Where to Go North Slope Lakes
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FALL HOURS: 9AM TO 6PM DAILY
Report Date: 9/18/2023
Current Conditions:
Well, we have already had out first snow of the season on top of Pikes Peak, and could see more through today. A sure sign of what's coming...
The North slope recreation area has been fishing a little better as of late. This is very typical at this time of year as we head into the final full month of summer. This "Close to home" area is one of our favorites. Its an easy trip up there from Colorado Springs, and the access is great. The water levels in North Cat have appeared to recede a bit and that has made some access a little easier. South Catamount had its fishing limits lifted, so its been extremely bust there. Water levels in North Cat are extremely high. South Catamount will remain low. North Slope hours are as follows:
- May 1 (Opening Day) through Thursday before Memorial Day 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday after Labor Day through Sept. 30 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Oct. 1 through third Sunday in Oct. (Closing Day) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Hatches:
We are still seeing typical summer bug activity up here. There are still some callebaeitis hatching, and terrestrials are taking more fish now as well. Damselflies have been increasing in numbers. Leeches will also be active and should be on on the radar. This is a good time of year to throw smaller hoppers/droppers, and slow stripping leeches has been very effective.
Tactics:
Static indicator nymphing is always a good bet, but the fish are also eating a lot on the surface. You can also strip wooly buggers, leaches, and small streamers. A good ole hopper is always a ton of fun up here as well.
Tips:
North Catamount and South Catamount Reservoir: Due to parking limitations, a free parking pass required. There are 120 parking spots available. A portion is available for reservation via the online store. The remaining will be on a space-available basis each day at the Gateway. Once the parking lots are full, the Catamount gate will be closed and it will be opened as visitors leave and parking becomes available.
Weather:
Its definitely feeling like fall right now. We are seeing some chilly morning lows. This week will be beautiful in the canyon with high temps in the upper 60's/low 70's. Low will be in the 30's so it may be a good idea to start packing that jacket on your fishing trips. There could be a rogue rainstorm, but overall it looks pretty dry. In all, its about as perfect fall weather as you could want. Get out there and enjoy it! In all, September is a very exciting month on all of our area stillwater areas.
This mountain can generate its own weather. ALWAYS keep an eye on the sky up here. Storms can develop very quickly here, even when the rest of the area is dry.
This is an area we offer guided walk/wade and kayak trips. There is no better way to learn our stillwater fisheries than hiring one of professional Guides! Please give us a call if you are interested!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our top 6 nymphs for today-
- Chironomids, black, red, brown. sizes 16-20
- Mayers mini leach jig. black, brown, olive. Sizes 14-18
- Worms. All colors. sizes 12-16
- Hothead simi leech. Sizes 12-18
- Zebra Midge. Red, black, Sizes 14-20
- Tereyla's Lightspeed leach. Black, brown. Sizes 14-16
Our top 6 Dry flies for today-
- Parachute Adams. Sizes 14-20
- Amys Ant, green/red, size 14.
- Holo Humpy, sizes 14-16
- Ant Acid, yellow, size 14
- Stubby Chubby, all colors. Sizes 14-16
- Hippie Stomper, red, sizes 14-16
Our top Streamer patterns for today-
- Meat Whistle, white, brown, black. Size 6-8
- Slumpbuster. All colors, Sizes 6-8
- Wooly bugger. Black, brown, olive, Sizes 4-12
Be sure to check out our new Pikes Peak Fly Fishing Tours. WE ARE BOOKING OUR PIKES PEAK FLY FISHING TOURS FOR THE 2023 SEASON!
More information here:
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.