Become a Contributor
The DOW is constantly looking to improve the fishing report. If you’re an angler or a business owner (bait shop, marina, etc.) and would like to contribute to the fishing report for next year, please contact us at 303.297.1192 or by email: fish.reporter@state.co.us

Fishing Tip of the Week
Ice Fishing
Although this is our final fishing report for the year, this is not a sign that the fishing season is over. In fact, some of Colorado’s most productive fishing is ice fishing, aka “hard water fishing." Once you try ice fishing you will discover another dimension of fishing enjoyment.

Many of you are probably thinking, “You have to be kidding, that sounds miserable!” Yet ice fishing can be very enjoyable and rewarding, if you go prepared. Here is some information that will explain in detail what equipment is needed, and proven techniques for success. 

Equipment: You will probably be surprised to learn that you already have the majority of equipment needed for ice fishing.

• Snow Sled – A sled will make transporting your equipment to the lake and to your favorite spot much easier. There are dozens of sleds on the market to choose from. A children’s plastic snow sled will work great. They are lightweight and pull easily. Wooden sleds or toboggans work equally as well. Some manufactured sleds serve as “Double Duty”.  Not only can they haul your equipment, but they can also provide shelter from the elements. For those who wish to build their own snow sled, a light weight wooden box with a rope attached, and a pair of used snow skies, will work well.
• 5 Gallon plastic buckets – For ice fishing, 5 gallon buckets have become a standard piece of equipment. They hold virtually all of your tackle and are easily transported. Many ice anglers only use buckets to transport their gear instead of a sled. They will fit on most sleds, and are secured in place with “Bungee Cords ®” or rope. Padded seat lids are commercially available for 5 gallon buckets, turning your bucket into a seat.
• Fishing Rods – Most fishing rods can be used for ice fishing, although standard ice fishing rods are preferred. Ice fishing rods are typically between 2 feet and 3 feet in length and provide more control when bringing in a fish “through the ice”.  Shorter rods are also more practical when fishing in a shelter.
• Reels – Open face reels are preferred for ice fishing, but closed face will also work. The only potential problem with closed face reels is they may “ice up” internally if subjected to extreme wind or blowing snow.
• Ice Fishing Cleats – Ice cleats are recommended for lakes with little or no snow cover. They will make walking easier and safer.
• Pick-of- Life® – The Pick-of-Life® is a life saving tool for anyone venturing out onto the ice. The Pick-Of-Life provides solid hand holds enabling a victim to climb out of a hole in the ice. The Pick-of-Life is a registered Trademark and is patented. *Don’t leave home without it.
• Tackle – Standard fishing lures, spoons, and conventional bait will all work for ice fishing. There is also a wide variety of jigs and spoons specifically designed for ice fishing.
  1. Ice Auger – An ice auger is used to bore or cut a hole thru the ice. There is a wide variety of ice augers on the market. Ice augers are available in 4, 6, 8, and 10, and 12 inch diameters. Recommended are 8 or 10 inch diameter, with 10 inch being the most popular. (Ice fishing holes cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter or 10 inches on any side.)
  2. Manual – these augers are powered by hand, (much the same as a “Hand Drill”). They are light weight and most can be dismantled to conserve space.  
  3. Electric – electric augers require a 12 volt car battery for power. They have several inherent problems, one of which is the need to carry a heavy battery with you. Electric augers are not recommended.
  4. Gas – gas augers are generally 2 cycle engines which require a mixture of gas and oil as fuel. They are very efficient, reliable and should be serviced much like a weed eater or lawnmower.
  5. Chipping Bar – a chipping bar is a 5 to 6 foot section of ½ or ¾ inch diameter Pipe with a steel plate ¼ inch thick, 2” wide, and 3 to 4 inches long that is welded to the end of the pipe. This plate is sharpened at an angel to produce a cutting Edge. A rope should be attached to prevent the “Chipping Bar” from falling thru the ice.
• Ice Fishing Shelters – The popularity of ice Fishing has brought about state of the art Ice Fishing Shelters. Some shelters incorporate a sled into their design and will also haul your equipment. Portable shelters range from tents to elaborate huts which are pulled behind a snowmobile. A simple but effective shelter is a camping tent that is tall enough to stand in. Remove the floor or cut out sections for fishing holes. Stake the tent to the ice using existing loops and 12 inch landscaping spikes. Drive spikes into the ice at a sharp angle so that the head of the spike is pointed away from the tent. All snow must be removed in the area of the stakes to insure a solid surface.
• Heat Source – there are a variety of portable heaters on the market that use “Propane” as fuel. Some of which are “Heaters / Cookers.
  NOTE: Always have adequate ventilation when using any “Heater”. Propane Fumes may cause carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting in Death.
• Ice Fishing Techniques - there are as many techniques for ice fishing as there are anglers. All anglers who ice fish have their own strategy, and preferred methods. One method which has proven effective is as follows.
  1. Once at the desired location drill 2 holes approximately 3 feet apart. Lower the line from one fishing rod to the desired depth and secure rod in a pole holder. Lower line from second rod to desired depth, and begin “Jigging” this line. Jigging should be done by lifting the rod tip approximately 3 to 6 inches and briefly pausing, repeat jigging technique until you are 2 feet above the desired depth. Begin jigging downward hesitating at 3 to 6 inch intervals. Keep an eye on the stationary pole while jigging; many times fish will hit your offering on this pole.
     NOTE:  You can use a second rod, handline or tip up if you buy a second rod stamp. You can buy only 1 second rod stamp per calendar year,” Second Rod Stamp”…$5.00. A second rod stamp is available to licensed residents, licensed nonresidents and people under16 years, licensed or unlicensed.
• Lures and Jigs- Kastmaster lures® in Silver and Blue or Gold 1/8 to 3/8 oz.  Rat Finkee Glow Brite jigs®, size # 6 and Rapala® jigging lures are a few choices available.

ICE FISHING: Some waters may be restricted by local laws. Unless otherwise stated, waters open to ice fishing have these restrictions:
     (a) Ice fishing holes cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter or 10 inches on any side.
     (b) Fires on ice must be enclosed.
     (c) No littering allowed on ice.
     (d) Portable ice shelters (where permitted) must be removed at end of day.

Looking for a Great Bargain?
Within the State of Colorado there are over 4,000 lakes reservoirs and ponds, along with 8,984 stream segments which total over 54,459 miles of streams. These numbers only reflect public water, not private.

This year the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will stock 3.2 million catchable trout statewide. In addition the DOW will stock 388 high mountain lakes by aircraft and packhorse, with 500,000 cutthroats.

When you consider the cost of a resident annual fishing license, $26.00, a Habitat stamp, $5.00, (if required) and a second Rod Stamp (if desired) $5.00, the total is $36.00 a year. That’s less than 10¢ a day!

Quote of the Week
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled." J.B. Martin

Get the Latest DOW Information
Sign up for the DOW insider newsletter. The newsletter provides the latest news on a number of hot topics. Sign up for the DOW insider.

Don't Move a Mussel
Boating fishermen should expect to have their trailered vessels inspected this year in keeping with new regulations in effect for the 2009 boating season. The regulations were drafted by Colorado State Parks in collaboration with the state Division of Wildlife and the boating community as part of a statewide effort to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels and other invasive aquatic species (AIS) in Colorado lakes and reservoirs.   

AIS, including zebra and quagga mussels, appeared in the Great Lakes in the late 1980s and have spread across the Midwest and Eastern states. They create major problems for water-distribution systems and no practical way of stopping their spread is known. Boats moving from a contaminated body of water to another pose the greatest threat for spreading AIS.

Zebra mussels were discovered in Pueblo Reservoir in January 2008. Subsequently, zebra and quagga mussels were found in six other Colorado waters (Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Lake Granby, Willow Creek Reservoir, Tarryall Reservoir and Jumbo Reservoir). To combat their spread, watercraft inspection stations were established last year at state wildlife areas, state parks, municipal, county and private waters.

Inspections will be mandatory in 2009 per the regulations passed in February. All trailered watercraft leaving known positive water must submit to an inspection prior to leaving.  All trailered watercraft coming in from out of state (residents and non-residents alike) must submit to an inspection prior to launching in any water of the state.  A number of prevention inspection stations across the state also will be inspecting boats entering the water. Roving crews also will be setting up at different waters each day, so boaters should expect to be inspected and should always ensure their vessel is clean, drained and dry between the times they launch. Inspections can be obtained at the Denver, Grand Junction, Lamar and Hot Sulphur Springs DOW Offices.

Both the inspections, sampling and education programs have been expanded in 2009. Though procedures and times of operation vary, boaters should expect inspections at most major lakes and reservoirs. For up to date information on AIS in Colorado and a current list of inspection locations, visit the DOW Web page Zebra and Quagga Mussels.

In the meantime, remember to thoroughly clean, drain and dry your boat. It’s the best line of defense against the spread of AIS.

Be Bear Aware
Fishermen and campers are reminded that many of their favorite waters are in bear country. Taking simple precautions such as not leaving food out where bears can find it and keeping a clean camping site can avoid potential problems for people and bears alike. The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers brochures and other information for reducing the risk of bear encounters. They are available at DOW offices statewide.

Don’t Get Ticked Off
Ticks become active in March, and throughout the summer months, into early fall. They are generally most active in May, and go dormant as temperatures cool. Ticks are common at higher elevations, where there is shade and undergrowth or overgrown grassy areas. The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is the most common. Check for ticks on yourself and your children. Products containing DEET are effective deterrents, however some of these products are not recommended for children, or adults, who may have allergic reactions. 

White River Regulations
The entry for the White River printed in the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s 2009 fishing regulations booklet is incomplete. The entry should be:    

2009 Guide Available Now! Colorado Outdoors will take you to little known creeks and will help you plan your week-long fishing trips. Recieve the 2009 Fishing Guide FREE with your subscription to Colorado Outdoors magazine or buy it separately for $5 off ShopDOW.

White River - Rio Blanco County

From headwaters (including N, S Fork) of White River to Hwy 13 bridge below Meeker:

a. Bag and possession limit for trout is 2.

On Sleepy Cat easement, Wakara lease and Meeker pasture SWA E of Meeker:

a. Artificial flies and lures only.
b. All trout must be returned to the water immediately.

From Piceance Ck downstream to Utah, including Kinney Res:

a. No bag and possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch and crappie.

From Taylor Draw Dam downstream 400 yards:

a. Fishing prohibited as posted.