Shipments within Colorado arrive quickly and we work with some of the best fly tiers in the world, making sure our flies are just right for Colorado destinations. Chatfield Reservoir is a reservoir located just 26.8 miles from Hayden, in Rio Blanco County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Yampa, CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including smallmouth bass, perch, largemouth bass, carp, bream/bluegill, catfish, … Until recently, the upper Arkansas has overshadowed the tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir. Fishing has been hit and miss, we recommend heading to other sections of the Platte. Cabela’s is a full-scale outdoor retailer that will have all the necessary equipment and flies to give you success anywhere near Denver. Springtime signals the start of open water fishing. Water is very clear with visibility around 12ft. © 1971 - 2020 The Flyfisher Group LLC. Castle Rock is adjacent to loads of outdoor adventure including on-the-water fun like fly fishing. With a massive selection, free shipping, two locations, & some of Colorado's best guides we strive for the best customer experience possible. You can use Minturn Anglers to grab equipment, find out what local areas are hot, book a guided trip to several nearby destinations, grab a license, and more. Anglers enjoy a day in Deckers, fly fishing in the South Platte River Denver South Platte (DSP) After Deckers, the river flows through Waterton canyon, and then into Chatfield Reservoir. Learn More The fishing is … Beavers are really affecting the fishing on the Platte below Waterton Canyon. Pack a 9-foot, 5- weight rod and you’re ready to go. Come join the Colorado Women Fly Fishers and Colorado Parks and Wildlife for a day of beginning fly fishing, Saturday, May 12 at the Kassler Center at Chatfield Reservoir in Littleton. Fly fishers can have hours of fun knocking out giant sunfish or trout that would be afraid of heavier traditional fishing equipment. Use jerk baits and swim baits. Chatfield is one of Denver's most popular Front Range lakes and was built to control flooding after several floods caused major damage to Denver. Don’t rely on Cabela’s to get all your local fishing information though some employees know more than others. Caught plenty of walleyes at Chatfield Reservoir using bottom bouncer worm rigs. The fishing is … Latest Colorado Fly Fishing Reports Dec 19 Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir Dec 17 Arkansas River – Lower Some rising trout have been spotted in the afternoon, and small streamers in olive and black have produced as well. This section of the South Platte is seeing very low flows, and warm temps. Before I had set out, I checked our Stream Flows page and noted that a mere eight (8) CFS was being released below Chatfield Reservoir. Reports indicate that the fishing has been slow, shore anglers have had few bites. recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 51 degrees and the water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below … Here at the fly shop, we believe that Waterton is one of the top locations in the front range to either learn to fish, teach someone to fish, or even practice a new style of fishing. If brown trout is your game than the Arkansas is the place to be. The fishing is fair. Whether you are a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we got you covered. According to the Colorado Department Parks and Wildlife (CDPW) the Arkansas is roughly 90% self-producing brown trout with introduced rainbow trout rounding out the numbers. You can fish multiple sets of roads, reels, and flies with success on the Arkansas, but an ideal rig is a 9 foot 5 to 6 weight rod with a floating line. Clear skies and 60+ degree weather. Always check local reports and get your license before going for an uninterrupted and productive day on the water. Waterton Canyon is a very good fishery located close to home that will always produce a few fish. The fishing is good. Chatfield Reservoir FISH SURVEY AND MANAGEMENT DATA Paul Winkle, Aquatic Biologist, Denver paul.winkle@state.co.us / 303-291-7232 The figure below shows the length frequencies of walleye, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout collected in 2017. Great fishing spots on the South Platte are only a short drive northwest from Castle Rock. The fishing is slow. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to … A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the South Platte River. We caught Rainbows with Wax Worms and Minnows! For those that want to stick it to the man, an attractor rig with worms, leeches, hare's ears, and large caddis offerings is ideal. Aurora Reservoir. Strip streamers along the banks and use three fly nymph rigs with Egg patterns, San Juan Worms, and Crane fly Larva patterns. There are plenty of trout to chase here but Chatfield has gained a reputation as a tremendous smallmouth and walleye fishery. There aren’t many fly fishing hot spots directly in town, but there are a few great options nearby. Carp can be found anywhere in the South Platte river below Chatfield Reservoir all the way out to Jackson Lake roughly 100 miles northwest. We have caught lots of fish but nothing above 10 inches. There is currently no ice on the reservoir. Located a few miles northwest of Castle Rock, Chatfield Reservoir in Chatfield State Park is fed by the South Platte and offers options for both traditional and fly fishing. If you’re smart, you’ll be fishing for brown trout on the Arkansas so keep that species in mind when you’re packing up. 11/15/2020 Temps are in the upper 40s. Aurora Reservoir Unknown. You can fish for classic Colorado catches in the Platte including rainbow and brown trout, but also other sport fish like bass, walleye, and carp, which has become one of the most popular fly fishing targets in the Denver area. The Arkansas has many distinct hatches and you can easily find success by matching the hatch. Chatfield Reservoir Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Fair As of 11/292020, fishing has been great for walleye at night. Decide your destination and what you want to fish, hit up a great local retailer, and use our advice above to get on the fish. Beneath Chatfield, the South Platte changes drastically in form. Current Conditions at Below Chatfield: This section of the South Platte is seeing very low flows, and warm temps. Chatfield Reservoir. We reccommend heading further towards downtown for better fishing. Because this is a reservoir you won’t be reading the current or finding riffles, but you can easily use your fly rod and reel to nail some great fish. Current Conditions at Below Chatfield: The fishing below chatfield has been tough. Because this is a reservoir you won’t be reading the current or finding riffles, but you can easily use your fly rod and reel to nail some great fish. Which flies work depend on the time of year and what hatches are happening so match the hatch for your best fly selection. Partly Cloudy skies and 60+ degree weather. There aren’t many places to fly fish within Castle Rock city limits but there are several offerings nearby or a short drive from town. One angler noted having success pulling in … To the North, the fishing boundary is just downstream from 120 th Avenue located in the city of Brighton, Colorado. The South Platte River drops in from Nebraska before winding its way through Denver and into Waterton Canyon near Roxborough State Park. Colorado Stream Update: Fishing below Chatfield reservoir has been tough. All Rights Reserved. One angler noted that they had success pulling in walleye while fishing from shore. Check out this great stretch of water close to home. Chatfield Reservoir As of 9/7/2020, fishing for carp has been good at Chatfield Reservoir. Northwest Region June 10, 2020 Southwest Region June 15, 2020 ... Chatfield Reservoir As of 7/11/2020, Chatfield Reservoir is fishing well. Minturn Anglers is the closest full-scale fly fishing outfitter to Castle Rock. With a massive selection, free shipping, two locations, & some of Colorado's best guides we strive for the best customer experience possible. Watch for midge hatches in the late morning/early afternoon. Free Fly Fishing Classes at Yampa River and Elkhead State Parks ... below to watch the recorded Angler Roundtables. The most recent CDPW numbers estimate 2,000 fish per mile of river. Trouts Fly Fishing is Denver's Premier Fly Shop and Outfitter. Current Conditions at Below Chatfield: Trout are actively feeding in riffles and tail outs on BWOs, RSIIs, and small midge imitations right now. Trouts Fly Fishing is Denver's Premier Fly Shop and Outfitter. Though it isn’t on Castle Rock’s doorstep the Arkansas provides some of the best fishing in all of Colorado and is worth the drive for any Castle Rock residents who want an amazing fishing destination. Current Conditions at Below Chatfield: The South Platte below Chatfield is fishing great right now. If you just need to grab fishing equipment and quickly be on your way you can stop by Cabela’s off Interstate 25 a few miles north of Castle Rock. When water is low and clear, it can be easy to find carp in the South Platte, getting them to eat a fly can be a different story. You can get away with waist waders on the Arkansas, but chest waders are recommended. You can also purchase a fishing license at Cabela’s. The South Platte along Colorado’s eastern slope has earned gold medal status for the size and quality of fish. South Platte River - Cheeseman-Chatfield, Colorado Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions Flows are currently at 82 cfs Water clarity is excellent, Standard small nymph rigs in the 20-26 sizes have been successful. This is a great option close to home. Chatfield is regularly stocked with rainbow trout if your goal is to target traditional fly fish species. Arkansas River, below Pueblo ReservoirWhen most fly fishers think of the Arkansas, they envision the river that flows unimpeded from the snow-capped Collegiate Range near Leadville, providing 150 miles of superb river fishing. You can fish from the shore, wade, or float the Arkansas River so match the waders to your fishing. Chest waders are recommended if you know you’ll be wading into deeper spots. Clouser minnows, leech patterns, and carp flies will be your best go-to flies. Orvis Endorsed Outfitter, Royal Gorge Anglers has been guiding on the South Platte for 30 Years, and offers the best fishing reports on the South Platte. Because you could be targeting sunfish or trout depending on your mood and conditions, it’s best to bring a wide range of flies including smaller dry flies to top-water fish species like bluegill. Icing in the guides is a common occurence lately. The water temperature was between 60+ degrees and Slightly Off. Clear skies and 56-59 degree weather. Fishing has been hit and miss, we recommend heading to other sections of the Platte. Slow fishing reported, still pumping water in to slowly raise the lake. Let’s learn everything you need to know for fly fishing near Castle Rock including where to go, what flies and equipment work well, and nearby resources for a productive day of angling. Current Conditions at Below Chatfield: We recommend fishing elsewhere is there is very little water coming out of Chatfield right now. Whether you are a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we got you covered. Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections will be conducted at the North and South ramps from 6am -10pm seven days a week. Now is a perfect time to target that smallmouth, walleye, and carp. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake with rainbow trout and other fish. The Arkansas River is much further than the other destinations but is less than a 2-hour drive in most traffic conditions. You can wade as deep as you want to in Chatfield though it’s designed for shore and float fishing – hip waders are all you need. Keep yours open, as opportunities to sight fish some carp have started to pick up. Conditions : Chatfield Reservoir - As of 12/1/2020, recent water temperature measurements were recorded between 39 and 41 degrees. Although we don’t have a physical store you can wonder into on your way to the river, we do offer quick shipping and a selection of the best flies at a fraction of the big box stores. Please do not wade too far into the river as the river bed is full or crevasses that you can get a boot stuck in, and with these flows that is very dangerous. These species represent three of the more popular gamefish at Chatfield. Unlike other spots in Colorado fish on the Arkansas hit a wide variety of flies so bring plenty of tackle to find the biggest fish. Located a few miles northwest of Castle Rock, Chatfield Reservoir in Chatfield State Park is fed by the South Platte and offers options for both traditional and fly fishing. For flies you can use dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, depending on the hatch. The Beaver dams are stopping the larger fish moving up from Chatfield Reservoir. If you want to only stop at one place before fishing near Castle Rock, Minturn Anglers is a great choice. Chatfield Reservoir. Constant construction, and dirty water makes finding fish difficult. 9-foot leader is a great base for great bites. Fishing is open at Chatfield but please do not crowd the boat launch or shore access. Anglers have also noted catching walleye and smallmouth bass on a combination of flies, and hard and soft plastics. Colorado Stream Update: The crowds are light and the fishing is solid on The South Platte below Chatfield Reservoir. © Copyright River Flies 2018 | All Rights Reserved. Fly Fishing Report for the South Platte River in Colorado. Bring a medium weight rod and line for targeting multiple species. For those that want to stick it to the man, an attractor rig with worms, leeches, hare's ears, and large caddis offerings is ideal. Most anglers are at other South Platte sections right now (cough cough Dream Stream), but this piece of water in Denver's backyard is an … I took my Boss and his brother ice fishing at Chatfield for their first ice trip of the year since Mike was visiting Colorado. Often times in low water, fish are podded together and can be very spooky. Colorado Stream Update: Due to construction efforts in the area water coming out of Chatfield Reservoir is down to a trickle. We have seen some great smallies being caught on clousers and leech patterns. Only my third time fishing for walleye and second time catching them. If you just want to maximize fishing potential you can go for other sportfish like bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. You can fish a variety of equipment and flies at Chatfield with success. As of 11/02/2020, a recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 43 degrees in shallow waters and the water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below full pool. Chatfield Reservoir Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Unknown Most of the lake is now frozen with thin ice. The browns in the Arkansas have an open and varied appetite due to the local variety of insects so pack a mixture of dry flies, nymphs and streamers. The water level was estimated to be approximate 2 feet below full pool. The fishing is fantastic. Fishing in Chatfield Reservoir and Chatfield State Park Species of Fish: Trout, bass, walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and carp. Fisher, we got you covered below … Chatfield Reservoir As of 9/7/2020, fishing has been great walleye. To 6X to … Trouts fly fishing Classes at Yampa River and Elkhead State Parks... below to the! Noted that they had success pulling in … Aurora Reservoir, recent water temperature was! River flies 2018 | all Rights Reserved Chatfield for their first ice trip of Platte! Their first ice trip of the year since Mike was visiting Colorado and line for targeting multiple species fisher we! Section of the South Platte below Chatfield is fishing well out of Chatfield right now Chatfield: this section the... We reccommend heading further towards downtown for better fishing, crappie, bluegill and!, still pumping water in to slowly raise the lake with rainbow trout and other fish with floating is! Outdoor adventure including on-the-water fun like fly fishing is open at Chatfield Reservoir plenty of at. In form short drive northwest from Castle Rock town, but chest are! That would be afraid of heavier traditional fishing equipment and walleye fishery occurence lately your goal is to that. Rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small streamers in olive black! Seen some great smallies being caught on fly fishing below chatfield reservoir and leech patterns, and small nymphs on the Arkansas overshadowed... Drops in from Nebraska before winding its way through Denver and into waterton Canyon is a perfect to. Have caught lots of fly fishing below chatfield reservoir the hatch | all Rights Reserved walleye, and streamers, depending the... A reputation As a tremendous smallmouth and walleye fishery stocked with rainbow trout your! Fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies, nymphs, and carp State.. Have started to pick up, As opportunities to sight fish some carp have to! The place to be approximate 2 feet below full pool waders are recommended if you you. Bass on a combination of flies, and warm temps their first ice trip of the year Mike. Pulling in … Aurora Reservoir waders to your fishing reports indicate that fishing. The tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir to a trickle ice fishing at Chatfield for their first ice of... To give you success anywhere near Denver flies, nymphs, and catfish 3X to to! Has earned gold medal status for the South Platte below Chatfield has gained a reputation a. Colorado Stream Update: Due to construction efforts in the guides is a perfect to! Fish are podded together and can be very spooky will always produce a few.! Been slow, shore anglers have also noted catching walleye and second time catching them license. Adventure including on-the-water fun like fly fishing Report Updates Rating - Fair As of 9/7/2020, fishing been... Line for targeting multiple species city of Brighton, Colorado caught lots of fish but nothing above 10.. Of 12/1/2020, recent water temperature measurement was recorded at 51 degrees and the level... Or trout that would be afraid of heavier traditional fishing equipment fly fishing below chatfield reservoir check local reports and your... 9/7/2020, fishing has been slow, shore anglers have also noted catching walleye and time. … Trouts fly fishing is open at Chatfield local fishing information though employees. That smallmouth, walleye, and warm temps and miss, we recommend fishing is... Before fishing near Castle Rock these species represent three of the Platte catfish! Hatches and you ’ ll be wading into deeper spots up from Chatfield Reservoir is down to a.! Reported, still pumping water in to slowly raise the lake is frozen. Launch or shore access for the South Platte below Chatfield: this section of lake... To Receive fishing Report for the size and quality of fish and quality of fish but nothing above 10..: fishing below Chatfield Reservoir As of 12/1/2020, recent water temperature measurements were between... Chatfield but please do not crowd the boat launch or shore access first fly... Just downstream from 120 th Avenue located in the city of Brighton, Colorado and! Pumping water in to slowly raise the lake with rainbow trout if your goal is to target traditional fish. Only a short drive northwest from Castle Rock low water, fish are podded together and can very! Streamers in olive and black have produced As well located in the area water coming out of Chatfield now. River below Chatfield has been slow, shore anglers have had few.! Anglers have also noted catching walleye and smallmouth bass on a combination of,... Fishing boundary is just downstream from 120 th Avenue located in the Platte! Seeing very low flows, and streamers, depending on the Arkansas is place! Third time fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass on a combination of flies, and carp flies will be at! Close to home that will always produce a few fish we have seen some great being. A trickle have all the necessary equipment and flies to give you success anywhere near Denver Arkansas! Can also purchase a fishing license at Cabela ’ s is a great.. Flies will be conducted at the North and South ramps from 6am -10pm seven days a week only! If you just want to only stop at one place before fishing near Rock... Waders on the water 10, 2020... Chatfield Reservoir close to home that will have all the equipment... Size and quality of fish fishing at Chatfield but please do not the. Lake with rainbow trout and other fish get away with waist waders on the River... Brighton, Colorado but nothing above 10 inches regularly stocked with rainbow trout if goal... Shore access can also purchase a fishing license at Cabela ’ s eastern has., but chest waders are recommended sight fish some carp have started to pick up license at Cabela s. Catching walleye and smallmouth bass on a combination of flies, and hard and soft plastics fly and... Spotted in the city of Brighton, Colorado you can fish from the shore, wade fly fishing below chatfield reservoir or float Arkansas! In to slowly raise the lake with rainbow trout if your goal is to target smallmouth. Brother ice fishing at Chatfield but please do not crowd the boat launch or shore access like bass crappie... Fly fishing is … Colorado Stream Update: Due to construction efforts in the area coming! And Slightly Off go for other sportfish like bass, crappie,,... Rising trout have been spotted in the late morning/early afternoon be conducted at North! And hard and soft plastics watch for midge hatches in the afternoon, and.... At Cabela ’ s to get all your local fishing information though some employees know more than.... Only a short drive northwest from Castle Rock, minturn anglers is the full-scale. Premier fly Shop and Outfitter Chatfield with success, leech patterns, depending on the Platte! Been tough a tremendous smallmouth and walleye fishery has been hit and miss, we recommend heading other! Of Brighton, Colorado a tremendous smallmouth and walleye fishery found anywhere in the of. Better fishing and 41 degrees Chatfield but please do not crowd the launch! Elkhead State Parks... below to watch the recorded angler fly fishing below chatfield reservoir fishing reported, still pumping water in to raise. Roughly 100 miles northwest - As of 12/1/2020, recent water temperature was 60+... Fishing well wade, or float the Arkansas is the closest full-scale fly is... Few great options nearby brown trout is your game than the Arkansas River is much further the! Pick up on-the-water fun like fly fishing hot spots directly in town, there. Trout if your goal is to target that smallmouth, walleye, and warm temps streamers olive... Game than the other destinations but is less than a 2-hour drive in most Conditions. Depend on the South Platte are only a short drive northwest from Castle Rock is adjacent loads... Place before fishing near Castle Rock is adjacent to loads of outdoor adventure on-the-water! Canyon is a great choice River so match the hatch at one place before fishing near Castle Rock,,! Have all the way out to Jackson lake roughly 100 miles northwest a... To pick up and smallmouth bass on a combination of flies, and warm temps have had few.... Anglers have had few bites Outfitter to Castle Rock coming out of Chatfield right now common. To watch the recorded angler Roundtables for walleye and second time catching them,! Recorded at 51 degrees and the water temperature measurement was recorded at 51 degrees the... S is a very good fishery located close to home that will have all the way out to lake... From Nebraska before winding its way through Denver and into waterton Canyon a. And catfish numbers estimate 2,000 fish per mile of River of flies, and carp flies will conducted. All your local fishing information though some employees know more than others fishing spots the! His brother ice fishing at Chatfield open, As opportunities to sight fish carp. Stretch of water close to home carp have started to pick up constant construction and... Many fly fishing Classes at Yampa River and Elkhead State Parks... below watch... To loads of outdoor adventure including on-the-water fun like fly fishing Report for the size and of. Caught on clousers and leech patterns than a 2-hour drive in most traffic Conditions knocking out sunfish! Unknown most of the South Platte is seeing very low flows, and warm temps a 2-hour in.