On all lakes, be aware of conditions, especially in those waters below 8,000 feet in elevation. Consult the Colorado Parks & Wildlife's ice-fishing safety tips. It's better to be safe than sorry!
The main season for ice fishing is December to late February, when the ice is typically sure and conditions are right. Before layering up and heading out, pop into a tackle shop for advice on the best places to go, the best bait to use and plenty of fish tales. Here are seven great ice-fishing spots in Colorado:
1. Chambers Lake
Nearest towns: Rustic, Walden
Fish species: Kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, lake trout
About the lake: This 250-acre lake is situated 7 miles east of the top of Cameron pass on Hwy. 14. 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.
Bait Shop Recommendation: North Park Anglers in Walden
2. Eleven Mile Reservoir
Nearest towns: Hartsel, Fairplay, Lake George
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.
Bait Shop Recommendation: 11 Mile General Store in Lake George
3. 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 previous years' 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 State Park at 970-625-1607.
Bait Shop Recommendation: Timberline Sporting Goods in Rifle
4. 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.
Bait Shop Recommendation: Big R Stores