Howards Lake

Howards Lake is a reservoir in Weld County, Colorado, and covers about 36 acres and holds roughly 115 acre-feet.

At Howards Lake, a point, weed edge, or small drop is more important than simply covering the whole shoreline.

Fish and Baits

At Howards Lake, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.

At Howards Lake, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.

How to Read the Water

While working this small, open reservoir in Weld County, make one shallow pass and one deeper pass on the same shoreline; that shows whether fish are tight to cover or using the first break.

Season by Season

During a slow pass across this small, open reservoir in Weld County, early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again.

A Simple Tackle Plan

At Howards Lake, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.

At Howards Lake, record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.