Ice Fishing in Colorado
Ice fishing has become one of the region’s most popular growth sports in recent years. The success has been so great that around one third of all Colorado anglers now participate in ice fishing during its busiest time, between the months of December and the end of February.
The chance to ice fish is a once in a lifetime opportunity for some people visiting Colorado, especially if it is the first time they have considered fishing in such conditions, often unavailable in the warmer climes of the southern states.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has stocked thousands of rainbow trout in many of the various ice fishing waters again this winter. The fish are not the largest – around 11 inches on average – but many are bigger.
Trout are not the only fish to be found in the ice waters. Others fish include crappie, salmon, lake trout, kokanee, yellow perch and walleye. Most of the ice waters have a mix of these fish so it’s not only rainbow trout on offer. There are always several species of trout available.
Dangers of ice fishing
Thin ice is a real danger when ice fishing. Not understanding the risks and the associated danger can lead to the death of the fishermen, so caution and learning the rules of safe ice fishing are essential.
You cannot just guess at the ice thickness and make easy decisions about fishing or not. After a spell of below freezing weather, it does not mean the ice thickness is sufficient.
The general rule is that at the minimum are that you should expect ice to be two inches thick for one person. Three inches is required for a group of people walking in one single file. If you have eight inches of ice, you can bring your vehicle – within reason.
Never fish alone
You must never fish alone. Two or more people can make a better judgment of what is safe and what is not. If the worst should happen and someone does fall through the ice, then at least one other person is readily available to help the other to safety. Speed is the most important factor to saving a life.
Some guidelines for safe fishing
When people talk of the thickness of ice, it must relate to where you wish to fish. Lake ice thickness varies from lake to lake. Ice should be checked at The Front Range before going out. You will need to remember that the weather varies considerably, almost hour to hour. You will be able to ask the advice of the managers as most lakes are kept by Colorado State parks or local parks authorities. The managers will know the thickness of the ice and are able to offer sensible advice.
You will need to know whether you can walk out to your fishing location or whether it is better to move there by snowmobile.
Lake types
A shallow lake will ice over much quicker than a deep lake. Clear blue ice is a good indicator for you. The newer the ice, the stronger it is. Ice is not consistently thick. Ice around submerged objects like trees, bush and structures may not be particularly thick. Where the water is exceptionally shallow around these objects, ice may take longer to form, especially if they absorb sunlight and keep the area slightly warmer – or less cold.
Drill a test hole
You should test the thickness of the ice by either test drilling or using an ice chisel before you go out to the middle of a lake. You will be able to see not only the thickness of the ice, but also the quality of the ice. You should test the ice at spaces of less than 30 feet for consistency.
Safety kit
You will need to have a safety kit available at all times, while you are out on the ice. You will need to use cleats or crampons to walk on the ice. This is a good idea in Colorado because the powdery snow and wind combine to leave no snow cover on the ice and poor grip. The wind gives the ice a quality polished, slippery surface.
Using and attaching long cords to your sleds make it much easier to pull them along. If someone falls through the ice, the angler can use the sled to push nearer to the troubled fisherman while still keeping hold of the line.
All people involved in fishing should have training and understanding of how to use the safety kit, should it become required. Like being on an airplane, it is best to hear the safety training hundreds of times rather than experience the crash itself.
Finally, you are there to enjoy yourself and fish well. You need to balance the fun with the risks and always stay on the side of safety.
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Kitty Lewis was born and raised in a huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’ family. Not content with the apres-ski on last minute ski breaks, she tries to get involved with the local ice fishing season at every opportunity.
Markus with Canadian Ski Team 11/01-14/2011
I just wanted to offer this recommendation for a stay with Steve at Riverside. Our ski team had a great time, felt very comfortable and welcome as if invited into a families home. Our athletes stayed 2 weeks during a training camp and could come back from a hard days training to a warm, clean and comfortable home. The only downside is Steve is such a good cook I gained weight …;).
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