Fishing hot spot: Pueblo Reservoir

* Why here? The reservoir offers good fishing for a variety of warm-water species amid state park amenities before the July 4 weekend rush.

* What's hot? After a slow start, the action for walleyes, bass, wipers and crappie has come alive.

* Tackle box: For walleyes and wipers, Lindy rigs with night crawlers, crankbaits, leeches and jigs; for bass, spinnerbaits and crankbaits; for crappie, smaller jigs.

* Best times: Late afternoons into the evening; and early morning.

* How to get there: From Denver, travel south on Interstate 25 to Pueblo. Head west on U.S. 50 and after four miles, turn left onto Pueblo Boulevard. Go four miles to Thatcher Avenue, turn right and proceed six miles to the lake. Or continue on U.S. 50 to McCulloch Boulevard, turn left and follow McCulloch through Pueblo West to a marked turnoff to the lake.

* Ask the experts: North Shore Marina, 719-547-3880.

* Fishing report: For the Colorado Division of Wildlife's complete fishing report, visit RockyMountain News.com/fishing-report.

* Fish tales: Show off photos of fish you've caught, or look at other anglers' big catches. Go to RockyMountainNews.com/ your-space/ and click on "Landing the Big One."