20 feet below full. The water temperature is 73 degrees. For bass, try bottom fishing in the shallow water east of the boat ramp with night crawlers, spinners or tubes. Catfish are being caught near the spillway and on the north shore around dusk and through the night. Try crawdads, chicken livers or any stink bait. Brown trout are hitting near the East Rifle Creek inlet and the points off Cedar Campground. Try fishing with flies, Panther Martins or Rooster Tails in the early morning or around dusk. The 2006 fishing regulations, fishing information and State Parks annual passes are available at the visitor center.
Rio Blanco Lake - Little has changed. Fishermen still are catching some crappie and bass on spinnerbaits but weed growth is becoming a problem. Some northern pike are being taken on chartreuse and yellow buzzbaits in the mornings. Most of the pike are "hammer handles."
Roaring Fork River - The Roaring Fork River still has been fishing superbly and is clear from Aspen all the way down to Glenwood Springs. Green drakes are hatching along the upper river during evenings and sporadically during midday. Good hatches of PMDs, caddis and Yellow Sallies are taking place in the afternoons. Evenings offer phenomenal dry fly fishing using caddis, rusty spinners, and green drakes. Nymph fishing has been excellent in the mornings, with dry/dropper setups best in the afternoons. The early morning dry fly fishing has simply been "off the charts," using caddis and small attractor dry fly patterns. Current flows are about 42 cfs in Aspen, 640 cfs in Basalt, and 978 cfs in Glenwood Springs.
White River - The river has been low and clear, though recent rains might temporarily have discolored the water. Fishing has been very good. Grasshoppers are abundant along much of the river. Hopper patterns and hopper-dropper rigs have been producing well for fly fishermen. Red Copper Johns and similar nymphs have worked well as the dropper fly behind a Dave's Hopper or Joe's Hopper pattern. Rainbows and cuttbows also have been taking black gnats, ants and beetles. Some caddis activity has been occurring in the afternoons. Conditions should be prime and fishing should remain good through the summer.
Williams Fork Reservoir - With lake trout in deep water and trout action having slowed, heavyweight northern pike are the main event this time of year. Look for pike in relatively shallow water near weed beds or other cover. Large streamer flies including Bunny, Clouser Minnow, Lefty's Deceiver and Woolly Bugger patterns usually do well. Shallow-running Rapalas and similar crankbaits are good choices for spin-fishermen, along with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Midmorning through midafternoon tends to be the most productive time.
Williams Fork River - Flows below Williams Fork Dam have come up, and early in the week were around 261 cfs. At Parshall, however, the flow was only 38 cfs. Anglers have reported fair to good activity for mostly small- to medium-sized brown trout and an occasional larger rainbow. With midges, Baetis mayflies, caddis and yellow Sallies the dominant hatches, most of the action has been on small flies. Effective patterns have included Flashback Pheasant Tails, Mercury Baetis, Buckskins, RS-2s and Parachute Adams in sizes 18-22. San Juan worms may be effective in faster water. Days with subdued sunlight generally are best.
Southeast
Arkansas River No.3 (Through Pueblo) - The flow continues to fluctuate below the dam and the water is very muddy, with no visibility. Midges have been in evidence and the fish were rising sporadically. Midge patterns in sizes 18 to 24 were productive. Habitat improvements have created deeper pools and structure for the fish to thrive in even when releases from Pueblo Dam are minimal. Standard fishing regulations and limits are in effect on this section of the river.
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) - Flows in Browns Canyon are right at 700 cfs and the fishing there has been very consistent. Pale morning dun mayflies and evening caddis have been the primary hatches, but fish also are actively taking hoppers, attractor dries and nymphs, and streamers throughout the canyon and the Big Bend area.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) - Flows last weekend were 145 cfs at Hayden Meadows and 540 at Granite. This reach was spared the runoff received by the lower river last week and clarity has been excellent. With cooler temperatures and good oxygen levels, this section of river has fished really well through the recent hot weather. Pale morning duns, evening caddis, and some gray drake mayflies have been the primary hatches above Buena Vista.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) - Flows at Wellsville were 710 cfs last weekend, with 765 at Parkdale. This section of the Arkansas has suffered from recent rains and a significant load of sediment still is clearing itself out of the channel. Fish have been challenged by the conditions, and with continued clearing, should resume an aggressive feeding pattern to make up for lost calories. Pale morning dun mayflies, caddis, and some early red quill mayflies are the key hatches now.
South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) - Flows from Spinney Mountain Dam have been increased and are averaging 170 cfs. The river has been fishing well, with many anglers having success landing trout of 12 inches and up. The river is open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial flies and lures. Micro caddis, regular caddis and Tricos have been the prevalent hatches. Effective flies have included No. 18-20 scuds, No. 20-22 Miracle Nymphs, No. 20-22 RS-2s, No. 20-22 Midge Pupae (Black, gray and red), No. 18-22 Copper Johns, No. 20-22 Parachute Adams, No. 20-24 Mercury Midges, Callibaetis, and Woolly Buggers.
Southwest
Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) - The flow is stable at 1,170 cfs. Fishing has been good. On top, try caddis, Stimulators and hoppers. If nymphing, Halfbacks, Befus Wired Stones, Scuds, Caddis Pupa, Caddis Larva and Elk-hair Caddis, PMDs, RS-2s, Flashback Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails, Flashback Pheasant Tails and an assortment of different-colored midges have been the go-to patterns.
Gunnison River (through the canyon) - The flow leveled off at 1,170 cfs last week and the water is nearly clear. Fishing has been very good the past few days. Anglers have been using red and green Copper Johns and RS-2s. Caddis have been hot; also Flash-Back Hare's Ears, size 18. Streamers and hopper droppers have still been working well. No motorized craft are allowed above the North Fork tributary. Other restrictions include: Gold Medal Water, catch-and-release, flies-and-lures only. No rainbow trout may be kept.
In the dog days of summer, cats are on the prowl in lowland waters across the state.
Channel catfish are found in almost all warm-water reservoirs and ponds in Colorado, and even in the lower reaches of rivers on both sides of the Continental Divide. Some select lakes also have blue catfish.
Though catfish may be taken throughout the day, the best fishing activity usually is during low-light periods. Catfish, more than other fish, rely on scent for feeding and that is reflected in the traditional catfish baits.
Liver baits are a standby, and chicken liver is a particular favorite. Crayfish tails, shrimp, sucker meat and night crawlers are commonly used, as are stink baits, either commercially packaged or homemade.
Catfish fishermen tend to be a gregarious lot. They may arrive at their lake in late afternoon, arrange their equipment for easy access in the dark, set up lanterns and begin fishing around sundown. Many remain well into the night. Some may listen to the radio; others insist on silence. Either way, a good time will be had by all, and the reward may be a platter of catfish fillets, with perhaps some hush puppies on the side.
But while an evening of catfish fishing adds another dimension to the summertime scene, it's hardly the only game in town.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alpine lakes, mountain creeks and beaver ponds are in their prime season. While fishing in larger mountain reservoirs may have slowed, trout still can be taken, especially early and late in the day.
Major rivers generally are low and clear, and in their summer fishing patterns. Though afternoon temperatures are becoming elevated on some, flows still are adequate. Many areas received rainfall early in the week, and though some temporary discoloration may occur, the added water will help to maintain good fishing conditions.
For the complete, statewide fishing report, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/.
Denver Metro
Clear Creek (above Hwy. 119) - Fishing with Elk-Hair Caddis fly patterns is a fun way to catch these little trout. Try black Elk-Hair Caddis, Adams or BWOs in the early morning or late evening.
Clear Lake - The lake south of Georgetown off the Guanella Pass road has catchable-sized rainbow trout and also some brook trout and a few browns. Fishing can be fairly good on a variety of baits and lures, but success largely depends on periodic stocking. No boats are permitted on the lake. A campground is available one mile to the south.
South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) - The river has been discolored, making fishing difficult. The section from Strontia Springs Dam downstream to 300 yards above the Marston diversion structure is restricted to artificial flies and lures and offers the best fishing. The most effective lures for spin-fishermen are small Panther Martins, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners. Night crawlers are most effective in the unrestricted lower stretch.
Northwest
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) - Flows below Green Mountain Dam have been around 371 cfs in recent days. The river through much of this section courses through private property.
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) - The recent rains have had a great effect on the Blue. A second fill and spill of the reservoir occurred, and this really kicked the bugs into high gear. Last week, green drakes were hatching in Silverthorne. At the moment, fishing through town is very good on caddis dry flies and, of course, nymphing is always an option. The activity below the 6th Street bridge has been very good in the early morning.
Colorado River (below Parshall) - Early in the week, river flows were around 300 cfs below Windy Gap Dam and 957 at Kremmling, and the water generally was clear. Fishing has been fair. With hot daytime temperatures, early mornings have been the best time to fish. Afternoons have been slow; evenings somewhat better. Caddis and yellow Sally stoneflies are the main hatches.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) - The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs is clear and fishing well in the morning and evening hours. Look for good caddis and rusty spinner fishing during those times. At midday, water temperatures have been creeping up to about 75 degrees, making fishing extremely difficult and tough on the fish. Stick to fishing during the cooler periods of the day.
Colorado River (near Granby) - Caddis, mosquito and blue dun dry patterns, and Gregg's Emergers, RS-2s and black-midge wet patterns are still working. Hotter weather has made early morning fishing best. The flow below Windy Gap is running around 187 cfs. The Williams Fork near Parshall is flowing around 38 cfs (below the dam, it is around 261cfs). In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept.
Fryingpan River - The Frying Pan River is fishing extremely well, especially with the increase (to 289 cfs) in water levels the past few days. Green drakes are almost all the way up to the dam and should peak this week. Blanketing hatches of PMDs are also abundant on the entire river during midday. BWOs are still of significant importance in the top few miles below the dam. Mysis shrimp are spilling out in heavy numbers below the dam with the higher water flows, with many large, 5- to 15-pound fish being caught. This is as good as the river gets.
Grand Lake - Conditions remain unchanged. Trolling can be productive. A few kokanee were caught recently. Jigging can be productive. Kastmasters, Rapalas and worm harnesses are popular, as well as Power Bait and eggs. Fly fishing is also productive. The east end is an area that fishes well from the bank.
Green Mountain Reservoir - Trout fishing from the shore is slowing down, but some are still being caught on night crawlers and salmon eggs. Trolling for kokanee salmon using bright-colored lures is still working toward the inlet.
Rifle Gap Reservoir - The lake is 20 feet below full. The water temperature is 73 degrees. For bass, try bottom fishing in the shallow water east of the boat ramp with night crawlers, spinners or tubes. Catfish are being caught near the spillway and on the north shore around dusk and through the night. Try crawdads, chicken livers or any stink bait. Brown trout are hitting near the East Rifle Creek inlet and the points off Cedar Campground. Try fishing with flies, Panther Martins or Rooster Tails in the early morning or around dusk. The 2006 fishing regulations, fishing information and State Parks annual passes are available at the visitor center.
Rio Blanco Lake - Little has changed. Fishermen still are catching some crappie and bass on spinnerbaits but weed growth is becoming a problem. Some northern pike are being taken on chartreuse and yellow buzzbaits in the mornings. Most of the pike are "hammer handles."
Roaring Fork River - The Roaring Fork River still has been fishing superbly and is clear from Aspen all the way down to Glenwood Springs. Green drakes are hatching along the upper river during evenings and sporadically during midday. Good hatches of PMDs, caddis and Yellow Sallies are taking place in the afternoons. Evenings offer phenomenal dry fly fishing using caddis, rusty spinners, and green drakes. Nymph fishing has been excellent in the mornings, with dry/dropper setups best in the afternoons. The early morning dry fly fishing has simply been "off the charts," using caddis and small attractor dry fly patterns. Current flows are about 42 cfs in Aspen, 640 cfs in Basalt, and 978 cfs in Glenwood Springs.
White River - The river has been low and clear, though recent rains might temporarily have discolored the water. Fishing has been very good. Grasshoppers are abundant along much of the river. Hopper patterns and hopper-dropper rigs have been producing well for fly fishermen. Red Copper Johns and similar nymphs have worked well as the dropper fly behind a Dave's Hopper or Joe's Hopper pattern. Rainbows and cuttbows also have been taking black gnats, ants and beetles. Some caddis activity has been occurring in the afternoons. Conditions should be prime and fishing should remain good through the summer.
Williams Fork Reservoir - With lake trout in deep water and trout action having slowed, heavyweight northern pike are the main event this time of year. Look for pike in relatively shallow water near weed beds or other cover. Large streamer flies including Bunny, Clouser Minnow, Lefty's Deceiver and Woolly Bugger patterns usually do well. Shallow-running Rapalas and similar crankbaits are good choices for spin-fishermen, along with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Midmorning through midafternoon tends to be the most productive time.
Williams Fork River - Flows below Williams Fork Dam have come up, and early in the week were around 261 cfs. At Parshall, however, the flow was only 38 cfs. Anglers have reported fair to good activity for mostly small- to medium-sized brown trout and an occasional larger rainbow. With midges, Baetis mayflies, caddis and yellow Sallies the dominant hatches, most of the action has been on small flies. Effective patterns have included Flashback Pheasant Tails, Mercury Baetis, Buckskins, RS-2s and Parachute Adams in sizes 18-22. San Juan worms may be effective in faster water. Days with subdued sunlight generally are best.
Southeast
Arkansas River No.3 (Through Pueblo) - The flow continues to fluctuate below the dam and the water is very muddy, with no visibility. Midges have been in evidence and the fish were rising sporadically. Midge patterns in sizes 18 to 24 were productive. Habitat improvements have created deeper pools and structure for the fish to thrive in even when releases from Pueblo Dam are minimal. Standard fishing regulations and limits are in effect on this section of the river.
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) - Flows in Browns Canyon are right at 700 cfs and the fishing there has been very consistent. Pale morning dun mayflies and evening caddis have been the primary hatches, but fish also are actively taking hoppers, attractor dries and nymphs, and streamers throughout the canyon and the Big Bend area.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) - Flows last weekend were 145 cfs at Hayden Meadows and 540 at Granite. This reach was spared the runoff received by the lower river last week and clarity has been excellent. With cooler temperatures and good oxygen levels, this section of river has fished really well through the recent hot weather. Pale morning duns, evening caddis, and some gray drake mayflies have been the primary hatches above Buena Vista.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) - Flows at Wellsville were 710 cfs last weekend, with 765 at Parkdale. This section of the Arkansas has suffered from recent rains and a significant load of sediment still is clearing itself out of the channel. Fish have been challenged by the conditions, and with continued clearing, should resume an aggressive feeding pattern to make up for lost calories. Pale morning dun mayflies, caddis, and some early red quill mayflies are the key hatches now.
South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Elevenmile) - Flows from Spinney Mountain Dam have been increased and are averaging 170 cfs. The river has been fishing well, with many anglers having success landing trout of 12 inches and up. The river is open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial flies and lures. Micro caddis, regular caddis and Tricos have been the prevalent hatches. Effective flies have included No. 18-20 scuds, No. 20-22 Miracle Nymphs, No. 20-22 RS-2s, No. 20-22 Midge Pupae (Black, gray and red), No. 18-22 Copper Johns, No. 20-22 Parachute Adams, No. 20-24 Mercury Midges, Callibaetis, and Woolly Buggers.
Southwest
Gunnison River (below Crystal Dam) - The flow is stable at 1,170 cfs. Fishing has been good. On top, try caddis, Stimulators and hoppers. If nymphing, Halfbacks, Befus Wired Stones, Scuds, Caddis Pupa, Caddis Larva and Elk-hair Caddis, PMDs, RS-2s, Flashback Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails, Flashback Pheasant Tails and an assortment of different-colored midges have been the go-to patterns.
Gunnison River (through the canyon) - The flow leveled off at 1,170 cfs last week and the water is nearly clear. Fishing has been very good the past few days. Anglers have been using red and green Copper Johns and RS-2s. Caddis have been hot; also Flash-Back Hare's Ears, size 18. Streamers and hopper droppers have still been working well. No motorized craft are allowed above the North Fork tributary. Other restrictions include: Gold Medal Water, catch-and-release, flies-and-lures only. No rainbow trout may be kept.
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