7 CAN'T-MISS ICE FISHING SPOTS IN COLORADO
Ice fishing in Colorado may not appeal to everyone, but those who partake in the age-old tradition are addicted to it. Ice fishing can be a communal exercise, with often dozens of participants sharing stories, enjoying nature and catching fish. Whether you’re an avid angler or a curious first-timer, consider giving ice fishing a try, you may be pleasantly surprised. Drop a line in these seven popular fishing holes throughout Colorado.
Chambers Lake
Nearest towns: Gould, Rustic
Fish species: Kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, lake trout
About the lake: This 250-acre lake is situated seven miles east, on top of the evergreen-laden Cameron Pass. While cutthroat and rainbow trout are the most common catches, lucky anglers catch the hard-fighting kokanee salmon. Lake trout, also common in the water here, can measure in at a pole-bending 16-18 inches – look to the deeper sections of the lake for these lunkers. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Fort Collins DOW office at 970-472-4300.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
Nearest towns: Hartsel, Fairplay
Fish species: Kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout
About the reservoir: This 3,400-acre reservoir is located between Wilkerson Pass and the pastoral town of Hartsel. A popular body of water, it’s known for large rainbow trout, often measuring in the 14-20 inch range. For fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Eleven Mile State Park at 719-748-3401.
Harvey Gap Reservoir
Nearest towns: Rifle, Glenwood Springs
Fish species: Yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout
About the reservoir: Set up shop around the boat ramp to partake in last year’s best fishing spot. Deeper sections of the reservoir seem to produce more perch catches - meal worms and shrimp have worked well for these fish in past years. For updates on conditions and other fishing information, contact Harvey Gap/Rifle Gap State Park at 970-625-1607.
Bonny Lake State Park
Nearest towns: Burlington, Idalia
Fish species: Tiger Muskie, wiper, white bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill
About the lake: Bonny Lake is arguably one of the eastern prairie’s finest fishing spots. During the winter months, quiet serenity accompanies any fishing expedition to this smaller lake. A bevy of fish varieties calls these waters home, and with winter comes less competition for a still robust number of fish. Contact the Bonny Lake State Park Visitor Center for more information at 970-354-7306.
Trinidad Lake State Park
Nearest town: Trinidad
Fish species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, wiper
About the lake: The 1,000-acre body of water is stocked with roughly 50,000 trout each year, and while the majority of them are plucked from the water during spring and summer, winter ice fishing proves incredibly fruitful. You can drop a line anywhere on the lake except near the boat launch. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Trinidad Lake State Park at 719-846-6951.
Chatfield Reservoir
Nearest towns: Centennial, Denver
Fish species: Rainbow trout, yellow perch, walleye, crappie, bluegill
About the reservoir: This 1,100-acre reservoir is easily accessed from Colorado’s largest city – Denver. This reservoir is perhaps one of the most heavily fished in the state, during both summer and winter months. Because of its size, no matter the crowds, a patch of water is always available for anglers. Patient ice fishermen can reel in rainbow trout measuring 18-25 inches in length, while two-foot-long walleye are also commonly caught. Stocks are frequently replenished by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, so don’t worry about arriving late in the season. For more information on this fishing area, contact the Chatfield State Park at 303-791-7275.
Crawford Reservoir
Nearest towns: Crawford, Hotchkiss
Fish species: Yellow perch, rainbow trout, crappie, northern pike
About the reservoir: Though dwarfed in size by its famous neighbor - the Blue Mesa Reservoir - the 390-acre Crawford Reservoir is a hot spot for cold-weather anglers. Since it’s a smaller body of water, ice fishing season generally runs from January to March, a bit longer than its larger counterparts. Get updated fishing reports and ice conditions from Crawford State Park at 970-921-5721.
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