Ice Fishing

The abundance of lakes and rivers in Southwest Colorado provide anglers with opportunities to fish yearround. Ice fishing is a popular way to enjoy days outside during the winter and work up an appetite. Anglers should be aware of current conditions of ice, especially in waters below 8,000 feet in elevation. The common freeze-melt-freeze conditions of Colorado can cause ice to be unstable. Many of the most popular lakes are within Colorado State Parks, so check with the specific park staff about ice thickness. Don’t forget to grab a Colorado fishing license before you go.

LEMON RESERVOIR

This reservoir is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Durango. Cold weather anglers can expect to find brown trout, kokanee salmon and rainbow trout averaging from 12 to 14 inches in the mountain waters.

VALLECITO LAKE

The 2,700-acre reservoir is located just about 13 miles outside of Bayfield. The Vallecito Sporting & Conservation Association hosts an annual ice fishing tournament on Vallecito Lake. Winning categories for fish include the largest pike, and trout, as well as the heaviest stringer. The first place in each category has big cash awards.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR

This 118-acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area located a few miles south of Pagosa Springs on US 84. Echo Lake is typically a good lake for rainbow trout and large yellow perch. Anglers report fair success for trout and perch on wax worm tipped jigs.

MOLAS LAKE

Molas Lake offers 25 acres of alpine fishing located just 5.8 miles from the town of Silverton on Highway 550. The primary species for these mountain waters are trout and winter sizes average 13 inches in length.

TROUT LAKE

Located just 15 miles from downtown Telluride on Highway 145, Trout Lake offers a great place to ice fish with plentiful catches reported. Come prepared for this adventure, as there can be high snowdrifts over this ice.