The traffic on the lakes is way down from a month ago, and there are signs that mud season is right around the corner.

Grand Lake

The ice conditions on Grand Lake are all over the board and are changing from day to day. There is slush present that can be very difficult to navigate at times with above-freezing temperatures. However, there are other days that seem to have good travel conditions.

There were a good amount of fish caught at the tournament a couple of weeks ago, and the signs of a good spring bite are definitely on the table.

There is a very large amount of open water near the bridge on the west side of the lake, so that area should be avoided at all times due to the amount of water that is moving through that spot. I have found ice up to almost 20 inches thick in other areas that are holding fish.

The rainbow and brown trout fishing has slowed down a little bit. The majority of these fish have moved out of the shallows and are concentrating their feeding in or over deeper water and are searching for the most oxygenated water.

For this time of year, I like to pick a few spots that have a drop-off nearby and are within a safe distance to moving water or areas that will contain moving water in the spring.

I also like to use a two-rod setup with one of the rods having a very small, bright and flashy spoon that is primarily used as a search/attractor bait. With my second rod, I like to have a very small jig with some type of meat or flavor attached. Nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, wax worms and even a very micro piece of sucker meat will work for the rainbows and browns right now.

The lake trout seem to have settled into two distinct areas: I am seeing the largest numbers of bottom fish in 60-80 feet of water and the suspended fish in 80-110 feet of water. The most important tip I can give when fishing the small lakers holding the bottom is to move around quite a bit. When you find a fish in a certain depth, focus on that same contour line for the best results.

The majority of the lake trout we have been catching have been on natural-colored soft plastics. Browns, greens, grays and even blacks have been my top producers. As always, don’t forget the sucker meat and scent when fishing Grand Lake. Having something that smells fresh will greatly increase your odds.

The suspended fish are definitely present, and it is primarily a waiting game. Pick a spot or two to fish throughout these day in different depths, set up camp and wait for these cruising fish to show up below you. A good fish finder that shows the entire water column is essential in dialing in on these fish.

— Guide Jake Foos

Williams Fork Reservoir

The water level is at 72% of full.

The lake trout bite has been good in 50-65 feet of water. Small plastics and tungsten jigs tipped with sucker meat have been producing bites. Finding structure such as points, dropoffs and humps are key to finding good groups of fish and staying on a good bite.

Walking conditions on the lake are great. All of the slush has frozen, and there is very little snow, making travel on the lake easy.

— Guide Sam Hochevar

Lake Granby

The water level is at 66% or about 27.5 feet low. Travel conditions are good on the lake, and slush is present in the afternoons but is very spotty.

The rainbow and brown trout bite has been fair. We are finding the best action along the rip-rap shorelines of the dam faces and around the pump house. Look for rainbows and browns in 15 feet and shallower water. The best lures we have found have been Dynamic twitch tubes, demons in pink or chartreuse color. A tungsten and a waxie is a close second for the most productive bait.

The lake trout bite has been excellent for eater-size fish, those 19 inches and under in size. Target them in 50-70 feet of water with 2- to 4-inch tubes in light colors, such as white or chartreuse, tipped with a small piece of sucker. A quarter-ounce Buckshot spoon or a blade bait is a great reaction bait for some of those fish that just look.

Remember to stay mobile as not all groups of fish are actively feeding. But once you find that active group, the action can be fast and furious.

— Guide Dan Shannon

The Fishing With Bernie team has been guiding in Grand County for over 25 years. Find more information at FishingWithBernie.com.