Stillwaters Report | St. Peter's Fly Shop is a full service pro fly fishing shop with the best selection of fly fishing products and guided fly fishing trips in Northern Colorado. Located in Ft. Collins Colorado we are conveniently positioned in close proximity to a number of world class waters including; Cache la Poudre River, Big Thompson River, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, North Platte River(Upper North Platte, Gray Reef, and Miracle Mile), and many stillwaters.

Report :: 05/17/2012

Spring has arrived early and the stillwaters around Northern Colorado and Wyoming have taken notice.

The Laramie plains lakes have been completely ice free, as well as the North Park waters, for almost 2 months now. Reports are good from the WY plains lakes and the Delaneys. They are both producing some monster fish on a variety of tactics. Try slow stripped bugger/crayfish streamers on an intermediate line, same goes for the scuds and chironomids. Just play the depth game and be patient, big fish dont come easy folks. That being said, this is the best time of year to find them crusing the shallows. The 10:00-2:00 chironomid bite is starting to become more and more consistent on all the lakes. It seems to be heaviest around 1:00 on days with sunshine and minimal wind.

Lake John is fishing well with a variety of tactics. On the whole, the fish are smaller due to last fall's reclamation efforts. However, there are a few brooders being caught which will give any angler a run for their money! If you're looking for numbers, John is where you want to be. As with the Delaneys, the fish are in the upper water column where warmer temps and active bugs are most plentiful. Use intermediate lines with streamers or a floating indicator rig with flies in the 8-3 foot drop zone.

The Red Feather lakes are open and the fishing on Parvin has been reported to be good. Many big rainbows and browns have been reported to hit the net and there are plenty more to be caught! For some great consistent action, take a trip over to Dowdy or West lake where the bite has been ridiculous for stocker sized rainbows.

Drop by the shop for some flies and tactic recommendations.

We at St. Peter's spend lots of time fishing stillwaters in the area whether it is for trout or other warm water species like Smallmouth or Wiper.

Here are a few of the lakes that we fish normally; Delany Buttes, Red Feather Lakes (Parvin, Dowdy, and West), Douglas, Horsetooth, Lonetree, and many many more. For the latest conditions and hatches, stop by the shop or give us a ring.

Back to other River Reports