Where to Go North Slope Lakes
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
NORTH SLOPE RECREATION AREA IS NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON!
Report Date: 7/15/2026
Current Conditions
Hoppers and Leeches. All you need at North Catamount right now. This is according to a customer, and they are not wrong! South Catamount has been restocked following the drain and refill process conducted by Colorado Springs Utilities to resolve the "Dead Pool" issue they were having. Crystal Lake has recently been stocked as well and is being reported as a great place for beginners to get a trout on the line.
There is a $5.00 entrance fee to get up to the lakes via the Pikes Peak Highway.
Tactics:
Hopper droppers have been reported as fishing really well. Fish are looking up, so take advantage. Leeches are also a mainstay on these lakes.
Hatches:
Abundant caddis activity is being reported right now. Terrestrials are also working great!
Tips:
South Cat- Low water and just freshly stocked. Lots of stocker-sized rainbows in here.
North Cat- The farther you walk, the fewer people you will see. Explore the lake!
Anglers Covey retail manager Dillon West
Weather:
Short Term- Today is a bit more mild than what we have been seeing. There is a chance for some thunderstorms this afternoon into the evening. With some wind in the forecast
Long Term- This week looks to be more of the same. Mild temps and some afternoon showers on the horizon. Let's hope they come to fruition!
- Chubbies, royal, yellow, sizes 12-14
- Amy's Ant, olive or purple, sizes 14-16
- Stubby chubby, orange, size 16
- Parachute Adams, sizes 16-20
About North Catamount Reservoir
North Catamount Reservoir on Pikes Peak is flies and lures only. It has mostly rainbows and cutthroat trout and is known for having large Mackinaw. There is no fishing access from the dam. There is a charge of $5 to drive up Pikes Peak Highway to gain access to the three main reservoirs (North and South Catamount and Crystal Reservoir). Be sure to tell them at the gate that you are fishing and not going to the top of the Peak so you don't get charged the full amount to drive the full distance.
About South Catamount Reservoir
South Catamount Reservoir is located just a 5 minute drive up Pikes Peak highway below North Catamount Reservoir. It is basically the same still water fishery as "North Cat" only with slightly less strict regulations because bait fishing is allowed. These reservoirs are the Colorado Springs city water supply with relatively little access to commodities such as restrooms, camp sites and boat ramps. Flies to come armed with are streamers, such as a brown and black wooly bugger, egg patterns, copper johns, hares ears, and prince nymphs. Tell the people working the gate that you are going fishing so you don't pay the higher fee to go to the top of Pikes Peak.
Hours of Operation
May 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Friday before Memorial Day - Labor Day: 7:30am – 7:00pm
Tuesday after Labor Day - Sept 30: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Oct 1 – Third Sunday of October: 9:00am – 4:00pm
In addition, the Recreation Area is closed to fishing during the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Race
Another Stillwater option, when these lakes open there is abundant opportunity on the fly. North catamount in particular, holds some very nice lake trout that can be taken cruising the shoreline. Slow stripping streamers is my favorite method to fish here. Don’t overlook the dry fly opportunity throughout the summer as well
Jon Easdon, Guide and Director of Services
This is an area we specialize in and are permitted to guide, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you are interested in allowing one of our Orvis-Endorsed guides showing you how to conquer North Slope Lakes.