Reservoirs Fishing Report
Apr 24, 2024
Spinney Mountain Reservoir will be opening on Sunday, April 28th at 5:30 a.m. Both the North and the South ramps will be open.
No opening date set for Eleven Mile as of yet. CPW hopes to announce that date soon as they are starting opening preparations.
Patterns:
- Chironomids, Black, Red, #10-14
- Jig Leeches, Olive, Black, White, #12-16
- Balanced Leeches, Claret, Pumpkin, Black, #8-10
Previous Reservoirs Fishing Reports
May 24, 2023
Spinney Reservoir will open for motorized boating this Friday, May 26th at 5:00am
Patterns:
- Mini Leeches, Black, Olive, #10-14
- Chironimids, Red, Black, #10-16
- Balance Leeches, Bruised, Olive, Claret, #10-14
Sep 29, 2022
Due to a major drop in water levels in the last couple of days at Spinney, the Eleven Mile and Spinney State Parks are closing the boat ramps at the end of business today. Hand launching is still allowed.
Patterns:
Aug 16, 2021
The reservoirs are still full and fishing continues to be good. As of 8/12/21 the current water levels: Antero - 100% capacity / Spinney - 98% capacity / Eleven Mile - 103% capacity / Cheesman - 99% capacity. Callibaetis hatches have been strong and are the focus of the day with damsel nymphs, caddis, and chironomids adding to the morning. Hanging leeches and scuds over weeds can be deadly right now. Throwing baitfish pattern streamers and bunny leeches is also very effective. The water temps are beginning to slowly come back down with the cool nights and we should start seeing more of this as the nights grow longer. The fish are fairly spread out in small pods so keep your flies wet and be ready for doubles and triples when you get an eat. As the water temps decrease and the fish school back up we will start seeing those big numbers days.
Patterns:
- Poxyback Callibaetis, Olive, Peacock, #12-16
- Thorax LT Callibaetis, Olive, Natural, #12-16
- Living Damsels, Tan, Olive, Golden, #10-12
- Stillwater Nymphs, Olive, Peacock, #10-16
- Wooly Buggers, Black, Olive, #8-10
- Double Gongas, Black, Rust, #4-8
Jun 15, 2021
Spinney Mountain State Park is open for the season. The North Ramp ONLY is now open to motorized vessels. Boats with motors will require an ANS inspection going in and coming out.
At time of this posting, here are the current water levels: Antero - 101% capacity / Spinney - 79% capacity / Eleven Mile - 100% capacity / Cheesman - 89% capacity.
In addition to the chironomids that have been catching fish since opening day, calibaetis nymphs, scuds, leeches, and hare's ear patterns are also working well.
Patterns:
- Chironomids, Black, Red, Lime, #10-16
- Bead Head Scuds, Olive, Orange, Gray, #10-14
- Damsel Nymphs, Olive, Tan, #12-14
- Goddard Caddis, Tan, #10-14
- Leeches, Black, Rust, Olive, #8-16
Apr 21, 2021
Spinney Mountain State Park will be opening for the season on Friday 4/23/21 at 5:46am. Due to very low water levels, which city of Aurora reports being at 56%, boating is limited to HAND LAUNCHED vessels only. Boats with motors are not allowed at this time.
Patterns:
- Thin Mints, Black, Olive, #8-12
- Powder Cones, Red, Black, #10-14
- Chan's Chironimids, Red, Green, #10-12
- O/S Buzzard, Red, Green, #12-14
Aug 19, 2020
Most of the reservoirs have filled up to capicity and fishing has been pretty consistent on all the stillwaters. At time of this posting, here are the current water levels: Antero - 99% capacity / Spinney - 86% capacity / Eleven Mile - 97% capacity / Cheesman - 98% capacity / Rampart - 91% capacity. The best fishing has obviously been early mornings and late evenings. In addition to the chironomids that have been catching fish since opening day, the top water action is heating up with Callibaetis, Humpys, Damsels, and Goddard Caddis all working on the surface. For underwater action, stick with the callibaetis nymphs, scuds, hare's ears, and leech patterns. Throwing a large streamer from the shoreline has been a proven technique as well. Here are some of our recommended patterns.
Patterns:
- Double Humpys, Orange, Yellow, Royal, #10-16
- Thorax Callibaetis, Tan, Peacock, #10-18
- Stillwater Flash Nymph, Olive, Peacock, #12-14
- Jig Mini Leeches, Black, Olive Rust, #10-14
Jun 10, 2020
The reservoirs have been open for about a month and they are fishing exceptional right now. At the time of this posting, here are the current water levels: Antero - 101% capacity / Spinney - 91% capacity / Eleven Mile - 103% capacity / Cheesman - 63% capacity / Rampart - 92%. We are seeing lots of fish hooked from the shore, on boats, and belly boats in all different locations and weather conditions. Chironomids, leeches, and streamers are still the patterns of choice right now.
Patterns:
- Mini/ Balance Leeches, Black, Olive, Rust, #10-14
- Chironomids, Lime, Green, Red, #12-16
- BH Prince Nymphs, Black, Red, Purple, #10-14
- Peanut Envys, Tan, White, Cream, #4-8
- Holy Grail Hare's Ear, Natural, #14-16
Apr 28, 2020
Spinney Mountain State Park is opening to boating on 04/29/20 at one half hour before sunrise. Both the North and the South Boat ramps will be opened. Boating is allowed one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. Chironomids and Leeches in the size #10-16 range should be the patterns of choice, and be prepared for heavy crowds during this time.
Patterns:
- Jumbo JuJu Chironomid, Blood Red, Zebra, #12-14
- Jig Mini Leeches, Black, Olive, White, #12-14
- Chironomid Bomber, Red & White, #10-16
- Powder Cone Midge, Black & Red, #10-16
Jun 21, 2019
The reservoirs are filling quickly and fishing has really picked up. At the time of this posting, here are the current water levels: Antero - 101% capacity / Spinney - 90% capacity / Eleven Mile - 106% capacity / Cheesman - 92% capacity / Rampart - 90%. In addition to the chironomids that have been catching fish since opening day, callibaetis nymphs, scuds, and hare's ear patterns are also working well. Throwing a large streamer from the shoreline has been a proven technique. The fish now have more room to move around and locate food, so covering a lot of surface area in a float tube is a good idea. Vary the depth of your rigs and look for where the birds are feeding to help locate fish. Below are some of our recommended patterns.
Patterns:
- Callibaetis Nymphs, Olive, Gray, #10-14
- Chironomids, Red, Black, Lime, #10-14
- Bead Head Scuds, Olive, Orange, Tan, #12-16
- Hare's Ears, Natural, #10-16
- Leeches, Black, Rust, Olive, #6-12
May 27, 2019
All the reservoirs in the area are fishing fantastic right now. The fish are cruising close to the shore, about 4-6 feet below the surface making fishing from shore just as effective as out of a boat. Chironomids, Scuds, Hare's Ears, and Leeches are the patterns you need right now on the stillwaters.
Patterns:
- Craven's Chironomid, Zebra, Blood Red, #12-14
- RubberLeg Hare's Ear, Natural, Olive, #10-18
- Pregnant Shrimp Scud, Olive, Orange, #12-16
- Balanced Leeches, Black, Olive, Purple, #6-8
- Prince Nymphs, Black, Purple, #12-16
Dec 7, 2018
Spinney and Rampart Reservoir are now closed for the winter. Eleven Mile and Antero Reservoirs are open year round. In another week or so, it should be frozen enough to start ice fishing.
Patterns:
- Scud Patterns, Orange, Olive, #10-18
- Rubber-leg Hare's Ears, Natural, Olive, #10-18
- Jumbo Chironomid, Zebra, Red, Green, #12-14
Oct 1, 2018
Both Spinney and 11 Mile Reservoirs continue to fish good, particularly early in the mornings up until the 1-2pm time frame. Visibility in the water is relatively clear and is approximately 4 feet. The water temperature at mid-day is around 52 Degrees F. the better fishing has been along the South Shore. Some recommended patterns to have in your box are Chironomids, Callibaetis, Damsels, Scuds, and Leeches.
Patterns:
- Pregnant Scud, #12-16
- Slump Busters, Rust, Black, Olive, #8-10
- Jumbo Chironomids, Blood Red, Zebra, #10-14
Aug 15, 2018
No changes in the stillwater report. The Reservoirs continue to fish well right now with the best fishing occurring from 8am-12pm. Damsels, Callibaetis, Craneflys, and scuds are all proven patterns right now. Fish are being taken about 6-7 feet below the surface on nymph rigs and anglers are also fooling trout on top with large #12-14 parachute dries.
Patterns:
- Jumbo Chironimid, Zebra, Olive, #12-14
- Damsel Nymphs, Olive, Tan, #12-14
- Baby Gonga, Brown, Rainbow, #6-
- Callibaetis Nymphs, Olive, Tan, #12-16
Jul 16, 2018
The Reservoirs continue to fish well right now with the best fishing occurring from 8am-12pm. Damsels, Callibaetis, Craneflys, and scuds are all proven patterns right now. Fish are being taken about 6-7 feet below the surface on nymph rigs and anglers are also fooling trout on top with large #12-14 parachute dries.
Patterns:
- Goddard Caddis, Tan, #10-14
- Purple Haze, Purple, Dun, #10-14
- Elden's Damsel Nymph, Olive, #10-12
- CDC Callibaetis, Grey, Tan, #14-16
Jun 13, 2018
Eleven Mile and Spinney Reservoir are fishing good right now, especially in the early mornings. Anglers can have success both fishing from boats as well as from the shoreline. Most hook-ups are occurring right below the surface to 6 feet below. Effective patterns being black/red Chironomids, damsels, callibaetis, scuds, and leech variations.
Patterns:
- Ice Cream Cones, Black, Red, #10-14
- Mini Leeches, Black, Olive, #10-14
- Pregnant Shrimp, Olive, #10-14
- Etha-Wing Callibaetis, Tan, Olive, #14-18
- Cranefly Larva, Tan, Olive, #8-10
May 8, 2018
Both Eleven Mile and Spinney Reservoir are now open and are fishing great. Anglers can have success both fishing from boats as well as from the shoreline. Most hook-ups are occurring about a foot below the surface with effective patterns being black/red Chironomids, leeches, scuds, and egg variations.
Patterns:
- Jumbo Chironomid, Black/Red, #10-12
- Egg Sucking Leech, Black, Purple, #10-14
- Pregnant Shrimp, Olive/Orange, #10-12
- Thin Mints, Black/Olive/Rust, #12-14
Mar 23, 2017
FROM: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
The Ice at Spinney Mountain State Park went from 75% yesterday to zero today! We have had a ton of wind yesterday afternoon and today. (Previous reports of ice off were incorrect, as they drove by they were seeing dark gray ice and people thought it was open water.)
SPINNEY MOUNTAIN STATE PARK OPENING DAY IS APRIL 1ST, 2017 ONE HALF HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE (6:14 A.M.).
The North Boat Ramp will be the only Boat Ramp open at this time due to water level at Spinney Mountain State Park. The water level is at 66% full as of 03/16/2017 according to the City of Aurora's website.
UPDATE:
Eleven Mile State Park will be opening to boating at the North Shore Boat Ramp ONLY on April 1, 2017 at 6:14 a.m.
Patterns:
Feb 2, 2017
Eleven Mile Reservoir is open to ice fishing. Spinney Reservoir is currently closed for the season.