NOTE OF CAUTION: On all lakes, be aware of the ice conditions, especially in those waters below 8000’ in elevation. The freeze-melt-freeze conditions in recent weeks can cause ice to be unstable. It is better to be safe than sorry. Check local contacts for up-to-date ice conditions and please read the additional information regarding being safe on the ice.

Ice Fishing Opportunities

NORTHEAST REGION  (last updated 1/22/10)

Antero Reservoir: This 2200 acre impoundment is located north of US Highway 24 between Antero Junction and the town of Hartsel.  Currently catch rates are excellent, but expect them to decline as water quality degrades throughout the winter.  Rainbow trout are averaging 14-18” with an occasional 10 pounder being caught. Brown trout, cutthroat trout, splake, and brook trout are also present.  For updated fishing reports and ice condition please contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife Northeast Region Service Center (303-291-7227).

Aurora Reservoir: This 820 acre impoundment is located on Quincy Avenue, one mile east of Gun Club Road. The potential for nice rainbow trout and large walleyes is good here.  Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. As of January 20 ice thickness in the bays is about 10”, thinner out in the main lake (5”) with some open water. Try in the marina cove in 5-10’ for yellow perch and at the mouth of Senac Bay in 20’ for rainbow trout.

Bear Creek Reservoir: This 205 acre impoundment is located on Morrison Road, just east of C-470 in Lakewood.  Fish that can be caught include saugeye over 20”, and rainbow trout.  Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. As of January 20 the ice was unsafe near the dam, 8-9” thick near the north boat ramp. Use Ratfinks tipped with meal worms or waxworms near the bottom for rainbow trout.

Boyd Lake: This 1700 acre reservoir, located within Loveland, also serves a state park.  Expect good ice fishing for trout, sunfish, and an occasional walleye or perch this winter.  Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. As of January 22, 10-12” of ice is present.  Fishing for trout and sunfish has provided the best action. Trout range 11-16” while bluegill range 6-9”. Perch and walleye continue to show up on aquaview screens but catches are poor. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions contact Boyd Lake State Park (970-669-1739). 

Chambers Lake: This 250 acre impoundment is located seven miles east of the top of Cameron Pass on Highway 14. Chambers offers opportunities to catch cutthroat, rainbow and lake trout through the ice. Kokanee salmon are present as well. Expect lake trout 16-18” with larger fish definitely waiting to break your line. Deeper water has been consistently productive for 16” to 18” lakers, especially if you can find a shelf or structure. Take care to watch for quickly changing ice conditions as they drop the level of the reservoir through the winter. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Fort Collins DOW office (970-472-4300).

Chatfield Reservoir: This 1,100 acre impoundment is located on South Wadsworth Boulevard, about 0.5 miles south of C-470.  Fish which can be caught include rainbow trout 15-18”, walleye over 24”, smallmouth bass, bluegill and black crappie.   Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. As of January 20 the ice was 6-8” thick. Try the north boat ramp cove with small jig tipped with waxworms for black crappie and bluegill. Fish the submerged roadbed early and late in the day for walleye.

Cherry Creek Reservoir: This 800 acre impoundment is located just east of I-225 and south of Parker Road.  Fish that can be caught include rainbow trout, walleye over 24”.  Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. As of January 19 the ice was about 10-11” thick. Try the shallow flats for trout using minnows.

Cowdrey: This 80 acre reservoir is located along Highway 125, seven miles north of Walden. Cowdrey should have good early fishing. Expect 12” to 16” rainbows as well as many larger fish that have held over through last winter and eluded anglers through the summer.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the North Park Chamber of Commerce (970-723-4600).

Delaney Buttes: This State Wildlife Area is located 10 miles west of Walden. Please be aware of the special regulations that exist for fishing this property.  The North Lake (195 acres) is a good place to target large browns in good condition from 16-20”. Large rainbows can sometimes also be found. The South Lake (150 acres) produces plump snake river cutthroat and rainbow trout 14-20”. The East Lake (66 acres) should provide chances at feisty rainbows from 14-18” with brown trout here and there.  All of the lakes now have fishable ice and fishing should be productive early in the season. Please refer to your fishing regulation brochure for special regulations. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Lake John Resort (970-723-3226).

Elevenmile Reservoir: This 3400 acre impoundment is located south of US Highway 24 between Wilkerson Pass and the town of Hartsel. Elevenmile Reservoir typically produces rainbow trout in the 14-20” range with 10 pounders caught each winter.  Fishing for brown trout and cutthroat trout will be slower than for rainbows and kokanee fishing will remain marginal. Currently, rainbow fishing has been good with many fish in the 14-18” range being caught. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Elevenmile State Park (719-748-3401).

Evergreen Lake: This 42 acre impoundment is located just upstream of downtown Evergreen, on State Route 74 (Evergreen Parkway).  Fish that can be caught include rainbow trout, brown trout, and an occasional tiger musky. Try on the north side of the lake near the inlet for rainbow trout using a small jigging spoon tipped with a mealworm or a waxworm. 
 
Georgetown Lake: This 54 acre impoundment is located on I-70 just north of the town of Georgetown. Fish that can be caught include rainbow trout and brown trout. As of January 20 the ice is about 15” thick. Try Ratfinks tipped with waxworms for rainbow and brown trout. Just north of the road bridge is a good spot.

Hohnholz Lakes: These two lakes are located west of the Laramie River Road (CR 103) 30 miles north of Highway 14. The eastern lake, Hohnholz #2, is 37 acres and has rainbow trout and snake river cutthroat trout ranging 12-16”. Hohnholz #3 is 40 acres and has snake river cutthroat and brown trout up to 18”. Hohnholz #2 has been productive for lots of small fish and occasional larger browns have been showing up at Hohnholz #3. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact West Laramie Fly Store (888-745-9565).

Jackson Reservoir: This large reservoir is located 45 miles east of Greeley or 10 miles north of Wiggins. Nearly 8,000 catchable trout were stocked after last year’s irrigation season (11/1/2009).  Accordingly, anglers can expect good fishing for trout averaging 12”. Annual survey information has been updated and is available on the DOW website under the fishing section. For information about ice conditions, you can contact the park directly at 970-645-2551. Be aware the park has a very limited staff during the winter.  

Jefferson: This 145 acre impoundment is located northwest of Jefferson. After the first decent snow fall of the season, the road to Jefferson Lake will become impassable for vehicles except snow machines. Depending on snow drifts, many times by mid-winter the road becomes impassable for snow machines. This winter anglers can seek to catch rainbow trout in the 12-14” range, mackinaw averaging 12-18” with a few large fish, and possibly a few brook trout. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Jonah’s (719-836-0289).

Jumbo Reservoir: Located 3 miles west of Sedgwick or 20 miles east of Sterling, Jumbo Reservoir will be a hot spot for 2009/2010 ice fishing.  More than 6,000 rainbow trout have been stocked since 10/31/2009. Recent reports (1/11/2010) indicate anglers are catching several 12-16” trout, and some trout 22” long. Anglers may additionally catch walleye through the ice. Jumbo had 13” of ice during the week of 1/11/2010. Ice fishing is restricted to within 50 yards of the 2 south dams or 50 yards of the outlet tower. Check out the fishery survey summary to learn more.

Lake John: This 565 acre impoundment is located 15 miles northwest of Walden. Lake John grows fat rainbow trout, snake river cutthroat trout, and cuttbows in the 12-16” range giving up the occasional 5 pounder. Slower fishing for the occasional large fish (5-7 lbs) has been the norm lately. Finding the right depth as well as watching for a light bite seem to be the keys to getting into fish. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Lake John Resort (970-723-3226).

Red Feather Lakes: Red Feather Lakes is northwest of Fort Collins about 20 miles west of Livermore. Parvin, Dowdy and West lakes are located on the east side of town. Bellaire Lake is a bit further south off of CR 162. Bellaire is 10 acres and has rainbow trout. Dowdy Lake is 115 acres and should be productive for rainbows and slow for browns in the 12-14” range with a few larger fish and occasional brook trout as well. West is 25 acres and should be good for 12” rainbows. Parvin is 63 acres. Expect occasional fat browns and good fishing for rainbows 12-16”. Note that Parvin is fly and lure only and has a different bag limit. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Fort Collins DOW office (970-472-4300).

Seymour: This lake is 81 acres and located about 15 miles south of Walden. A late stocking should provide good opportunities to catch 12-14” rainbow trout. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Lake John Resort (970-723-3226).

St. Vrain State Park Ponds: This facility offers a variety of ice angling for sunfish, bass, and trout.  Sandpiper pond has been heavily stocked with trout this fall.  Catchable trout have also been stocked in Red Tail, Coot, Pintail, and Mallard Ponds.  Bald Eagle is not stocked with catchable trout but offers catch and release on bass for anglers looking for more of a challenge. As of 1/22/2010 roughly 8 inches of ice was present on Sandpiper and Mallard. Rangers do not recommend venturing out quite yet.

Tarryall Reservoir: This 175 acre impoundment is located along Park County Road 77 between Jefferson and Lake George. This winter anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout averaging 12-14” with a few large fish here and there, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and northern pike up to 36”. We encourage the harvest of all northern pike caught. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Jonah’s (719-836-0289).

NORTHWEST REGION 

Dillon Reservoir: As usual, the Snake River inlet has seen the majority of the ice fishing activity. Anglers using sucker baits and tube jigs are most successful within 15’ of the bank.  Anglers further from the banks are less successful.  Mostly kokanee and the occasional rainbow are being caught in this area. The road to the inlet is plowed and access is good.  Weekdays usually have up to five fisherman, and weekends up to 25-30 fishermen. Fishing pressure elsewhere on the reservoir has been sparse. (last updated 2/19/09)

Elkhead Reservoir: Please contact Yampa River State Park (970-276-2061) for up to date information on ice conditions and safety.  Ice fishing for rainbow trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill and crappie can be productive, but locating schools of fish under the ice is the biggest challenge.  The use of electronic fish finders is recommended when targeting schools of crappie, bluegill and bass, but pike and trout tend to be evenly distributed across the reservoir.  The crappie have been suspended in about 30-40 feet of water and fishing along steep banks is recommended. (last updated 1/23/10)

Granby Reservoir: Fishing for lake trout has been fair to good on tube jigs of various colors tipped with sucker meat. Most fish are coming from 40-60’ of water. Fishing for stocked rainbows and cutbows has been good in the mornings. The slush that was heavy a few weeks ago is almost gone. Budget Tackle in Granby (970-887-9344) has the most current information on ice conditions. (last updated 2/19/09)

Green Mountain Reservoir: Fishing has been consistently good for lake trout in the 12-18” range on tube jigs and sucker meat in deeper water (around 40’). Fishing for rainbows has been fair in shallower water on smaller jigs and baits. The kokanee fishing has been inconsistent so far, with some anglers reporting good catches and some anglers having difficulty finding any kokanee. Ice is 15-18” thick. Access is good and the roads and boat ramp are being plowed regularly. Weekdays have seen at least one group and on the weekends up to 50 people are out on the ice. (last updated 2/19/09)

Harvey Gap Reservoir: Yellow perch, rainbow trout, black crappie, bluegill and northern pike are being caught through the ice with wax worms, shrimp, maggots, meal worms and night crawlers.  On December 17th, the Division of Wildlife stocked 3600 Rainbow trout (ranging in length from 8" to 12") in the lake.  Ice is 0-9 inches thick and can be slushy around the shorelines. Ice fishermen are reminded that ice is inherently dangerous and precautions should be taken when out on the ice. Park staff recommend that ice fishermen always fish with a buddy, wear a PFD (personal floatation device), have an ice pick or claw and carry 50 feet of rope when on the ice. Checking for ice thickness as you go out is also a wise idea as ice thicknesses may vary greatly within relatively short distances. Ice rescue stations are located in several locations throughout the park. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Park website. Anglers may also contact Harvey Gap/Rifle Gap State Park, 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, CO, 81650; Phone: 970-625-1607. (last updated 1/27/10)

Lake Avery: The ice at Lake Avery has become safe for ice fishing and is 12” to 18” thick.  Ice fishing for rainbow trout and Snake River cutthroat trout has slowed down, but is still good using small ice fishing spoons or small rubber jigs tipped with meal worms, wax worms, night crawlers, power bait, or salmon eggs.  Fishing near the boat ramp and parking lot is usually good, but faster action can often be found by walking a little further north and fishing along the east shoreline. The fastest action has been occurring mid-morning and late afternoon. (last updated 1/23/10)

Pearl Lake: The lake is iced over at this time. We have no report on ice thickness. Please exercise extreme caution when accessing iced-over water, as breaking through can be fatal.  Due to icing conditions, fishing is very limited at Pearl. Ice fishing for cutthroat trout and grayling are allowed. Please note that only flies & lures are allowed, with a bag limit of two trout 18” or longer. The road is only maintained to approximately ¾ of a mile from the lake. Anglers have to ski or hike from that point. There has been virtually no fishing pressure on Pearl Lake to speak of. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Park website. Anglers may also contact Steamboat Lake State Park at (970) 879-3922 or steamboat.lake@state.co.us. (last updated 1/19/09) 

Rifle Gap Reservoir: Yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, and black crappie are being caught through the ice with wax worms, shrimp, maggots, meal worms, and night crawlers.  On December 18th, the Division of Wildlife stocked 3900 Rainbow trout (ranging in length from 8" to 12") in the lake. Ice is about 9 inches thick around the boat ramp, at the west end, and below Bass Day Use. Ice is also slushy around the shorelines  Ice fishermen are reminded that ice is inherently dangerous and precautions should be taken when out on the ice. Park staff recommend that ice fishermen always fish with a buddy, wear a PFD (personal floatation device), have an ice pick or claw and carry 50 feet of rope when on the ice. Checking for ice thickness as you go out is also a wise idea as ice thicknesses may vary greatly within relatively short distances. Ice rescue stations are located in several locations throughout the park. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Park website. Anglers may also contact Rifle Gap/Harvey Gap State Park, 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, CO, 81650; Phone: 970-625-1607. (last updated 1/27/10)

Rio Blanco Lake: The ice at Rio Blanco Lake is approximately 12” thick. Fishing has been good for small bluegill and the occasional large northern pike, though pike action has been slow. Please contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife Meeker Office (970-878-6090) for up to date information on ice conditions and safety. (last updated 1/23/10)

Ruedi Reservoir: Fishing for lake trout has been fair to good. Most fish caught are under 20”, but there is a good chance of catching 15 – 20 pound lake trout. Most fish are being caught between 40 – 60’. Cutthroat trout and rainbows are coming from shallower water, 12 – 20’. Bait suggestions: mealworms for rainbow and chicken gizzards or sucker meat for lake trout. Reminder- using LIVE bait fish on the western slope is ILLEGAL according to DOW regulations. Sportfish that can be caught in Ruedi include lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout, and brown trout. As well, anglers may catch illegally introduced yellow perch, and anglers are encouraged to remove them from the lake. Local contact info for water: U.S. Forest Service, P.O. Box 948, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601, Phone: 303-963-2266. (last updated 2/8/10)

Shadow Mountain/Grand Lake: Shadow Mountain Reservoir is partly covered, however there is significant open water due to pumping in the canal. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Budget Tackle in Granby (970-887-9344). (last updated 2/19/09)

Stagecoach Reservoir: Fishing has been very good for catchable rainbow trout throughout the lake at 8’ to 12’ of water. An assortment of terminal tackle has been producing, such as jigs tipped with powerbait, wax worms, night crawlers, etc.., tube jigs, castmasters, and solo night crawlers. The ice is approximately 12 inches thick, with 6 – 8 inches of snow cover and minimal slush. Northern pike fishing has been slow, but some are being picked up sporadically. Weekly updates on ice conditions, access, accommodations and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Park website.  Anglers may also contact Stagecoach State Park at (970) 736-8342 or stagecoach.park@state.co.us. (last updated 2/19/09)

Steamboat Lake: Fishing has been good for rainbow trout and Snake River cutthroat trout in approximately 12’ - 15’ of water. Fishing has been good in the bays and along the point bars. Mill Creek Bay, Meadow Point, and the Marina cove have been producing well, as well as Willow creek bay and the hump/point bar to the north of the Large Island. An assortment of terminal tackle has been producing, such as jigs tipped with powerbait, wax worms, night crawlers, etc., tube jigs, castmasters, and jigging rapalas. The ice is approximately 24 – 30 inches thick, with 6 – 8 inches of snow cover and variable slush. Weekly updates on ice conditions, access, accommodations, and angling success is provided on the Colorado State Park website. Anglers may also contact Steamboat Lake State Park at (970) 879-3922 or steamboat.lake@state.co.us. (last updated 2/19/09)

Sweetwater Lake: A small reservoir 25 miles outside of Dotsero, the lake has been frozen over since January. Fishing for trout is fair to good. Rainbow trout and brook trout are biting near the inlet. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and contains wild reproducing brook trout and brown trout. There is some possibility of catching kokanee that are feral remnants from past stocking. Tackle recommendation: jigs with mealworms. Local contact info for water: U.S. Forest Service, White River National Forest, Phone: 303-945-3255 or Sweetwater Lake Resort, Phone 970-524-7344. (last updated 2/8/10)

Sylvan Lake: Fishing for brook trout and rainbow trout remains fair to good near the dam. Tackle recommendation: jigs with mealworms. Brook trout and rainbows are plentiful throughout the lake. Local contact info for water:  Sylvan Lake State Park, 10200 Brush Creek Rd., P.O. Box 1475, Eagle, CO, 81631, Phone: 970-328-2021. (last updated 2/8/10)

Vega Reservoir: Ice fishing has been good this past week. Rainbow trout in the 12" to 16" range have been caught through 12" to 18" of ice thickness. A Recent Tip: Some nice fish are being caught near the Dam or the Island Area in 20-25 ft. of water using a chartreuse and red ice jig tipped with a meal worm and a salmon egg. Try fishing about 12"-18" inches from the bottom and then try raising your bait up a foot or two until fish are located. Note: The ice may still be too thin in some places such as in the middle of the lake, which was the last to freeze, and also near the inlets where moving water prevents thick ice. State Park staff recommend that ice fishermen always fish with a buddy, wear a PFD (personal floatation device), have an ice pick or claw and carry 50 feet of rope when on the ice. Checking for ice thickness as you go out is also a wise idea as ice thicknesses may vary greatly within relatively short distances. Ice rescue stations are located in several locations throughout the park. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State park website. Anglers may also contact Vega Reservoir State Park, P.O. Box 186, Collbran, CO 81624; Phone: 970-487-3407 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday for daily updates. (last updated 1/27/10)

Williams Fork Reservoir: Ice is 15-18” thick. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice, so this lake offers more solitude than most. Fishing has been steady for lake trout, with some large rainbows being taken as well. (last updated 2/19/09)

Wolford Reservoir: Fishing for rainbows and browns has been steady in shallow water, in the 12’ range. Usually the good fishing occurs in the mornings, with afternoon fishing being slow. Some kokanee are still being caught along the west shore south of the boat ramp. Ice is averaging about 16” thick, and vehicles are being allowed to drive on the ice. (last updated 2/19/09)

SOUTHEAST REGION (last updated 1/15/10)

Brush Hollow: This is a 200 acre lake located near Penrose off of Highway 115. Some ice has formed, but use caution. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

Clear Creek Reservoir: This 400 acre reservoir is located between Buena Vista and Leadville and is a consistently good ice fishing lake. Anglers mainly fishing near the boat ramp in about 12 feet of water typically using ice jigs tipped with meal worms, power bait and night crawlers. The lake is iced over and being fished, but success is unknown. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).

Cottonwood Lake: This 40 acre reservoir is located west of Buena Vista on U.S. Forest Service land. Meal worms are the bait of choice, but regular worms are also being used. The lake is iced over and being fished, but success is unknown. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

De Weese Reservoir: Located near Westcliffe. There is about 10-12 inches of ice on the lake. There are some soft spots near the shore as the lake is filling. Fishing is good for cuttbows and rainbows in the 12-14 inch range with some larger fish. Anglers have been using rubber jigs tipped with meal worms and salmon eggs. Worms are also working well. For current conditions, contact the Pueblo Area Office (719-561-5300).

Frantz Lake: This is a small town lake in Salida. The lake has good ice and is being fished regularly. Fishing has been good for trout on a variety of baits.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida Area office (719-530-5520).

Hayden Meadows Reservoir: This is a small (5 acres) lake located along Highway 24 just south of Leadville. Ice is well formed. Use caution around inlet. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).
 
Hugo SWA: North pond. Ice is about seven inches thick. Fishing is good for stocked trout. Some largemouth bass are also being taken. Due to recent warm weather, anglers are advised to use extreme caution when venturing out on the ice.

Lake Isabel: Also called San Isabel Reservoir, this 30 acre lake is on US Forest Service lands off of Highway 165 just west of Rye. Ice conditions at San Isabel show 12 inches of ice currently. Fishing is good with salmon eggs and meal worms along with a variety of other baits. Most of the fish are in the 10-11 inch range with some up to 13. Fishing pressure has been light to moderate on the lake. For current conditions, contact the Pueblo Area Office (719-561-5300).

Manitou Reservoir: Located just north of Woodland Park this 16 acre reservoir is situated on US Forest Service lands. Ice is about 15 inches thick. Fishermen have been very successful catching their limit of rainbow trout on salmon eggs and flies. A $5 entry fee at the gate from the USFS must be paid in order to fish. Anglers are encouraged to contact the USFS at 636-1602 for current conditions as well as hours of operation.

Monument Lake (El Paso County): The 40 acre reservoir is located immediately west of the Town of Monument in northern El Paso County. Ice is about 12 inches thick. Fishermen have been using salmon eggs and are having good success. Anglers are encouraged to use extreme caution as the ice conditions are highly variable.

Monument Reservoir: This 40 acre lake is for located in a nice setting about 30 miles west of Trinidad. Ice is approximately 10 inches, but wind has broken it into large chunks, and there is some thinner ice at the joints between the chunks. Fishing pressure has been minimal, and no current reports of angler success are available. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact DWM Bob Holder (719-680-1410).
 
Mt. Elbert Forebay: This 200 acre reservoir is located just north of Twin Lakes above Highway 82. This is a productive lake that has better than average sized rainbow and cutthroat trout. Anglers also target mackinaw. This reservoir fluctuates considerably and is ice free most of the time, creating open water opportunity in the dead of winter. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

North Lake SWA: This 100 acre lake is located just east of Monument Lake (west of Trinidad). Ice is approximately 10 inches, but wind has broken it into large chunks, and there is some thinner ice at the joints between the chunks. Fishing pressure has been minimal, and no current reports of angler success are available. Anglers need to be aware that fishing at North Lake is permitted with flies and lures only. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact DWM Bob Holder (719-680-1410).

O’Haver: This small (14 acre) lake is located southwest of Poncha Springs on U.S. Forest Service lands. The lake is accessible via County Road 200 (Marshall Pass Road). The road is snowpacked, and 4-wheel drive vehicles with good tires are needed to reach the lake. Ice is good, and fishing success has been excellent with a variety of baits. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

Riverside Ponds (Mt. Ouray State Wildlife Area): These two ponds are located northwest of Salida off County Road 160. Both ponds have good ice and are being fished. Both require about a ¼ mile hike, as vehicles are restricted to the parking areas.

Skaguay Reservoir: Located just east of Victor (near the town of Cripple Creek), this 114 acre reservoir is part of the Skaguay State Wildlife Area. Ice conditions are unknown at this time. No vehicles allowed on ice. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719530-5520).

Trinidad Lake: Located just west of Trinidad, this 1000 acre reservoir is part of Trinidad State Park (entry fee required). There is currently 10 inches of ice in Reilly Canyon and 7-8 inches on the south shore and boat ramp. Ice thickness and conditions will vary greatly on this water, and anglers need to exercise a high level of safety when venturing onto the ice. Angling success has been minimal for trout, yellow perch, saugeye and walleye.  Anglers need to review fishing regulations for limits and restrictions on this lake. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Trinidad Lake State Park (719-846-6951).

Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoirs: These are larger reservoirs (Twin – 2000 acres, Turquoise – 1600 acres) located on U.S. Forest Service lands west of Highway 24 near Leadville. Twin - Ice has formed on the entire lake. There is almost always open water near dam, power plant and channels. Proceed with caution. Turquoise - Ice has formed on the entire lake. Ice conditions will continue to improve with recent cold weather. The lake can be reached only by foot or snowmobile. Fishing success is unknown at this time. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

SOUTHWEST REGION  (last updated 1/7/10)

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.  Anglers should expect to catch rainbow trout from 10-16 inches, and brown trout and kokanee salmon from 10-14 inches. Anglers report good action for rainbow trout and brown trout, fair action for kokanee using power bait and small jigs tipped with meal worms. 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, skiing, or snowshoes.  Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and cutthroat from 10-16 inches and brook trout from 10-12 inches.  Anglers report good action for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout from 10-16 inches using power bait and jigs tipped with meal worms.   For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Big Molas Lake: This 20 acre natural lake is located near Silverton.  It freezes early and angler success is generally good for rainbow trout and brook trout.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Durango office (970-247-0855).

Blue Mesa Reservoir:  This 8,900 acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. Winter fishing is excellent for brown trout and lake trout and good for rainbow trout. Due to an over-abundance of small lake trout, harvest of lake trout less than 30 inches is recommended. Ice thickness can be variable and anglers are advised to check on the latest ice update available on the National Park Service Conditions page.

Crawford Reservoir: This 390 acre reservoir is a Colorado State Park located 2 miles south of Crawford.  Ice fishing season generally runs from January to March.  There is vehicle access to several points around the reservoir.  Anglers can expect decent fishing for stocked rainbow trout with large catches of small yellow perch.  Black crappie and northern pike can also be targeted through the ice.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Crawford State Park (970-921-5721) or check the park’s website.

Echo Canyon Reservoir: This 118 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area located a few miles south of Pagosa Springs. Good for 10-12 inch trout on mealworms and small jigs. The ice is approximately 18 inches thick. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Durango office (970-247-0855).

Groundhog Reservoir: Access is by snowmobile only (20 miles). Very slow but rewarding for 12-20 inch rainbow trout on wax worms. Good ice conditions.

Lemon Reservoir: Located approximately 15 miles northeast of Durango. This 622 surface acre reservoir has been fishing well for 14”rainbow trout on “Trout Magnets”, a small gold jig head with a replaceable plastic body that resembles a meal worm.

Miramonte Reservoir: This 400 acre lake is located 20 miles south of Norwood on the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area.  Ice fishing season generally runs from December to March.  There is vehicle access to several points around the reservoir.  Fishing can be good for larger than average rainbow trout with occasional brown trout being caught as well.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Montrose office (970-252-6000).

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.  Anglers can expect to catch rainbow from 10-16 inches.  Anglers report good action for rainbow trout 10-14 inches.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Pastorius Reservoir: Good for 10-12 inch rainbow trout on mealworms. Ice conditions are good.

Rito Hondo Lake: This 40 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located west of Creede.  Access is by snowmobile, skiing, or snowshoes.  Anglers can expect to catch brook trout and occasionally cutthroat and rainbow trout.  Anglers report good action for brook trout to 15 inches using power bait and jigs tipped with meal worms. 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.  Anglers report fair action for rainbow trout to 20 inches and a few brook trout using power bait or jigs tipped with meal worms. Ice thickness can be variable especially in the area around the aerators. 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.  Anglers may find walleye from 13-23 inches, northern pike from 20-35 inches and a few yellow perches. Anglers report fair action for all species. 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.  Water level is currently low and ice conditions are variable.  The lake will be restocked with rainbow trout in spring of 2010. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Taylor Park Reservoir:  This is a 2,000 acre reservoir located northeast of Almont.  It freezes early and anglers can expect to catch lake trout and rainbow trout.  There is vehicle access to the Taylor Park Trading Post and Taylor Park Marina; from there the reservoir can be reached by snowmobile, snowshoes, or skiing.  For local information, contact the Taylor Park Trading Post (970-641-2555). 

Totten Reservoir: This small reservoir (204 acres) located east of Cortez typically has variable ice conditions. This year there is approximately 5-6 inches of ice because of the extended cold weather. Totten can provide some good fishing for large bluegill, walleye, northern pike and yellow perch.

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir: This 69 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area is located 40 miles west of Antonito.  Access is by snowmobile, skiing, or snowshoes.  Anglers can expect to catch brown trout and rainbow trout. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Vallecito Reservoir: This 2,700 acre reservoir is located NE of Durango. Fair for 13-15 inch rainbow trout on small jigs, silver spoons, and powerbait. The ice is approximately 10-12 inches thick. Vallecito was stocked with 40,000 13 inch trout in November. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Durango office (970-247-0855).

Williams Creek Reservoir: Williams Creek Reservoir has about 8+ inches of ice. The upper end had 4 inches of water on top of the ice/under the snow, making for slushy conditions to get to the inlet a couple of weeks ago. Wax worms  are working well for mostly brook  and rainbow trout up to 17 inches, average 10-12”. Road is plowed to the parking areas next to Teal Pond.