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The National Park Service (NPS) launched a website today that features an "on-line" exhibit. Titled 9/11/01 The Meaning Of National Parks in Times of Crises, the site provides access to personal accounts of park visitors and employees both on and following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The site--whose address is www.nps.gov/remembrance--also invites its virtual visitors to comment on their current reflections about the value of National Parks in their lives today.

The site features some 20 interviews from an NPS oral history project that recorded the experiences and perspectives of employees who responded to the attacks and their aftermath at 12 sites in New York, Washington and around the country. In announcing the new website, NPS director Fran Mainella stated, "The National Park Service and our partners, the National Park Foundation and Eastern National want everyone to explore the memories of our workers and visitors -- and add personal comments and reactions."

"These parks and their people, the rangers, gardeners, police, secretaries, and more, will always carry the memory of September 11. Our visitors, at parks both near and far have shared their ideas of why and how they value the parks and the people who serve them. The message of September 11 is not only of loss. September 11 speaks of courage, determination and perseverance," she said.

The design and creation of the on-line exhibit is made possible through a grant from The National Park Foundation (NPF) to the Recovery and Remembrance Fund (Fund). "As we all continue to deal with our grief from the tragedy of September 11 in different ways, it is helpful to remember that National Parks can serve as special places for solitude, reflection and comfort," said Jim Maddy, president of the National Park Foundation. ""Now more than ever, National Parks have a special role to play in our lives, and connecting Americans to these special places through this web site is a role the National Park Foundation is pleased to play."

In addition to the web site, the Fund has underwritten the collection of the website's featured material, including the oral history project. It is managed by Eastern National, a nonprofit educational organization serving America's national parks and other public trusts. "Soon after 9/11,it was apparent that NPS staff and visitors had been deeply affected by what happened," said Eastern National President Chesley Moroz. "We established the Recovery and Remembrance Fund to document the oral histories of the park employees who witnessed and have supported the 9-11-01 recovery efforts and to create educational programs about the September 11th events and the involvement of national parks. Thanks to the generosity of the National Park Foundation and a number of organizations and individuals, we are pleased that the Fund was able to underwrite this important project," she said.

Featured parks include Federal Hall National Memorial, which on 9/11/01 served as a safe haven for some 250 people fleeing from the falling debris and choking dust caused by the collapse of the World Trade Center. Others are: The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Gateway in New York City; parks of metropolitan Washington, D.C.; Western Pennsylvania area parks; Fort McHenry (MD); Independence (PA); Shenandoah (VA); Mount Rainier (WA); Manzanar (CA); Yosemite (CA); and Golden Gate (CA).

Visitors to the website experience the ways these national park areas and their staffs and visitors responded to the events of 9/11 and its aftermath. The project also documents visitors talking about their sense of a heightened value of parks since the attacks. The website links to a number of related sites including the Official Flight 93 Website, The September 11 Digital Archive, and Museums Celebrate America's Freedoms.

The site uses the impact of the medium to present sound, video, and static displays. s2n Media of New York, which has done website development for a wide range of commercial and government clients, including the Smithsonian and the National Science Foundation, was contracted to create the site. The design team has obtained permission to incorporate post 9-11 news footage of parks and visitors from disparate places throughout the National Park System.

The NPS considers the website a work in progress and hopes that visitors will be inspired to share their stories and comments in the Remembrance section of the site . The goal is to allow people from around the United States and the world to contribute to the project and to incorporate their contributions into future exhibits and publications.

National park vacations continue to be popular with travelers from around the world, and many people plan their national park vacations well in advance of their travel date. That doesn't mean, however, that a national park vacation is out of the question for last-minute travelers. In fact, by following a few simple suggestions, any traveler can enjoy an affordable and memorable vacation in one the country's most spectacular settings, even with as little as 24 hours' notice. "People have become so accustomed to planning their national park vacations far in advance that they are often forced to change their travel dates or cancel their reservations entirely," said Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of Amfac Parks & Resorts, the largest park and resort management company in the U.S. "That's good news for last-minute vacationers. With a little bit of persistence and flexibility, these travelers can often successfully find accommodations at the national park of their choice." Todd offers these tips for planning a national park vacation. 1. Be a bargain-hunter. National Park vacations are a great value, and prices at lodges, restaurants and gift shops inside the parks are often lower than prices at facilities outside the parks. Visitors can find great bargains on popular items such a s Black Hills Gold at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial gift shop and Native American jewelry at the award-winning Hopi House gift shop at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. 2. Be flexible. Because people make their plans so far in advance, they often call back with changes. In fact, half of all calls to Amfac Parks & Resorts' reservations center are to change or cancel existing reservations. Be as flexible as possible w ith travel dates and choice of lodging and you stand a better chance of getting a room on short notice. 3. Be persistent. Room availability is constantly changing, so make frequent calls to the Amfac reservations center to check on the situation at your park of choice. 4. Be timely. Room blocks are released 30 and 21 days prior to arrival. Even if a lodge or hotel has been sold out for months, travelers can often secure rooms when these blocks open up. 5. Be patient. Reservations agents typically handle many calls in a day, so you may have to wait a few moments for an available agent. 6. Be informed. Visit Amfac's web site at http://www.amfac.com for general information on the parks as well as lodging descriptions, rates and availability. Amfac Parks & Resorts operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at Grand Canyon National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Petrified Forest National Park and Everglades National Park. In addition, the company manages resorts in Napa, Calif.; Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Nebraska City, Neb.; and at eight Ohio State Parks and three North Georgia State Parks. For reservations at national park lodges other than Yellowstone, call (1) 303-297-2757 or visit Amfac's web site at http://www.amfac.com. Reservations at Yellowstone can be made by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or visiting its web site at http://www.ynp-lodges.com. © 1998 Mesereau Public Relations

 
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Colorado Snow Report TravelBank.com Systems, U.S.A.
Last Update - Date: . Time: 6:33 MST
 Next Update - Anytime, 
 
TravelBank.com Systems Snow Report
** NOTE: New strom front on its way........!!!!
________________________________________________________________________________
| New | Snow | New | New | Snow | Lifts
Colorado | Snow | Depth | Snow | Snow | Cond.|Open/Total
Ski Area | Past | | | | |
| 24 Hrs | | 48 Hrs | 72 Hrs | |
| | | ago | ago | |
| |Mid-Top | | | |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ajax/Aspen Mountain | 0" | 20" 28"| 0" | 0" | p/pp | 6/8 OPEN: 970-925-1220 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /76, ACRES: /673 Arapahoe Basin | 0" | 30" 36"| 0" | 3" | /pp | 5/5 OPENS: 970-468-0718 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: .Trails: 46/66, Acres: /490 Aspen Highlands | 0" | 20" "| 0" | " | /pp | 0/4 OPENS: 12/4 970-925-1220 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /131, Acres: /790
Beaver Creek Resort #4 | 0" | 24" | 0" | 1" | p/pp | 9/13 OPEN: 970-476-5601 : $71.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /146, Acres: /1,625
Berthoud Pass Ski Area |2002-03 |shuttle |Service | only | / | /2 2002-03 shuttle service only..
800-754-2378 : $ 0 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /65, Acres: /1,000
Breckenridge #2 | 0" | 26" 31"| 0" | " | /pp | 17/26 OPEN: 970-453-5000 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /146, Acres: /2,208 Buttermilk Mountain/Aspn.| 0" | 17" 21"| 0" | " | p/pp | /7 OPENS: 12/14
970-925-1220 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /41, Acres: /420
Copper Mountain Resort | 0" | 29" 31"| 0" | 5" | /PP | 15/23 OPEN: 970-968-2882 : $61.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 30's OPEN: Trails: 5/125 Acres: /2,450
Crested Butte MtnRsrt. | 0" | 23" 38"| 0" | " |mm/pp | 3/15 OPEN: NOW 970-349-2323 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /85, Acres: /1,058 Durango/PurgatoryResort-4| 0" | 23" 27"| 0" | 0" | /pp | 3/11 OPEN: / 800-525-0892 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 30's OPEN: Trails: /75, Acres: /1,200 Eldora Mountain Resort-2 | 0" | 33" | 0" | " |mm/pp | 9/12 OPEN: 303-440-8700 #3 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 10's, OPEN: Trails: /54, Acres: %/680 Keystone/North Peak #1 | 0" | 28" | 0" | 2" | /pp | 15/21 OPEN: / 970-248-0732 : $65.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: 4/116, Acres: /1,861 Loveland Ski Areas | 0" | 35" | 0" | " | /pp | 9/11 OPEN: 303-571-5580 : $29.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's OPEN: Trails: 64/77, Acres: 828/1,250
Silverton -NEW IN 2002* | 0" | 41" "| 0" | " | P/ | 1/1 OPEN: 100% Expert trails
970-387-5706 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's OPEN: % Trails: /69, Acres: /1,655
Snowmass | 0" | 25" 31"| 0" | " | /pp | 10/20 OPEN: 970-925-1220 : $49.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's OPEN: % Trails: /84, Acres: 360/3,010
Steamboat #1 | 0" | 23" 32"| 0" | " | /pp | 9/20 OPEN: 970-879-6111 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: % Trails: /142, Acres: /2,939
Sunlight Mtn. Resort | 0" | 28" 32"| 0" | " | p/pp | 3/4 OPEN: 970-945-7491 : $34.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: % Trails: /67, Acres: /470
Telluride | 0" | 26" 29"| 0" | " | / | 9/16 OPEN: 970-728-4431 : $ .00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's OPEN: Trails /84, Acres: /1,700
Ultima Resort ** | 3" | 48" 69"| 6" | 9" | P/pp | 30/36
303-745-8586 : $47.99 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, http://www.travelbank.com Trails: 86/118, Acres: 66%/3,681
Vail #3 | 0" | 24" 29"| 0" | " | /pp | 31/33 OPEN: 970-476-5601 : $71.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's, OPEN: Trails: /193, Acres: /5,289 Winter Park Resort | 0" | 34" 39"| 0" | 6" | p/pp | 21/22 OPEN: 800-977-2754 : $36.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 20's Trails: 35/134, Acres: /2,886 Wolf Creek | 1" | 50" 63"| 2" | 0" | /pp | 6/6 OPEN: 970-264-5639 : $43.00 Lifts, ExpTemp: 320's OPEN: RUNS: 100%/55 ACRES: 100%/1,600
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** Skiing you into The 21st Century
ExpTemp = Expected Temperature for the day. NR = No Report Recv'd
BS = Bare Spots CS = Corn Snow FG = Frozen Granular
IP = Ice Patches IS = Icy surfaces LG = Loose Granular
TC = Thin Cover VS = Variable Surface WG = Wet Granular
P = Powder SP = Spring Conditions cl = Closed
PP = Packed Powder HP = Hard Pack WP = Wet Powder
SM = Snow Making MM = Machine Made S = Snowing @ report time
IC = Icy Conditiions MG = Machine Groomed s = Lite Snow @ report time




full ski reports are available at the Ski-Link® Menu

 
 WIND-CHILL CHART
 ================
 Both temperature and wind cause heat loss from body surfaces. A combination
 of cold and wind makes a body feel colder than the actual temperature. The
 left column of figures shows temperatures in Fahrenheit. The top column
 shows wind speed. Both are combined to calculate wind-ccchhhiiillllll.

 WIND SPEED(mph)
 DEGREES 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
 ------|-----------------------------------------------------
 20 | 16 3 -5 -10 -15 -18 -20 -21 -22
 15 | 12 -3 -11 -17 -22 -25 -27 -29 -30
 10 | 7 -9 -18 -24 -29 -33 -35 -37 -38
 5 | 0 -15 -25 -31 -36 -41 -43 -45 -46
 0 | -5 -22 -31 -39 -44 -49 -52 -53 -54
 -5 | -10 -27 -38 -46 -51 -56 -58 -60 -62
 -10 | -15 -34 -45 -53 -59 -64 -67 -69 -70
 -15 | -21 -40 -51 -60 -66 -71 -74 -76 -78
 -20 | -26 -46 -58 -67 -74 -79 -82 -84 -85
 -25 | -31 -52 -65 -74 -81 -86 -89 -92 -93
 -30 | -36 -58 -72 -81 -88 -93 -97 -100 -102

 -CtB-

 DID YOU KNOW ?

 The National Weather service and othe government agencies use certain
 descripitions for varing levels of winter conditions. From buzzwords to
 blizz-words, here is your key to figuring out what level of storm the
 announcer or recorder is talking about. In the Denver front range the
 Emergency Ham Radio Weather Net is on 146.94. or 147.12.MHz.

 HEAVY SNOW WARNING:
 Plains and lower elevations may get snow accumulation of six
 inches or more in 12 hours, or eight inches or more in 24 hours.
 Mountain areas could experience snow accumulation of eight inches
 or more in 12 hours or ten inches or more in 24 hournow accumulations as 
 described above, but with conditions aggravated by blowing and drifting snow.

 BLIZZARD WARNING:
 This means that the following conditions are expected to last
 for three hours or longer: wind-sustained or frequent gusts to 35 mph
 or stronger, and snow falling or blowing which will reduce visibility
 to less than a quarter mile.

*-TravelBank.Com-* 
	
 Current UV Index:|> 4 <|
 ========================
 Index Value Exposure Level
 0 - 2 = Minimal 
 3 - 4 = Low
 5 - 6 = Moderate
 7 - 9 = High (#15 Block)
 10 - 15 = Very High (#25 Block) 
 ***************************************************************************
SEVERE

 THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Means
 that condititons are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in
 or close to the watch area. Indicating
 that meteorological conditions are possible in the watch area. Hail:
 Surface hail stones 3/4" diameter or larger. Wind:
 Surface winds > 50 KTS either sustained or gusts. Structural wind
 damage may infer a severe thunderstorm.

 WARNING:
 Means that a severe thunderstorm has been detected by radar or observed
 by a reliable source, such as a trained spotter.

 FLASH FLOOD WATCH:
 Will be issued when heavy rains may result in flash flooding in a
 specific area.

 WARNING:
 Issued when flash flooding is occuring or imminent in a specific area.

 TORNADO WATCH:
 Means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. You should
 listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, and/or television for the
 latest weather information. Stay informed and keep an eye on the sky, as
 sometimes tornados occur without a warning.

 WARNING:
 Means that a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar. Seek Shelter
 immediately!

 REALITY, AND "THE RULE": be prepared for worse conditions than forecasters
 warned about, and smile when anothe "miscall" gives you fair sky or clear
 highway. Predicting the weather is as much art as it is science. In the
 words of Jane Bryant Quinn: "The rule on staying alive as a forecaster is
 to give'em a number or give'em a date, but never give'em both at once."

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COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

FISHING REPORT

For the week of October 11, 2011

SEASONAL REPORT

CONDITIONS REPORT

Denver Metro

Arvada Reservoir -- Enjoy the final days of the Arvada fishing season; it concludes at the end of October. The lake was stocked one last time with catchable catfish. Fishing has picked up with the cooler weather and water. Morning is the best. Some smallmouth bass still are being caught. Green or orange PowerBait and salmon eggs are working for trout. Worms work well on a lot of fish. Anglers are still catching some very large catfish. Call 303-420-7773 to check on boating conditions because of the high winds. Aquatic bait is not allowed; this includes salamanders, leeches, crayfish, frogs and minnows. Worms are the only permitted live bait. Check out the fish board when you're here. Please do not bring your pets.
Aurora Reservoir -- Fall fishing for most species can be some of the best of the year. For trout from shore, try using PowerBait, crawlers, spoons and flies such as olive leech patterns and brown or olive Woolly Buggers. From boats, troll with crawlers or Rapalas and spoons. The limit for trout is two fish. For walleyes from boats, try trolling with bottom bouncers, jigs and olive leech patterns. From shore, try jigs and swim baits. For smallmouths, try using swim baits and jigs from boats and from shore. Reminder: Boating is restricted to electric motors. All vessels must be inspected prior to launch. A watercraft access permit is required for all vehicles bringing in watercraft. The reservoir will close to boating Dec. 1. It is open for ice fishing. For more information call 303-690-1286.
Barr Lake -- Fishing for walleyes is picking up with bottom bouncers. Trout are picking up on PowerBait. Perch are great on lures and worms. Fishing for crappie and bluegills is good. The water temp is approximately 65 degrees. No fishing is allowed in the wildlife refuge or from the Barr Lake dam. The lake will close to boating on Oct. 31. Contact the ranger office for current conditions at 303-655-1495 or check the park web site.
Chatfield Reservoir -- With the water temperature gradually cooling, fishing for walleyes and rainbow trout has been improving. Trout are being taken on night crawlers, minnows and PowerBait from boats and shore. Walleyes are being taken on worms, Lindy rigs, jigs and plastic worms, especially near the bridge over the old road bed and around the dam outlet. Smallmouth bass remain active along the dam, with shad-imitating lures and minnows working well.
Cherry Creek Reservoir -- The surface temperature in the low to mid 50s and the level is nearly full. Fishing is gradually improving. Though fish now are a little closer to shore and in other shallower areas, fishermen have been taking some walleyes on spoons and spinners in somewhat deeper parts of the lake. Crappie also have been biting. Early mornings and late afternoons still are the best times to fish. Through October, boat inspections hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the east ramp. The west-ramp inspection station will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure you have a parks pass for your vehicle and a valid fishing license.
Clear Creek -- We're into October, and fishing on Clear Creek remains excellent. Grasshoppers are active during the hot part of the day, so try a Dave's Hopper or Parachute Hopper. Caddis are still coming off and tan or brown foam bodies are working well. Another good dry fly option is a #16 or #18 BWO. While fishing a dry, tie on a dropper 3 to 4 feet below. Best patterns are purple Psycho Princes, red Copper Johns or Pheasant Tails, all #16 or #18, and also #18 Craven's Deep-Blue Poison Tungs. As water temps cool down, streamer action will pick up dramatically, so be ready with a Woolly Bugger or other pattern.
Quincy Reservoir -- All watercraft must be inspected before launching. All vehicles bringing in watercraft are required to have a watercraft access pass. Bass fishing is slow to fair using Sinkos, jigs and drop shots. Trout fishing has been slow. Quincy is restricted to fishing with artificial flies and lures only. The limit for trout is two fish. Bass must be 18 inches or longer to possess. All boats must be hand-launched. Only electric motors are permitted. All boats, including float tubes, must check in with the ranger on duty. Park hours for October are 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Quincy will close for the season on Nov. 1 and will reopen March 1, 2012. Season passes for next year will be available Dec. 1 at Aurora Reservoir. For more information call 303-690-1286.
South Platte River (Waterton Canyon) -- Denver Water is dredging Strontia Springs Reservoir to remove massive amounts of Hayman Fire sediment. As a result, Waterton Canyon will be closed until Dec. 31, 2011. Neither the parking lot at the canyon's entrance nor the canyon will be accessible during the closure. Access to The Colorado Trail from Waterton Canyon also will be closed during this time. For more information, log on to www.ColoradoTrail.org
Standley Lake -- Standley Lake is closed to boating and camping for the season. Fishing is allowed from shore only. The current lake temperature is approximately 65 degrees. Fishing times are 7:00 a.m. to sunset and will be strictly enforced. Aquatic bait is not allowed at Standley Lake; this includes salamanders, leeches, crayfish, frogs and minnows. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) regulations are in effect. Call for more details. A $7 fee is charged for all drive-in traffic. Drive-in access is available from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. For more information, contact the Standley Lake Nature Center at (303) 425-1097.

Northeast

Boedecker Reservoir -- The level has receded and fishing has slowed. White bass and occasional wipers still provide most of the action. Catfish activity remains fair, especially late in the day and at night. Chicken livers and prepared baits have worked best.
Boyd Lake -- The surface temperature has come down to about 68, with depths up to 51 feet. Fishing for trout has been good on the standard baits and lures, and some of the fish have been nice-sized. Perch activity also has been good. Fishing for bass and walleyes has slowed a little but remains fair. New boat inspection hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on other days. At other times, boats must have valid pre-inspection documentation (seal and receipt) before launching. The lake closes to boating on Dec. 1. Ice cover varies from year to year, but when conditions are suitable, fishing for trout and perch can be quite good.
Carter Reservoir -- The level has dropped but remains higher than average for October. Fishing generally has been slow. Some walleyes are being caught during low-light periods but most have been small. New regulations this year have made keeper-sized walleyes more available. Boaters are reminded that all trailered watercraft must complete an Aquatic Nuisance Species (zebra mussel) inspection before being launched on this lake. That is state law and strictly enforced. Inspection hours through October are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at the north ramp, and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday at the south shore facility.
Flatiron Reservoir -- Fishing for trout has improved with the arrival of fall. Most fish have been in the 10- to 12-inch range. Numerous types of bait and small spinning lures have been taking fish. No boats of any kind are allowed. Remember to stay off dams and hydroelectric structures.
Horsetooth Reservoir -- The level has come down but still is pretty good. Fishing for smallmouth bass has slowed a bit, but they still are being taken. Some have been in the 15- to 16-inch range. Occasional walleyes and quite a few perch also are being caught. With an abundance of shad and a slow bite in other area lakes, Horsetooth remains among the best bets for warm-water fishermen. Boat inspection hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at the South Bay and Inlet Bay ramps, and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Satanka ramp.
Jackson Reservoir -- The water level has dropped about 3 feet. The surface temperature is around 62 degrees. Fishing for wipers, walleyes and trout has been slow to fair from the dam and west shore. The lake is open to boating, with inspections conducted daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. For further questions or information, please call the park office at (970) 645-2551.
Jumbo Reservoir -- The lake has closed to boating. Water levels are beginning to increase. Trout fishing has been slow. A few bullheads and bluegill are being caught. The minimum size for walleye and wipers is 15 inches.
Lon Hagler Reservoir -- Fishing for recently stocked trout has been good. PowerBait, worms, small spoons and spinners all have taken fish. Warm-water fishing remains slow, with catfish still the primary catch.
Lonetree Reservoir -- The water level is going down but remains OK. The lake is popular among local waterfowl hunters, and fewer fishermen have been on the water. Fishing generally has been slow. Young-of-the-year shad have been very plentiful, keeping game fish well-fed and making them more difficult to catch.
North Sterling Reservoir -- The reservoir has closed to boating for the winter. Parks staff reports the level is down about 15 feet but rising, with the outlet and inlet both running. The water temperature is in the upper 60s to low 70s. A lot of wipers in the 15-20 inch range are coming from the south boat ramp, north dam and Darby Point areas on worms, crayfish, green mussels, jigs and shad-imitation crank baits. Anglers are taking home full limits of wipers on most days. Lots of crappie are being caught along the dam on minnows and jigs. Several crappie are in the 12-13 inch range. Trout and smallmouth bass are along the dam and south boat ramp areas and are being caught on spinners, jigs or typical baits.
Pinewood Reservoir -- Fishing for pan-sized rainbow trout has improved with cooling water temperatures and recent stocking. Various colors of PowerBait, salmon eggs and night crawlers have been the most effective. A few 20- to 25-inch tiger muskies have been reported. Make sure to check size requirements before keeping any fish.
Prewitt Reservoir -- Water levels are dropping. Fishing has been slow. Boaters are catching a few wipers using live shad, and a few catfish are being caught. The boat dock is in. The minimum size for walleyes and wipers is 15 inches.

Northwest

Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) -- Flows from Dillon Dam have been taken down a little and on Tuesday morning were at 88 cubic feet per second. The river is in its fall-fishing mode. Trout have been rising to blue-wing-olives and midges, especially during periods of low light, and nymphing also remains productive. Small fly patterns and fine leader tippets are the norm. The Blue remains free of ice for some distance below the dam in winter. It offers challenging fishing for sometimes surprisingly large trout, grown to size on Mysis shrimp from the reservoir that at times are swept into the river.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) -- The Colorado River overall is fishing very well. Both wading anglers and floaters are doing well. Now that it's fall, think small, #18-20, Baetis patterns in gray and black. Egg patterns are also productive as the brown trout and whitefish begin to spawn in the coming weeks. Early morning floats have been exceptional using natural-colored streamers in black, brown and tan. The dry fly fishing has been day-to-day and weather dependent, with overcast days providing good BWO hatches from noon to 3 p.m. The carp fishing below New Castle has been spotty but some real big fish are being caught, including several fish over 12 pounds.
Colorado River (near Granby) -- Recent flows below Windy Gap and below Parshall were 150 cfs and 180 cfs, respectively. Conditions are good and catch rates are good. Copper Johns, RS-2s, Prince Nymphs, chartreuse Woolly Buggers, streamers, San Juan worms and egg patterns are commonly used. In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the lower end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept. From the east side of the bridge abutments (the west end of Byers Canyon) down to Troublesome Creek, including the Williams Fork River from the reservoir, catch-and-release rules apply and fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. Winter open-water fishing is usually available below Parshall.
Crystal River -- Fishing is picking up on the Crystal, especially around Carbondale where browns and whitefish are moving into the river in their efforts to spawn. Egg patterns coupled with small, bead-head-midge and Baetis nymphs are fishing the best. Several large browns over 16 inches have been caught recently. The dry fly fishing is tapering off, though decent hatches of BWOs will be seen on overcast days. Above Redstone, the fishing is slow due to the cold overnight temperatures.
Delaney Buttes Reservoirs -- Fall fishing has been good, especially on the south lake. Red and black midges suspended in 4-8 feet of water and small Woolly Buggers have been effective. Fishing on all three lakes is by artificial flies and lures only. The bag and possession limit for trout is two and size restrictions apply. On North Delaney, fishing is prohibited from the dam and within 100 feet of the dam through Nov. 15. Fishing also is prohibited in the inlet upstream of the standing-water line.
Elkhead Reservoir -- The water temperature is about 65 and clarity is good. Fishing for crappie, bluegills, northern pike and catchable-sized trout has been fairly good. The boat ramp is closed for the season but hand-launched craft still may be used. The lake is a great warm-water fishery and has smallmouth bass, crappie, northern pike, catfish and trout. If you are not going to eat it, don't take it. Any fish being taken from the lake must be dead prior to leaving it. Please help ensure this fishery's future. The Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program has announced that smallmouth bass will no longer be moved to Elkhead from the Yampa River during endangered fish work. Smallmouth bass already in the lake are unaffected by the change.
Frying Pan River -- The Frying Pan has been fishing well, with flows at 300 cfs and good BWO hatches from noon to 3 p.m. Small, size 20-24, BWO dries fished on 7X tippet will be the most productive. Lesser hatches of Flavs and PMDs are still being seen in light numbers in the top four miles below the dam. Good Mysis shrimp fishing is found below the dam, too, in these flows. The streamer fishing in the pocket water has been exceptional. The key there is simply to cover water. Hot nymph patterns include: Flashtail Eggs, Jujubaetis, PTs, Biot Baetis, Barr BWO Emergers, RS-2s and Thorax Emergers. The fall colors in the surrounding high country only amplify the fishing experience here.
Granby Reservoir -- The area from Shadow Mountain Dam down to Twin Creek closed to all fishing on Oct. 1. On Jan. 1, fishing will be allowed for 500 yards from the dam downstream. On March 15, the rest of the river will be open for fishing. Night crawlers, meal and wax worms and sucker meat are viable baits. Fish Creek spinners, Matzuos, Rapalas, Kastmasters, Tasmanian Devils, are good lures. Trolling worm rigs and lures, jigging, bottom fishing (crappie rigs work well), spin-casting and fly fishing are good ways to catch fish and will continued to be used until the reservoir is ice-covered. Slip-bobber rigs also work well. A great ice fishing season is anticipated, and the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contests will be held on Jan. 27, 28, and 29.
Grand Lake -- Jigging with sucker meat is common and productive. The lake is more than 270 feet deep. The water level remains constant. It has very large lake trout, nice-sized rainbows, cuttbows, browns and kokanee salmon. Trolling lures and worm rigs, bottom fishing the shallow areas, slip-bobber rigs, and fly fishing all are used to catch fish until the lake is ice-covered. Also, open-water fishing is usually available all winter in the channel and at the West Portal because of water movement. Look forward to a great ice fishing season. The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contests will be held on Jan. 27, 28, and 29.
Harvey Gap Reservoir -- The water temperature at last report was about 63 degrees and the lake level still was going down. Fishing for perch has been good across the lake but best around the boat ramp. Northern pike also have been active, and several fish exceeding 35 inches recently have been taken. Boat-inspection hours have been cut back to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. The ramp will close at the end of October.
Highline Lake -- Fishing at Highline remains generally slow, although some large catfish recently were taken near the inlet and spillway. With the recent stocking of catchable-sized trout at Mack Mesa, fishing there has significantly improved. Worms, salmon eggs, PowerBait and assorted spinning lures all have taken fish. Parks staff is reminding anglers that if they catch a northern pike at either lake to please remove it from the water and notify the staff. Highline Lake has closed to boating for the season.
Lake Avery -- Bait fishing for rainbow trout from shore has been slow to fair. Few fishermen have been on the water.
Lake John -- The rehabilitation is complete, the lake has been restocked and has reopened to fishing. The water level is rising and fishing has been good from boats and shore. While large brood trout from the restocking effort still are being caught, most of the fish are smaller. Spinning lures, baits, trolling lures and flies all have been productive. Bait fishing from shore near the receding weeds has been best in recent days. The north boat ramp is operative. All standard fishing regulations including bag limits are in effect.
Pearl Lake -- Anglers from boats and float tubes are doing better than shore fishermen. The willows have been producing the best results. Remember, any boat that is trailered must be inspected before launching. Please go to the marina inspection station at the marina to be inspected before going on the lake unless you already have a seal.
Rifle Gap Reservoir -- The water level has been dropping and some boating hazards are exposed. At last report, the temperature was about 64 degrees. Fishing for perch has been very good across the lake. Pike fishing has been good in shallow areas along the east end of the reservoir. Boat-inspection hours have been reduced to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The ramp will be closed after Oct. 31.
Roaring Fork River -- The Roaring Fork is fishing better and better on a daily basis, thanks to cooler fall weather. Floating the river from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs has been superb. Look for solid streamer fishing opportunities in the mornings and evenings. Small black streamers like Sculpzillas and Slump Busters, in addition to Autumn Splendors, are fishing well. Overall, the best fishing has been from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with #18-20 Baetis nymphs and emergers being the best fly patterns when nymph-fishing the deeper pools and seams. With fall approaching, brown trout and whitefish will begin spawning, thus egg patterns will become viable flies as well. Some of the best fishing of the entire year takes place in the Roaring Fork Valley during fall.
Shadow Mountain Reservoir -- Fishing with flies, slip-bobber rigs, lures and night crawlers on the bottom all work. Kokanee, rainbows, browns and sometimes lake trout can be caught. Small jigs tipped with wax worms, mealworms, PowerBait or eggs are commonly used. The Pine Beach area, the channel between this reservoir and Grand Lake and the deeper water along the east shoreline are good fishing spots. Trolling, bottom fishing, spin-casting and fly fishing are good methods to use and continue to be so until ice-on. When pumping, open water fishing is still good all winter in the canal and where it dumps into the reservoir. Ice fishing will be good this winter and the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contests will be held on Jan. 27, 28, and 29.
Stagecoach Reservoir -- The marina boat ramp will remain open for ANS inspections, as staffing allows, until Oct. 31. The Morrison cove boat ramp, water facilities, dump station, and 3 of the 4 campgrounds have closed for the season. The Pinnacle camp loop with electric hook ups will remain open year-round. The reservoir is 6 feet low, and clarity is about 5 feet. Fall fishing reports have been outstanding. Reports of anglers catching the limit on trout, and landing near-record-breaking pike have been frequent. Trout are hitting on PowerBait, worms, flies and lures. Pike are hitting on a wide variety of lures. Tailwater fishing has been better in the morning and afternoon. RS-2s, WD-40s and San Juan worms have worked well.
Steamboat Lake -- Belly boaters tore it up around Meadow Point last week, catching 18- to 22-inchers and having a great time. Rainbow Ridge is still producing well. Boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species is mandatory.
Trappers Lake -- Fishing for mostly cutthroat trout generally has been good, though success varies among fishermen. Float tubes and other small craft are useful fishing aids. Fly fishermen tend to have the best results. Suspended nymphs and dry fly patterns that include terrestrials usually work well during the early fall.
Vega Reservoir -- Fishing remains fair around the lake, with the Gravel Pits still doing the best. Most fish are running 12-14 inches. The water temperature is about 45 degrees. Clarity is improving as the temperatures drop. PowerBait and worms are still the baits of choice. The lake will close to all launched boating on Nov. 1. After that, it will be hand-launch only until ice forms. No snow remained on the lake shore early last weekend, though some already has fallen. Muddy conditions exist in most places. Dressing in layers is advised as the weather cools. It won't be too long until ice-fishing season will be here. Check the park's web site or call Vega State Park at 970-487-3407 for up-to-date conditions.
White River -- River flows remain higher than usual, but for the most part the water has been clear. Fishing for mainly brown trout has been good. Black or black-and-olive Woolly Buggers and Muddler Minnows have been the most consistent, but fishermen also have enjoyed some periods of good activity with Elk-Hair-Caddis and small, white-miller type dry flies.
Williams Fork Reservoir -- Rainbows, browns, cuttbows, lake trout, northern pike and kokanee are available. Trolling, jigging, fly fishing, bait and lures can catch fish. Night crawlers, meal and wax worms, sucker meat, PowerBait, eggs and many types of lures and flies are used. Snagging kokanee is allowed through December. However, when the buoys are in place, any kind of fishing is prohibited on their upstream side. Only the east boat ramp is open. Inspections are mandatory for all trailered boats and begin at 6:00 a.m. The ramp is closed 1/2 hour after sunset. The ramp will be shut down for the season on Oct. 30. Permanent boat storage is prohibited. Camping is available. No reservations are accepted. Ice fishing season will be here soon and provides a welcome change for many fishermen.
Willow Creek Reservoir -- Fall fishing is some of the best of the year due to spawning cycles and hungry fish. Motorized boating is still prohibited, but bank fishing is good. Rainbows, browns and kokanee salmon are waiting for fishermen to try their luck. This is a beautiful area with a nice campground, easy access and less fishing pressure than other area bodies of water. Night crawlers, meal and wax worms, PowerBait, eggs, lures and flies are used to get the fish to bite. Kayaks, belly boats, canoes and non-trailered rowboats can be used to good advantage until the ice arrives. Ice fishing will soon be going strong with good results.
Yampa River (Hayden through Craig) -- The water has dropped but that means good fishing in pools and below riffles. Dry fly activity is happening on the lower sections with hoppers and some caddis. Streamers and nymphs are turning fish - the bigger, the better. Expect some very good trout activity as we get into fall. For a chance at a good pike, try the ponds at the Yampa River State Park campground. They are stocked regularly and will produce some good fish. Anything big should attract the pike. All pike caught in the ponds should be returned to the pond or killed prior to leaving the site. Be very cautious around the river; it is deep and fast at the present time. All state park boat access is open to the river. With flows dropping quickly, be very aware of float times and trespass issues.
Yampa River (Stagecoach through Steamboat) -- Flows remain a little higher than average but the water, though slightly turbid, is fishably clear. Fall fishing has been very good. Blue-wing-olives are coming off and some mahogany duns are still around. Cooler, rainier days have the best hatches; on sunnier days the bugs are more sporadic. Terrestrials are largely done for the year, but a few might still appear on warm days. Otherwise, the main activity is below the surface. Stonefly nymphs are especially effective. Brown trout are moving around in their spawning season. Consequently, San Juan worms, egg patterns and streamers are becoming more productive. Expect variable weather and periods of good fishing through the fall.

Southeast

Adobe Creek Res. (Blue Lake) -- The low-water ramp is the only usable boat ramp. Boaters with shallow-draft boats have the easiest time launching. Water levels are low. Fishing for all species generally is slow, but fair for catfish at night. A few crappies are still being caught drifting or slow trolling. 2011 was a great year for crappie fishing at Blue Lake. Many limits were taken throughout spring and early summer. Good numbers of crappie were stocked in 2011, but natural reproduction may have been poor due to early reservoir draw-downs. 2012 crappie fishing should be good to excellent. Anglers are reminded that no ice fishing is allowed at Blue Lake.
Antero Reservoir -- Denver Water's drawdown is complete and the level is down two feet. Weed growth has been significant. Fishing has been slow but should improve with cooler temperatures. Though an occasional large trout still is being taken, most are smaller than in the past few years. Operation of the south boat ramp has been reduced to Friday through Monday. The north ramp remains open seven days a week. Only small trailered boats, canoes and other small craft can access the south ramp. Boats of any size can use the north ramp. Boating hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. The lake normally offers very good early season ice fishing. It is susceptible to winter kill, which could be more severe with the lowered water level.
Arkansas River (Buena Vista to Salida) -- Browns Canyon, between Buena Vista and Salida, continues to fish very well, though the water is low and clear at 275 cfs. There is no boat traffic up there now, and the wading is very accessible. It is a great place to be, particularly in the afternoon when mayfly nymphal drifts have brought big fish up from the depths to suspend along the big boulder seam lines. Later in the day, once the light is off the water, work the edge-water pockets for browns lying in ambush mode.
Arkansas River (Leadville to Buena Vista) -- Flows on the upper river remain low and clear. The prolonged warm weather has kept hoppers/terrestrials active while the river has produced some nice blue-wing-olive activity. Daily nymphal drifts from 1:00-3:00 p.m. have resulted in hatches on cloudy days, good emerger fishing on the brighter ones. Midge pupae also have done well from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. With cooler, wetter weather coming in, anticipate some good blue-wing-olive hatches this weekend.
Arkansas River (Salida to Canon City) -- Most of the angling activity now is focused in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Salida to the Royal Gorge, where clear, low flows (318 cfs at Wellsville)are producing some great opportunities for float and wade anglers alike. Morning midge drifts, afternoon blue-wing-olive mayfly drifts, and ambush behavior late in the afternoon/evening are keeping browns and rainbows at the buffet throughout the day. With cooler, damper weather forecast for the weekend, look for good potential blue-wing-olive hatches and fish rising to dries in the afternoon.
Bonny Reservoir -- The lake is being drained and the entire fishery most likely will be lost. Trailer-launched boating no longer is permitted. Fishermen with a valid Colorado license may take all the fish they can catch by any legal method including trotlines, jugs and seines, but must fill out an angler survey form, available at the lake. Access may be closed if the receding lake creates unstable banks or other hazards. A few people still are catching crappie off the face of the dam. Water temp is 64 and the lake is falling 2 inches per day. Stay out of the water near the NE corner of the dam, as that is where the drain and the water vortex are located.
Catamount Reservoirs, North & South -- South Catamount is a great reservoir to catch limits of catchable trout. Anglers have success using night crawlers and PowerBait fished off the bottom or under a bobber. Gold Kastmasters and various fly patterns work well, also. Water levels are slowly rising, making it easier to access the reservoir. Please remember to pick up your trash to help keep this area clean. Fishing at North Catamount remains good to excellent. Anglers are having success using various fly patterns and spinning lures. Brown-trout-patterned Kastmasters are favorites among lure enthusiasts. Please remember that North Catamount is flies and lures only. The North Slope Recreation Area closes for the season on Oct. 17.
Cheesman Reservoir -- Cheesman Reservoir will remain closed to public access through 2011 while Denver Water completes upgrades to the dam. The Gill Trail through Cheesman Canyon remains open for walk-in access to the South Platte River. The reservoir is expected to reopen next year.
Crystal Creek Reservoir -- Fishing at Crystal Lake remains good to excellent. Most anglers are having success using night crawlers and PowerBait off the bottom. Pistol Petes, Kastmasters and various other spinning lures remain favorites for fly and lure enthusiast. Great views of Pikes Peak and close proximity to the gift shop make Crystal Reservoir a great place for family outings. The North Slope Recreation Area closes for the season on Oct. 17.
Crystal Lake -- This small, flies-and-lures-only lake is just a few miles south of Leadville on Highway 24. It is stocked with catchable rainbows and sometimes cutthroats. Lots of those fish have been caught by those who can find the fly du jour. The latest stockers are good-size fish. Small browns were stocked in May and brook trout are present in lower numbers. Submerged vegetation in this very shallow body of water makes it difficult to fish with lures except near the outlet.
Eleven Mile Reservoir -- The north-shore ramp is open but will close on Oct. 31. Trout fishing is good. Reports of catches have been increasing this week, with bag limits being taken. The catch is picking up later in the morning, until around 11 a.m., due to the cooler temps, and the bite is beginning a little earlier in the evening hours. Various colors of PowerBait, Kastmasters and Tasmanian Devils are working. Also, good reports are coming in with night crawlers and marshmallows. Kokanee salmon reports have been sporadic. Pike fishing is good, with the best action near the west end of the reservoir. Success is being seen in the Witcher's Cove area, near Rodger's Mountain and Coyote Ridge, as well. Large tube jigs, spinners, Rapalas and Dardevles are having marked success.
Hayden Meadows Reservoir -- Fishing success still is fair for rainbows with PowerBait and flies. This small reservoir is just off Highway 24 at the Arkansas River crossing south of Leadville. The reservoir is stocked heavily each summer and fish carry over to the following spring. Fishermen's success is usually good after stocking.
Holbrook Lake -- Fishing is slow for all species. Holbrook has had various stages of water levels the past five years, ranging from completely full to almost dry. Currently the level is low. As a result, fisheries management has been very difficult. From year to year, various fishing opportunities may exist at Holbrook as fish enter through the canal system or are stocked by Parks and Wildlife. Species tolerant to these wide fluctuations are being stocked, as well as rainbow trout in spring. Anglers can expect black crappie, channel catfish, and seasonal trout to be available for fishing.
Horseshoe Reservoir -- Trout fishing has slowed down a bit, but a few trout still are being caught. The lake is open to boating from sunrise to sunset. All vessels must be inspected when entering and exiting the lake. Due to a low volume of users and low water level, the south boat ramp on Horseshoe Lake has not been opening. The north ramp will remain open until Oct. 31.
Hugo Ponds -- Water temperatures are slowly dropping with the cooler nighttime temperatures in the area. Fishing is picking up for bluegills during the day.
Jacksons Pond -- Jackson's Pond is an 8-acre pond immediately south of the town of Eads. It is seasonally stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Other species available include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and carp.
John Martin Reservoir -- The level is at its lowest point since the summer of 2006 but remains steady. Only the east boat ramp is operative and the dock has been pulled. The ramp has a low angle of slope, and low-profile vehicles and large boats may have difficulty launching. Fishing for white bass has been improving near the boat ramps. Green Mister Twisters have worked best, and a few have been caught on night crawlers below a bobber. The catfish bite has slowed, with some still taken late at night off the spillway on liver baits. All gasoline-powered vessels must be inspected prior to launching. Inspection hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Karval and Kinney Lakes -- Karval Lake experienced a fish kill on Aug. 12 due to low dissolved oxygen brought on by a lake turnover. The water level continues to shrink, due to warm daytime temperatures and a lack of rain. The water temperature at Kinney Lake is beginning to decline with cooler evening/nighttime temperatures. Crappie are beginning to bite off the dam. Minnows are the bait of choice.
Manitou Lake -- Angling success at Manitou Lake is improving with the resumption of stocking. Anglers are having the most success with night crawlers fished a few feet from the bottom. Manitou Lake continues to be a wonderful facility for family outings. Easy access, clean restrooms, and numerous picnic areas make Manitou Lake a great family destination.
Martin Lake -- Trout fishing is slow, but some trout still are being caught. The trout seem to be biting best on PowerBait and night crawlers. Boaters are reminded that ramps are open from sunrise to sunset. All vessels need to be inspected when entering and exiting the park.
Midwestern Pond -- Midwestern Farms Pond is a 35-acre lake located six miles east of Granada on Highway 50. This deep pond has been stocked with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, wiper, striper, yellow perch and bluegill. Spring and fall trout fishing is usually fair to good, especially after a recent stocking.
Montgomery Reservoir -- The small lake at the foot of Hoosier Pass will remain closed to fishing through 2011 so that repairs to the outlet can be completed.
Monument Lake -- Fishing at Monument Lake should be good to excellent throughout the fall. Limits of catchable trout are being caught on night crawlers and PowerBait. Anglers are also having success with various fly patterns and lures. Monument Lake is easily accessible and provides great angling opportunities for all skill levels.
Mt. Elbert Forebay -- Fishing success for shore fishermen is still good, but spotty. Catch rates a little better for boat fishermen. PowerBait and worms are favored by most on shore. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbows and cutthroats from late May through August. The mack limit is one fish, and all fish between 22 and 34 inches must be released. Carry-on boats and float tubes are permitted on the Forebay, but boaters should be aware of possible dramatic fluctuations of the water level.
Nee Gronda Reservoir -- Currently, there is no usable boat launching facility available at Nee Gronda; hand-launch boating only. Following the severe fish kill of 2009-2010, the lake has been restocked with all species. Spring sampling revealed fair numbers of channel catfish and wipers available to anglers. All fires are prohibited. Anglers are reminded that the lake is closed to all human activity from the start of goose season until April 1, 2012.
Nee Noshe Reservoir -- Nee Noshe is very low. Currently, no boat-launching facility exists at Nee Noshe. Fall inventory sampling by DPW aquatic staff revealed no fish present. Water quality is very poor. If no fresh water is added, Nee Noshe could go dry in the near future. All fires are prohibited.
Nichols Reservoir -- Nichols is accessed by a 1.8-mile hiking trail leading down from the Rampart Reservoir dam. Fishing success has been good for pan-sized trout. Most anglers are reporting catches using PowerBait and night crawlers.
Pueblo Reservoir -- The temperature has dropped with the cooler weather and the water level is down 30-40 feet from this year's high-water mark. A few crappie are being taken, but fishing generally has been slow. Young-of-the year shad are abundant, game fish have been gorging on them and seem largely disinterested in fishermen's offerings. The reservoir seldom freezes completely in winter. Though winter fishing tends to be slow, deep jigging for walleyes can be productive. Trout and occasional wipers also can be taken during the cold months.
Queens Reservoirs -- Upper and Lower Queens reservoirs are dry. Fires and fireworks are prohibited.
Rampart Reservoir -- The boat ramp has closed to trailered boats for the season because of a rapidly dropping water level. Hand-launched craft that are not gasoline powered still are permitted. Angling at Rampart remains fair for shore anglers for catchable trout. Lake-trout fishing has been slow but should improve with cooler weather. Parks and Wildlife would like to thank boaters for their cooperation in the now-concluded watercraft inspection program.
Rosemont Reservoir -- Anglers are reminded that this is a fly-and-lure only water. Fishing has been reported as good to very good with lots of action on bead-heads and smaller fly patterns.
Skaguay Reservoir -- Fishing has been good for stocker rainbow trout and a few cutthroats and browns. Most success has been on PowerBaits or lures. A few northern pike also are showing up in the bag but most are small. The water level is dropping and now is about 40 inches below full. Water in West Beaver Creek below the dam is normal and clear. Fishing there is fair for small browns and an occasional cutthroat. Flies are the most consistent.
South Platte River (btwn Spinney and Eleven Mile) -- The flow was up to 251 cfs on Oct. 9. Trout action has been good, with fishermen seeing plenty of action. Various fly patterns working: San Juan worms, scuds, Tricos, caddis larvae and pupae, midges and hoppers. The South Platte between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoirs is catch-and-release only, and only artificial flies and lures may be used.
South Platte River, Deckers area -- Recent flows from Cheesman Dam have been steady, at a low, 103 cubic feet per second. The river is clear and trout tend to be in deeper water. Blue-wing-olive mayflies and midges continue to hatch sporadically. Otherwise, small Pheasant Tails, Barr's Emergers, RS-2s and similar patterns drifted below the surface work well. The river remains ice-free through Cheesman Canyon during the winter and in some years, open water may be found downstream to Deckers and beyond. Trout continue to feed on midges, but small patterns, fine tippets and careful presentation usually are required to catch them.
South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon -- The scenery is spectacular, the fishing good, and while the flows are currently a little erratic, they soon will be at seasonal rates of about 65 cfs. Trico mayflies, blue-winged-olives and some midges have been hatching. Fishing is best through the morning into early afternoon. Trico spinner and drowned-spinner patterns (#22-24) are still working, but that will quit soon. BWO adult and midge adult patterns are also working throughout the morning. Parachute Adams(#20-22) and Barr's Emerger(#20) work well for the BWOs. Attractor dry flies (H&L Variant, Royal Wulff) are still good in the afternoon. Nymphs: Pheasant Tails #20-22 and small midge patterns #22-24. Please remember that Elevenmile Canyon regulations are flies and lures, catch-and-release only, upstream of Springer Gulch Bridge.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir -- The lake is full. Boat ramps will close on Oct. 31. Fishing is good from boats near the dam with flies, especially adult damselflies, midges and Callibaetis. Lures that are doing well are Tasmanian Devils and Rapalas. Pike action is picking up, with good catches being produced every week. Good fishing on the Dream Stream below the dam using San Juan worms, scuds, midges, grasshoppers and caddis pupae. Spinney Mountain Reservoir fishing is with artificial flies and lures only. Bag limit for all species of trout is one fish 20 inches or larger. No limit on northern pike. Spinney is open 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, with no boating or fishing past half-an-hour after sunset. Boat inspections are required for all trailered vessels before entering the state park.
Thurston Reservoir -- Thurston Reservoir currently has low water levels. Water levels should improve over the winter months. Good numbers of largemouth bass are available at Thurston. Crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, wipers, and saugeye are also stocked at Thurston by Parks and Wildlife.
Trinidad Reservoir -- Historically, Trinidad Lake's fishing remains good throughout the winter months. Fishing for trout, walleye and yellow perch seems to get better as the water cools. The boat dock will be removed in November and will not return until next spring. Ice may form on the lake. However, this usually does not occur until about Christmas or New Year's. The lake does not ice over every year. Give your boats a good cleaning this winter so they are ready for ANS inspections next season. Remember to check the regulations for size restrictions and limits at Trinidad Lake. Camping is available year-round with limited facilities. Contact the Visitors Center for information on ice and fishing conditions throughout the winter, as well as camping availability, at Trinidad Lake State Park at 719-846-6951.
Turks Pond -- Water levels are low. Fishing is fair for channel catfish and good for bullheads. Fall sampling revealed healthy populations of channel catfish and an abundance of bullheads. Anglers are encouraged to keep all bullheads, even the small ones. Crappie, saugeye, wiper, bluegill, and largemouth bass were other game fish species sampled. All species are stocked by Parks and Wildlife. Water levels are expected to improve throughout winter if well repairs are made and/or water is pumped in from neighboring farms. Public access to Turks Pond is closed beginning the first day of the waterfowl hunting season. The pond will reopen to anglers on March 1, 2012.
Turquoise Lake -- Catch rates are slow, but the trout caught are good pan-size. Some better catch rates are reported in spots like the inlet. PowerBait is still the preferred bait. The lake is stocked on a regular basis during the summer with catchable-size rainbow and cutthroat trout. The south and east shorelines usually offer good fishing for mackinaw. The limit for mackinaw is two out of the total four-fish limit, with no size restriction.
Twin Lakes -- The water level is good. Lots of previously shoreline vegetation now is submerged and attracting fish. Fishing around willows that are below the water line can be good. As usual, the catching still is fair to good for catchable-sized rainbows on worms and hardware below the power plant. Boat inspections are conducted at the Dexter Point ramp from 6 a.m. to dark, seven days a week during the summer season. The mackinaw population continues to improve.
Two Buttes Reservoir -- Two Buttes Reservoir currently is dry. When the lake refills, fish stocking will resume. Anglers can still fish the Black Hole pond below the dam for trout (seasonal), bass, bluegill and catfish.

Southwest

Animas River -- The river was flowing at 308 cfs at Durango on Tuesday morning. Rain and melting snow late last week raised and discolored the river but it has been dropping and clearing. Blue-wing-olive mayflies and midges will hatch sporadically until winter sets in. Recent fish surveys done by Colorado Parks and Wildlife show the highest population of trout in the Gold Medal reach downstream of the Lightner Creek confluence.
Beaver Creek Reservoir -- The water level is 20-25 feet below the high-water mark. It will be maintained at or below that level during the fall and winter months. Anglers are advised to be cautious on the steep-sided slopes and when launching their boats. The water level currently is below the concrete boat ramp. Consequently, larger boats will have a difficult time launching. Anglers have reported fair to good fishing.
Big Meadows Reservoir -- Anglers have reported fair fishing from boats and from the shore. Fish are ranging in size from 10 to 15 inches.
Blue Mesa Reservoir -- Two- and three-year-old salmon are still being caught by trolling in Cebolla and Sapinero basins from 25 to 40 feet deep. Brown trout and rainbows are beginning to show up along the shorelines and can be caught with marabou jigs or jigging spoons along rocky structure. Lake trout will begin their movement to shallow water in early October as water temps fall into the upper 50s.
Crawford Reservoir -- Fishing for good-sized pike and catfish remains quite good. Anglers have been catching some limits of crappie, primarily along the west shore. Fishing for trout and perch has been comparatively slow. The lake has closed to trailer-launched boating for the season. Hand-launched craft still may be used.
Dolores River (lower) -- Flows below McPhee Reservoir have been coming down and the water is very clear. Fly fishermen continue to do fairly well with hellgrammite (stonefly) patterns drifted near the bottom and occasionally Woolly Buggers. Very little surface activity has been reported.
Dolores River (upper) -- The river above McPhee Reservoir is low and very clear and has been fishing fairly well. Fishermen have been doing well with stonefly nymphs (hellgrammites), spinners and other small lures. Fish the river high in the drainage, above and below Rico, where public access is available and the fish habitat is good. Much of the lower part of the river is private.
East River -- Rain and snow spiked the flow late last week but on Tuesday morning it was back to 114 cfs at Almont. The river remains in good condition for fall fishing. Blue-wing-olive mayflies are the primary hatch, and stonefly nymphs also are a good bet. Spawning-run salmon have moved in and the river is crowded with fishermen. Salmon can be caught on a variety of bright flies but catch-and-release provisions apply. Fishing is prohibited from the Roaring Judy hatchery outlet downstream to the hatchery property boundary through October.
Gunnison River (Upper from Almont to Blue Mesa) -- The river was flowing at 463 cfs on Tuesday, following a period of increased volume from rain and melting snow. It is fishably clear, though slightly discolored. The spawning run of kokanee salmon from Blue Mesa Reservoir continues, and many fishermen are on the river. Salmon can be caught on a variety of bright-colored flies, but anglers are reminded of the catch-and-release provision in effect on the river through October. For trout fishermen, blue-wing-olive mayflies are the primary hatch. Otherwise, large Prince Nymphs, stoneflies, Western Coachmen and similar patterns have been productive. Mepps-type spinners also work well. Egg patterns can be effective when salmon are present. Look for fishing to slow down as winter approaches. Salmon snagging is permitted Nov. 1-Dec. 31.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir -- Fishing has been excellent for 12- to 14-inch rainbow trout (limit 4) and 4- to 6-inch yellow perch (no limit). Trollers are having success with in-line spinners and 1/4-ounce jigs. Shore anglers are catching trout on PowerBait, salmon eggs, worms and night crawlers. Fly fishing is very good, especially evenings and early mornings. Yellow perch love those worms. Be sure to bring plenty of bait as there is no place to buy it nearby. The lake level is low, below the concrete of the boat ramp, but lighter trailered boats can still launch. Jackson Gulch requires an ANS inspection before launching boats. Please call 970-882-2213 to schedule an inspection. A daily pass is required for day use of the park. For more information: www.parks.state.co.us or call 970-533-7065.
Joe Moore Reservoir -- The level is very low, the water is muddy and although a few small bass and trout have been taken, fishing has been poor.
McPhee Reservoir -- The level has been dropping but remains at a decent level for fishing. Kokanee salmon have started running, but not yet in great numbers. Snagging has been slow. Fishing for trout has been fairly good, primarily with Nitro Dough. Walleyes are becoming more active and they appear exceptionally heavy bodied. Shad Raps and worm-harness rigs have been taking some fish of 4-5 pounds. Fishing for catfish remains good. Many of them are 6-12 pounds. Smallmouth bass have moved a little deeper, and are in 8-15 feet of water. Fishing for crappie has been very slow.
Miramonte Reservoir -- The 405-acre lake south of Norwood offers potentially good fishing for larger-than-average rainbow trout. Fly fishermen recently have enjoyed some good success with Woolly Buggers and occasionally dry flies, and spin-casters have been doing OK with crayfish-imitating lures.
Mountain Home Reservoir -- Although the water level is considerably low, fishing for rainbows has been fair, with reports of fish up to 16 inches in length.
Narraguinnep Reservoir -- The water level is down some 90 feet below full and fishing has slowed down. Only a few smallmouth bass have been taken in recent days.
Navajo Reservoir – The lake level still is in great shape and fishing is improving as the water slowly cools down. Bass and pike fishing is good; catfish and crappie are slower. Please call (970) 883- BOAT for additional information.

Ridgway Fishing Ponds -- Fishermen typically do very well in the ponds during the fall and winter. Fishermen seem to catch more fish out of the upper pond, but both are productive. Fishermen have success with night crawlers, PowerBait, and salmon eggs off the bottom, and various-colored spinners and spoons. Water levels will remain constant through the fall and winter and fishermen should use extra caution around all ice-covered bodies of water. After the ponds freeze, they are very popular and productive ice-fishing spots. Please remember that the Uncompahgre River running adjacent to the ponds is restricted to flies and lures only and all fish caught must be returned to the water immediately. For up to date fishing and reservoir conditions call the park Visitor Center at (970) 626-5822.
Ridgway Reservoir -- Water levels will continue to fluctuate in the fall and winter, and fishermen should use extra caution around all ice-covered bodies of water. During the fall and winter, fishermen do well for rainbows in Dallas Creek along the river and in Dutch Charlie along the shoreline west of the boat ramp. Fishermen will have success with night crawlers, PowerBait and salmon eggs off the bottom, and various-colored spinners and spoons. The kokanee will typically begin running in late October or early November. During kokanee snagging season fishermen will do well in the Confluence Day Use Area of Dallas Creek. Starting Nov. 1, the reservoir is closed to boating but will reopen in March, 2012. For up to date fishing and reservoir conditions call the park Visitor Center at (970)626-5822.
Rio Grande River -- The river is low and running clear except after local thunderstorm events. In the coming weeks, brown trout will be actively seeking out spawning grounds. This is typically a good time of year for anglers to target this species. Fishing should remain fair to good throughout the fall and early winter. Anglers have reported good success by floating the river and on the Coller State Wildlife Area.
Road Canyon Reservoir -- Fishing has been good, with a number of individuals catching their limits in a few hours. Fish have ranged in size from 12 to 20 inches.
San Luis Lake -- Due to low snowpack, the reservoir will not be filled this season. The boat ramp has been closed to motorboats for the season and only hand-launched boats are permitted.
Sanchez Reservoir -- Due to low water levels, the concrete boat ramp is closed and likely will remain that way for the remainder of the year. However, boats are allowed to launch from the shore, but there is some risk of getting stuck. Mandatory boat inspections are still in place and all boats must be inspected prior to launching. The inspection station will be open from approximately 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Please make sure your boat is clean, drained and dry. Due to the discovery of rusty crayfish, an invasive species, all crayfish must either be returned to the water alive or killed by removing the head from the body or thorax before they can be removed from the reservoir. Anglers have reported fair to good fishing for northern pike and walleyes.
Smith Reservoir (San Luis Valley) -- The water level is currently below the concrete boat ramp. Fishing has been fair to good for rainbow trout. Some anglers have reported fish up to 22 inches and 4 1/2 pounds.
Summit Reservoir -- Fishing for catfish off the bottom remains good. Night crawlers have been working as well as anything. Fishermen also have been catching a fair number of smallmouth bass, and some decent-sized trout on Nitro Dough.
Taylor Reservoir -- Fishing for rainbow trout has been very good and easy. Almost anything fishermen use for trolling has been working. The pike bite has picked up. A 7-pound pike was caught on worms last weekend. Lake trout must be spawning, as nobody has been catching any. Not much salmon activity has been occurring. A few brown trout were caught last weekend.
Taylor River -- Tuesday's flows were 285 cfs at Almont and 203 cfs below Taylor Dam. Blue-wing-olive mayflies and midges are the primary hatches this time of year, but nymphing remains the most consistent technique. Fishing in the lower river tapers off as winter approaches. The portion directly below the dam remains ice-free and is known for educated large trout that feed throughout the winter but demand the utmost in finesse from fishermen. Tiny fly patterns and fine leader tippets are the rule. Catch-and-release fishing is required in that stream segment.
Tucker Ponds -- The ponds were stocked through July and fishing remains fair.
Uncompahgre River in Ridgway Park -- The Uncompahgre River is very popular during the fall and winter. River flows will fluctuate but will be far less than the spring and summer. Fishing pressure will also fluctuate, depending on weather. During the fall and winter, fishermen will find fish holding up in larger pools and deeper water. Blue-wing-olive and various midge patterns, as well as gold and silver spinners, will produce the most fish. While wading, fishermen should watch for drop-offs and underwater obstructions, and be extra cautions of all ice-covered bodies of water. Please remember that the Uncompahgre River is restricted to flies and lures only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately. For up to date fishing conditions please call the park Visitor Center at (970) 626-5822.

STOCKING REPORT

The table below identifies where catchable trout were recently stocked at the time of this report. Links to past weeks' reports (as pdf files) will be listed below the table for reference.

Past Stocking Reports

o    October 4, 2011

o    September 27, 2011

o    September 20, 2011

o    September 13, 2011

o    September 6, 2011

o    August 30, 2011

o    August 23, 2011

o    August 16, 2011

o    August 9, 2011

o    August 2, 2011

o    July 26, 2011

o    July 19, 2011

o    July 12, 2011

o    July 5, 2011

o    June 28, 2011

o    June 21, 2011

o    June 14, 2011

o    June 7, 2011

o    May 31, 2011

o    May 24, 2011

o    May 18, 2011

o    May 10, 2011

o    May 3, 2011

o    April 26, 2011

o    April 18, 2011

For further information please refer to the Fishing Report on the Division of Wildlife web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/fishing/fishcond.asp

Fly fishers dreaming of the days ahead on Colorado lakes and streams can amplify their visions by immersing themselves in “Fly Fishing Colorado”, a new feature-length DVD from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

More than two years in the making, “Fly Fishing Colorado” takes viewers on a year-round tour of fly fishing adventures spanning the entire state, from the loftiest reaches of alpine lakes to warm-water reservoirs, and all points in between. Anglers will get a first-hand look at the best fly fishing that Colorado has to offer, as seen through the lenses of DOW’s revamped video production unit.

Fly fishers can scroll through the pages of a weathered journal to find finicky trout rising to dry flies, or high-speed wipers ripping line from screaming reels. Experience the thrill of catching all three native trout species against a backdrop of spectacular high-mountain scenery. Share the underwater haunts of northern pike, and take a ride on a jet boat for a lazy drift down a gentle river.

The journal also reveals when and where to find a multitude of the famous, and the not-so-well-known insect hatches that occur on major rivers and backcountry streams. Be in the right place at the right time to find trout rising to green drake, blue-winged olive, red quill and pale morning dun mayflies.

Explore the stages of the Mother’s Day caddis hatch from start to finish, and discover the importance of widespread and prolific summer caddis hatches. And travel to mountain park reservoirs for famous still-water hatches and trophy-sized trout. Be there for the action when kokanee salmon, brown trout, and native mountain whitefish make spawning runs up golden corridors of rivers cloaked in the dazzling colors of autumn in the Rocky Mountains.

The journal also is packed with fly fishing instruction for anglers of all skill levels. There are techniques for fishing nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. Proven fly patterns are listed for all events.

“Fly Fishing Colorado” is a useful tool for anglers making plans and scheduling trips to coincide with fly fishing events that they simply must not miss. Viewers may play the entire movie (113 minutes) or select only the scenes that they want to see. An innovative menu allows the user to quickly navigate the monthly pages and all the highlights of the journal.

The DVD is also designed to recruit anglers. Anglers spend nearly $1.5 billion dollars a year in Colorado which is considered to be one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the world. Showing anglers what the state has to offer will help add to Colorado’s prestigious fly fishing reputation. Additional anglers in Colorado will mean more dollars for local economies, more license dollars for wildlife management and the continuation of the conservation ethic.

“Fly Fishing Colorado” is available for $22.00 at DOW service centers and at fly shops and sporting goods retailers.

"Fly Fishing the Colorado River: An Angler's Guide" by Al Marlowe is now available. The book covers fly fishing on the Colorado River and tributary streams from the headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park to Rifle. In addition to the Colorado, streams included are the Frazer, Williams Fork, Blue, Eagle, Roaring Fork, and Fryingpan Rivers, and Troublesome, Muddy, and Rock Creeks. The guide also has sections concerning stream hydrology, which tells how a river works and ways to fish various structures, fly patterns with recipes, and an appendix of shops and information resources. The book is from Pruett Publishing and sells for $16.95.

 
PUT THEM BACK ALIVE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following steps will ensure that a released fish has the best chances
for survival:
1) Do not play any fish to total exhaustion.
2) Keep the fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing hook.
3) Romove hook gently - do not squeeze the fish or put fingers in gills.
4) If deeply hooked - cut line - do not pull hook out.
5) Release the fish only after its equilibrium is maintained. If necessary
gently hold the fish facing up-stream and move the fish slowly
back and forth.
6) Release the fish in quiet water.
*******************************************************************
THE DIVISION OF WILDLIFE'S CATCHABLE RAINBOW TROUT STOCKING PROGRAM
RUNS THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER EACH YEAR.
*-TravelBank.Com-*

Autumn is a beautiful time to come stay in Breckenridge -- the fall colors, the beautiful clear warm days and the cool crisp nights. Year In and Yearout Management offers you some delightful accommodations for your stay in Breckenridge. We're a small company that specializes in luxury condominium accommodations right at the Peak 9 base area (and just half a block to downtown shopping and dining). Fully equipped units: mutiple TV's, VCR, stereo with cd, fireplace, garage parking, views, gourmet kitchens -- these really are first class units. Breckenridge is scheduled to open October 31 and it's not too early to make your winter reservations. Christmas space is almost gone.

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