A few rain storms rolled through this week and gave some moisture that helped lake levels across the Front Range — every drop helps right now. There’s a chance we could see more rain move through this weekend if it hits the right areas it could be a big help, so keep an eye on the forecast. Beyond that, we’re staying warm, with 90-degree temps expected to stick around for most of next week.

Get ready for holiday traffic at the lakes starting Thursday — Labor Day weekend is always the last big push of the recreational crowd before things settle down for the season. This year the crowding has been worse than normal thanks to boat ramp closures at other area lakes pushing more traffic onto the ones still open, so plan accordingly and be patient out there. Hopefully once the holiday passes, we’ll start to see that crowd thin out.

Don’t forget the full moon hit Thursday night, and that should keep the night bite going strong for walleye, bass, and catfish right through the weekend. If you’ve got the gear and the patience to fish after dark, this is the window to do it.

Up in Nebraska, Lake McConaughy’s last boat ramp has officially closed. You can still get on the water through a couple of beach launch spots that utilize jacked up trucks and tractors, but be prepared — it can take extra time to get your boat in and out. Also worth noting: the old river channel and the timber near it are starting to show in certain areas as the water drops, so use extra caution running through there.

Hot Bites

Carter Lake — Trout are still coming on trolled spinner rigs tipped with nightcrawlers, working the 25-35 foot depths.

Horsetooth Reservoir — Smallmouth are still biting on the main lake structure. Go with green-colored plastics and work them slow. In South Bay, a few yellow perch and trout are being caught, and some points running into the coves are holding schools of bluegill.

Chatfield Reservoir — Walleye are still biting, and some bigger fish have started showing up. Focus on structure, especially anywhere holding schools of shad. If you’re after numbers, trolling crankbaits is the way to go. Trout are being caught below the suspended shad schools out in the main lake, and smallmouth are still holding along the rock edges and structure on the south shoreline.

Cherry Creek Reservoir — Walleye are coming on trolled crankbaits for suspended fish near the basin. With the full moon, trolling the dam at night is worth a shot if you’re looking for a bigger fish.

Ponds — Vegetation near the surface is starting to pull back, which is going to make fishing the ponds a lot easier. In the evening, try a wet fly in the top 6 inches of water for some good panfish action.

Streams & Rivers — Cooler temperatures have trout activity picking back up, and the water temp concerns that had us backing off are starting to ease. Worth putting these back on your radar for some good action.

Bellwood Boats Open House — This Saturday, August 29

Looking for something to do this weekend? Head up to Bellwood Boats for their Open House on Saturday, August 29 — I’ll be there most of the day, so come say hi and let’s talk fishing.

This is shaping up to be one of the bigger boat events on the Front Range calendar this year, and Bellwood’s packed the schedule from 9:30 in the morning until 5:00 that evening. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:

• 9:30–10:00 AM — Registration & Door Prizes. Register for your chance to win over $15,000 in giveaways.

• 10:15–11:00 AM — Meet Our Industry Boat Partners, with reps from Caymas, G3, and Vexus.

• 11:00–11:30 AM — Tournament Fishing in Wyoming, an intro to the Wyoming Walleye Stampede and Heartland Walleye Tour.

• 11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Ask a Certified Tech, with a mechanic’s tips on caring for and maintaining your boat.

• 12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch & Live Fiddle Music, featuring National Champion Cody Stadelmaier and world-famous guitarist Warrie Means.

• 1:00–1:30 PM — Navigating Today’s Electronics, with NWT angler and Bellwood pro staffer Nick Schlattmann.

• 1:30–2:00 PM — From Fun Fishing to Winning, with Wyoming tournament angler Clint Acres.

• 2:00–2:30 PM — Glendo Reservoir Fishing, with Bellwood pro staffer Brooks Tyser on the early spring bite and non-bait tactics.

• 2:30–3:00 PM — Boat Rigging: Tips From a Pro, with Bellwood pro staffer Ray Arnold.

• 3:00–3:30 PM — Find the Boat That Fits You, with Mitch Bauer (Bellwood pro staff) and Steve Stadelmaier (Bellwood sales) on picking the right boat — new or used — for your style and water.

• 3:30–4:00 PM — Fishing Everything From Perch to Muskie, with 2025 Stampede T.O.Y. and guide Curtis McCuiston.

• 4:00–4:30 PM — Let’s Talk Bullets, a discussion with a Hornady ammo engineer on picking the right bullet for hunting or competition.

• 4:30–5:00 PM — Giveaways and raffle winners.

On top of all that, the big news is Bellwood’s welcoming two new brands to the lineup, Vexus and Caymas, with reps on-site all day if you’ve had your eye on either one. Add in a BBQ lunch, live music, and a lineup of pro staff and industry partners, and this is a full day of boats, fishing, food, and fun.

It’s a great excuse to bring the family, bring a friend, and spend the day looking at some serious hardware. Bellwood Boats is located at 206 S. Yellowstone Hwy in Glendo, WY. Hope to see you there!

Share

CPW News

Cherry Creek Reservoir Boat Ramp Update

If you’re planning to hit Cherry Creek State Park this week, listen up — water levels are low and still dropping, and there are a few things you need to know before you launch.

We’re getting close to a full boat ramp closure. Current water level sits at 5,546.27 feet, and if it drops roughly 3.5 more inches to 5,546.0 feet, both ramps will close.

Watch for the colored tape at the end of the dock — it marks exactly where the concrete ramp ends. Back your trailer past that line and you could drop off a steep underwater ledge.

The good news is maintenance crews have finished filling in holes and clearing sandbars at the end of both ramps. That said, hazards remain as water levels keep falling, so if you’re running an inboard motor, use extreme caution — there may not be enough water to launch at all. Larger boats and anything needing a deeper draft are strongly discouraged from launching, since unmarked hazards can still be lurking anywhere out there.

As always, plan ahead, double check your safety gear, and wear your life jacket. Park staff are hoping to keep the ramps open through Labor Day Monday, but that’s going to depend on how fast the lake keeps dropping — check back for weekly updates.

CPW Commission Meeting Coming Up

There’s a CPW Commission meeting coming up next week, and there’s still time to weigh in with public comment on some fishing-related topics on the agenda. Engage CPW

FLP Fishing Tip: Cashing In On Shad Die-Offs

Keep an eye on the overnight lows this time of year, because a quick temperature drop can hand you one of the best bites of the season. Gizzard shad are sensitive to sudden cold snaps, and when a fast-moving front pushes through and drops water temps in a hurry, shad can get stunned or even killed outright. You’ll see them fluttering at the surface, disoriented, or just belly-up — and every predator in the lake knows exactly what that means. It can trigger a legitimate feeding frenzy as walleye, bass, and other gamefish gorge on an easy meal.

When you find shad in that condition, don’t reach for a subtle presentation — this is the time to go reactionary. Here’s how I fish it:

Jigging Raps — Work these with a lift-and-fall retrieve right through the area where you’re seeing stunned shad. The erratic dart on the fall mimics a dying baitfish perfectly, and most strikes come as the bait drops or is sitting on the bottom.

Blade Baits — Let it hit bottom, then rip it upward and let it flutter back down on a semi-slack line. That vibration and flash draws fish in from a distance, and it’s deadly for covering water fast when you’re trying to locate where the fish have gathered on the bait.

Jigging Spoons — Similar idea, vertical presentation, snap it up and let it flutter back down through the strike zone. Spoons shine when the shad and fish are holding tighter to structure or suspended over deeper water.

When you stumble onto a die-off, don’t leave shad to find fish — stay right on top of the bait and keep working these three baits until the frenzy shuts off.

Share

FISHING FUNNY

CPW has a regulation change on the table for Boyd Lake’s Walleye/Saugeye fishery, and I want you to know what’s in it before it goes in front of the Commission.

What’s being proposed:

• Cut the bag and possession limit from 5 fish to 3. I’m on board with this one — it’s a reasonable move to help maintain fish numbers.

• Eliminate the “one over 21 inches” rule. Right now, anglers can only keep one Walleye or Saugeye over 21 inches per day. CPW wants to drop that protection entirely. I think this is a mistake, and I’m not alone.

Why this matters right now: Boyd is sitting near record-low water levels, and there’s no current data on how that’s affecting the fishery. On top of that, forward-facing sonar has completely changed how easy it is for anglers to target and catch those bigger, historically harder-to-fool fish. Pulling protection for 21”+ fish at the exact moment they’ve become easier to catch — without knowing what low water is already doing to the population — doesn’t add up.

I’m sending a letter to the CPW Commissioners opposing the removal of the 21-inch protection, while supporting the reduced bag limit to 3. It takes close to a decade to grow a walleye that big. If this turns out to be the wrong call, that’s a decade we don’t get back.

I want to hear from you. Do you agree we should be opposing this change? A poll/survey is below — take a second to weigh in. The more anglers who speak up, the more weight this carries with the Commission.

See you on the water, Brad

Share

We’ve got some rain chances rolling in over the weekend and into early next week — here’s hoping it keeps coming. Driving around this week I noticed some of the farms have already shut off irrigation, which hopefully means the call on the lakes starts easing up. This week the big draw on Boyd was off, so that’s a good sign, but Boedecker is still dropping fast and they’re still pulling water from Lon Hagler. We’ll keep tracking it as the week goes.

Here’s what’s in this week’s issue:

• Cherry Creek’s boat ramp closure was avoided thanks to last week’s rain — the lake’s peaked and is dropping again, but we’re hoping cooler temps slow that down.

• New Zealand mudsnails have been confirmed at Carter Lake, which means tighter boating inspections and the loss of pre-inspection drop-box privileges for boaters coming off that lake.

• CPW has opened an emergency fish salvage at Banner Lakes ahead of an expected loss of the fishery.

• St. Vrain State Park suffered a rough fish kill at Sandpiper pond over the weekend.

• I’ll be breaking all of this down live this Saturday at 10:30 am on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors, 104.3 The Fan.

• With the full moon on the 28th, this week’s FLP fishing tip covers how to turn a night trip into a shot at a trophy fish.

  NoCo Fishing News is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

HOT BITES

Chatfield — Walleye and smallmouth remain good. Look for more walleye to start following the bait, which could mean suspending fish or ones holding tight to structure edges. Still good numbers in the Plum Creek and the Swim Beach no-wake zones. Work the rock edges for smallmouth, and don’t overlook topwater for smallies first thing in the morning along the dam.

Cherry Creek — Walleye are still coming out of the shallows early, and with the full moon coming up, expect that bite to extend into the evening and overnight hours. Also worth trolling the basin for suspended fish.

Boyd — Anglers in kayaks and float tubes have been getting into some walleye. If you’re headed out, check the wind forecast first — it can get tough out there in a hurry.

Horsetooth — Smallmouth are holding on the main lake in the 20-30 foot range, but this week there’s a shift toward the smaller rock shorelines and structure — good news since they’re easier to fish without getting hung up as much. Look for a strong night bite on spinnerbaits during the full moon; slow-roll it so you’re ticking bottom. Still some perch coming out of South Bay.

Ponds — With water temps running high, target the days with a little wind, or fish right after a windy day — the extra oxygen in the water tends to kick fish activity up a notch.

Share

CPW NEWS

Cherry Creek Ramps Dodge the Closure — For Now

Some good news to lead off with. Those storms that rolled through last week did exactly what we were hoping for — Cherry Creek’s water level got the bump it needed to avoid the boat ramp closure that had been on the table. The lake did peak a few days ago and has started to drop again, but with cooler temps, we’re hoping that slows the rate of drop. Throw in a few more moisture events and we might just make it through the rest of the boating season. I’ll keep you posted as things develop.

New Zealand Mudsnails Confirmed at Carter Lake

Not the news anyone wanted to hear, but CPW has confirmed New Zealand mudsnails in Carter Lake — the first time they’ve turned up there. Signs are going up around the lake, and boats coming off Carter should expect a more thorough inspection, and in some cases decontamination, before they’re cleared to launch elsewhere. There’s a practical hit here too: boaters leaving Carter will no longer receive the receipt that’s allowed them to use the pre-inspection drop boxes at other area lakes. That drop-box shortcut has been a real time-saver for a lot of us, so if Carter’s in your rotation, plan on extra time at your next stop. Clean, drain, and dry your gear every time — it’s the only way to keep this from spreading further.

Fish Salvage Underway at Banner Lakes

CPW has issued an emergency public salvage order for Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area in Weld County due to the imminent loss of the fishery from drought conditions. All bag and possession limits have been lifted on the ponds open to angling, and anglers can use any legal method to take fish — cast nets, dip nets, hand-catching, even bowfishing. You’ll still need a valid Colorado fishing license, commercial fishing isn’t allowed, and it’s shoreline angling only — hand-launched vessels are fine as an aid, but no motors. Banner Lakes carries black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, so if you can get out there while the order’s active, it’s a rare shot at liberal-limit action.

Fish Kill at St. Vrain State Park

Tough news out of St. Vrain State Park in Longmont. Sandpiper pond suffered a devastating fish kill over the weekend — an estimated 30,000 fish lost, making it a total loss. Rangers only managed to clean up about a quarter of the die-off before the birds took care of the rest. In response, park managers have decided not to stock the north side ponds this fall. Instead, those fish will be redirected to healthy, full waters elsewhere on the property — Coot, Pintail, and Blue Heron. Crews are headed out later this week to blow out the aerators on Pelican and get that pond back on track, and staff are still working on solutions for Mallard, Redtail, and Sandpiper to get them back up and running.

Catch Me on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors

I’ll be joining Terry Wickstrom Outdoors this Saturday at 10:30 am on 104.3 The Fan to talk through the latest on St. Vrain, Banner Lakes, and Carter Lake. Terry’s show airs every Saturday from 9-11 am — tune in and give it a listen.

FLP FISHING TIP: Fishing the Full Moon

With the full Sturgeon Moon lighting up the sky on August 28th, it’s a great time to plan a night trip. Full moon bites can be some of the most consistent fishing you’ll find all year, and it’s genuinely prime time for a trophy fish — big, wary fish that hunker down and avoid pressure all day will often move up shallow and feed aggressively once the moon takes over. Each species calls for a slightly different game plan.

Bass: Stick with dark colors under moonlight — black or dark purple topwater walked slowly across the surface, and dark-colored spinnerbaits worked along the same cover you’d fish during the day. Bass silhouette baits against the moonlit surface far better than they can pick out bright colors in the dark, so give them something they can actually see.

Catfish: Cats feed heavily and steadily all night long, making them one of the best full moon targets out there. Stink baits or cut bait stay a go-to for a reason — get one soaking on bottom and be patient, because the action can stay steady from dusk to dawn.

Walleye: From shore, work suspending jerkbaits with a slow, pull-pause retrieve — walleye key in on that rolling action with pauses even in low light. If you’re trolling after dark, match your bait to the forage. At Chatfield and Cherry Creek that means shad patterns; at Horsetooth, go with a minnow or smelt-style bait.

Night Trolling Tips: If you’re flat-line trolling, put a lighted rod tip indicator on — several are made specifically for catfishing and work great for any species after dark. Running planer boards, try zip-tying or screwing a small glow stick to the top of the board so you can track it in the dark. Once you’re set up, keep your lights to a minimum — less light on the water means less spooked fish. Keep your gear pared down to the essentials, run a good headlamp, and enjoy having the water to yourself.

FISHING FUNNY

Tough news out of St. Vrain State Park in Longmont this week. Sandpiper pond suffered a devastating fish kill over the weekend — an estimated 30,000 fish lost, making it a total loss. Rangers were only able to clean up about a quarter of the die-off before the birds started taking care of the rest.

In response, park managers have decided not to stock the north side ponds this fall. Instead, those fish will be redirected to healthy, full waters elsewhere in the park — Coot, Pintail, and Blue Heron. Crews are headed out later this week to blow out the aerators on Pelican and get that pond back on track. Mallard, Redtail, and Sandpiper are still a work in progress, but staff are actively working on solutions to bring them back online.

Banner Lakes SWA: Emergency Public Salvage Issued

Due to the imminent loss of the fishery from drought conditions, CPW has issued an emergency public salvage order for Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area in Weld County, effective immediately. All bag and possession limits have been lifted on the ponds open to angling, and anglers can use any legal method — including cast nets, dip nets, hand-catching, and even bowfishing.

A valid Colorado fishing license is still required, commercial fishing isn’t allowed, and it’s shoreline angling only (hand-launched vessels are okay as a fishing aid, but no motors). Banner Lakes is stocked with black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, so this could be a rare shot at liberal-limit action while the order is active. Keep an eye on CPW’s drought closures list for updates.

Share

Good news - for walleye chasers: recent rain has pushed Cherry Creek Reservoir’s water level to over a foot above the minimum mark that had CPW considering a ramp closure. Based on that cushion, the boat ramps should stay open for at least the next three weeks — plenty of time to get out after those walleyes.

Bad News - On the invasive species front, CPW has confirmed New Zealand mudsnails in Carter Lake (Larimer County) — the first time they’ve turned up in that reservoir. Signs will be posted at Carter Lake to notify the public and encourage proper equipment cleaning, and watercraft that have been on Carter Lake should expect thorough inspections — and in some cases decontamination — when they arrive at other bodies of water. This means you will not be able to use pre-inspection drop boxes when you come from Carter anymore. Bottom line: clean, drain, and dry your gear every time, especially if Carter Lake is in your rotation.

Share

Speaking of inspections — a heads up from Boyd’s ANS station: it’ll be closing for the season on Aug. 21 at 5pm. They have been keeping decontamination services available for the community and protecting our lakes from invasive species. If you’re headed to other area lakes before then, build in extra time for inspection/decontamination, and be sure to grab an exit inspection on your way out — it speeds up the process on the other end. Thanks for helping keep our waters clean!

Good news out of Cherry Creek — the rain from the recent storms was enough to keep the boat ramps open past this Sunday, which had been the projected closure date. If we can string together a couple more storms, there should be enough water to keep the ramps open for at least another week beyond that. Here’s hoping the rain keeps coming.

Also worth noting: the East Ramp will remain open during the work crews have planned for next week, so no closure to worry about there.

I’ll keep sending updates as new information comes in — this one’s changing fast enough that it’s worth staying on top of.

Share

We kicked off this past week with one more round of hot weather — here’s hoping that’s the last time we see triple digits before fall takes over for good. Since then, cooler temps and the return of the monsoon pattern have been a welcome break, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. That rain is giving farmers a hand too, cutting back on irrigation calls just as the heavy irrigation season starts winding down — September 1st is typically the tail end of it.

For us anglers, the cooler air is more than just comfortable fishing weather. It’s a sign the fish are starting to feel it too. I think we’ve likely seen our peak water temps for the year, and from here they should start their slow slide downward. That first night in the 40s is usually when fall feeding really kicks into high gear, but the buildup starts well before that — it ramps up gradually as the water cools, and that process is officially underway.

On the lake level front, the news is mixed but trending in the right direction. Levels across the region have still been dropping, but the rate has clearly slowed. Cherry Creek actually gained a little ground after the last couple days of storms — more on what that could mean for the boat ramps down in CPW News.

Let’s get into where the bite’s been happening.

Hot Bites

Aurora Reservoir — The trout bite continues to be solid in that 25-foot range. Pull bottom bouncers and spinners through there and you should find willing fish.

Cherry Creek — Walleyes are still hitting good, with a strong number of them suspended in the water column and others holding around structure or in shallower cover. For the suspended fish, troll shad crankbaits. For the ones tucked around structure or shallow, reaction baits are the ticket this time of year.

Chatfield — Smallmouth are sticking to the deeper rock areas and steeper breaks near rocky structure. In the spots that aren’t quite as rocky, work a light shaky head jig with a smaller finesse plastic. Walleyes are more of a mixed bag right now — some are still relating to shallow cover like weeds and wood, some are holding on deeper structure, and a decent number are out suspended. Match your approach to where you find them: cast paddletails to the shallow cover fish, throw reaction baits at the ones on deeper structure, and troll for the suspended crowd.

Horsetooth — Smallmouth remain the best bite here. Focus on deeper boulders in that 15- to 25-foot range and work a 4-inch stick worm rigged Neko style with a small nail weight to pick them off around the rocks. There’s also a few trout and perch coming out of South Bay on bottom bouncers and spinners.

Ponds — With these cooler nights, panfish are getting more active near the surface around sunset. Fish a fly behind a float, or cast a small jig and keep it in the top couple feet of the water column for good results.

CPW News

Low water continues to reshape the boating landscape across the Front Range, and this week brings more sobering updates.

Jackson Lake — The boat ramp is now closed. Add it to the growing list of Front Range fisheries lost to boating this season.

Prewitt Reservoir — Water levels are as low as locals have seen in decades.

Cherry Creek Reservoir — This one’s a big one to watch. CPW is warning that the boat ramps at Cherry Creek may be closing soon, and they’ve laid out the numbers:

As of August 7th, the reservoir sits at 5,546.42 feet in elevation. Outflow from the dam was increased to 15 cfs on August 5th, and boat ramp depths are currently running 36–40 inches. With hot, dry weather in the forecast and minimal precipitation expected, evaporation is taking about 2 inches per week off the lake — and at that rate, CPW’s projected closure date is end of day Sunday, August 16th.

If the ramps do close, only hand-launched vessels and marina operations will be permitted going forward.

Update: The rain over the last couple days is already making a difference. As of this morning, the lake is up 0.1 feet. Doesn’t sound like much, but it could be enough to push the projected closure date back by about a week. I’m expecting more information later today and will send out a quick update once I have it.

More good news — the West Boat Ramp work is done, and it’s back open. Crews are shifting to the East Ramp starting Monday, and the early word is they should be able to work on it without needing to close it. I’ll let you know if that changes.

A few reminders while work continues: watch for unmarked underwater obstacles near and extending out from the launch ramps, and as always, you launch and load at your own risk. CPW says visitor safety remains the top priority, and they’re coordinating closely with South Metro Fire Rescue on water-related incidents.

Here’s hoping this rain keeps up and buys the lake some real time — or better yet, keeps the ramps open altogether. I spoke with the Park Manager, and she said that if the ramps do close, CPW will look to reopen them if and when the lake comes back above the closure elevation. So this isn’t necessarily the end of boating season at Cherry Creek — it may just be a pause, depending on what Mother Nature does for us.

Bottom line: if Cherry Creek is on your list this month, don’t wait — but there’s real reason for cautious optimism right now.

McKay Lake (Westminster) — Another casualty of the drought conditions we’ve been tracking all summer. CPW has issued an emergency public salvage order for McKay Lake Open Space in Westminster, effective immediately, due to the fishery facing imminent loss from low water.

All bag and possession limits have been lifted, and the usual restrictions on flies and lures, along with the requirement to release largemouth bass, have been suspended at this water. This is your chance to keep fish you’d normally have to release, so if you’ve got time to get up to Westminster, it’s worth the trip.

A few things to know before you go: you’ll still need a valid Colorado fishing license and need to stick to legal angling methods — commercial fishing isn’t allowed. As for access, only hand-launched vessels with a City of Westminster permit and shoreline angling are permitted — no motorized boats.

McKay Lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie, and anglers also have the opportunity to harvest common carp — so there’s a good mixed bag to target while the salvage order is in effect.

This is just the latest sign of how widespread the drought impact has become across the Front Range this season. If you want to keep tabs on other waters facing closures or restrictions, CPW maintains an updated list on their website, along with the Fishing Atlas for current closure info.

Bellwood Boats Open House — Saturday, August 29

If you’re in the market for a new boat, or just want to see what’s new for the season, mark your calendar. Bellwood Boats is hosting their Open House on Saturday, August 29, and this is shaping up to be one of the bigger boat events on the Front Range calendar this year.

The big news is Bellwood is welcoming two new brands to the lineup: Vexus Boats and Caymas Boats. Reps from both companies will be on-site all day, so if you’ve had your eye on either brand, this is your chance to walk the docks, sit in the boats, and get your questions answered straight from the source.

It’s not just boat brands showing up, either. Bellwood’s pulling in folks from other fishing-related companies as well, along with pro-staff anglers who’ll be on hand throughout the day. Expect seminars, electronics demonstrations so you can see the latest sonar and mapping tech in action, giveaways, exclusive one-day deals, and a BBQ to keep everyone fed while they shop. Basically — boats, brands, BBQ, and a chance to talk shop with people who actually fish this gear for a living.

It’s a great excuse to bring the family, bring a friend, and spend the day looking at some serious hardware. Bellwood Boats is located at 206 S. Yellowstone Hwy in Glendo, WY — full details in the flyer below.

Share

FLP Fishing Tip: How to Get Your Crankbaits Deeper

Crankbaits are one of the most versatile lures in your box, but sooner or later every angler runs into the same problem — the fish are holding deeper than your bait wants to run. Here’s how to fix that, whether you’re working the bank or running lines off the boat.

From Shore

Your easiest fix is picking the right bait to begin with. Sinking crankbaits — most lipless cranks and countdown Rapala minnows — will keep dropping as long as you let them, giving you way more depth control than a floating or suspending bait ever will.

If you want to add depth to a crank you’re already throwing, add weight ahead of it. One to three split shots, or a rubber core sinker, clipped on 12 to 18 inches in front of the lure will still let you cast normally — but on the pause, that weight pulls the bait down deeper than it could ever dive on its own.

One more easy win: switch to braided line. The smaller diameter cuts through the water with less resistance, and that reduced drag alone can buy you a few extra feet of depth on the same retrieve.

From the Boat

Trolling opens up three serious depth options, and each has its place.

Snap weights are removable weights, usually 1 to 5 ounces, that snap onto your line ahead of the lure — I like to set mine about 50 feet up from the bait. From there, the amount of line you let out determines how deep you run. Keep in mind your trolling speed changes the equation too, so the same weight and line-out combo won’t always put you at the same depth.

Leadcore line is a braided line with a lead core running through it that pulls your whole presentation down. I run 18 lb test — it’s the standard among walleye anglers. The line is color-coded and changes color every 10 yards, so you can dial in a depth and repeat it precisely trip after trip, even without a line counter on the reel.

Downriggers are the most precise option of the three, but they require installation on the boat. They really shine once you need to get lures deeper than 30 feet, which makes them the go-to for trout and salmon.

Speed and weight both move the needle on how deep any of these systems actually get you, so if you want exact numbers instead of educated guesses, the Precision Trolling App is worth having in your back pocket — it’ll tell you precisely how deep a given lure runs at a given speed with a given amount of weight or leadcore out.

FISHING FUNNY

We got a nice midweek cool down that had me thinking about fall for about five minutes — and then, right on cue, it was gone. Turns out that was just a tease. The heat’s coming back in full force, and I’m seeing 2-3 more 100 degree days lining up in the forecast. At this point I’ve stopped asking “when is this going to break” and started just planning around it.

The one silver lining: boating traffic typically starts to thin out this time of year, especially on weekdays, once kids head back to school in mid-August. Weekends will likely stay packed until we get that first real cold front to signal summer’s actually winding down — but if you’ve got any flexibility to fish a weekday, the next couple weeks are about as good as it going to get for the remainder of summer.

Water level watch

The low water story isn’t going away, and this week it’s worth a close look at a few reservoirs:

• Cherry Creek is sitting just over one half foot of water above where the park would start looking at possible boat ramp closures. The lake’s been dropping about 0.6 feet a day since our last rain. If that rate holds, we could be looking at ramp closures at Cherry Creek as early as the week of August 17th. Let’s hope some rain shows up and changes that math.

• Chatfield has started dropping too, down about 3 feet from its last peak after the recent rain.

• Carter has lost about 2 feet in the past week.

• Horsetooth has lost about 2.5 feet in the past week.

• Jackson has only about 1.5 feet at the end of it’s ramp.

Keep an eye on ramp conditions before you tow out anywhere in the next few weeks — things are moving fast.

On the radio

I’ll be on the Terry Wickstrom Outdoors show this Saturday at 10:30 am talking about the Boyd Lake fish kill. Tune in to 104.3 The Fan, 9-11 am, to catch it.

In this issue

Big story this week is a good one — two Front Range kids, Adam Nieman and Charlie McMahon, who’d never met before getting randomly paired up, went out and won the national Junior Bassmaster Championship on Kentucky Lake. Colorado had two of the top three teams in the country. Don’t miss it.

We’re also digging into what’s really going on with the Boyd Lake fish kill — there’s more to the story than what CPW has put out, including a group of local anglers who took it upon themselves to save what game fish they could. Plus this week’s Hot Bites across Cherry Creek, Chatfield, Aurora, Carter, and Horsetooth, and an FLP Fishing Tip on why the one silver lining of low water — clearer water — is something you can actually use to your advantage right now.

Let’s get into it.

Hot Bites

Cherry Creek — Look for a few walleyes still hanging in the shallows during low-light periods, but the majority have pushed out to the main lake chasing suspended shad. Trolling shad-style cranks on planer boards is your best bet when boat traffic isn’t too crazy. Watch what depth you’re marking shad and the bigger fish keying on them, then try to run your lure right above that band.

Chatfield — Walleyes are being caught the same way as Cherry Creek — suspended and trolling — with some also hanging along weed edges and structure edges where reaction baits will get bit. Smallmouth are sitting on the deeper rock edges; drop shots with smaller plastics are the fastest action right now.

Aurora — Some larger trout are being caught on bottom bouncers in the 18-30 foot range.

Carter — Trout are suspended in that 20-35 foot zone. Try running pop gear or spinners tipped with nightcrawlers at that depth. Bite’s been best in the morning hours.

Horsetooth — Smallmouth are moving onto the main lake. The points have been getting hammered and the numbers there seem to be thinning out — look instead to shorelines with bigger boulders in 15-25 feet. Neds, twister tails, and drop shots are all producing. Walleye are fairly nocturnal right now, so trolling suspended after dark is the play. Trout are deep — think 25-60 feet — and it’s going to take serious weight or downriggers to reach them; if you get down there, longer flutter spoons are triggering bites. There are still a few small perch tucked in the backs of some coves hitting bottom bouncers rigged with crawler harnesses.

Ponds — Water’s going to be extremely warm right now. Try topwater for bass after sundown (where allowed) and again early morning. Bluegill will be up feeding on emerging bugs in the evenings, so a fly-and-bubble rig can produce some fast action.

Two Colorado Kids, One Random Draw, and a National Championship

If you needed proof that Colorado kids can hang with anybody in this sport, look no further than Kentucky Lake.

Adam Nieman and Charlie Mcmahon — two Front Range kids who’d never met before getting randomly paired as partners — just won the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Championship. Two-day total: 26 pounds, 2 ounces. That’s a national title, a $2,000 scholarship check, and bragging rights over more than 100 junior teams from across the country.

How it started: Donovan’s Pond

Back in September, Adam and Charlie were strangers, randomly drawn together as a boat as part of the Colorado B.A.S.S. Nation Junior qualifier at Donovan’s Pond in north Denver. Top three teams punch their ticket to nationals — and these two did just that, finishing well enough to head to Paris, Tennessee, this July.

Neither kid had ever fished water even close to the size of Kentucky Lake. Donovan’s is small enough that parents can walk the bank and watch their kids fish the whole way around. Kentucky Lake is a different animal entirely — a massive Tennessee River reservoir that’s humbled plenty of grown men.

Doing the homework

These boys didn’t show up and hope for the best. They dug into online research on Kentucky Lake before ever making the trip, then put in 13-hour days on the water during the pre-fish period — daylight to dark, every day they could get out there. By the time the tournament started, both boys told their parents flat out: they were going to win. That kind of confidence doesn’t happen by accident — it’s earned on the water, and it’s often the difference between a good tournament and a great one.

It showed. Charlie summed up the gap between Colorado fishing and Kentucky Lake perfectly: back home, a good day might mean one bass every five hours. At Kentucky Lake, it was “absolute madness” by comparison.

The comeback

Day 1, the Colorado duo sat second with 13 pounds, 11 ounces, a pound and a half behind the leaders. Day 2 didn’t start well — they had two keepers all morning and were staring down a slow finish. With under two hours on the clock, they made the call to run back to a shallow shellbar in about four feet of water that had produced for them in practice, broke out the ChatterBait, and started culling. A final push of 12-7 on Day 2 was enough to erase the deficit and take the title outright over Louisiana’s Brooks Beaty and Caleb Coburn.

Rounding out the podium for Colorado: Griffin Wilson and Aiden Alexander of the Denver Bassmasters finished third nationally with 21 pounds, 5 ounces — meaning two of the top three teams in the entire country came out of Colorado’s junior program. Not bad for a state known for grinding out one bass every few hours.

A grandpa, some YouTube, and a kid who never put the rod down

Charlie’s story starts a lot earlier than this summer. He was two years old the first time he picked up a rod, and by his mom Abby’s account, he’s been “ate up with it” ever since. His grandfather was the one who got him hooked, teaching him everything he knew — and once Charlie had soaked up all of that, he turned to YouTube to keep learning. Abby limits screen time at home, but whenever Charlie gets a pass, it’s fishing content, every time.

Neither of these boys had a boat of their own to fish out of at nationals — none of the three Colorado teams that qualified did. A handful of Wabash Valley College anglers stepped up to run boats for the kids all week, including Sam Ausbrooks, who drove for Adam and Charlie. Ausbrooks said he had to drag the boys off the water every evening before dark, and came away convinced the sport’s future is in good hands: “You’ll see these two very soon at the higher levels.”

What’s next

Adam’s a rising high school freshman, which bumps him up to the high school ranks next season. Charlie’s a rising seventh grader with two more years of junior eligibility left — and there’s a real chance he fishes up in high school events along with juniors this coming year.

Abby also wanted it known how well B.A.S.S. ran the whole event — she said they took great care of everyone involved, from the kids and boat captains to the families and spectators who made the trip.

Congratulations to Adam and Charlie on the national title, and to Griffin and Aiden on their third-place finish. Colorado junior fishing is in a good spot right now, and I’ll be keeping an eye on where Charlie — and the rest of this crew — goes from here.

See you on the water.

CPW News: Fish Kill at Boyd Lake

If you’ve walked the shoreline at Boyd Lake in Loveland recently, you’ve probably seen it — thousands of dead fish washed up along the banks in the marina cove. It’s an ugly scene, and understandably it’s got a lot of local anglers and neighbors asking what’s going on.

Here’s what CPW has said publicly: the fish that died weren’t from Boyd Lake. CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said the dead fish all came from Horseshoe Lake, a private water body connected to Boyd Lake by a pipe, and that as water levels dropped at Horseshoe, the fish there died off and washed through that pipe into Boyd.

That’s not the full picture. When Horseshoe was releasing water at a high flow a week or two earlier, there was enough current running down that channel to draw a mixed bag of fish up from Boyd and into the current in the cove. Once flows dropped off, a high spot in the channel between the boat ramp and the main body of Boyd Lake cut off their route back, stranding them. So CPW’s version — that every one of these fish originated in Horseshoe — isn’t accurate. I would agree that it’s highly likely the majority of fish stranded in the cove did come from Horseshoe.

The cause traces back to water, same as most of what we’ve been covering this year. Horseshoe Lake is part of the Seven Lakes Reservoir Company, under the Greeley-Loveland Irrigation Company umbrella, and it never filled this year because of low snowpack. Once shareholders called for their water deliveries, that water got pulled out fast — and the fish paid the price.

CPW says the overwhelming majority of the dead fish are common carp — not a species the agency actively manages for, though Van Hoose noted some white bass, walleye, shad, and catfish were mixed in too. CPW also said staff worked to salvage live carp and relocate them to another water body. If that actually happened, it’s a bad call — carp are an invasive species in Colorado waters, and anglers and boaters already pay extra for boat inspections specifically to keep invasive aquatic nuisance species out of our lakes. CPW has no business spending time or resources moving invasive fish into other Northern Colorado waters.

Over the weekend, a group of concerned local anglers reached out to CPW about the game fish stranded and dying in that channel. The response they got back was a reminder that regulations still applied — size limits, method of take, bag limits, the works. There didn't appear to be any actual effort from staff to get out there and do something about it over the weekend. So the anglers did it themselves. They hauled catfish, white bass, walleye, crappie, and perch out by the 5-gallon bucket load, slogging through some nasty mud to reach them, and relocated them into the main body of Boyd Lake where they'd have a chance to survive — knowing full well they could end up with a ticket for it. When something urgent is happening to a fishery, it calls for urgent action, and these anglers didn't wait around for a green light. Hats off to every one of them. That's the kind of on-the-ground effort that actually saves fish, and it deserves recognition instead of a rulebook.

It also raises a bigger question CPW needs to figure out: when situations like this happen again — and with the water years we’ve been having, they will — there needs to be a real process for CPW to work with willing angler volunteers to salvage game fish, instead of anglers having to choose between watching fish die or risking a citation to do the right thing. Losing game fish this way is a hard thing to watch, especially with several other bodies of water in the area already flirting with true salvage-level conditions this year. Even in situations that don’t reach an official CPW-approved salvage, my gut — and what I’m seeing across these fisheries — tells me these low water levels are going to leave a mark on our fish populations whether we see it show up in dead fish floating aroudn the surface or not.

For anyone fishing or spending time around Boyd Lake right now, CPW’s advice is to use caution around the affected area — sick or dead fish in the water can carry risk, so it’s best not to handle them.

This is just the latest fallout from the low water/low snowpack situation we’ve been tracking on the Front Range all year. Lake Loveland and Boyd Lake share the same water source concerns, and this kind of connected-water-body fallout is exactly the kind of thing to expect more of as reservoirs stay stressed into late summer.

Share

FLP Fishing Tips: Downsize When the Water Clears Up

Low water usually gets talked about as a bad thing around here this year, and for good reason. But there’s one side effect of these dropping reservoirs that actually works in your favor if you adjust for it: clearer water.

When lake levels drop, there’s less runoff, less stirred-up sediment, and less algae bloom feeding off warm, shallow water. The result is water clarity that’s noticeably better than what we’re used to seeing on lakes like Horsetooth this time of year. That’s great news for sight-feeding fish like smallmouth bass — but it also means those fish can see your line, your knot, and your bait a lot better than they could a month ago. And that cuts both ways.

Here’s the tip: when the water clears up, everything you’re throwing needs to shrink down with it.

Start with your line. Drop down in test — if you’ve been throwing 10-12 lb fluorocarbon, step down to 4-8 lb in clear conditions. Fluorocarbon is already your friend here since it’s nearly invisible underwater, but even fluoro gets noticed by wary fish when they can see 10+ feet down.

Next, your bait profile. Clear water lets fish get a long, unhurried look at whatever you’re throwing, and a bulky, oversized bait reads as unnatural fast. Swap:

• Full-size jerkbaits for finesse or shad-profile versions

• 3/8 oz jigs down to 1/16-3/16 oz

• Standard soft plastics for smaller finesse worms, drop shot minnows, or ned rigs

Color matters more too. In clear water, natural and translucent patterns — green pumpkin, smoke, ghost shad — will outfish the loud, bright colors that work when the water’s got some stain to it. Save the chartreuse and firetiger for your stained-water spots.

Last thing: slow down. Clear water means fish can inspect a bait longer before committing, which also means they’re more likely to spook off an aggressive retrieve. A slower, more subtle presentation — especially with finesse gear — gives suspicious fish more time to decide it’s food and not a trap.

Bottom line: the same low water that’s been a headache all season is handing us a clarity window right now. Fish it smart — downsize your line, your bait, and your retrieve — and that clear water becomes an advantage instead of just one more thing working against you.

FISHING FUNNY

We finally caught a break — some much-needed moisture rolled through this past week, with some areas picking up as much as 4.5” out of a single storm. It was a welcome sight after the drought talk that’s dominated the last few months. Unfortunately, we’re heading back into a drier stretch with warmer days creeping back in, which has us watching lake levels again with a little bit of dread.

On that front, Carter Lake’s drawdown has slowed down, which is good news. Horsetooth, on the other hand, is picking back up. Both lakes still have the best water in the Northern Front Range right now, and that’s no secret — the crowds have been brutal every single day. If you can swing it, get out early or fish in the evening to dodge the recreational boat traffic.

Chatfield and Cherry Creek are holding steady on water levels.

Hot Bites

Ponds — Late summer pond fishing is all about timing and temperature. Bass and panfish are pushing shallow again in the early morning and evening hours as water cools slightly, so work the edges and shaded banks during those windows. Midday, don’t be afraid to slow down and fish deeper — a Ned rig or small jig worked along any drop-off or dock pilings can still produce when the sun’s high and the fish have pulled off the bank.

Chatfield — The bait is showing up, and that’s bringing the walleye with it. Look for them working structure near baitfish and throw reaction baits to trigger strikes. Smallmouth are still holding tight to the rock edges — drop shots or Ned rigs are getting it done.

Cherry Creek — Walleye are still cooperating. Try trolling shad crankbaits, like Shad Raps, for suspended fish, and work reaction baits along structure for those holding tighter to it.

Carter — The walleye bite has faded, but trout are still solid. Run spinners tipped with a nightcrawler in the 20-30’ range — get down there with snap weights or leadcore. There are also trout sitting higher in the water column eating Tasmanian Devils in pink.

Horsetooth — Smallmouth are the best bite on the lake right now. Work the main lake in 15-20’ with dark-colored Ned rigs. Some trout are coming trolling in 30-50’, and the walleye bite is still mostly a nighttime game. Perch are showing up in the back of inlet coves on bottom bouncers tipped with nightcrawlers.

Water Levels & Closures: What Anglers Need to Know

Drought conditions continue to squeeze reservoirs and rivers across the state, and here at home in Northeast Colorado we’re feeling it directly. Here’s the rundown on what’s closed, what’s restricted, and what you need to know before you load the boat.

Northeast Region

• Barr Lake State Park — Boat ramps are closed for the rest of the 2026 season as of July 10th, thanks to low reservoir levels. Good news if you’ve got a kayak or paddleboard — hand-launched vessels are still good to go.

• Boyd Lake State Park — Same story here. Boating closed for the remainder of 2026 effective June 28th. Kayaks, paddleboards, and swimming are still allowed.

• Douglas Reservoir State Wildlife Area — Windsor Reservoir & Canal Company is drawing the reservoir down for irrigation, and boat ramp access could close soon. Worth noting this water is also carrying Eurasian watermilfoil, so clean, drain, and dry your gear. Questions? Call CPW’s Fort Collins office at 970-472-4300.

• Spinney Mountain State Park — The North Boat Ramp closes to trailered launching a half hour after sunset starting July 17th because of low water. Hand-launched and motorized vessels can still get on the water otherwise.

• Timnath Reservoir — Low water has triggered a voluntary fish salvage. Bag and possession limits have been lifted, and anglers are limited to shoreline fishing or non-motorized watercraft.

South Platte Watershed

Drought has hit the South Platte system hard, and CPW has voluntary noon-to-midnight fishing closures in effect across three stretches while flows remain critically low:

• South Fork South Platte River — From the Middle Fork confluence upstream to Highway 285. Flows are under 10 cfs against a historical average of 40 cfs.

• South Platte River — From the Spinney Mountain Reservoir inlet upstream to the Middle/South Fork confluence. Flows are under 10 cfs versus a normal 170 cfs.

• South Platte River (Dream Stream) — From the Eleven Mile Reservoir inlet upstream to Spinney Mountain Dam. Flows sit at 94 cfs against a historical average of 190 cfs, with water temps pushing past 73°F daily.

Boat Ramp Closures

• Prewitt Reservoir — Boat ramp closed.

• North Sterling State Park — Elks boat ramp closed.

Bottom line: if you’re planning a trip to any of these waters, call ahead or check current conditions before you hitch up the boat. Low, warm water is hard on fish, so please respect these voluntary closures — a stressed fish released in 75-degree water often doesn’t make it.

Glendo Reservoir, Wyoming — For those of you making the run north, Glendo's dealing with low water too. Boat ramp closures at Bennett Hill, Indian Point, and Elkhorn.

Share

FLP Fishing Tips: Catch-and-Release in Warm Water

With water temps climbing past 70-75 degrees on several river stretches around the state right now, how you handle a fish before releasing it matters more than ever. Warm water holds less oxygen, which means fish are already working harder just to recover from the fight — give them a bad release on top of that and their odds drop fast.

A few things to keep in mind next time you’re out:

• Keep the fight short. Don’t finesse a fish for five minutes on light tackle just for sport — in warm water, a quick fight beats a long one every time. Step up your line or leader if you need to land fish faster.

• Keep ‘em wet. Skip the grip-and-grin out of the water. If you want a photo, keep the fish in the net, in the water, and lift it for a second or two — not a full photo shoot.

• Ditch the treble hooks for barbless singles. Faster unhooking means less handling time and less stress on the fish.

• Revive before you release. Point the fish upstream (or into moving water) and let it kick off on its own — don’t just toss it back and hope for the best.

• Know when to just let it go. If water temps are pushing toward 75+, consider giving that spot a rest altogether. A fish caught in that kind of water has a real chance of dying even with a perfect release.

This is exactly why you’re seeing so many voluntary closures pop up around the state right now — CPW isn’t shutting these stretches down for fun, they’re trying to protect fish that are already stressed to the max. Doing our part with good release practices on the water that's still open helps keep those fisheries healthy for the long haul.

FISHING FUNNY

On that note, there’s some good news for Boyd Lake — water is now moving in from Horseshoe Reservoir, which should significantly slow the drawdown there while that inflow continues. Every bit helps.

Also this week, I got the chance to sit down with four legends of bass fishing — Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Jimmy Houston, and Roland Martin — and pull a tip from each of them for you.

Let’s get into it.

HOT BITES

Ponds — Bass fishing is still good around cover. Check out Roland Martin’s tip below on power fishing with frogs — perfect timing for this bite. Also keep an eye out near sunset for panfish working the surface on emerging flies.

Horsetooth — Smallmouth have pushed out to the main lake points. KVD’s tip below will help you adjust to the falling water level. I’ve been having good luck with dark-colored Ned rigs in the 14-22 foot range.

Carter — Walleye are still hitting bottom bouncers, spinners, and jigs. They’re keyed in on crawfish right now, and the local craws are running orange to copper — match that tint and you’ll be in business.

Chatfield — Walleye are showing up in two spots. Some are suspended chasing bait — troll shad-style baits at 2 mph or faster to connect. Others are holding on structure, where reaction baits are the better call. Smallmouth are on deeper shoreline structure, especially anywhere with rock.

Cherry Creek — Still a solid bait bite along the base of structure on the south end, and the reaction bite is starting to pick up around structure too. Don’t sleep on trolling cranks over the basin for suspended walleye.

CPW NEWS:

Free State Park Entrance for Colorado’s 150th Birthday

Mark your calendars — Saturday, Aug. 1 is Colorado Day, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is waiving entrance fees at all state parks to celebrate. This year’s extra special since it’s Colorado’s 150th birthday (the sesquicentennial, for those who like the fancy word), marking 150 years since statehood back in 1876.

That means free entry at all of CPW’s 40+ state parks statewide — a great excuse to load up the boat and check out a lake you haven’t fished yet, or just get the family out for the day. A few things to keep in mind:

• Entrance fees are waived, but other fees still apply — camping reservations, boat/OHV registrations, and yes, your fishing license still needs to be in your pocket.

• This is a statewide freebie, so expect popular parks to be busy. If you’re headed to one of our local spots, get there early.

• Great opportunity to introduce a buddy (or a kid) to a new lake without them having to buy a day pass first.

See you on the water.

Weekend Shopping Roundup

If you’re looking to mix a little retail therapy in with your fishing plans this weekend, there are a couple of good reasons to make the stop. Here’s what’s happening around the area:

Bass Pro Shops Opens New Loveland Location

News for Northern Colorado anglers and outdoorsmen — Bass Pro Shops has officially opened its doors in Loveland, right off I-25 near Crossroads Blvd. This marks the sixth Bass Pro Shops location in the state, and it’s a full-featured one: boat sales and service on-site, along with the trophy mounts and Colorado-themed murals you’ve come to expect from their stores.

Hours are 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sundays.

Heads up if you’re in the area this weekend — expect heavier traffic around I-25 and Crossroads with the new store drawing a crowd. Worth checking out if you need to stock up before hitting the water.

Johnstown Scheels Weekend Events

Got plans this weekend? Swing by the Johnstown Scheels for a couple of fun events before you head out to the water:

• Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Back to School Bash — a great excuse to bring the kids along, with deals and activities to help get everyone ready for the new school year.

• Saturday, all day: Free hats for the first 300 customers through the door. These tend to go fast, so if you want one, get there early.

Whether you’re picking up new gear for the season or just want to check out what’s new on the shelves, it’s a good weekend to make the trip to Johnstown. See you on the water.

FLP FISHING TIP

A Few Words From the Legends

I had the chance this past week to catch up with four of the biggest names in bass fishing history and get a quick tip from each for NoCo Fishing News readers. It’s not every week you get advice straight from these guys, so I wanted to share a little about who they are before diving into their tips:

• Kevin VanDam — Often called the G.O.A.T. of bass fishing, KVD holds four Bassmaster Classic titles and seven Bassmaster Angler of the Year awards (eight total counting his FLW AOY).

• Edwin Evers — Winner of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic and the 2019 REDCREST championship on the MLF Bass Pro Tour, cementing him as one of the most versatile anglers of his generation.

• Jimmy Houston — The unmistakable television face of bass fishing for decades, known as much for his signature fish-kissing celebration as for his tournament success.

• Roland Martin — Holder of the all-time record nine B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year titles, a mark that still stands untouched to this day.

Here’s what each of them had to say.

Kevin VanDam falling water bass tip

Edwin Evers wind blown shoreline fishing tip

Jimmy Houston with a great fishing tip

Roland Martin talking power fishing

Share

It has been a brutal few weeks out there. The heat has been relentless, our reservoirs are down, and Colorado’s rivers and streams have been taking a beating. But if you’ve been watching the forecast, there’s some good news coming — we’ve got a cold front expected middle of next week that looks to include several days of monsoon moisture pushing in.

I’ll be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was this excited to see rain in the forecast.

This is exactly the kind of reprieve our waters need right now. Beyond just cooling things down for us anglers, that monsoon moisture could be a real game changer. The rain may help slow the agricultural draw on our NoCo reservoirs, which could take some pressure off the dropping water levels we’ve been dealing with all summer. It could also give firefighters across the state a much-needed hand in getting some of these wildfires under control. And for those rivers and streams that have been running at historic lows, every drop counts.

We’ll take it. All of it.

🔥 HOT BITES

Night Catfishing — Prime Time Right Now

Hot summer nights are some of the best catfishing of the entire year, and right now is the time to take advantage of it. Channel cats get active after dark when temps drop and they move into the shallows to feed. A few spots on my regular catfish milk run include Lon Hagler, Blue Heron at St. Vrain, the Massey Draw and Catfish Flat areas at Chatfield, and Jumbo Reservoir. Try using cut bait, like sucker pieces, shrimp, or hot dogs along the bottom for the best action. Just make sure you check the hours at each location before you head out — some of these spots have restricted access after dark.

Shad Are Here — Follow the Bait, Find the Fish

Schools of shad have been showing up across our local reservoirs, and that changes everything for walleye, wiper, white bass, and larger trout. Once the shad show up, predator fish stop relating to structure and start roaming — following those baitfish schools wherever they go. The best approach right now is trolling shad-profile baits anywhere from 2.3 to 3.5 mph to trigger reaction strikes. The key is locating where the fish are sitting in relation to the school — above, below, or mixed in — then running your baits a foot or two above your target depth. Match the depth, match the speed, and hang on.

Largemouth Bass in Ponds — Find the Shade

The heat has bass seeking out any cover that puts a shadow on the water. They’re tucked tight under docks, overhanging trees, and matted vegetation right now — not out roaming in the open. Flip into that heavy cover or work a weedless frog over the top of the matted weeds.

CPW NEWS

Drought Closures Spreading Across Colorado — Know Before You Go

If you’ve got a mountain stream trip on the calendar, check the CPW closure list before you load the truck. Voluntary fishing closures are expanding fast across the state as the 2026 drought continues to hammer river flows and push water temperatures into the danger zone for fish.

Since July 10, CPW has enacted or expanded voluntary closures on more than a dozen rivers and stream segments:

Western Slope (effective July 17): Voluntary closures are now in effect on the Colorado River from Red Dirt Creek to the Highway 13 bridge in Rifle, the Eagle River from Lake Creek in Edwards to its confluence with the Colorado, and the Crystal River from mile marker 64 on Highway 133 to the Roaring Fork confluence. The Roaring Fork from the Highway 133 bridge in Carbondale to the Colorado River gets a noon-to-midnight restriction rather than a full-day closure. Water temps on the Eagle River are hitting 77 degrees in Gypsum. The Crystal River is running at less than 10% of average flows.

Southwest (effective July 13): The Animas River through Durango, the San Juan River through Pagosa Springs, and the Dolores River below McPhee Dam are all under noon-to-midnight voluntary closures. The Animas is at just 20% of average flow, the San Juan is sitting at a staggering 7% of median, and McPhee is releasing only 5 cfs into the Dolores.

These are voluntary for now, but CPW has been clear — ignore them and mandatory closures follow. CPW triggers mandatory restrictions when daily max water temps exceed 71 degrees, flows drop to 50% or less of average, fish show visible signs of stress or fungus, or dissolved oxygen falls below 6 parts per million.

Spinney Mountain Boat Ramp Closure: As we’ve been watching all summer, Spinney is feeling the squeeze too. The North Boat Ramp at Spinney Mountain Reservoir will close to trailered launching beginning a half hour after sunset on Friday, July 17th due to low water levels. The reservoir remains open, but you’ll need a hand-launched motorized vessel to access it. If you’re planning a trip to Spinney, plan accordingly — and keep an eye on conditions as we move deeper into summer.

The bottom line for Front Range anglers: Our home waters are holding up better than the river systems to the south and west, but this is a good reminder of why our reservoirs are looking good by comparison right now. If you’re planning a road trip to chase trout on any moving water, check the full closure list at CPW’s 2026 Weather and Drought Closures page before you go.

SOAPBOX: Keep Your Eyes on the CPW Commission

I spent a good chunk of yesterday listening in on the CPW Commission meeting — the first one featuring the three newly appointed commissioners. And I’m going to be straight with you, because that’s what this newsletter has always been about.

What I heard today concerned me.

None of the three new commissioners showed up as advocates for hunters and anglers. Not even close. In fact, they were among the loudest voices pushing back against their own staff’s recommendations — the biologists and wildlife professionals who do this work every day. And if that wasn’t enough, at least one new rule was essentially created out of thin air during the meeting itself.

That’s not how good wildlife management is supposed to work.

As anglers in Colorado, we have a lot at stake with this commission. Regulations, access, stocking priorities, water allocations — this group has influence over decisions that hit close to home for every one of us. We can’t afford to tune this out and hope for the best.

I’m going to make it a priority to keep you informed as issues come up that could impact our fisheries and our time on the water. When there are public comment opportunities, I’ll let you know. When something doesn’t smell right, I’ll say so.

Stay engaged. This is our resource — and it’s worth protecting.

FLP FISHING TIP: Find the Thermocline, Find the Fish

One of the most overlooked tools in a summer angler’s arsenal isn’t a lure or a technique — it’s understanding what’s happening beneath the surface of the water you’re fishing.

This time of year, most Front Range reservoirs develop what’s called a thermocline — a distinct layer in the water column where warm surface water meets the cooler, deeper water below. Think of it like a temperature wall. Above it, the water is too warm for most fish to be comfortable for extended periods. Below it, the water can be too cold for many species, and dissolved oxygen levels can actually drop off significantly. That band right at the thermocline? That’s where the fish live in July.

Here’s how to find it:

If you’ve got a modern fish finder, you’re already halfway there. Slow down, kill the trolling motor, and let your sonar do the work. On most units, the thermocline shows up as a faint, hazy horizontal band across the screen — usually somewhere between 18 and 35 feet on our local reservoirs this time of year. You’ll also notice your baitfish suspending right at or just above that layer. Where the bait is, the predators won’t be far behind.

Don’t have a high-end unit? No problem. A simple water temperature gauge dropped down on a rope will tell you the same story. When you feel the temp drop sharply, you’ve found your zone.

Now fish it:

Once you’ve located the thermocline, adjust your presentation to work that depth. Drop shot rigs, jigging spoons, and blade baits are deadly when you can dial them into that specific depth band. For walleye, a bottom bouncer rig set to tick just above the thermocline is tough to beat. Bass anglers — a shaky head or a football jig worked slowly through that zone can produce some of the biggest fish of the summer.

The F+L+P formula says it all — once you’ve identified the Location, you can dial in the right Presentation. In July, the thermocline is your location. Everything else gets easier from there.

Share

FISHING FUNNY

It’s hot. It’s dry. And Colorado’s waters are feeling every bit of it.

The Front Range is in the grip of a summer heat pattern that’s putting real stress on fisheries across the region — dropping water levels, triggering algae blooms, and forcing CPW’s hand on boat ramp closures and salvage operations. What we need right now is for the monsoon pattern to kick in and deliver some meaningful moisture. Until it does, expect conditions to remain tough and the closure list to keep growing. Fish smart, stay flexible, and check access before you make the drive.

Here’s what we’ve got for you in this week’s issue:

• CPW has a growing list of closures and access issues — Barr Lake, Windsor, Boyd, and Douglas Reservoir are all affected. We’ve got the full rundown and what it means for your summer plans.

• Trout stocking is rolling — North Michigan Reservoir is your escape from the heat, and metro anglers have options at Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Aurora.

• FLP Tip: Weedless Frog — Don’t let the hot calm days keep you off the water. We break down why this is prime frog season and how to match your bait to the cover.

CATCH BRAD ON THE RADIO THIS SATURDAY

I’ll be joining Terry Wickstrom on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors this Saturday morning to talk about one of summer’s trickiest fishing challenges — forage bloom. When the food supply explodes and fish have a smorgasbord in front of them, getting them to eat your offering takes a different approach. We’ll break down how to stay in the game when the bite gets selective. Tune in to 104.3 The Fan, Saturdays 9–11 am, and catch the segment at 10:30 am.

HOT BITES

Carter Lake — Walleye
The walleye bite at Carter continues to produce. Work bottom bouncers in the 13–18 foot range and stay methodical. This pattern has been consistent and there’s no reason to overthink it right now.

Horsetooth Reservoir — Smallmouth
Smallmouth are holding on main lake structure rather than pushing shallow in this heat. Finesse is the play — try the Crush City Ned BLT in green shades on a 1/8 oz. jighead. Slow down, stay on the structure, and let the bait do the work.

Cherry Creek Reservoir — Walleye
The shad have shown up at Cherry Creek, which means the easy bait bite is starting to fade as the fish shift their attention to live forage. Adjust by trolling shad-style crankbaits in the 1.7–2.3 mph range to match what the fish are already keyed on.

Chatfield Reservoir — Walleye & Smallmouth
Same story at Chatfield — the bait is in the system and the fish know it. Trolling will be productive here, and you can push speeds up to 3 mph. Walleye are also responding to reaction baits fished on structure, and smallmouth are setting up right along the edge of the rocks. Work that transition zone.

Ponds — Bass
Don’t overlook your local ponds this week. The weedy, shadded banks are holding some serious bass right now, and a weedless frog is the perfect tool to pull them out. Check out this week’s FLP Tip above for a full breakdown on how to fish it.

CPW NEWS: CLOSURES, BLOOMS & SALVAGE OPERATIONS

Front Range anglers are dealing with a rough stretch of access issues, and the list keeps growing.

The most urgent situation is at Douglas Reservoir, where a salvage operation is currently underway. If you’ve been fishing Douglas, now’s the time to pay attention — salvage ops typically signal a stressed fishery that needs angler awareness.

On the closure front, Barr Lake’s boat ramp closes for the season today, so get your last trips in from shore if you’re a Barr regular. Windsor Reservoir has been shut down due to an algae bloom, adding another option off the summer list. And for those who may have missed it — the Boyd Lake boat ramp remains closed as well.

That’s four bodies of water with access restrictions in the past couple weeks, and it may not be over. If this hot, dry pattern holds through July, expect more boat ramp closures on shallower reservoirs and potentially additional salvage situations. CPW has been proactive about public notice this season, so keep an eye on their website and social pages for updates before you load the boat.

Bottom line: call ahead or check CPW’s recreation page before making the drive. Save yourself the windshield time.

Share

TROUT STOCKING UPDATE

If the heat has you looking for cooler water and cooler temps, CPW’s stocking schedule has some good options this week.

For those willing to make the drive, North Michigan Reservoir up in State Forest is worth the trip. The altitude alone makes it a welcome escape from the Front Range heat, and freshly stocked trout in a setting like that is hard to beat. Pack a lunch and make a day of it.

Metro anglers aren’t left out either — Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Aurora Reservoir are all receiving fish, keeping trout in reach without burning a tank of gas. Early mornings will be your best window before the surface temps climb and the crowds show up.

FLP FISHING TIP: DON’T FEAR THE HEAT — IT’S FROG TIME

Fish: Largemouth Bass
Location: Weed Mats, Lily Pads & Surface Vegetation
Presentation: Weedless Frog

Those hot, calm summer days that send most anglers back to the truck early? That’s exactly when you should be tying on a weedless frog.

Here’s the logic: bass are cold-blooded and the heat stresses them out just like it does us. They’re not going to suspend out in open, sun-baked water — they’re going to find shade and sanctuary. And nothing creates shade on the water quite like a mat of weeds pushing to the surface. That canopy of vegetation becomes a bass hotel, and a weedless frog is your room key.

Matching the Frog to the Cover

Not all frog water is created equal, and your bait selection should match what you’re fishing. For sparse or scattered weeds, reach for a frog with kicking action legs — the swimming action draws fish out from a distance and covers water efficiently. In denser mats and thicker vegetation, switch to the traditional hollow-body skirted frog. The hollow body design allows it to glide smoothly over the thickest vegetation without snagging, and you can hold it in those small open pockets longer to let a bass come up and commit.

Line Selection Matters — A Lot

This is not the place for light line. Bass are attacking through weeds and are not line shy — heavy braid with no leader is the way to go, with most frog fishing veterans using 40- to 60-pound-test. I lean toward 65 lb. braid personally — it’s the sweet spot that gives you the power to horse a fish out of the jungle before it buries you in the weeds.

The Hardest Part: Patience on the Strike

Every instinct tells you to set the hook the second that water explodes. Fight it. Wait until you actually feel the fish on the line, then slam the hook home and jerk the bass out of its lair. That half-second of discipline is the difference between a story and a fish in the net.

Shore or Boat — Doesn’t Matter

One of the best things about frog fishing is it’s a true equalizer. The way grass mats and thick vegetation grow near the bank, you don’t even need a boat to get in on the action. Walk the bank, target any shaded weed edge you can reach, and hang on.

Don’t let the summer heat push you off the water. It’s pushing the bass right where you want them.

FISHING FUNNY

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the drought continues to put fishing opportunities in serious jeopardy — and the situation is getting worse by the week.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir has already announced it expects to close to boating again soon due to low water. Boyd Lake’s boat ramp has officially closed for the season, as we mentioned over the weekend — and while we’re hopeful Boyd can maintain enough water through the summer to sustain its fish populations, it’s a situation we’ll be watching closely. CPW has issued a salvage operation on Douglas Reservoir. Voluntary closures due to low flows and dangerously warm water temperatures are already in effect on several stretches of river across the state. Add to that the wildfire-related closures on several Western Slope river corridors, and if you’re planning a trip to Pueblo, be aware that aircraft are actively dipping water near the dam to fight fires in the area.

All of this pressure has funneled boaters onto the Front Range reservoirs — and it’s showing. Chatfield, Horsetooth, and Carter are all feeling the squeeze. This past weekend, both Horsetooth and Carter reached capacity before 10 a.m. Rumor has it Horsetooth hit boat capacity before 9 a.m. on Saturday. I was pulling off Horsetooth at 11:30 a.m. Thursday morning and the park was already approaching capacity.

My advice for any boat anglers looking to get out for the rest of the summer: get there early or plan an evening run. Afternoon fishing trips are going to be a challenge. Stick to mornings or after 6 p.m. if you want a shot at actually getting on the water — not sitting in line at the ramp.

HOT BITES

Carter Lake — Two solid bites are happening right now. Walleye are holding in 13–17 feet of water and responding well to bottom bouncers. Trout are being found suspended 15–30 feet below the surface — troll smaller crankbaits or spoons at around 2 mph to dial them in.

Horsetooth Reservoir — Good numbers of stocker trout are showing up in South Bay and Inlet Cove. Work the 20–30 foot range with a bottom bouncer and spinner combo. If smallmouth are your target, head to the main lake points and tie on a Ned Rig — they’re eating.

Cherry Creek Reservoir — Walleyes are transitioning toward structure adjacent to the main basin. Most fish are still coming on bait, but a few are willing to hit blade baits for those who want to throw hardware.

Chatfield Reservoir — The walleye bite is holding on weed and structure edges — live bait continues to be the ticket. Smallmouth are set up along the rocky shoreline edges; downsize to a lighter, weightless stick worm presentation to trigger bites.

Share

CPW Ramping Up Enforcement for the 4th — Boat Sober or Stay Home

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers will be out in force on the water this holiday weekend as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, an annual enforcement push timed around July 4th to crack down on boating under the influence (BUI).

CPW reminds boaters that alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time — and that one drink on the water is roughly equivalent to three drinks on land, due to the added effects of sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion.

Operation Dry Water will include increased patrols and checkpoints. Penalties for BUI include fines, boat impoundment, potential jail time, and loss of boating privileges. Anyone with a BAC above .08 will be arrested.

The stakes are real. There have already been five water-related fatalities in Colorado this year, with CPW averaging around 30 water-related deaths every summer — the majority occurring when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding and kayaking without a life jacket.

Bottom line: wear your PFD, boat sober, and be smart out there. Colorado’s cold water doesn’t give second chances.

FLP FISHING TIP — Work the Mudline

On busy days like holiday weekends, all that boat traffic is actually doing you a favor — if you know how to use it.

The wakes created by constant boat traffic will push waves into the shoreline, stirring up sediment and creating a mudline where the churned water meets the clear. That turbid edge is a prime feeding zone, and savvy anglers who key in on it can cash in while everyone else is fighting the crowds.

Why it works: The wave action loosens invertebrates, crayfish, and baitfish from the bottom and along the bank — essentially ringing the dinner bell. Predator fish like bass, walleye, and wiper will slide into these areas to ambush an easy meal, and the slightly stained water gives them added comfort and concealment.

How to fish it:

• Position yourself along the mudline edge — fish the transition where stained water meets clear. That seam is where predators stage.

• Match the mood: On flat, calm, high-sky days when fish would normally be tough and pushed deep, this wave action gives them the low-light-like conditions they love. Don’t overlook it.

• Move with it: Mudlines shift as boat traffic moves. Stay mobile and follow the active zone rather than anchoring in one spot.

• Presentation: Reaction baits like crankbaits, blade baits, and swimbaits work well as fish are in an aggressive feeding posture. Wiper and bass in particular will crush a bait burned through stirred-up water.

• Shore anglers: This is a great opportunity to work the bank from dry land — you can often position yourself right in the strike zone that boat anglers can’t reach.

Next time you pull up to a crowded reservoir and your first instinct is to head the other direction — slow down and look for the mudline first. That chaos on the surface may be exactly what the fish have been waiting for.

FISHING FUNNY

Boyd Lake Boating Closure — Update

Well, it’s official. Boyd Lake will be closed to boating starting Sunday, June 28 at 9 p.m. for the remainder of the 2026 season. We knew this was coming — we just hoped the recent rains might buy us one more week. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

The main boat ramp is currently sitting in two to three feet of water with no additional water allocation expected for Boyd this summer. The state park has confirmed that hand-launched vessels — kayaks, paddleboards and the like — along with swimming will still be permitted, so the lake isn’t completely off limits.

The silver lining? Water levels are adequate enough that the fishery should remain intact. This isn’t a fish kill situation — it’s a boat launch situation. That’s important. The fish are still in there, and with dramatically reduced pressure for the rest of the summer, there’s real reason to be optimistic about what Boyd could look like once water returns to the lake.

For now, let’s hope the monsoons show up, and that farmers and water managers are able to leave as much water in Boyd as possible through the rest of the season. This is a special fishery and it deserves every chance to bounce back strong.

One additional note — the ANS inspection station will remain open for off-water inspections and decontaminations, though hours may be adjusted. Check the Boyd Lake State Park website for the most current information.

Share

Summer arrived with a vengeance this week, and the drought isn’t letting up. The heat and dry conditions have triggered water releases on many of the eastern reservoirs — a sign that the drawdown season is officially underway. The good news? The late-week rain storms that rolled through gave us a brief reprieve and have slowed those releases down for a few days. We’ll take it. Every drop helps.

If you’ve been fishing Boyd Lake, the clock is ticking. The state park posted on Facebook this week that there’s only 2 to 4 feet of water between the boat ramp and the main lake — and it’s dropping daily.

It won’t be long before it’s too shallow to launch. I think this weekend will be my last trip out on Boyd this season, and that’s a tough pill to swallow. Boyd is one of the best fisheries on the northern Front Range and seeing it shut down this early is genuinely sad. That said, the reduced pressure could be a silver lining. If the lake holds enough water to maintain the fishery through the summer, don’t be surprised if Boyd comes back with a bang once the water returns.

On a more exciting note, the Full Moon Open is happening this weekend at Horsetooth Reservoir! Come join us for the weigh-in — Sunday morning at 8 a.m. in the pavilion at the South Bay boat ramp area. There will be doughnuts, coffee, good fellowship, and no shortage of fish tales from the night before. Whether you fished or not, it’s a great way to kick off a Sunday morning with your fellow anglers. Hope to see you there!

As always, there’s plenty to cover this week, so let’s get into it.

Hot Bites

Boyd Lake
The bite is still worth chasing before the boat ramps close out for the season. Walleye and white bass are active in the 10 to 17 foot range on bottom bouncers and spinners. On sunny days push deeper, but when the wind picks up or clouds roll in, the fish will move shallower — adjust accordingly and make the most of what’s left of the season out there.

Chatfield Reservoir
Walleyes are still working the weed edges but transitioning toward deeper structure as summer sets in. Jerkbaits and jig and paddle tail combos work well over the top of the weeds, while live bait on a jig or bottom bouncer is your best bet along the structure edges. Smallmouth bass are showing up from the marina all the way back to the old heron rookery(think the inlet area) and along the rocky shorelines — Ned rigs and wacky-rigged stick worms have been the top producers.

Cherry Creek Reservoir
Walleyes are using the shallows during low light periods, then pulling out to the structure edges on the south and west ends as the sun gets high. These fish are dialed in on crawfish and bugs right now, so live bait is the ticket. Match the hatch and you’ll find them.

Carter Lake
The walleye bite is picking up. Focus on mudlines and the west shoreline for the most consistent action. Trout are still being caught by trolling spoons and smaller cranks in the 10 to 25 foot range over the middle of the lake — a solid option if the walleye bite is slow.

Horsetooth Reservoir
The smallmouth bite remains strong. Fish are starting to pull out of the coves and relocating to the first deeper points and main lake shorelines. Ned rigs and drop shots in minnow colors are the call. If you’re not finding them in the coves, work your way out — they’re on the move.

Mountain Streams & Ponds
Runoff is done and the mountains are wide open. CPW has been stocking lakes, ponds, and streams throughout the high country, making this prime time to get up there and wet a line. Two presentations cover most situations:

First, smaller spinners fished along current edges in flowing water. If the current is pulling your bait too high in the water column, add a split shot or two to keep the spinner dialed in at mid-depth. This same setup works great in still water — just retrieve it 1 to 2 feet below the surface and hang on.

Second, a small hair jig worked on or near the bottom in slack water areas. Simple, effective, and deadly on stocked trout holding in the slower pockets. If you’ve been thinking about a mountain fishing day trip, this is your week to pull the trigger.

CPW NEWS

Stocking Report — Northeast Region

• Estes Lake

• Georgetown Lake

• Lost Lake

• Tarryall Reservoir

• Davis Pond #1

Catch Me on the Radio This Saturday!

This week’s FLP Fishing Tip on falling water will be front and center when I join Terry Wickstrom on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors this Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. We’ll be expanding on what you read below — how fish respond to dropping lake levels, where to find them, and how to capitalize on the conditions. And knowing Terry, the conversation will take on a life of its own, so there’s a good chance you’ll pick up some extra nuggets beyond what made it into this week’s tip.

Terry’s show runs 9 to 11 a.m. every Saturday on 104.3 The Fan and 102.9 FM in Northern Colorado. Pour a cup and tune in!

FLP Fishing Tip — Fishing Falling Water

With summer heat arriving and drought conditions still gripping Northern Colorado, many of our lakes are seeing drawdowns happen earlier than normal — and in some cases, faster than we’ve seen in years. Boyd Lake, for example, will be lucky to see the Fourth of July weekend come and go before conditions deteriorate further.

When water starts falling in any body of water, fish move. Their instinct kicks in and drives them away from the shallows, where the risk of being stranded in an isolated pocket is very real. They head for deeper water — and “deeper” is a relative term. In a large cove, that might mean a drain that’s only a foot or two lower than the surrounding flat. Don’t overlook it. Those subtle drains become highways fish use to travel toward the main lake basin as the water continues to drop.

When I hear a lake is falling, my first move is to identify the deeper water nearest to where I last found fish — a drain, a channel edge, a drop-off into a deeper basin. From there, it’s about covering water efficiently. If you’re on a boat, run your electronics and look for schools pulling out of the shallows. If you’re fishing from shore, use faster-moving presentations to locate fish rather than sitting and waiting.

Here’s the upside of falling water: when fish vacate the shallows, they tend to school up. That means once you get a bite, slow down and work that area thoroughly. It’s not uncommon to spend an hour or more on a single productive spot when fish are stacked like that.

Falling lake levels are tough to watch — but if you understand how fish respond, you can turn a discouraging situation into some of the best fishing of the summer. Adapt to the conditions and capitalize.

Share

FISHING FUNNY

Rain, rain — come this way.

Drought conditions are starting to show their hand across Northern Colorado, and it’s not a pretty picture. Conversations with local farmers tell the story clearly — many have made the difficult decision not to plant flood-irrigated ground this season. I’m watching sloughs go dry that haven’t seen that kind of conditions since the 1950s. The heat and lack of moisture are showing up at our area lakes as well, and if things don’t change, we could start seeing additional boat ramp closures or reduced launching ability before the Fourth of July. I’ll do my best to keep you updated as those situations develop — check back here and watch your inbox.

On a brighter note, Spinney Mountain Reservoir opened to boating this past week, which is great news for pike and trout anglers who have been waiting on that access. A few things to know before you load up the boat: there is no dock at the ramp, so plan to beach your boat during launch and retrieval. When launching, use the center lane — the concrete extends further than the two side lanes, and that extra length matters when the water is down.

Hot Bites

Horsetooth Reservoir — The smallmouth bass bite has been solid. Focus on shady areas inside the coves and any structure you can find in 12 feet of water and shallower. Get out of the sun and the fish will find you.

Carter Lake — A walleye bite is developing on the west side, with spinners on the crawler harness getting the job done. The trout bite continues to produce as well — troll the open water column between 10 and 25 feet down and you should find them.

Boyd Lake — Walleye remain active in the 12 to 18 foot range. Bottom bouncers and spinners are working, as is trolling crankbaits through that depth zone. Keep an eye out for white bass in the area as well — they’ve been showing up in the mix.

Cherry Creek Reservoir — Walleyes are using the shallows early in the morning, then sliding out to structure edges as the sun climbs. Get there at first light and adjust your depth as the day progresses.

Chatfield Reservoir — Work the weed edges for a mixed bag of walleye and bass. Smallmouth are also stacking up along the rock face on the dam — worth a few casts if you’re in that area.

CPW NEWS

Over 1,000 Trout Salvaged from Antero Reservoir

Following Denver Water’s decision to draw down Antero Reservoir this season as part of a drought response, CPW aquatic biologists completed a fish salvage operation on June 12, relocating more than 1,000 trout to nearby waters. Of those, 981 rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and hybrid trout were transferred to Eleven Mile Reservoir — chosen both for its location within the South Platte River basin and its clean status for aquatic nuisance species, specifically New Zealand mudsnails. The remaining fish were released into the South Fork of the South Platte River.

This agency-led effort came on the heels of the emergency public salvage CPW approved back in April, during which thousands of anglers helped pull fish from the draining reservoir. After that public salvage concluded, fish continued to move freely from Antero downstream into Spinney Mountain Reservoir on their own.

CPW has indicated that stocking operations at Antero will resume once the reservoir is refilled. It’s a tough situation driven by drought conditions, but good to see the agency and Denver Water working together to preserve as many fish as possible in the meantime.

CPW Trout Stocking Report — Northeast Region

• Arvada Reservoir

• Aurora Reservoir

• Boyd Lake

• Chatfield Reservoir

• Cherry Creek Reservoir

• Flatiron Reservoir

• Horsetooth Reservoir

• Kriely Pond

• Lagerman Reservoir

• Lake Arbor

• McCall Lake

• Pinewood Reservoir

• Slough Pond

• Standley Lake

• Teal Lake

• Tiago Lake

• Urad Mine Lake

• Union Reservoir

Event Spotlight: 27th Annual Full Moon Open — Horsetooth Reservoir

One of Colorado’s most anticipated fishing events is just around the corner. The 27th Annual Full Moon Open returns to Horsetooth Reservoir on June 27-28, and if you’ve never fished this event, it’s a bucket list night on the water.

This is an open two-person team tournament running from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, and it lives up to its name — there’s nothing quite like working Horsetooth under a full moon chasing bass and walleye through the night. Entry is $300 per team with Big Bass included in the entry fee, a $15,000 Big Bass prize on the line, and first place guaranteed at $2,000. There’s also a $20 Big Walleye pot, door prizes, a silent auction featuring guided fishing and hunting trips, and local vendors on site. Cash, card, Venmo, and PayPal are all accepted.

There are still a few open slots left for teams looking to get in on the action this year — don’t wait too long if you’re thinking about it. Visit centennialbass.com to register before those spots are gone.

I’ll be emceeing the weigh-in Sunday morning — come on out, cheer on the anglers, and see what Horsetooth gave up overnight. It’s always a great time.

Soapbox:

Spinney’s Pike Tournament — A Symptom of a Bigger Problem

With Spinney Mountain Reservoir finally open to boating again, there’s plenty to be excited about heading into summer. But I’d be doing you a disservice as both an avid angler and someone with a fishery biology degree if I didn’t address something that has been weighing on me since CPW dropped their press release late last month announcing monthly northern pike management tournaments at Spinney running June through September.

Let me be clear upfront: I understand the concern. CPW’s sampling shows an increase in pike numbers and a corresponding decline in certain trout age classes. That’s a legitimate fisheries management issue, and I respect the biologists working to address it. But the decision to jump straight to a paid tournament as the management tool raises serious questions — not just about this specific action, but about the broader pattern of how CPW manages our fisheries.

What we’re witnessing here is reactive management, and it’s a pattern that has defined Colorado fisheries policy for decades.

The Roots of the Problem Run Deep

To understand how we got here, you have to look back to the Division of Wildlife’s approach in the 1980s, when the institutional message pushed to Colorado anglers was simple: a successful fishing trip means keeping your limit of trout. Warm water species were treated as afterthoughts, second-class citizens of Colorado’s fisheries. That philosophy shaped multiple generations of Colorado anglers who believe harvesting trout is synonymous with success.

That cultural pressure has translated into sustained harvest pressure on trout across every water in the state where harvest is allowed. DOW and CPW biologists have spent years trying to counteract that through regulations — slot limits, size restrictions, reduced bag limits — but those tools almost always come after the damage is already visible. They’re reactive by nature.

Here’s the management opportunity that was missed, and missed repeatedly over those same decades: CPW never made a meaningful push to educate Colorado anglers about the quality of Northern pike as table fare. Northern pike, properly prepared, is outstanding on the plate. If even a fraction of the angler pressure that has historically targeted trout had been redirected toward pike through a sustained, proactive education campaign, we’d be having a very different conversation today. You don’t need a bounty to change behavior. You need education and a shift in culture — and that work should have started forty years ago. Then proactive regulations on the pike to keep a blanace would of had a better chance at balancing the fishery.

The Tournament Approach Sets a Troubling Precedent

CPW’s press release states that the tournament is the preferred option over mechanical removal through electrofishing or netting, and I’ll grant that point — angler harvest is a less invasive and more cost-effective tool than electrofishing a reservoir the size of Spinney. But “better than the worst option” is a low bar for fisheries management.

When you structure a tournament around cash prizes for harvesting a specific species, you are functionally placing a bounty on that fish. You are sending a message — loudly and publicly — that CPW does not value northern pike as a fishery resource. That is not the fisheries management philosophy I was taught at CSU, and it’s not a message that serves Colorado anglers well in the long run.

Spinney has become one of the premier northern pike fisheries in the western United States. Anglers are traveling specifically to target pike there in numbers we’ve never seen before. The increase in pike showing up in creel surveys isn’t just an alarm bell — it’s also a reflection of growing angler interest in the species and the fishery. Managing that as a problem to be eliminated, rather than a resource to be balanced, represents a significant missed opportunity.

What Troubles Me Most: The Silence

I have attended every Northeast Anglers Roundtable meeting. That forum exists precisely to provide a space for CPW to share management decisions with leaders in the angling community, to gather input, and to build the kind of trust between anglers and agency that makes collaborative management possible. The roundtable heard nothing about this tournament before CPW went public with it. Nothing.

That silence matters. Not just because transparency is good policy, but because the relationship between CPW and the angling community is one of our most important conservation assets — and decisions made without communication erodes that relationship in ways that are hard to rebuild.

The Bigger Picture We Can’t Ignore

Colorado’s angling community is already operating in a diminished landscape. We have lost access to fisheries through drought, through expiring leases, through circumstances both within and beyond CPW’s control. Lonetree, Adobe Creek, Thurston — these are waters that are gone, and anglers are absorbing that loss.

In that context, how CPW manages the fisheries we still have matters enormously. Proactive management creates moderate, manageable swings in fishery health. Reactive management — waiting for a problem to become undeniable before responding — creates the boom-and-bust cycles that damage fisheries and the angling community’s trust in the agency managing them.

We cannot afford that pattern on Colorado’s signature waters.

I want to be constructive here, not just critical. CPW has talented biologists who care deeply about these resources. But good people working within a reactive management culture will continue to produce reactive results. The angling community — through forums like the Northeast Anglers Roundtable, through the comment process, through direct engagement with CPW leadership — needs to push for a more proactive approach to fisheries management in this state.

Spinney deserves better. Our fisheries deserve better. And frankly, so do the pike.

If you want to get more involved and help make sure the angling community’s voice is heard in fishery management decisions like this one, send me a message — the more organized we are, the harder we are to ignore.

FLP Fishing Tip of the Week: How to Fillet Northern Pike

Northern pike have long carried an unfair reputation at the cleaning table. Mention pike fillets to the average Colorado angler and you’re likely to get a grimace and something about “too many bones.” And it’s true — pike have a unique set of Y-bones running through the fillet that can turn the cleaning process into a frustrating experience if you don’t know what you’re doing. That reputation has caused a lot of anglers to either release every pike they catch or, worse, write off the species entirely as table fare.

That’s a shame, because once you understand how to properly remove those Y-bones, northern pike is one of the finest eating fish you’ll find in a Colorado reservoir. The flesh is white, firm, and flaky — mild in flavor with none of the muddiness people sometimes associate with warm water fish. Pike fillets hold up beautifully whether you’re dropping them in a fryer, sliding them into the oven, or building out a fish taco spread that’ll have people asking what species that was.

The key is the technique. It may sound intimidating the first time, but once you’ve done it a handful of times it becomes second nature, and the reward on the plate is absolutely worth it.

Check out the video below for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to break down a pike the right way. Do it once, and I promise the next pike you catch will look a whole lot more like dinner.

One last thing before you head to the cleaning table — always practice selective harvest. When it comes to northern pike, keep those fish under 30 inches and release the big ones. Those larger pike are not only tougher and stronger tasting than their smaller counterparts, but they represent years of growth that took a lot of favorable conditions to produce. Every oversized pike you release is an opportunity for the next angler — maybe even your kid or grandkid — to experience what a true trophy pike feels like on the end of a line. The smaller fish are better on the plate anyway, so it's a win all the way around. Enjoy the catch, respect the resource, and leave something in the water worth coming back for.

Share

FISHING FUNNY

If you’ve been on the water lately, you already know — the fishing has been flat-out good across Northern Colorado, and the weather deserves a lot of the credit. We’ve had about as close to a “normal” June as we’ve seen in a while, and the fish are responding. Water temps in most of our Front Range reservoirs are pushing into the upper 60s to right around 70 degrees, which means we are in the final stretch of spawning season for our warm water species. Once that wraps up, it’s game on — bass, walleye, white bass, and wiper are all going to be aggressive and actively feeding. And with forage populations still thin before the big hatches and fry explosions arrive in early July, the next few weeks could be some of the best action of the entire year. Get out there.

Water Levels — Some Good News, Some Concern

I know we’ve been watching the water situation closely all season, so let’s run through the latest numbers.

The good news first — Union Reservoir, Horsetooth, and Boyd Lake have all gained water since June 1st. Union and Horsetooth are both up about 6 inches, and Boyd has picked up roughly an inch. I know that doesn’t sound dramatic, but in the current drought environment, any gain is worth celebrating. Those gains could extend our usable boating season by a week or two at some of these lakes. At Union, I’d still caution anyone with a larger boat to hold off — but if you’re running a smaller rig on a single-axle trailer, it could actually be a good time to get out there.

Now the other side of the ledger. Cherry Creek is down 1.5 inches, Chatfield has dropped 6 inches, and Carter Lake has lost 5.5 feet. Carter’s drop is significant, but the one I’m watching most closely is Cherry Creek. It started the season already low, and there are ongoing discussions that if it continues to fall, we could be looking at a boating closure. Nothing is decided — that’s just where the conversation is if the trend doesn’t reverse. Let’s hope the rain shows up and takes that option off the table.

Foothills Rivers and Streams

I spent some time up in the foothills this past week and wanted to give you a firsthand report. The rivers and streams are still running high from snowmelt, but they are not blown out. The water is moving, but it’s clear enough to fish — just approach it with caution and respect. Wading right now can get sketchy fast, so please don’t take chances in unfamiliar water. When the flows are up like this, the fish aren’t spread out — they’re stacked in current breaks and tucked under undercut banks looking for relief. Find those seams and sheltered pockets and you’ll find fish.

🔥 Hot Bites

Boyd Lake

The walleye bite at Boyd continues to be solid. The key right now is adjusting your depth based on conditions — on windy or overcast days, work the 7–10 foot range where walleyes move up to feed. When it’s calm and bright, they’ll pull back deeper into the 12–15 foot zone, so slow down and put bottom bouncers to work.

Bass fishing has also been picking up nicely, with both largemouth and smallmouth being caught along the shorelines on Ned Rigs. Work them slow — and I mean slow — crawling right along the bottom to imitate a crayfish. Don’t rush it.

White bass are also showing up more consistently, though they’ve been holding a little deeper than expected. Trolling and jig-and-minnow presentations are getting the job done on those fish.

Chatfield Reservoir

Chatfield is on fire right now for both walleye and smallmouth bass. The walleye action is centered along weed edges in the 7–12 foot range — that’s where the biggest concentrations of fish are sitting. In low light conditions, throwing jigs with paddle tails is a great search tool. When the sun gets high and the day heats up, slow everything down and go to live bait — worms on a jig or drop shot are producing, but don’t sleep on leeches. Smallmouth specifically are holding along the rocky stretches and the east shoreline. Downsize your presentation and try wacky-rigged stick worms or Ned Rigs for those fish — they can be a little finicky, but they’re there.

Carter Lake

Don’t count Carter out despite the dropping water levels — the trout bite is still going strong for those willing to put in the time trolling. Work spoons anywhere from 5 to 15 feet down in the water column and pay close attention to your speed. Speed is the trigger right now — vary your trolling pace until you find what they want, then stay on it. On the walleye front, fish are starting to show up along the west shoreline. Bottom bouncers are the move for those fish, so if you haven’t made a pass down that stretch yet, put it on your list.

Horsetooth Reservoir

The smallmouth at Horsetooth have moved into the coves, and if you know the reservoir at all, you know that’s a good sign. Focus on the shade lines along the shoreline and work the major points — those are the staging areas right now. My approach is to start with a jig and paddletail to cover water and locate fish, then once I’ve got them dialed in, slow down and finesse them with a Ned Rig. That one-two combination has been deadly on Horsetooth smallmouth this time of year.

Front Range Ponds

As you see in this week’s stocking report, a lot of our local ponds just received what may be their last trout plants of the early season — so the clock is ticking on those fresh fish. Get out there this week and take advantage before the summer heat pushes trout off the bite. Beyond trout, the warm water action at most ponds is excellent right now, and here’s the key — the weeds haven’t gotten out of control yet. That window won’t last long. Work weedless-rigged stick worms and buzzbaits over the emerging weeds for bass and you’ll be surprised what comes out of there. For panfish and trout, a small 1/16 to 1/32 oz jig with a curly tail on a slow, steady retrieve is flat-out producing. Keep it simple and keep it moving.

ALERT!! ALERT!!

CPW just reported a toxic algae bloom at Jackson Reservoir. Activities that include water contact are prohibited at this time.

This means:

• No swimming, wading, or cantact water activities.

• Keep pets away from the water

• Avoid touching the water

• Boating and fishing are ok.

The state will continue to do testing and we will keep you updated when the situation changes.

🐟 CPW Stocking Report — Northeast Region

CPW put the trucks to work last week, and the Northeast region got a solid round of fresh stockings. Here’s where rainbows were planted:

• Bear Creek Reservoir

• Columbia Reservoir

• Echo Lake

• Estes Lake

• Evergreen Lake

• Fairplay Kids Pond

• Horsetooth Reservoir

• Jefferson Lake

• South Platte River #7A

• Wailers Pond

• West Lake

That’s eleven waters loaded up just in time for summer fishing pressure — and right on the heels of Free Fishing Weekend. If you’ve been waiting for a good excuse to hit a new spot, the fish are there and they’re fresh. Horsetooth and Evergreen Lake are obvious go-tos for Front Range anglers, but don’t overlook some of the smaller waters like Wailers Pond and Fairplay Kids Pond if you’re looking to put a kid or a beginner on fish fast.

Catch Me on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors This Saturday

This Saturday at 10:30 a.m. I’ll be joining Terry Wickstrom on the Terry Wickstrom Outdoors Radio Show, and I’ve got a topic I feel strongly about — one that honestly doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the fishing and outdoor community.

We’re talking ticks.

I know, not exactly the glamorous side of being outdoors. But if you’ve spent any time in the brush, tall grass, or timber this spring, this is a conversation worth stopping to hear. I’ll be covering how to keep ticks from getting on you in the first place, and what to do if you find one that has.

Here’s why this matters to me personally: I’ve been through two bouts with Lyme disease. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. It’s the kind of thing that can quietly knock the outdoors out of your life if you’re not careful, and the frustrating part is that a lot of it is preventable with the right knowledge and habits. If I can help even one person avoid going through what I went through, this is a segment worth doing.

I’ll also squeeze in a quick fishing update, so tune in for that as well.

Terry Wickstrom Outdoors airs every Saturday from 9–11 a.m. Catch me at the 10:30 mark on 104.3 The Fan in Denver, or stream it live at DenverSports.com if you’re outside the broadcast area.

Don’t skip this one — it could make a real difference in your season.

Share

FLP Fishing Tip - The part of fishing no app can measure

We talk a lot about Fish, Location, and Presentation in this newsletter — and those three things will absolutely put more fish in your net. But this week I want to focus on something that doesn’t fit neatly into the formula, yet might be the most important reason any of us ever picked up a rod in the first place.

Call it the emotional advantage of the outdoors.

Time with the people we love moves faster than we’re willing to admit. Kids grow up. Parents get older. Friends get busy. Life has a way of shrinking the window before we even realize it was closing. But out there on the water? Time slows down. The outdoors has this quiet, almost magical ability to strip away the noise and put you right where you are — present, focused, and face to face with someone who matters to you.

So here’s my tip this week: turn your ringer off. Not airplane mode so you can sneak a peek — actually off. The world will survive without you for a few hours. What won’t wait forever is that conversation you keep meaning to have, or the story your dad has told you fifteen times that you’re only now old enough to really appreciate. Let him tell it again. Listen like it’s the first time. I promise you, one day you’ll be glad you did.

Some of my favorite fishing memories have nothing to do with big fish. A ketchup packet on the end of a line. The most ridiculously tiny perch you’ve ever seen, held up by a kid like it’s a tournament winner. A shared laugh on a slow afternoon when the bite was dead but nobody wanted to leave. Those are the moments that stick. Not the posts you scrolled past, not the game highlights, not whatever Sally had for dinner last Tuesday.

Fishing gives us the perfect excuse to get away from all of that — and get back to each other.

There will come a day when you either can’t make the trip, or the person you’d call to go with you isn’t there anymore. Don’t wait for that day to wish you’d gone more often.

Get out there. Bring someone you love. Make a memory worth keeping.

See you on the water, Brad

FISHING PHILOSOPHY

This past week brought a hint of summer heat to the Front Range — I even caught one lake touching 70 degrees by midday. That warmth is doing exactly what you’d hope: it’s got fish thinking about putting the feed bag on. The good news is we’re still a couple of weeks ahead of the forage bloom that typically hits around July 1st, which means fish are hungry and competing for food. Add in the fact that CPW has been stocking area waters aggressively ahead of Free Fishing Weekend, and this is about as good a time as any to get on the water.

What’s Biting — Front Range Hot Bite Report

Walleye Walleyes are still firmly in the live bait camp. Focus on crawlers and leeches fished on jigs, a drop shot, or bottom bouncers. One thing I’ve been noticing on the clearer lakes — the shallow bite is starting to slow down during flat, calm conditions. When the sun is high and the surface is like glass, those fish are still there, but you need to dial back your presentation and slow down. Wind and cloud cover make a big difference. Some of the hottest walleye lakes right now are Chatfield, Boyd, and Jumbo.

Bass Both largemouth and smallmouth are on fire right now. Target structure with some cover in the 3 to 10 foot range and you will be in the game. My best presentation this past week has been a 1/8 oz VMC Ned Head rigged with a CrushCity Salted NedRoll, slowly dragged along the bottom. That combo has been producing both numbers and quality fish.

Wiper & White Bass Activity levels are picking up. At Boyd, look for white bass holding in the 10 to 16 foot range. If you’re after wipers, Jackson has been producing some quality fish worth making the trip for.

Trout CPW has been stocking heavily ahead of Free Fishing Weekend, which sets up for fast action over the next few days. Hit the lakes early and start with spoons. As the morning progresses, transition to bait on the bottom or suspended below a float — both will get bit.

Catfish The catfish bite is waking up, and here’s a tip if you want to sidestep the weekend crowds entirely — go at night. Sticky baits on the bottom are pure catfish candy

Colorado Free Fishing Weekend — June 6 & 7

This Saturday and Sunday is Colorado’s Free Fishing Weekend, and it’s one of the best things CPW does all year. No fishing license or Habitat Stamp is required for either residents or non-residents — just grab a rod and go. All other rules still apply, including bag limits, so brush up on the regs before you head out.

This is a perfect opportunity to bring someone new to the water. Whether it’s a kid, a neighbor, or a friend who’s always said they want to try fishing — this weekend removes every excuse. No license to buy, no barrier to entry. Just get them outside and put a rod in their hand.

One thing to keep in mind: you won’t be the only one with that idea. Expect more people at the boat ramps and on the bank this weekend, especially at the popular Front Range fisheries. Be patient, be courteous, and remember that every new angler out there this weekend is a potential lifelong advocate for our sport and our waters.

CPW makes an extra effort to stock many Front Range fisheries with trout ahead of Free Fishing Weekend, so the timing couldn’t be better for a quick trip close to home. Check the CPW stocking report for waters near you before you go.

Share

Boyd Lake Water Conditions

Good news from Boyd Lake — the South Inlet has been flowing, and it’s made a difference. Water levels have held steady since Monday, which is a welcome sign after the dropping conditions we’ve seen across NoCo this season. The inflow has been reduced to just a single pipe, but even that small trickle has been enough to keep the lake at a consistent level. Here’s hoping it continues — if it does, boating access could remain open right through Father’s Day weekend.

CPW News — Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection Drop Boxes: Fill Out the Sign-In Sheet

If you’ve been launching outside of inspection station hours and using the drop box, this message is for you.

Boat inspection staff are reporting a growing problem — boaters are dropping their receipt and seal in the box and walking away without filling out the sign-in sheet. It’s easy to understand the thinking: the receipt is in there, the seal is attached, so what’s the difference? The difference is that the sign-in sheet matters, and the state is watching this closely.

Colorado is actively trying to figure out how to get boaters to comply with the full drop box procedure. Here’s why that concerns me. If voluntary compliance doesn’t improve, the state may have no choice but to move toward a model like Larimer County — where launching outside of staffed inspection hours simply isn’t an option. No drop box. No early morning launches. No late evening trips. Inspection station open, or you don’t go.

None of us want that.

The drop box program exists because anglers and boaters pushed for more flexible access. It’s a privilege, not a guarantee — and right now, a portion of the boating public is quietly putting it at risk for everyone else.

So here’s what I’m asking: take the extra minute or two and complete the sign-in sheet every single time. And if you’re at the ramp and you see someone else skip it, say something. A friendly reminder from a fellow angler carries more weight than a sign on a post. We police ourselves, or eventually someone else will do it for us.

Protect the drop box program. Fill out the sheet.

FLP Fishing Tip — Watch the Weather

Fish + Location + Presentation = Success... but none of that matters if you’re not safe on the water.

Let me tell you what happened to me at Boyd Lake on Wednesday.

Black clouds had been stacking up over Estes Park for more than an hour, slowly pushing toward the lake. A few lightning bolts near the foothills was all I needed to see — I pointed the boat toward the ramp and started loading up. As I’m getting the boat on the trailer, I look up and a parade of pleasure boats and wake boats are launching. Headed right out onto the lake. Storm rolling in, twenty minutes out, and they were completely oblivious to what was building around them.

It’s one of those moments that’s equal parts funny and alarming.

Colorado weather doesn’t negotiate. Afternoon storms can materialize fast — especially along the Front Range where moisture funnels out of the mountains with little warning. What looks like a distant dark cloud over the foothills can be on top of you before you’ve finished rigging a second rod. Here’s what every angler needs to keep in mind:

Check the forecast before you launch. Look at hourly forecasts, not just the daily outlook. Apps like Pinpoint Weather Fox 31 and RadarScope give you a much clearer picture of what’s moving and when.

Watch the sky, not just your line. Make it a habit to scan the horizon every 15–20 minutes while you’re on the water. Towering cumulonimbus clouds, a sudden drop in temperature, and a shift in wind direction are all signs that something is building.

You don’t need rain to be in danger. This is the one that catches people off guard. Colorado storms frequently produce powerful downdraft winds — gusts exceeding 40 mph that can come out of nowhere and swamp a boat or push you into structure before you can react. Lightning can also strike well ahead of any rainfall, sometimes miles from the storm’s core.

When you see lightning, get off the water. The rule of thumb is simple: if you can see it, you’re already in range. Don’t wait for the thunder to confirm it.

Have a plan before you need one. Know where your nearest boat ramp or safe shoreline is every time you’re out. When a storm pops up is not the time to be studying the map.

Give yourself a margin. If you think you have 20 minutes, act like you have 10. Loading a boat, getting off the water, and finding shelter takes longer than you think — especially with a family or a full livewell.

The fishing will always be there tomorrow. Make sure you are too.

FISHING FUNNY

Fresh inflow like this is a magnet for baitfis…

Read more

It’s been one of those weeks where I managed to split time between the water and the mountains, which is about as good as it gets this time of year. While I was out, I had a chance to check in on the Big Thompson River — and the good news is it’s running a little high but very fishable across all the stretches. Nothing blown out, nothing unfishable. If you’ve been thinking about getting into the mountains for some stream fishing, go sooner rather than later. With the irrigation season back in full swing — and the farmers aren’t going to stop running water until we get several consecutive days of steady rain — I expect flows on the smaller streams to drop significantly as summer rolls on. That moisture we’ve been getting isn’t enough to offset it. Get up there while the getting is good.

Down on the Front Range, here’s where things stand:

Walleye are still fishing well in 8–15 feet of water across most of the NoCo lakes. Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Boyd, and Jumbo have all been consistent. Bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses are working, and so are jigs tipped with plastics. Keep working that mid-depth zone.

Largemouth Bass have finished spawning in most of the smaller ponds, though the bigger lakes are still working through it. Wacky rigged worms have been one of the better producers right now — slow down and let the bait do the work.

Smallmouth Bass are cruising the shallows and looking for a meal. Cover water with a jighead and paddle tail, and don’t sleep on topwater during low light. Early morning and evening have been money.

Panfish are staging for the spawn and loaded in the shallows. A jig under a float is hard to beat right now — keep that presentation right in the strike zone and hold on.

Catfish are starting to wake up in the ponds and moving into the shallows. Stinky bait on the bottom is your friend. If you know a pond with cats, now is a great time to introduce a kid to fishing.

Good fishing out there — and remember, Union Reservoir boat access is limited right now. Read the advisory below before you hook up the trailer.

⚠️ BREAKING: Union Reservoir Boat Launch Advisory

If you’re planning to trailer a boat to Union Reservoir, read this first.

Water levels have dropped to a point where I’m pulling my recommendation for any boat over 18 feet — and if you’re running a dual-axle rig, don’t bother. The ramp is dangerously shallow. We’re talking about submerging your vehicle nearly to the cab just to get a hull in the water. The loading area has larger gravel and exposed rock, and prop strikes during retrieval are already being reported. One bad bounce off the bottom and your day — and your wallet — take a serious hit.

I’d hoped we’d make it to Father’s Day before we started losing lakes to boating access. We’re not going to get that.

Union Reservoir is the first domino this season, and it probably won’t be the last. Boyd Lake is already on my watch list. With levels this low this early, some of these waters may not be launchable when next spring rolls around — even if we bank a solid snowpack between now and then. That’s a hard thing to say, but it’s the reality we’re looking at.

Smaller boats can still get out, but go in with your eyes open. Conditions that are workable today can turn ugly fast. Check levels before you hook up the trailer. Talk to someone who was there yesterday. Don’t assume.

I’ll keep updating conditions as things develop. Stay smart out there.

— Brad

Help Make the 30th Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids at Horsetooth a Great One

Mark your calendar — Saturday, June 6th, 7:30 am at Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay in Fort Collins. This year they’re celebrating 30 years of C.A.S.T. for Kids at Horsetooth, and need the fishing community to show up for it.

C.A.S.T. for Kids — Catch A Special Thrill — is a national nonprofit that pairs volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs, ages 6 to 18, for a free day on the water. Every kid who attends leaves with their own fishing gear, time on a boat, lunch, and an awards ceremony. It is one of the most rewarding days you can spend on the water, and I mean that sincerely.

Over 40 kids are already registered and they still need boaters and shore volunteers to make it work. Boaters take kids and their families out for 2–3 hours of fishing. Shore volunteers help with registration, setup, lunch, and celebrating the kids throughout the day. Fishing experience is not required — just a good attitude and a willingness to give a few hours to something that genuinely matters.

To volunteer or get more information, contact Bill Wilson: 📧 bassinbill@gmail.com 📞 970-218-2895

Or register directly at castforkids.org/event/horsetoothreservoir

See you on the water June 6th.

Share

27th Annual Full Moon Open — This Year’s Timing Is a Game-Changer

One of my favorite events on the Northern Colorado fishing calendar is coming up fast, and if you’ve never fished the Full Moon Open, this might be the year to change that.

The 27th Annual Full Moon Open is set for June 27–28, 2026 at Horsetooth Reservoir, running 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. That’s right — a full night of fishing under the full moon at one of the best bass lakes in the state. It doesn’t get much more fun than that.

Here’s what makes this year especially interesting: the event is running significantly earlier in the summer than it has in recent years. That timing puts us right in the heart of shallow-water bass activity — post-spawn fish that are aggressive, accessible, and ready to eat. If there’s ever a year to target big numbers in the dark, this is it.

Beyond the fishing, this is also a fundraiser for one of the largest kids fishing events in Northern Colorado. When you enter, you’re not just competing — you’re putting money back into youth fishing in our region. That matters.

Entry is $300 per two-person team, with first place guaranteed at $2,000 and a Big Bass prize pool of $15,000. There’s also a $20 Big Walleye pot, door prizes, a silent auction featuring guided fishing and hunting trips, and vendor booths on site.

Registration is open now. Full details and entry at centennialbass.com.

Glendo Reservoir Guide Trips — June 15–20 Openings

I have a handful of dates open at Glendo Reservoir June 15–20, and if you’ve been looking for a reason to make the trip north into Wyoming, this is it.

Glendo is one of the finest walleye fisheries in the entire West — big water, great fish, and a lake that rewards anglers who know where to look. Whether you want to learn the lake, dial in a new technique, or just get out and have a great time chasing walleye, this is a trip worth making.

Spots are limited and the dates are close. Reach out soon if you’re interested.

Good fishing.

— Brad

Catch Me on the Radio This Saturday

If you’re not already tuned in to Terry Wickstrom Outdoors on 104.3 The Fan, this Saturday is a great time to start. I’ll be joining Terry at 10:30 am to talk Ned rigs — one of the most versatile and underutilized setups in freshwater fishing — and I’ll have the latest Northern Colorado fishing updates to keep you dialed in for the weekend.

Grab a cup of coffee and give us a listen. Saturday at 10:30 am on 104.3 The Fan.

FLP Fishing Tip: Flip Your Lead Core

Lead core line is a go-to trolling setup for trout, salmon, and walleye anglers. If you’re not familiar with it, the line features a small lead center wrapped in a woven braid. It gets your lures down to depths they simply can’t reach on their own — and it does it well. The downside? It’s not cheap. And as lead core ages or picks up twist, that inner lead core can start to break down and show wear, leaving a lot of anglers reluctant to replace it.

Here’s a tip to extend the life of your lead core and get more mileage out of your investment.

I typically don’t run more than 5–6 colors when trolling, which means the bottom portion of the spool rarely sees action. Take an empty reel of the same size and style and put a layer of backing on it — just enough to cover the spool. Then tie the end of your existing lead core to that backing. Now reel the old line onto the new spool. What was on top is now on the bottom, and what was buried on the bottom is now your fresh working line on top. Do this once or twice and the cost of the extra reel more than pays for itself.

On the business end of the lead core, I strip back about 6 inches of braid to expose the lead, then tie on a small swivel. From there, attach your preferred leader line and length, and you’re ready to go.

I picked up this setup from the Godfather of lead core walleye fishing — Ron Seelhoff. Thanks, Ron.

FISHING FUNNY