Sources
Every Viral Cast Outfitters post and guide lists its sources here, grouped by section. Agency pages change, so the agency page always wins over our notes.
Fish Kitchen · Fishing reports · Ice-on watch · Region guides · Safety · Photo credits
Fish Kitchen
How to Clean and Cook Channel Catfish From Highline Lake
Sources checked Oct. 16, 2026, about 7:05 a.m. MT.
- CPW: Channel catfish
- Missouri Department of Conservation: Channel catfish field guide
- CPW: Highline Lake State Park
- CPW: Highline Lake State Park highlights (lakes, fishing, boating, ANS)
- CPW: Highline Lake State Park activities and trails
- CPW: Rules and regulations
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant: Channel catfish fact sheet
- FAO fish cookbook: Catfish
- USDA FoodData Central: SR Legacy fish entries (channel catfish, rainbow trout, cod, tilapia)
- Utah DWR: How to clean and prepare catfish
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: After the catch (cleaning and recipes)
- Utah DWR: Crispy oven-fried catfish nuggets
- Utah DWR: Crispy oven-fried fish nuggets (printable, air fryer tip)
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Eat Midwest Fish: Classic Fried Catfish
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Eat Midwest Fish: Blackened Catfish
- USDA FNS: Healthy tips for picky eaters
- CPW: Prairie rattlesnake
- USDA Forest Service: Western poison-ivy
- National Weather Service: Cold water hazards
- CPW: Ice fishing and ice safety
- CPW: Aquatic nuisance species
- USDA FSIS: Safe minimum internal temperature chart
- FDA: Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely
- CDPHE: Fish consumption advisories in Colorado
How to Clean and Cook Brook Trout From Grand Mesa
Sources checked Oct. 11, 2026, about 7:15 a.m. MT.
- CPW: Brook trout
- Minnesota DNR: Brook trout species profile
- USDA Forest Service: Grand Mesa
- USDA Forest Service: Island Lake Campground
- USGS NAS: Brook trout record, Island Lake
- CPW: Fish stocking report
- CPW: Rules and regulations
- Michigan DNR research report: Palatability of hatchery-reared and wild brook trout (1948)
- USDA FoodData Central: SR Legacy fish entries
- ODFW: How to clean and keep your catch
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: After the catch (cleaning and recipes)
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Eat Midwest Fish: Baked Trout
- USDA FNS: Healthy tips for picky eaters
- USDA Forest Service: Grand Mesa Visitor Center wildflower garden
- USDA Forest Service: Grand Mesa Visitor Center
- Colorado Birding Trail: Grand Mesa (south)
- CPW: Moose
- CPW: Living with moose
- CPW: Living with bears
- CPW: Living with mountain lions
- CPW: Prairie rattlesnake
- CPW: Ice fishing and ice safety
- National Weather Service: Cold water hazards
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Acute mountain sickness
- USDA FSIS: Safe minimum internal temperature chart
- FDA: Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely
- CDPHE: Fish consumption advisories in Colorado
How to Clean and Fry Yellow Perch From Rifle Gap
- CPW: Rifle Gap Reservoir
- CPW: Rifle Gap State Park highlights
- CPW: Ice fishing and ice safety
- CPW: Colorado fishing brochure
- FDA: Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures
- USDA FSIS: Deep fat frying and food safety
- CDPHE: Fish consumption advisories in Colorado
How to Cook Kokanee Salmon From Blue Mesa
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Kokanee salmon
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Roaring Judy hatchery
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Kokanee giveaway days for 2026 (release, Oct. 5, 2026)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: 2023 kokanee giveaway release
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Blue Mesa Reservoir
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Rules and regulations
- National Park Service: Curecanti park brochure
- National Park Service: Curecanti fishing
- NOAA Fisheries: Sockeye salmon
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Kokanee fishing
- Idaho Fish and Game: Lighter-colored kokanee meat
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (fdcId 173691, 175154, 175167, 171955)
- Alaska Sea Grant: Care and handling of salmon
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: How to clean and fillet fish
- Eat Midwest Fish: Easy baked salmon
- Eat Midwest Fish: Grilled honey-Dijon salmon
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Healthy tips for picky eaters
- National Park Service: Curecanti boating
- National Park Service: Curecanti plants
- National Park Service: Curecanti animals
- National Park Service: Curecanti mammals
- National Park Service: Curecanti birds
- National Park Service: NPSpecies list, Curecanti
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Prairie rattlesnake
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with moose
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with bears
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with mountain lions
- CDC NIOSH: Poisonous plants
- National Park Service: Curecanti safety
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Ice fishing and ice safety
- National Park Service: Curecanti swimming
- CDC Yellow Book: High-altitude travel and altitude illness
- USDA FSIS: Safe minimum internal temperature chart
- FDA: Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely
- CDPHE: Fish consumption advisories in Colorado
How to fillet a Colorado trout
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Rainbow trout
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Brown trout
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Brook trout
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Greenback cutthroat trout
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Colorado River cutthroat trout
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Roaring Judy hatchery
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Rules and regulations
- Purdue Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant: Rainbow trout (FNR-622-W)
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (fdcId 175154, 175181, 173717, 173691, 171955, 175176)
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: How to clean and fillet fish
- Alaska Sea Grant: Care and handling of salmon
- Eat Midwest Fish: Titus' quick pan-fried trout
- Eat Midwest Fish: Trout Meuniere
- Eat Midwest Fish: Baked trout
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Healthy tips for picky eaters
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Prairie rattlesnake
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with moose
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with bears
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Living with mountain lions
- CDC NIOSH: Poisonous plants
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Ice fishing and ice safety
- National Park Service, Curecanti: Safety
- CDC Yellow Book: High-altitude travel and altitude illness
- USDA FSIS: Safe minimum internal temperature chart
- FDA: Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely
- CDPHE: Fish consumption advisories in Colorado
Fishing reports
Animas River Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: USGS 09361500; CPW Sept. 30 Southwest Region and Oct. 5 kokanee releases; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/09302026/cpw-lifts-all-voluntary-fishing-closures-southwest-region
- cpw.state.co.us/news/10052026/kokanee-salmon-giveaway-days-2026-announced-cpw
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09361500
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Blue Mesa Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR BLMRESCO; CPW Sept. 30 and Oct. 5 releases; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/09302026/cpw-lifts-all-voluntary-fishing-closures-southwest-region
- cpw.state.co.us/news/10052026/kokanee-salmon-giveaway-days-2026-announced-cpw
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/BLMRESCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Chatfield Reservoir Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR CHARESCO; CPW Chatfield State Park page; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/chatfield-state-park
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/CHARESCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Colorado River Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: USGS 09095500, 09085100, 09093700, 09163500 and 09105000; CPW closures list; CPW James M. Robb park page; CPW stocking report; CPW fishing page. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09085100
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09095500
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09105000
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09163500
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Eastern Plains Reservoirs Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR JMRCADCO and ADORESCO; CPW John Martin and Jackson Lake State Park pages; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/jackson-lake-state-park
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/john-martin-reservoir-state-park
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/ADORESCO
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/JMRCADCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Fryingpan River Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: USGS 09080400; Colorado DWR RUERESCO; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/RUERESCO
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09080400
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Grand Junction Fishing Report - Colorado River / James M. Robb - September 12, 2026
- USGS 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09095500, checked Sep 12, 2026 (values ~15:45 MDT provisional)
- CPW Fish Stocking Report, https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report, checked Sep 12, 2026 (Friday list dated through 9/11/2026)
- CPW Fishing hub / drought guidance, https://cpw.state.co.us/fishing, checked Sep 12, 2026
- CPW Where to Fish / Atlas entry, https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/where-fish, checked Sep 12, 2026
- James M. Robb Corn Lake section, https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-corn-lake, checked Sep 12, 2026
- Colorado Fishing Brochure, https://cpw.widen.net/s/jh2qfkp7np/colorado-fishing-brochure, checked Sep 12, 2026
Gunnison River Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: USGS 09152500 and 09128000; CPW Sept. 30 Southwest Region release; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report; CPW fishing page. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/09302026/cpw-lifts-all-voluntary-fishing-closures-southwest-region
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09128000
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09152500
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Highline Lake Fishing Report, Week of September 28, 2026
Sources checked Sept. 29, 2026: CPW Highline Lake State Park pages, CPW stocking report, NWS Grand Junction.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: CPW Highline Lake State Park pages (main, park highlights, activities); CPW stocking report; CPW closures list.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park/highline-lake-state-park-park-highlights
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Horsetooth Reservoir Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR HORTOOCO and HOROUTCO; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/HOROUTCO
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/HORTOOCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
James M. Robb Lakes Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: CPW James M. Robb park pages (main, Connected Lakes, Island Acres, river sections); CPW stocking report (Oct. 2 update); CPW closures list.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Kannah Creek and Grand Mesa Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR KANJUNCO; CPW Oct. 1 Scotland Peak release; CPW stocking report; CPW closures list. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/10012026/cpw-accepting-feedback-proposed-fishing-regulation-change-scotland-peak-reservoir
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/KANJUNCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Lake Granby Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR GRARESCO; CPW Oct. 5 kokanee release; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/10052026/kokanee-salmon-giveaway-days-2026-announced-cpw
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/GRARESCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Lake Pueblo Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: USGS 07099350 and 07099400; Colorado DWR ARKPUECO; CPW Lake Pueblo State Park page; CPW Oct. 1 tailwater release; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/10012026/cpw-lifts-voluntary-fishing-closure-arkansas-river-tailwater-pueblo
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/lake-pueblo-state-park
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/ARKPUECO
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-07099350
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-07099400
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Rifle Gap Fishing Report, Week of September 28, 2026
Sources checked Sept. 29, 2026: USGS 09091900 and the CPW Rifle Gap park page.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09091900
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
South Platte Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: USGS 06701900; Colorado DWR PLACHECO; CPW Oct. 7 Northeast Region release; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/10072026/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-northeast-region-lifts-voluntary-fishing-closures
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/PLACHECO
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-06701900
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
South Platte Fishing Report, Week of September 28, 2026
Sources checked Sept. 29, 2026: USGS 06701900, NWS Denver, CPW closures list, CPW stocking report.
- api.waterdata.usgs.gov/ogcapi/v0/collections/latest-continuous/items?monitoring_location_id=USGS-06701900&f=json&limit=50
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQv8-zuZoYsA6jhM2l76icNnlVKK6NR36qeamBg_6s2f0POK6-nA0s66Nt_TcanQeClTXBvBvZGJls9/pubhtml
- waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06701900
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Vallecito Reservoir Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026
Sources checked Oct. 8, 2026, about 9 p.m. MT: Colorado DWR VALRESCO and PINBVACO; CPW Sept. 30 Southwest Region release; CPW closures list; CPW stocking report. USGS and DWR readings are provisional and can be revised.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- cpw.state.co.us/news/09302026/cpw-lifts-all-voluntary-fishing-closures-southwest-region
- cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/PINBVACO
- dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/VALRESCO
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
Vega and Kannah Fishing Report, Week of September 28, 2026
Sources checked Sept. 29, 2026: the CPW Vega State Park page and Colorado DWR gage KANJUNCO.
- cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing
- www.eregulations.com/colorado/fishing
VCO Water Desk fishing reports: October 15, 2026
- USGS 09095500: Colorado River near Cameo (flow, temperature)
- USGS 09163500: Colorado River near CO-UT state line (flow, temperature)
- USGS 09080400: Fryingpan River near Ruedi (flow)
- USGS 06701900: South Platte River below Brush Creek near Trumbull (flow)
- USGS 09091900: Rifle Gap Reservoir near Rifle (elevation, storage)
- CPW Rifle Gap State Park (boat ramp closure)
- USGS 09096100: Vega Reservoir near Collbran (elevation, storage)
- CPW Vega State Park (boat ramp closures, ANS inspections)
- USGS 09152500: Gunnison River near Grand Junction (flow, temperature)
- USGS 09361500: Animas River at Durango (flow, temperature)
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers: October 15, 2026
- CPW: Rifle Gap State Park
- USGS 09091900 Rifle Gap Reservoir
- DWR RIFRESCO Rifle Gap Reservoir
- CPW: Vega State Park
- USGS 09096100 Vega Reservoir
- DWR BLMRESCO Blue Mesa Reservoir
- CPW: Harvey Gap State Park
- CPW: Highline Lake State Park
- CPW: James M. Robb Colorado River State Park
- DWR RUERESCO Ruedi Reservoir
- DWR VALRESCO Vallecito Reservoir
- USGS 09353000 Vallecito Reservoir (offline)
- DWR BASRESCO Lake Nighthorse (Ridges Basin Dam)
- DWR CHERESCO Cheesman Reservoir
- DWR HORTOOCO Horsetooth Reservoir
- DWR CHARESCO Chatfield Reservoir
- CPW: Chatfield State Park
- DWR GRARESCO Granby Reservoir
- USGS 07099350 Pueblo Reservoir
- CPW: Lake Pueblo State Park
- CPW: Jackson Lake State Park
- USGS 07130000 John Martin Reservoir
- DWR JMRCADCO John Martin Reservoir
- CPW: John Martin Reservoir State Park
- DWR ADORESCO Adobe Creek Reservoir
- DWR TWBTRSCO Two Buttes Reservoir
- USGS 09095500 Colorado River near Cameo
- USGS 09152500 Gunnison River near Grand Junction
- USGS 09080400 Fryingpan River near Ruedi
- USGS 06701900 South Platte River below Brush Creek
-
USGS daily flow statistics (median for Oct 15) used for river context
- CPW: Highline Lake State Park highlights (fish list, stocking timing)
- CPW: Rifle Gap State Park highlights (fish list)
- CPW: Harvey Gap State Park highlights (ramp closure, fish list)
- CPW: Vega State Park highlights (ramps, fish list)
- CPW: Chatfield State Park highlights (fish list)
- CPW: Lake Pueblo State Park highlights (fishing)
- CPW: John Martin Reservoir State Park highlights (fish list)
- NPS: Curecanti National Recreation Area fishing (Blue Mesa fish, kokanee seasons)
- CPW: Water safety (cold water, HELP position)
- CPW: Boating safety (life jackets, cold water)
- VCO: Rifle Gap guide
- USFS: White River National Forest, Ruedi Reservoir (fish list)
- CPW: Vallecito Reservoir (common species)
- City of Durango: Lake Nighthorse (stocked fish, fall hours, winter closure)
- Larimer County: Horsetooth Reservoir (fish list)
- CPW: Lake Granby (conditions, common species)
- Denver Water: Cheesman Reservoir (fishing area and season)
- CPW: Adobe Creek Res. SWA (Blue Lake) (public access closed)
- CPW: Two Buttes Reservoir SWA (reservoir dry, Lamar office)
Ruedi Reservoir page (Oct 15, 2026)
Cheesman Reservoir page (Oct 15, 2026)
Lake Nighthorse page (Oct 15, 2026)
Ice-on watch
VCO Ice-on watch, week of Oct 15, 2026
Sources checked Oct 15, 2026: CPW ice safety, CPW state park pages, CPW stocking report, USGS gages. USGS readings are provisional and can be revised. We never call ice safe; CPW's ice-safety guidance wins.
- CPW Ice Safety: https://cpw.state.co.us/fishing/ice-fishing. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). ice can vary lake to lake; check conditions; carry ice picks; 4 guidance lines found
- CPW Fish Stocking Report: https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). checked; no ice information on it
- CPW Highline Lake and Mack Mesa page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page.
- CPW Rifle Gap Reservoir page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/rifle-gap-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page. CPW also notes: "Due to low reservoir levels, Rifle Gap State Park CLOSED its boat ramp for the remainder of the 2026 boating season. While motorized boat access will no longer be available, the la"
- CPW Harvey Gap Reservoir page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/harvey-gap-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page. CPW also notes: "Due to low water, the boat ramp at Harvey Gap is CLOSED for the season."
- CPW Vega Reservoir page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/vega-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page. CPW also notes: "Early Settlers Boat Ramp and Island Boat Ramp are closed for the remainder of the season due to low water conditions."
- CPW James M. Robb Lakes page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page.
- USGS 09095500: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09095500/. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). water temp 12.9 C (55 F) at 2026-10-15 18:00 MT; flow 1700 cfs at 2026-10-15 18:00 MT
- USGS 09152500: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09152500/. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). water temp 13.2 C (56 F) at 2026-10-15 17:30 MT; flow 1950 cfs at 2026-10-15 17:30 MT
- USGS 09080400: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09080400/. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). flow 75.6 cfs at 2026-10-15 17:15 MT
- USGS 09361500: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09361500/. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). water temp 8.0 C (46 F) at 2026-10-15 17:30 MT; flow 1930 cfs at 2026-10-15 17:30 MT
- CPW Lake Pueblo page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/lake-pueblo-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page.
- USGS 06701900: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06701900/. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). flow 105 cfs at 2026-10-15 17:45 MT
- CPW Chatfield Reservoir page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/chatfield-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page.
- CPW Eastern Plains page: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/jackson-lake-state-park. Checked Oct 15, 2026 (America/Denver). No current CPW ice report on the park page. CPW also notes: "The boat ramp is CLOSED for the 2026 season. Hand-launched vessels, such as canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, will still be allowed."
Region guides
Desert Heat Valley Fishing Guide
- NWS Grand Junction station history (PDF): weather.gov, GJT station digest (PDF)
- BLM, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/mcinnis-canyons
- NPS, Colorado National Monument nature: nps.gov/colm/learn/nature/index.htm
- Visit Grand Junction, Grand Mesa: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/explore-the-area/grand-mesa
- CPW, James M. Robb river sections and water safety: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-river
- USFS, Grand Mesa: fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/grand-mesa
- Visit Grand Junction, Fishing: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/fishing
- CPW, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park
- CPW, Highline Lake State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park
- NPS, Colorado National Monument safety: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- CPW, James M. Robb Island Acres section: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-island
- Leave No Trace, the seven principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles
- BLM, Colorado fire restrictions: blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/fire-restrictions
- CPW, Aquatic nuisance species: cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-nuisance-species
- CPW, Boat inspections: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boat-inspections
- NPS, Colorado National Monument: nps.gov/colm/index.htm
- CPW, Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us
- NPS, Colorado National Monument pets: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- NWS, Heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
- CPW, Deer in the field (orange, altitude, hunter harassment): cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-deer/deer-field
- NWS, Lightning safety outdoors: weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
- CPW, James M. Robb Corn Lake: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-corn-lake
- Visit Grand Junction: visitgrandjunction.com
- NWS, Cold water hazards: weather.gov/safety/coldwater
- CPW, Boating safety: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boating-safety
Sources read October 10, 2026. Conditions and rules change; the agency page wins.
Fall Colorado River & James M. Robb Trip Prep
Sources last checked: September 12, 2026 (America/Denver). Re-check the morning you leave.
- USGS Cameo 09095500. Provisional values cited above. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
- CPW Fish Stocking Report: https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-awards-and-records/fish-stocking-report. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver); NW ponds on 9/11 list; no Corn Lake catchable line on that snapshot
- CPW Fishing hub: https://cpw.state.co.us/fishing. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
- James M. Robb Corn Lake: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-corn-lake. Spring/fall stocking program note; hours. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
Grand Junction
- NWS Grand Junction station history (PDF): weather.gov, GJT station digest (PDF)
- NPS, Colorado National Monument nature: nps.gov/colm/learn/nature/index.htm
- Visit Grand Junction, Grand Mesa: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/explore-the-area/grand-mesa
- Visit Grand Junction, Fishing: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/fishing
- USGS, Colorado River near Cameo 09095500: waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09095500
- USGS, Gunnison River near Grand Junction 09152500: waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09152500
- CPW, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park
- CPW, James M. Robb river sections and water safety: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-river
- CPW, James M. Robb park brochure (PDF): cpw.state.co.us, James M. Robb brochure (PDF)
- Leave No Trace, the seven principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles
- CPW, Boat inspections: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boat-inspections
- BLM, Colorado fire restrictions: blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/fire-restrictions
- CPW, Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us
- BLM, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/mcinnis-canyons
- NPS, Colorado National Monument: nps.gov/colm/index.htm
- CPW, Deer in the field (orange, altitude, hunter harassment): cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-deer/deer-field
- CPW, James M. Robb Corn Lake: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-corn-lake
- Visit Grand Junction: visitgrandjunction.com
- NPS, Colorado National Monument safety: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- NWS, Heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
- NWS, Cold water hazards: weather.gov/safety/coldwater
- NWS, Lightning safety outdoors: weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
Sources read October 10, 2026. Conditions and rules change; the agency page wins.
Highline Lake Fishing Guide
- CPW, Highline Lake State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park
- CPW, Highline Lake State Park highlights, boating and fishing: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park/highline-lake-state-park-park-highlights
- BLM, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/mcinnis-canyons
- Leave No Trace, the seven principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles
- CPW, Boat inspections: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boat-inspections
- CPW, Aquatic nuisance species: cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-nuisance-species
- BLM, Colorado fire restrictions: blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/fire-restrictions
- CPW, Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us
- CPW, Deer in the field (orange, altitude, hunter harassment): cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-deer/deer-field
- CPW, James M. Robb river sections and water safety: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-river
- Visit Grand Junction, Fishing: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/fishing
- NWS, Cold water hazards: weather.gov/safety/coldwater
- NWS, Lightning safety outdoors: weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
- NPS, Colorado National Monument safety: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- NPS, Colorado National Monument pets: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- NWS, Heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
Sources read October 10, 2026. Conditions and rules change; the agency page wins.
Island Acres Fishing Guide
- CPW, James M. Robb Island Acres section: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-island
- CPW, James M. Robb river sections and water safety: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-river
- CPW, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park
- CPW, James M. Robb park brochure (PDF): cpw.state.co.us, James M. Robb brochure (PDF)
- CPW, Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us
- Leave No Trace, the seven principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles
- CPW, Aquatic nuisance species: cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-nuisance-species
- CPW, Boat inspections: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boat-inspections
- BLM, Colorado fire restrictions: blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/fire-restrictions
- CPW, Deer in the field (orange, altitude, hunter harassment): cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-deer/deer-field
- USGS, Colorado River near Cameo 09095500: waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09095500
- NWS, Cold water hazards: weather.gov/safety/coldwater
- NWS, Lightning safety outdoors: weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
- NPS, Colorado National Monument pets: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- NWS, Heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
Sources read October 10, 2026. Conditions and rules change; the agency page wins.
Mack Mesa Fishing Guide
- CPW, Highline Lake State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park
- CPW, Highline Lake State Park highlights, boating and fishing: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park/highline-lake-state-park-park-highlights
- CPW, Aquatic nuisance species: cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-nuisance-species
- CPW, Boat inspections: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boat-inspections
- Leave No Trace, the seven principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles
- BLM, Colorado fire restrictions: blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/fire-restrictions
- CPW, Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us
- Visit Grand Junction, Fishing: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/fishing
- CPW, Deer in the field (orange, altitude, hunter harassment): cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-deer/deer-field
- CPW, James M. Robb river sections and water safety: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-river
- NWS, Cold water hazards: weather.gov/safety/coldwater
- NWS, Lightning safety outdoors: weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
- NPS, Colorado National Monument pets: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- NPS, Colorado National Monument safety: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- NWS, Heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
Sources read October 10, 2026. Conditions and rules change; the agency page wins.
Western Colorado Fishing Guide
- BLM, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/mcinnis-canyons
- BLM, Colorado fire restrictions and closures: blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/fire-restrictions
- USFS, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests: fs.usda.gov/gmug
- USFS, Grand Mesa: fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/recreation/grand-mesa
- CPW, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park
- CPW, James M. Robb river sections and water safety: cpw.state.co.us/.../james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-river
- CPW, James M. Robb Corn Lake: cpw.state.co.us/.../james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-corn-lake
- CPW, James M. Robb park brochure and map (PDF): cpw.state.co.us, James M. Robb brochure (PDF)
- CPW, Highline Lake State Park: cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/highline-lake-state-park
- CPW, Aquatic nuisance species: cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-nuisance-species
- CPW, Boat inspections: cpw.state.co.us/activities/boating/boat-inspections
- CPW, Deer in the field (orange, altitude, hunter harassment): cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-deer/deer-field
- CPW, News releases: cpw.state.co.us/news
- NPS, Colorado National Monument nature: nps.gov/colm/learn/nature
- NPS, Colorado National Monument geology: nps.gov/colm/learn/nature/geology.htm
- NPS, Colorado National Monument safety: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- NPS, Colorado National Monument pets: nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- USGS, Colorado River near Cameo 09095500: waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09095500
- USGS, Gunnison River near Grand Junction 09152500: waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09152500
- USFWS, 15-Mile Reach flows: fws.gov/project/decision-support-system-balance-flows
- Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program: coloradoriverrecovery.org
- NWS Grand Junction station history (PDF): weather.gov/media/gjt/history/GJT_Station_Digest.pdf
- NWS, Lightning safety outdoors: weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
- NWS, Cold water hazards: weather.gov/safety/coldwater
- Visit Grand Junction: visitgrandjunction.com
- Visit Grand Junction, Grand Mesa: visitgrandjunction.com/things-to-do/explore-the-area/grand-mesa
- Leave No Trace, the seven principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles
Sources read October 10, 2026. Conditions and rules change; the agency page wins.
Safety
Responsible Fishing on the Western Slope
Sources last checked: September 12, 2026 (America/Denver). Re-check the morning you leave.
- CPW Fishing hub: https://cpw.state.co.us/fishing. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
- 2026 Colorado Fishing Brochure (Leave No Trace section): https://cpw.widen.net/s/rmxdgxrcxj/colorado-fishing-brochure. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
- CPW Where to Fish / Atlas: https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/where-fish. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
- Visit Grand Junction fly-fishing guide (LNT / vegetation / C&R themes): https://www.visitgrandjunction.com/blog/post/guide-to-fly-fishing-in-grand-junction-colorado/. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
- Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org. Last checked September 12, 2026 (America/Denver)
Valley fog go/no-go
- NWS Grand Junction: forecasts, alerts, Area Forecast Discussion
- NWS fog safety
- NWS driving in fog
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (ice safety, park closures, ramp status)
- USGS Water Data (river gauges)
Photo credits
Photos on this site are public-domain works from U.S. government agencies or Creative Commons photos, each credited below with its license and source.
- Home hero, Ruby Canyon on the Colorado River in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: U.S. Bureau of Land Management (mypubliclands), public domain. Source
- Photo band, breaks in Colorado National Monument: U.S. National Park Service (NPS Photo), public domain. Source
- Photo band, Blue Mesa Reservoir in winter: U.S. National Park Service (NPS Photo), public domain. Source
- Social post photo, brook trout caught on Enchanted Pond, June 2007: Bulldogcamps, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Source
- Social post photo, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: U.S. National Park Service (NPS Natural Resources), public domain. Source
- Social post photo, Colorado National Monument: U.S. National Park Service (NPS Photo), public domain. Source
.jpg){kind=link}
.JPG){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
The home page photos are public domain works by U.S. government agencies, resized only.
- Home hero, Ruby Canyon on the Colorado River in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: U.S. Bureau of Land Management (mypubliclands), public domain. Source
- Photo band, breaks in Colorado National Monument: U.S. National Park Service (NPS Photo), public domain. Source
- Photo band, Blue Mesa Reservoir in winter: U.S. National Park Service (NPS Photo), public domain. Source