Read about:
An Overview
Gearing Up
The Place to Drop In a Line
Where to Buy a License
An Overview
It takes a certain type of individual to be drawn to ice fishing, but such dedicated anglers are likely to reap the most beautiful rewards.Quiet landscapes shared by few others. Glimpses of early-morning light shimmering off a lake’s frozen ripples. Solitary animal prints tracking across the surface. Sometimes the best parts of ice fishing have nothing to do with fish at all.
If that was enough to lure you in, there are a few ways to approach the sport. You can go the basic route and just cut a hole, set up a chair and wait for a bite. Or for a less primitive approach, you can rent an ice-fishing cabin—a moveable structure that goes wherever you want to cut your hole. Cabins provide insulation and protection from the elements, and some even come complete with cots and heaters to add to the comfort. Unfortunately, you'll have to provide the patience. Visit one of Colorado’s many outdoor stores to rent or buy a ready-made hut.
See an extensive list of outfitters
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Gearing Up
A number of bait and tackle shops stay open in the winter and offer everything an ice-angler needs, including augers—both manual and motor-operated—as well as sage fishing advice. (The latter being both free and ample.) Find Colorado fishing shops to outfit you and point your pole in the right direction: Fishing Outfitters.
When planning a trip, be sure to pack the following essentials
- Auger or ice saw
- Warm, layered clothing
- Strainer
- Tackle box—complete with lures, bait, bobbers, weights and hooks
- Filet knife
- Creel
- Pole (short or full-length)
- Reel
- Monofilament/line
- Chair and flotation cushion
- Fishing license
- Patience
Quick tip: Give your auger and other tools a quick shot of cooking spray to keep ice from sticking.
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The Place to Drop In a Line
Georgetown Lake (Front Range)
The catch: Rainbow trout
Recommended setup: Ice flies tipped with mealworms
Nearest town: Georgetown
Best place to thaw out: Historic downtown Georgetown
Bonny Lake (Northeast)
The catch: Largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, tiger muskie
Recommended setup: Spinning lure or plug
Nearest town: Wray and Burlington
Best place to thaw out: Old Town Burlington
Eleven Mile Reservoir (South Central)
The catch: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, northern pike
Recommended setup: Waterdogs or tube jigs tipped with sucker meat
Nearest town: Lake George
Best place to thaw out: Cripple Creek’s gaming halls
Harvey Gap Reservoir (Northwest)
The catch: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout
Recommended setup: Crayfish imitations and small jigs
Nearest town: Rifle
Best place to thaw out: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Evergreen Lake (Denver Area)
The catch: Rainbow trout
Recommended setup: Jigs tipped with mealworms
Nearest town: Evergreen
Best place to thaw out: Bed and breakfast or cabin in rustic Evergreen
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Buying a License: Cost and Locations
Colorado Fishing License Fees
Annual Resident: $26, Annual Nonresident: $56
One Day: $9, Five Day: $21, Extra Rod Stamp: $5
Where to Buy a Colorado Fishing License
Colorado fishing licenses are available over the counter at more than 700 license agents across the state, including most sporting goods stores. Or, you can go straight to the district offices:
Colorado Division of Wildlife Main Office and Headquarters 6060 Broadway, Denver, 80216; 303-297-1192
Northeast Region and Denver Service Center 6060 Broadway, Denver, 80216; 303-291-7227
Southeast Region Service Center 4255 Sinton Rd., Colorado Springs, 80907; 719-227-5200
Northwest Region Service Center 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, 81501; 970-255-6100
Southwest Region Service Center 151 E 16th St., Durango, 81301; 970-247-0855
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Updated: 10/29/2007
