[hunterfishercamper]

I was reading recent fishing reports and found that Gross now allows some boats. These must be man powered. I was wondering if anybody has tried fishing here. I used to hike to the inlet, btu when the water level started droppign I stopped. I have never been past there and i would like try fishign the other sides. So any info would be great.

 

[gotmusky?]

I heard that the boating thing doesn't start until memorial day. But I may be wrong, it was just hearsay.

 

[Zman]

Nice...man powered which I dont have a problem with...but the area can be a wind tunnel...sure bring your boat but we dont care if you drown trying to get back to shore...

 

[pescado loco]

It has been a long time since I hiked down the hill to fish Gross. Used to catch trout fairly frequently, but I never caught a lake trout or muskie. It is a mysterious lake, and you just get the feeling that monster fish liver there...

Watch out for ticks!!

 

[gotmusky?]

The program director for MuskiesInc. told me that the next state record Muskie will probably come from Gross. He said Quincy is overrated for Muskie and he always does better at Gross or Evergreen.

 

[pescado loco]

I always wonder where to fish Gross, especially given that it has always been from shore (until this year). I suppose a rainbow colored jerk or rapala is the ticket, or one of those rodent look-alikes.

 

[poperob]

I have fished Gross for the last couple of years with good sucess. Certain boats will be allowed, check the site http://www.water.denver.co.gov/recreation/gross.html
No Belly boats at all! I have never fished for the lakers, but I have done well for the tigers. Without giving all of my secrets, find vegitation on a point ;D, You will find the tigers. Think about going out of your way. The shore is steep, and the water has been low for a while. I beleive the construction on the damn side is done. The ice is almost off. These fattys will come shallow for a little while to warm. The time table can be short, so be ready. I have rarely seen any other fisherman at Gross. That is why I fish the res. Also be prepared to hike! This will be a new experience to fish from a boat. These fish have had very little fishing pressure, so the next possible record may well come from here!!!!Good Luck!!!!
If you want more specifics let me know.

 

[pescado loco]

Hey thanks, Pope, for the information and the offer. I always respect every fisherman's right to protect secrets, but your message helps a lot. Man, I love this message board--it's getting me excited about fishing this year. I think I will plan a trip to Gross and go for the big toothed one.

 

[pescado loco]

From the Denver Water Gross Reservoir Recreation Management Plan:

When full to the spillway crest, Gross Reservoir stores 40,990 acre-feet of water. The surface
area of the reservoir covers 418 acres, creating 10.9 miles of shoreline. The water reaches a depth
of 280 feet near the dam.
The depth of the reservoir results in cool water temperatures throughout the year. Summer water
temperatures only reach 18 degrees Celsius (64 F) on the surface. Temperatures cool 2 degrees C
(3.6 F) per foot below the surface, down to 6 feet. Below 6 feet, water temperatures are generally
in the 6 (42 F) to 8 (46 F) degree C range. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, survival times for
victims in water of this temperatures range from 1 to 3 hours depending upon environmental
factors and the person?s physical condition.
Studies by the Colorado Department of Wildlife show that rainbow trout is the predominant fish
species found in Gross Reservoir. Other less populous species include lake trout, tiger muskie,
longnose sucker, and white sucker. CDOW stocks the reservoir with rainbow trout to maintain
the population, because there is minimal natural reproduction. The white sucker and longnose
sucker populations are not maintained by stocking but reproduce naturally in the reservoir.
Assessment of rainbow trout habitat potential for Gross Reservoir rated low to medium,
supporting about 15 rainbow trout per acre. Low trout productivity is due to water depth, cool
reservoir temperatures, and fluctuating reservoir water levels (Gross Reservoir EA 1998).

 

[poperob]

I have never had a bad day at Gross during good fishing conditions. One of the best fishing days I have ever had is at Gross, which happened to be with my wife. 64 landed and released trout in a day. My wife does not have a clue on how to fish! We could not get the bait on the hooks fast enough. I do not fish with bait very much but you have got to do what you have got to do. I have several days like this. Gross is different because of the lack of vegetation and the fluctuating cool water levels. But, again I never see anyone fishing, ever. NO FISHING PRESSURE!!! And as far as the tigers, I have done well. Considering they are not Pike, which makes them way more selective when feeding, I do seem to run in to a bite every once in a while. Do not be affraid to venture into different waters regardless of reports. Good luck!!!

 

[1eyered]

Do not be affraid to venture into different waters regardless of reports.

You got that RIGHT!

 

[gotmusky?]

This Sunday I am going to see if I can entice a musky into biting at either Gross or Evergreen. I know the water is still cool and their metabolism is slow but you never know. Any suggestions on which lake I should hit?

 

[pescado loco]

Since Evergreen is not as deep, I would guess it would warm up faster? Anyway, Pope didn't have much luck at Gross this last Saturday.

 

[iron chef]

with melt off, evergreen will be everbrown, at least a week or two

 

[Kadiya]

Sooo then Gross would be better than Evergreen this Sunday? I really want to try and catch my first muskie this Sunday, that'd be hella sweet if it was a big 'ol monster.

Pope: Do you have any other tidbits of info on catching Muskie you don't mind sharing?

 

[scorpion_bsk]

Pope:  Do you have any other tidbits of info on catching Muskie you don't mind sharing?

Another good place for Tigers is Pinewood Res. There are some big ones in there and they are easily seen cruising in Fisherman's Cove. Sight fishing, in my opinion, is the best way for fishing tigers.

 

[Guest]

Kadiya...tips on muskie....KEEP CASTING!

Not kidding! I once heard it takes the average angler 300 hours of presenting baits to Muskie to get their first one....I don't know if that is true, but I GUARANTEE I put at least a hundred hours chasing the damn things before I landed my first sizeable one!

It WAS worth it though!!!! I like buzzbaits. I cast them right up ino the vegetation...cat tails, etc...and rip 'em across the water making all kinds of racket on the top...you can watch 'em follow it....just tresist the temptation to set the hook until you FEEL the fish....seeing him strike at it is not enough!


Good luck!

 

[idratherbfishing]

Muskie are also known as "the fish of a thousand casts"

Keep at it they are hard to catch and I have also been trying for years, I guess the fish don't know that I have cast thousands of times for them.

Dan

 

[poperob]

Kadiya,
The first time I caught a Tigers at Gross was when I was testing some new in line spinner baits I make, using with 3-1/4" Willowleaf Blades. I use these oversized lures at Spinney for the trophy trout. Third cast off of the north side,(off of the big point by the shed) and I hooked up. I really was not trying to catch fish that day. I then realized the potential for the Tigers. I have also been successful with weed less bass jigs hooked with 6-9" shad plastics( I know sounds crazy). But be crazy, you know that 7" or 9" stick bait that you have just because it is so ridiculous in size, throw that. Be colorful! The water clarity is only marginal and the lake sides are all very steep. The water is deep and cold. If you were a warmer water fish where would you go? Think about the North West side bay 8). Be ready to hike! I do not catch them year round only in the spring and fall. This will change now that we can put boats on the water. Good luck.

 

[gotmusky?]

4/16
Arrived at six in the morning just slightly after the sun popped up. Would have gotten there earlier but got lost for about ten minutes. After the downhill marathon to the lake, threw out one of my lines and as i was setting up my second rod, I had a quick nibble. Went with my girlfriend and buddy and that was all the action we had. We fished from about 6 to noon and tried everything. The water was freezing!!! I honestly think that the drive and especially the hike was not worth the trip at all. Fished the north west side of the reservior. It was my fisrt time fishing there. The lake is big and deep with very steep sandy-rocky slopes. Hopefully when the water temp rises i will be back if I see some good reports posted. I just can't believe the hike down to the lake. I need some icy-hot!