The spring temps have shown themselves at full strength the last couple of days. This has really opened up water in the ponds. Seems like Hwy 66 is the line for ice-free ponds: south of the highway larger ponds and lakes still have some ice, but the smaller ponds are open; north of 66 most everything still has ice on it, with the exceptions being Carter and Horsetooth.
The hottest bites going on have been shore fishing at ponds and lakes. The ponds have been producing good panfish and trout on small jigs and a float, I’ve been tipping the jigs with my remaining ice-fishing bait. Largemouth bass are starting to get active with these warmer days. Stick worms, rigged wacky style, and spinnerbaits slow rolled are enticing bass to bite. Some area ponds have been stocked with walleye/saugeye over the years and spring is the best chance to catch those fish in these ponds. The walleyes are also moving to their spawning areas in the larger lakes. Target hard bottom shorelines, dams, and areas where water is flowing in. Jerkbaits and jigs with twisters or paddle tails are working best to catch these walleyes. The best walleye fishing is happening in low-light periods.
Saturday the insect activity around the ponds south of 66 started. This has brought the panfish and trout up to the surface in the afternoon. Look for fish feeding on or near the surface in the shallow areas to help you focus on where to fish. A good pair of polarized sunglasses can help you see these fish near the surface.
This week I’ve made it out several times to smaller ponds. The bluegills are starting to turn on, the bite has been light. Notice the size of the jig in the picture, smaller seems to be better. The slow pull and pause seem to be the right action to get the bites. I’m usually moving the float about 2-3 feet with each pull and then letting it sit for 5-10 seconds. Bass are starting to show themselves. Most of the time I was using 4” stick worms rigged wacky style. Casting out and letting the worm sink all the way to the bottom, then do a few light twitches and let it sink back down.
Snowpack for the South Platte drainage has improved over the past week and we are up to 107% of normal and 75% of peak. Looks like the mountains should be getting more snow this next week. Keep it coming!! The good news is the soil out east has a good level of moisture so the farmer shouldn’t need to irrigate up their crops. This helps keep water in the lakes later into the season.
Reservoir inflows have changed a little this week: inlets at both Jackson and Sterling have increased; while the inlet at Prewitt has basically shut off. Talking to the ranger at Jackson, the only open water is near the inlet currently.
Streamflows:
Big T - Below Lake Estes 26.2 cfs, above the canyon 27.7 cfs
Poudre - At the mouth of the canyon 62.3 cfs
St. Vrain - At Lyons 15.8 cfs
South Platte - Waterton 34.8 cfs, below Chatfield 6.17 cfs
ANS SCHEDULE
This week I called most of the lakes with ANS inspection stations in NoCo to get the times they will be open. Most do not know when the lakes will be opening for boating, this information is to help you plan once the ramps open. Some lakes did have boat ramp/ANS tentative opening dates.
*All this info is subject to change based on weather, persistent ice, and possible staffing issues.
Barr Lake - planned ramp opening Apr. 1, ANS schedule 8a-4p in April.
Boyd - ANS 8a-6p in March, 7a-7p in April
Chatfield - initially the N ramp will open first, ANS schedule 8a-8p in March if the ramp opens.
Cherry Creek - east ramp will open first, ANS hours will be 6a-6p in March if the ramp opens.
Jumbo - TBD
North Sterling - TBD
Carter - hopefully opening April 1 at North Pines ramp, ANS hours 7a-7p
Horsetooth - hopefully opening April 1 at South Bay ramp, ANS hours 7a-7p
Larimer county said ramps may close due to weather and they will be updating their website for opening dates and any weather closures.
CPW NEWS
I talked with a CPW fishery biologist in the NE region this past week. Got some updates on the walleye spawning operations, this information regarding dates is subject to change based on conditions.
The walleye spawning operation is scheduled to start on March 18th at Cherry Creek. Cherry Creeks dam is closed to all fishing until spawning operations have been completed for the year.
CPW is NOT planning to do any spawning operations at Chatfield and the dam closure will NOT be enforced in 2023. Remember when fishing during walleye spawn to practice selective harvest. Although CPW is not spawning Chatfield this spring the large females will be important for future spawning operations. The large females are key to collecting enough eggs to produce the fry and fingerlings that get stocked into all the walleye lakes of Colorado. It also takes a long time for fish to get big, and letting them go provides the opportunity for others to enjoy these fish over time.
FLP FISHING TIP: Spring Shore Fishing Tips
While we are waiting for boat ramps to open, the best opportunity to break out the long rods is going to be from the shore. Here are some tips to help you catch a few more fish from shore this spring.
Longer rods will help you cast further, which can be a big benefit when fishing from shore. I prefer 6’6” to 8’ rods from the shore.
When fishing a jerkbait on a braided main line, it’s good to use a leader of mono or fluoro to avoid the lure tangling up with the braid. Leader length may vary - anything longer than 2’ will work. Remember that mono will float and fluoro will sink, this could change the buoyancy of the jerkbait.
Look for surface activity in the afternoon. This can key you into areas with trout and bluegills.
When fishing a wacky rig, keep a close eye on the line where it hits the water. Many of the bites will just be a twitch of the line or the line slowly moving. The cold water temps have the bass not as aggressive and often you won’t feel the bites.
To get extra casting distance with light lures when fishing for panfish, try using nanobraid. Nano casts light lures almost 2x as far as mono. The line is so thin that it can cause floats to slide down your line, try running the line through the line holder on the float twice to stop that from happening.
When night fishing from shore here are a few items to have with you to make the evening more enjoyable. Headlamps, fingerless gloves, stocking caps, hand warmers, and waterproof boots (I hate it when my feet get wet in the spring).
FISHING FUNNIES