Where to Go North Slope Lakes
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SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily
The North Slope Recreation area is open for the season!
NOTE- Access by the Pikes Peak highway will only be for Crystal Reservoir.
South Catamount reservoir is still closed while Colorado Springs Utilities repairs the dam.
North Catamount is accessible by trails only. These entry points are off of Edlowe road outside of Woodland Park. The trailhead is HERE
Report Date: 6/11/2025
Current Conditions:
Our favorite "Close to home" fishery is fishing great right now. The fact that you have to hike into North catamount has made this area uncrowded and offering a lot of solitude! The fishing has been lights out for the rainbow, cuttbow, cutthroat and brook trout this spring.
Hatches:
We have had some great chironomid activity up here recently. Terrestrials are always a good option as well and will increase in effectiveness as we move through he summer.
Tactics:
Hopper/dropper and dry fly fishing is by far the most fun way to fish this area. Static nymphing and streamers also do well. Go for a walk, there is a TON of real estate to fish here.
Weather:
Always treat this area like an alpine lake. The weather can change in an instant and storms can develop very fast. This is one of the more lightning prone fisheries in our region.
Short Term- It looks like the rain machine may take a little break this week. Rain chances will still be present, just not to the extent we have seen over the last few weeks. This week will be warm with temps in the 70's. Rain chances are around the 20-40% range through the week and will decrease as we head into next weekend. Temps will continue to warm and we will be in the upper 70's by Sunday.
Long Term- Looking past the weekend, it looks like we will have more of the same. Temps will remain in the 70' and it will be beautiful. We will still have daily rain chances, but any rain should be short lived. Longer range forecasts are hinting at a drier and warmer stretch of weather as we head through June. Its summer and its definitely going to feel like it.
Tips:
This is a great day trip destination and a good place to take the whole family. The trail is pretty easy going to and from the lake.
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Ice cream cone, red, tan, size 16-18
- Frenchie, size 16-18
- Jigged mini leech, all colors, size 14
- Simi leech, burgundy, black. size 12
- balanced leech, black, olive, size 12-14
- BH Hares ear, size 16-18
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Amys Ant, green, red, sizes 12-14
- Parachute Adams, sizes 16-20
- Stubby Chubby, black, size 16
- Hippie Stomper, all colors, sizes 16-18
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
- Peanut, olive, size 6-8
- Sculpzilla, natural, size 6
- Slumpbuster, black/brown. Size 4
- Thin mint, black, sizes 6-8
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
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.