Reply by: Mr.Pink      Posted: 6/25/2012 6:27:45 PM     Points: 132    

That's a mouthful! Cats, crappies and trout are very different animals (obviously and figuratively). I recommend focusing on one, probably the species you have prior experience with, and then go from there.

As a life-long CO trout fisherman, I personally believe that lures and flies out-fish bait when averaged over time. Trout are some of the fastest freshwater game fish, and they love to chase. I recommend starting with Rooster Tails and Panther Martins. Start with a steady, quick retrieve. That usually works for stockers. If not, experiment. Sure, we all get skunked, but it's usually not very hard to catch stockers.

 Reply by: Mr.Pink      Posted: 6/25/2012 6:41:12 PM     Points: 132    

For crappie, fish the dam at Cherry Creek. Use white, silver, I'm not sure it matters that much what you use in terms of pattern. The depth (probably 12' or deeper) is probably the most important thing.

So, forever in my debt, huh? If these tactics work for you, let me know!

Good luck!

 Reply by: GonzFam108      Posted: 6/27/2012 2:31:04 PM     Points: 9    

We feel your pain, bigbear0702. We too, our originally from TX and we had to go through several years of getting skunked before catching fish here. Based on our experience, the rules of fishing South TX don't apply in CO. I can tell you that bass and walleyes love live worms early and late in the evening and will occasionally hit small spinner baits and spoons too. Bigger Trout will hit small spinner baits, rooster tails, and spoons around this time on the river below the dam. We are still learning though, too. Good luck!

 Reply by: lewdog      Posted: 6/27/2012 2:59:26 PM     Points: 191    

Ok forever is a long time. U need to buy some minnows. Shiners, fatheados. As posted already for depth. A slip bobber rig works best. If u fish day into night put 3 or4 dead shiners on for cats. Other than that, put em on a jig head n bounce the bottom.

 Reply by: itchyreelfinger      Posted: 6/27/2012 3:08:11 PM     Points: 906    

Great big gobs of sparkle rainbow power bait.....haha (Sorry guys. Couldnt resist!)

 Reply by: lewdog      Posted: 6/27/2012 4:24:59 PM     Points: 191    

Hahaha thats funny $--- right there. Its probably someone jackin around on the forum gettin easy tips.

 Reply by: roscoe63      Posted: 6/28/2012 11:54:38 AM     Points: 30    

This time of the year the crappie are at the west end of the lake taking cover in the trees and brush. live minnows work the best use a very tiny bobber or none at all. If they feel the tug of a big one they will let go. In the evening the big cats are at the west end also in about 20 ft of water. Best bait for them is cut sucker meat, or a good ole night crawler. stay in the river channel they seem to like the stuff that washes in from the current. and yes the big cats in this lake are good to eat!