Spinney Reservoir and South Platte River Emerge as Local Angler Hot Spots
Trevor Phipps
Anglers across the state have been a little discouraged this summer as water levels are reaching extremely high levels in lakes and rivers. This equates to tough conditions for catching fish.
In fact, in the past few weeks, the South Platte running through Deckers (about 20 miles north of Woodland Park) has looked rather devoid of vehicles. This is a much different scene from the last few years, with every parking area packed with fishing buffs, in search of that elusive catch.
But with summer swinging into full stride, temps are warming up and water levels are becoming a bit more manageable. This has resulted in drastically improved conditions, with anglers reportingly landing “monsters” at local fishing spots.
Most of the experts agree that fishing has improved, but water levels are still high, making angling a little more technical. Most of the online fishing reports have a stern cautionary message. They warn those out in the rivers and lakes to be aware, while wading, and that water flows are still very fast and dangerous.
According to the Orvis Fly Fishing Reports at https://fishingreports.orvis.
River Fishing
According to the Orvis report, the South Platte has been flowing through Deckers at 770 cfs, (cubic feet per second). This is lower than the 800-900 cfs that was flowing through there a few weeks ago. Flow levels above Cheesman Reservoir have slowed even more to around 500 cfs.
However, according to Angler’s Covey, the water is still spilling over the dam at Cheesman Reservoir. When the water get to this level, it is best to stay close to the banks and in calmer water. “The increased flows have brought some larger bugs into play,” the Angler’s Covey website reports. “Cranefly larva, stoneflies, worms, and especially scuds should all be on your radar.”
Most fishing reports agree that angling along all sections of the South Platte has greatly improved over the last week or so. But water levels and flows across the entire South Platte River System have still been higher and faster than they normally are during this time of year.
Fishing on the Arkansas River has also improved, but it is still not rated as high as the South Platte. Flows have decreased across the Arkansas, but it too is still running faster and fuller than usual.
Fishing has been getting better in all sections of the river, but according to Ark Anglers, the best section is above Buena Vista. “The river above Buena Vista is now PRIME for summertime fishing, offering the most ‘wadability’ on the entire river especially north of the Lake Creek confluence,” the Ark Anglers website states. “We are seeing good hatches of caddis, green drakes, and various stoneflies up in Hayden Meadows and predominantly stonefly activity further down towards Buena Vista. The dry fly fishing opportunities are abundant up here.”
Lake Fishing
Orvis ranks fishing high at Spinney, but Angler’s Covey said that it has been “OK,” but not as good as it usually is. Shore fishing is possible, but anglers will have better luck getting out into the water with a boat or float tube.
“The majority of fish have spread out into the lake a little more and float tubes, kayaks, or boats are the way to go right now,” reports Angler’s Covey. “Try static indicator nymphing at various depths, or even midge stripping the above hatches.”
At Eleven Mile Reservoir downstream from Spinney, fishing has been reportedly quite good since the ice melted. “In fact, it has been sneaky good,” the Angler’s Covey report states.
But as with Spinney, fishing seems to be better in a boat than right off the shore. Another tip offered by the experts is that pike fishing has recently been outstanding. Moreover, now is good time of year to target pikes.
Further west at Antero Reservoir, the fishing has been decent all year/ In fact, many say that Antero has been the most consistent lake as far as fishing goes for the entire South Park region.
Tarryall Reservoir north of Lake George has also pleased fishing buffs, especially since the snow melted. Again, the fishing is better in a boat, but the fish are very active now with new food available. Angler’s Covey said that most fisherman have had luck at depths of only about two or three feet.
According to other verbal reports, the word is out that local anglers have found decent catches in lakes closer to home. Many enjoy fishing spots, such as like Rampart Reservoir east of Woodland Park, the Upper and Lower Catamount Reservoirs near Cascade at the foot of Pikes Peak, Skaguay Reservoir near Victor and Cheesman Reservoir, close to Deckers. Some nice fish have been reported in these water bodies. And it’s hard to argue with the convenience of these local angler havens.
