Embrace the Chill: Ice Fishing Adventures Await in Western Colorado

As winter takes hold in Colorado and lakes begin to freeze, ice fishing enthusiasts get increasingly excited. If you have never been ice fishing, maybe this is the winter to try it. Read on for a few of our favorite spots to dig a hole and cast a line.

Grand County

The lakes of Grand County are home to some of the best ice fishing anywhere. Lake Granby, the third largest body of water in the state at 7,250 surface acres, is one of the three bodies of water from the three lake ice-fishing contest (along with Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake, the latter being the state’s largest natural body of water). Lake Granby offers rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon. 

Wolford Mountain Reservoir in Kremmling is another great place for ice fishing. Typically quieter than Lake Granby, the reservoir has rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike. The Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Wolford Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournament every February.

Rio Blanco County

Rio Blanco County has a multitude of ice fishing opportunities throughout the county. Kenney Reservoir, Rio Blanco Lake, and Lake Avery are easily accessible thanks to maintained roads, with the latter having an annual family ice fishing day hosted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan (ERBM) Meeker Recreation District. Try your luck catching a variety of trout, crappie and bluegill. Details are still to be announced, but when they are they will be available on the ERMB website.

There is breathtaking scenery and unmatched serenity at Trappers Lake and Lodge in White River National Forest. You’ll need to snowmobile (or maybe fat tire bike if you’re really hardcore) in for around 20 miles and then hike the last quarter of mile to the lake. Fish include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout.

Gunnison County

Blue Mesa, the largest body of water in the state, is close to Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Montrose (and not too far from Ouray, Ridgway and Grand Junction). The reservoir has kokanee salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, suckers and lake trout. You can pretty much fish wherever you can safely get to the ice, but the Iola Basin area is one of the more popular spots. 

Elsewhere in Gunnison County, Spring Creek Reservoir and Taylor Park Reservoir, a 2,000-surface-acre reservoir 29 miles northeast of Gunnison, are popular spots. Rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and northern pike are on offer.

Gear Essentials for Ice Fishing

- Reliable auger for drilling through thick ice

- Insulated ice shelter to protect against biting winds

- Layered clothing, including waterproof and windproof outer layers, thermal undergarments, and insulated boots

- Ice fishing rods with sensitivity and strength, paired with durable reels

- High-quality jigs, lures, and bait tailored to the preferences of the target fish species

- Safety gear such as ice picks, a life jacket, and a first aid kit

- Preparedness for unexpected situations to ensure a safe and successful ice fishing experience

So gear up for an extraordinary winter fly fishing expedition in Western Colorado.

Stay warm, stay adventurous!

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