Fishing Season: Open year round

Antero Reservoir - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

38

Royal Gorge Anglers's Tip of the Week

Open to wade access now, ramps are not available for use. Some big fish being taken on leeches, eggs and scuds.

Directions open in app

Map of Antero Reservoir

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Royal Gorge Anglers
Angler's Covey
Sunrise Anglers
Breckenridge Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 3/21/25

Open to wade access, however still some ice on the lake.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/21/25

Bring a nymph rod and a streamer rod...cover some ground!

Local Species Available Open year round

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Cutthroat Trout

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    Brooke Trout and Splake

Royal Gorge Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear orange 16
Living Damsel nat 12
GG Callibaetis Nymph olive 16
Hot Head Damsel olive 14
Landons Micro Leech olive 12
Thin Mint olive/black 14
Micro Egg red or pink 20
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Olive 10
Frenchie Chironomid Nat 14
CDC Callibaetis nat 12

Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear

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Item #0472

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Royal Gorge Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Antero Reservoir

Antero Reservoir is located off Colorado Hwy. 24 just West of Hartsel and East of Buena Vista over Trout Creek Pass. This is a shallow impoundment that grows fish at the rate of over an inch a month. This is due to exaggerated weed growth and scuds by the zillions. Being shallow also subjects this fishery to the potential of partial winter kill. Even with this in mind and the fact that a fisher can use bait in this lake, we consistently pull out lunkers in the mid 20s range. Ice fishing is also allowed here in the winter. This is a great fishery to teach children fly fishing on stillwater because it is heavily stocked and fish take on wild characteristics quickly. Boats or kick boats are recommended. Shoreline wading is only good in the spring just after ice off.

Nearest Airport:

Colorado Springs

Hatches:

No hatches, but focus on your core attracter nymphs and streamers...leeches, scuds, eggs, chironomids.

Best Stretch:

Along shorelines