Reservoir · Denver Metro
Chatfield Reservoir
Dead calm — the surface is a mirror. Fish see everything: long leaders, small flies, stay off the skyline.
Wind reading Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT. Source: National Weather Service.
Seasonal notes
Chatfield State Park Reservoir is a multi-use flatwater impoundment at the confluence of the South Platte and Plum Creek, managed primarily as a recreation lake but stocked annually with rainbow trout. The trout fishery is best in late autumn and early spring when water temperatures drop into the preferred range; summer fishing is dominated by warm-water species — largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish are plentiful. The reservoir is a good bet for families and beginning anglers because the shoreline is accessible and plentiful, the trout tend to stack near the inflow areas after stocking events, and boat rentals are available. The real attraction for serious trout anglers is the Gold Medal South Platte tailwater immediately below the dam — the reservoir is the staging point for those hikes.
What’s hatching
Chironomid (Midge)In seasonSpring & fallIn season — this one isn't tied to the day's conditions
Best: under an indicator
Leeches & BaitfishIn seasonYear-roundIn season — this one isn't tied to the day's conditions
Best: banks & drop-offs
Confidence is graded from live National Weather Service conditions and gage flow as of Oct 30, 9:45 AM MDT. Time of day is left to you — check the “Best” line above.
What changed this week
- Emergency Closure posted Oct 30
Weather
Air temp
48°F
Wind
3mph
Precip
0%
1021 mb ↑ · Partly Sunny
Latest Stocking
Last stocked Jul 3
Special regulations
State park fishing license required plus a Chatfield State Park entry fee (or annual State Parks pass). The reservoir is open to all legal gear and methods. A boat-electric-only zone applies in certain areas; consult the park's current map. Nearby Waterton Canyon, below the dam, carries separate Gold Medal artificial-only regulations and is a distinct fishery.
Quick ref: State Park; stocked trout, warm-water species; Gold Medal tailwater below dam
Location
Nearby waters
Nearby fly shops
Get Chatfield State Park Reservoir conditions every Thursday
Flow, the go/no-go call, CPW stocking and closure notices for Chatfield State Park Reservoir — one email, Thursday morning. Sign up and we'll send this week's report right now.