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! There is a $5.00 entrance fee to get up to the lakes via the Pikes Peak Highway.
Report Date: 7/25/2026
Current Conditions
Fishing at North and South Catamount reservoirs has been very consistent this summer. Keep your rig simple and fish a large attractor dry with a large attractor dropper. Both reservoirs have been getting stocked fairly heavily. The focus on South Catamount restocking 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.
Weather:
Short Term -
Much like the rest of the state today, this area is looking to get an afternoon storm. We are thankful and welcoming of the rainy weather!
Long Term -
The pattern outlined above looks to continue through the week. We should see our "Monsoon" pattern move through with consistent chances for rain all through the week. The most severe weather is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of the coming week.
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. Chironomids below and indicator along with a scud or calibaties are also good stand-bys.
Hatches:
Abundant caddis activity is being reported right now. Terrestrials are also working great!
Tips:
Anglers Covey retail manager Dillon West
Recommended Patterns
Dry Fly Patterns
- 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
Nymph Patterns
- Mayers Mini Leech, size #12
- Ice Cream Cone Chironomid, Black, sizes #12-14
- Balanced leach, bruised, sizes #10-12
- Tak's Crystal Chironomid, size #10-14
Streamer Patterns
- Game Changer, white or brown, size #6
- Silk Kitty, yellow, size #4
- Laser legal, lighter colors, sizes #6-8
- Meat whistle, grey. size #8
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
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 our favorite method to fish here. Don’t overlook the dry fly opportunity throughout the summer as well.
Anglers Covey Team
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.