Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท South Platte Basin
Antero Reservoir in South Park was one of Colorado's best stillwaters for big trout. In 2026, Denver Water drained it and closed it to the public as part of its drought response.
Looking for the latest Antero Reservoir river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Antero Reservoir.
Water level
There is no public water level gauge for Antero Reservoir. Call the shop or the park for the latest.
Heads up: Antero is drained and closed to the public for 2026.
Wind forecast
Antero Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Antero is closed to public access and fishing for 2026. Denver Water drained the reservoir this spring, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife salvaged the trout it could.
We will update this page when Denver Water announces a reopening date. In the meantime, Spinney and Elevenmile are nearby.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Antero Reservoir, bring: Balanced Leech #10-12, Chironomid #14-18, Woolly Bugger #8-10, Scud #14-16, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Antero Reservoir lake details
| Access | Closed to the public in 2026. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 8,900 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 111 miles, roughly 2 hours 32 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Closed in 2026 |
| Fish | Normally big rainbows, cutbows and browns |
| Regulations | Closed in 2026. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 5X tippet when open |
| Ice fishing | Closed. |
| Camping | None at Antero. Elevenmile State Park campgrounds are nearby. |
| Kids | Closed. |
| Good to know | Check Denver Water for reopening news. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Closed.
Spring
Closed.
Summer
Closed.
Fall
Closed.
How to get there
Antero is on US-285 between Hartsel and Johnson Village, but it is closed in 2026.