If you’re seeking a little adventure to add to your winter activities, try wetting a line in our frozen alpine lakes and reservoirs. The thrill of the catch will keep you coming back! Ice Fishing is a sport recently gaining in popularity – according to a State-wide survey 25% of anglers embark on the ice.

WHERE TO GO

Beaver Creek Reservoir: This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area near South Fork. There is vehicle access to the parking lot near the boat ramp in the winter. Anglers should expect to catch rainbow trout from 10-16 inches and brown trout and kokanee salmon from 10-14 inches. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Big Meadows Reservoir: This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area west of South Fork. From Highway 160, access along Forest Road 410 (two miles) is by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes. The road has been groomed all the way to Shaw Lake. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and cutthroat from 10-16 inches and brook trout from 10-12 inches. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Mountain Home Reservoir: This is a State Wildlife Area near Fort Garland. The water level in this reservoir is variable and may be low during the winter. It is accessible by vehicle to the boat ramp. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Rito Hondo Lake: This 40 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located west of Creede. Access is by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Anglers can expect to catch brook trout and occasionally cutthroat and rainbow trout. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Road Canyon Reservoir: This 140 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located near Creede. The reservoir is accessible by vehicle. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout, brook trout and splake from 10 to 16 inches. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Sanchez Reservoir: This large reservoir is a State Wildlife Area near San Luis. It is accessible by vehicle to the boat ramp. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Smith Reservoir: This is a State Wildlife Area near Fort Garland. The reservoir was drained in fall 2009 for dam repairs; however, the lake has been restocked. Fair action reported for rainbow trout 12-14 inches. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir: This 69 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located 40 miles west of Antonito. Access is by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Check local conditions before going onto the ice – for updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Contact the Division of Wildlife for information on fishing season dates, license fees, applications, etc.

(800) 244-5613 – Phone Sales
(303) 297-1192 – Information
Download Fishing Brochure

Use Caution!
On all frozen lakes, be aware of the ice conditions. The freeze-melt-freeze conditions can cause ice to be unstable. Check local contacts for ice conditions.

For detailed Fishing Locations & Info visit Colorado Fishing Atlas.