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Lake: Chatfield Reservoir
Fish: Smallmouth Bass
Visiting Highlands Ranch Next Week
Post By: 92Ranger481v      Posted: 5/14/2008 10:26:02 AM     Points: 4    
I am visiting Highlands Ranch for the first time next week for a week of training and would like to do some shore fishing in the evenings and maybe even early morning.

I am an avid bass fisherman and am very comfortable in rivers here. ANy suggestiosn would be helpful. Where are these ponds? Or should I focus on the main lake? It sounds like they have some moving water. How far from Highlands Ranch to these areas? Where is the best place to get a license? What tackle should I bring. Can Walleye be caught from shore as well. Is there a tackle store in the area?


 Reply by: RonnyCast      Posted: 5/14/2008 10:49:42 AM     Points: 1812    
It sounds like you are not very familiar with the bodies of water you are asking about. First suggestion would be to use the map page on this sight to get an idea of what the lakes and ponds look like. Go to the map page and find the lake, and then change the setting on the map page to the sat. images of the lakes. Zoom in and pan around and take a look at the shore lines and where points and where potential structure might be. To go a step further the Google Earth program works even better for scouting out new bodies of water. With out a doubt one of the best tools to come along when you talking about fishing and learning what a new lake looks like.
 Reply by: 92Ranger481v      Posted: 5/14/2008 12:05:13 PM     Points: 4    
Thanks for the suggestion. I have done the google map research. I was just hoping to get some hands on recommendations to maximize my short time in Denver.

I am interested in the ponds and spillways as well but hard to narrow in on where is best via sat.
 Reply by: brookieflyfisher      Posted: 5/14/2008 8:33:53 PM     Points: 4937    
For Chatfield reservoir and surrounding area, you have a variety of options. It sounds like you like to fish for bass, so I'll start there.

For Smallmouth bass to 15 inches, try on the dam of the main lake with tubes and other crawfish imitations. There are two main rip-rap areas that you want to focus on, and that is the Massey Draw Area (northwest side of the lake) and around the Dam and tower. It is very snaggy in these areas, so lots of jigs are recommended. You can also try X-raps as well. If you go in the evenings, you have a good shot at a walleye still, and the bass seem to be more active at this time. The little cove where the boats launch near the dam is the deepest area along the dam, and I would start there.

For Largemouth Bass, forget the res. Go for the ponds on the southern end (five of them, but really only two are easily accessible, aka the gravel ponds) or the ponds north of the Dam (aka the Dog Ponds). Both are limited in cover and structure, and minnows/leeches/worms are best. You will get pestered by lots of panfish, though, so bring enough bait. If you want to get into some real bass action, go to the areas of the ponds that look less trodden upon. That means hoofing it to the opposite side of any of the ponds. Look for fallen trees/rip-rap. Weedless plastics are effective for fishing cover.

For Trout, you could try the inlet area of the res, or the spillway. I've never had much luck in the spillway, but it is worth a shot if nothing else is producing. Climb up on the catwalks and fish right where the water comes in. Worry about how to land a fish when you catch one.

Catfish aren't really active yet, but the panfish should be biting if you want a fish fry. Perch, Bluegills, and crappie are available in any of the ponds.

Good luck and let us know how you do!
 Reply by: The Goocher      Posted: 5/14/2008 9:02:48 PM     Points: 130    
Brookie pretty much nailed it for Chatfield Res. There is also a place across C-470 called South Platte Park Ponds. It is North of C-470 And just West of Santa Fe. Lots of good bass action "both kinds" along with some nice walleyes, and cats.

Good luck! Let us know how you did...
 Reply by: 92Ranger481v      Posted: 5/20/2008 10:41:05 AM     Points: 4    
I appreciate everyone's help. Unfortuantely I must cut my trip short for I learned my position was elimianted as I got off the airport. I brought all the gear and even gave up 2 free tickets from United just so I couyld get here early enough yesterday to have most of the day and evening to fish.

I am sure I will be back sometime and I will definitely remember this great site.

Thanks again and Tight Lines.
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