Best Ice Fishing Spots in Colorado: Detailed Guide For This Winter

At 10,000 feet above sea level, Colorado’s frozen lakes offer some of the best winter fishing in the country. The high mountain reservoirs freeze solid by December, turning into vast fishing platforms that hold trophy lake trout, browns, and rainbows.

Each morning, trucks loaded with ice gear wind up mountain roads to reach these frozen waters. For ice fishing, local anglers know the routine – check the weather, pack extra supplies, and start early. The high altitude sun hits different here, and the fish often bite best before noon.

You’ll find everything from easy-access metro lakes like Chatfield to remote mountain waters like Chambers Lake. Some spots sit right off the highway, while others need four-wheel drive and a good hike. Each lake has its own character and challenges.

For beginners, the fishing stays good all winter, but conditions change fast in the mountains. One day you’re drilling through two feet of clear ice, the next day a storm rolls in and covers everything in three feet of snow. That’s just part of ice fishing in Colorado.

The rewards match the effort. These waters produce 30-inch lake trout, fat rainbows, and surprise catches like arctic char. Some of the year’s biggest fish come through mountain ice.

Ice Fishing Locations at Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir, Colorado

Elevenmile sits at 8,600 feet in South Park, Colorado. The dam area holds the deepest water and biggest lake trout. Most locals use fish finders to locate fish in 30-40 feet near the old river channel using large tube jigs tipped with sucker meat.

Rainbow trout gather along the north shore breaks where depths change from 15 to 25 feet. The Cross Creek inlet area produces consistent catches on small jigs tipped with waxworms. Morning hours bring the best action here.

Northern pike patrol the shallow bays near Witchers Cove all winter. Set tip-ups in 8-12 feet of water using large shiners or suckers. Pike bite best during mid-morning hours when sun hits the shallows.

First ice usually forms in Witchers Cove by early December. The main lake locks up by Christmas. Late ice in March can produce some of the biggest fish, but watch for deteriorating conditions near shore.

The main marina offers plowed parking and easy access. Witchers Cove has good parking but fills up on weekends. The dam parking area works well for reaching deep water spots.

Ice Fishing For Lake Trout at Lake Granby, Colorado

Lake Granby’s deep waters hold some of Colorado’s biggest lake trout. The Arapaho Bay area drops to 60 feet and produces trophy fish all winter. Most anglers work large tubes or jigging spoons in 40-50 feet of water.

Rainbow trout stick to the Stillwater arm in 15-25 feet. Small jigs tipped with mealworms catch fish consistently here. The bite peaks during early morning hours, especially near rocky points.

Brown trout cruise the shoreline breaks near Cutthroat Bay. Focus on depths between 10-20 feet using small spoons tipped with sucker meat. Dawn and dusk bring the best action.

The Stillwater boat ramp offers good access and stays plowed. Sunset point provides parking but gets crowded. The Arapaho ramp works best for reaching deep water marks but needs four-wheel drive after storms.

Ice Fishing Spots at Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado

Blue Mesa’s Soap Creek arm offers prime lake trout hunting. The deep channel here drops to 70 feet, but most fish hold in 40-50 feet. Local anglers use large tube jigs and jigging raps tipped with sucker meat.

The Iola Basin produces steady brown trout action. Most fish cruise the 15-25 foot shelves near creek mouths. Small jigging spoons tipped with nightcrawlers work best during morning hours.

Yellow perch school up in Dry Creek Bay. Work the 20-30 foot basin using small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms. Perch bite all day, but the afternoon bite stays most consistent.

Lake Fork Marina provides the safest ice access. The main basin rarely freezes enough for safe fishing. Stick to the protected arms and bays where ice forms first and stays solid longest.

Ice Fishing Guide to Antero Reservoir, Colorado

Antero’s south shore holds most of the fishing pressure. For those using sit in kayaks, the deep holes here run 20-25 feet and produce good numbers of trout. Most anglers use small jigs tipped with meal worms or wax worms.

Early ice forms first in the northwest corner. This area offers consistent fishing in 12-15 feet of water. Simple setups with salmon eggs or PowerBait catch plenty of rainbows.

Late season brings bigger fish to the dam area. Focus on the 15-20 foot breaks using jigging spoons. The morning bite produces best before snow melt starts.

The south parking lot offers the best access and stays plowed. The northwest corner has limited parking but better early ice. Bring cleats – the wind keeps this ice slick.

Ice Fishing Locations at Dillon Reservoir, Colorado

Dillon’s Snake River arm holds quality lake trout. Most fish cruise in 40-50 feet of water near the old river channel. White tube jigs and large spoons tipped with sucker meat work best.

Arctic char gather along the dam face. Target them in 30-40 feet using small spoons tipped with waxworms. The bite improves during cloudy days.

Kokanee schools roam the Frisco Bay area. Look for them suspended 20-30 feet down over deeper water. Small jigs tipped with corn or waxworms trigger strikes.

Mountain weather changes fast here. Watch for afternoon winds and sudden storms. The reservoir sits at 9,000 feet – pack extra gear and plenty of warm clothes.

Ice Fishing Areas at Twin Lakes, Colorado

Twin Lakes’ deep basins hold huge lake trout. The eastern lake drops to 80 feet, but most fish hold in 35-45 feet. Big tubes and spoons tipped with fresh sucker meat produce the most hits.

Rainbow trout cruise the north shore flats. Work the 15-20 foot breaks with small jigs tipped with waxworms. Early morning and late evening bring the best action near creek mouths.

Fish move deeper as winter progresses. Start shallow early season and follow them out to deeper water. By February, most action comes from 30-plus feet.

The main boat ramp on the lower lake stays plowed. The upper lake access needs four-wheel drive after storms. Pack for extreme weather – Twin Lakes sits at 9,200 feet.

Where to Ice Fish at Georgetown Lake, Colorado

Georgetown’s west end holds most rainbow trout. These fish cruise in 15-20 feet near the dam. Small jigs tipped with meal worms work well all day.

Brown trout gather along the north shore rock piles. Focus on depths from 10-15 feet using small spoons. Dawn brings the best action here.

The lake offers easy access right off I-70. The main parking lot stays plowed and sits close to good fishing. Perfect for new ice anglers.

Ice Fishing Guide to Chambers Lake, Colorado

Chambers Lake sits high at 9,000 feet in the Poudre Canyon. The southwest cove holds most trout in 20-25 feet. Jig and waxworm combos catch fish consistently here.

Safe ice forms first in the protected west arm. Most anglers access the lake from the main parking area. The road gets plowed but bring chains or four-wheel drive.

Mountain storms hit hard and fast here. Pack emergency gear and extra warm clothes. Let someone know your plans – cell service doesn’t exist.

Where to Ice Fish at Crawford Reservoir, Colorado

Crawford’s north end holds aggressive pike. Set tip-ups in 8-12 feet near weed edges. Large shiners or suckers catch the biggest fish.

Yellow perch school in the main basin. Work the 15-20 foot breaks with small jigs tipped with waxworms. The bite stays steady all day.

The marina access offers good parking and facilities. Iron Creek access works well for the north end pike grounds.

Ice Fishing Areas at Chatfield Reservoir, Colorado

Chatfield offers metro Denver’s best ice fishing. Walleyes hold along the old river channel in 20-25 feet. Work the breaks with jigging raps tipped with minnows.

Perch gather in the south marina cove. Most fish cruise in 15-20 feet near brush piles. Small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms work best.

Trout stay active near the dam in 10-15 feet. PowerBait and small jigs produce consistent catches here.

The main marina lot provides easy access. The south ramp stays plowed and offers good parking.

Essential Tips For Colorado Ice Fishing

The high altitude lakes demand respect and preparation. Pack basic safety gear – ice picks, rope, and a spud bar for checking ice. A fish finder sonar helps mark good spots and find your way back in sudden snow storms.

Layer up smart – temperatures swing 40 degrees from morning to afternoon. Start with a moisture-wicking base, add warm insulation, and top with a windproof shell. Pack extra gloves and socks.

Most lakes in Colorado sit above 8,000 feet. The thin air affects everyone differently. Take it slow your first few trips. Drink plenty of water and pack high-energy snacks.

Start at easier access lakes like Georgetown or Chatfield. Learn the basics before tackling remote waters like Chambers Lake. Local bait shops offer current ice conditions and hot bites.

Get your fishing license at any Colorado Parks & Wildlife office or online. Many lakes require a state parks pass for vehicle access. Some high mountain lakes need additional permits.

The rewards match the challenge – trophy lake trout, fat rainbows, and views that make you forget about the cold. Just remember, the fish will be there tomorrow. If conditions feel sketchy, try another day.