With runoff slowing and temperatures climbing, fish across Grand County are diving into deeper waters in search of cooler conditions. While fishing conditions remain strong overall, early morning and late evening continue to offer the best bite windows — and the most comfortable weather. Anglers are encouraged to plan around afternoon thunderstorms and stay mobile on the water.
Grand Lake Update
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Boat Ramp Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Surface Temp: 57°F
The lake trout bite has eased slightly, but action is still steady in depths of 35 to 45 feet using small jigs tipped with sucker meat. Mobility has been key this week, with fish more spread out due to the slowing of runoff near the inlets.
Brown and rainbow trout are active in shallow rocky areas during sunrise and sunset. The change in water flow has caused these species to scatter more widely, making shoreline exploration worthwhile.
— Report from Guide Sam Hochevar
Williams Fork Reservoir Report
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East Boat Ramp Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Water Level: 99%
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Surface Temp: 61–66°F by midday
Despite floating debris from recent runoff, visibility remains strong at 10–12 feet. The lake trout bite is most active early, especially in 55-foot depths. However, fish are beginning to shift toward deeper water, with sightings at 80 to 90 feet increasing.
Effective tactics include using 3 to 4-inch tubes or paddle tail jigs tipped with sucker meat. Bottom-dwelling fish are responding well to slow presentations, while suspended fish favor quicker jigging action. By midday, adding scent can help coax a few extra bites.
Northern pike activity is minimal. Rainbow trout are unlikely to be caught due to years without stocking. Kokanee have recently been added, but they’re too small to target for now.
— Report from Guide Randy Hall
Lake Granby Conditions
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Boat Ramp Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Water Level: 96%
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Surface Temp: Low 60s in the morning, mid-60s by afternoon
Floating debris continues to be a factor as the lake fills, so use caution while navigating. Trout action peaks around sunrise and sunset.
For rainbow trout, trolling lead core line with silver pop gear, pink spoons, and a worm or corn tip has been productive. Brown trout are biting best along windblown shorelines using a brown Dynamic Twitch Tube or 2.5-inch white tube jigged near mud-to-rock transitions.
Lake trout are active in 40 to 80 feet of water. Humps and ridges are producing steady numbers, while larger fish are showing up on deeper flats. Top-performing baits include pumpkin green tubes, orange grubs, and Iron Decoy spoons, all tipped with fresh sucker meat.
— Fishing with Bernie Team
Ready to Hook into the Action?
With summer heating up and fish moving deep, there’s no better time to hit the water. Plan your next fishing adventure in Grand County today, and stay up to date with weekly reports at Fishing with Bernie. Don’t forget to gear up, stay safe, and make the most of every cast!
Image/Source: skyhinews
