Thinking about going ice fishing in the Centennial State? You’ve got lots of options to choose from. But, for many reasons, not every spot will work. If you want to know where the best Colorado ice fishing lakes are, you’re in the right place. We’ve done all the research and will share our findings with you in this article.
When choosing where to ice fish, you need to consider everything from landscape to accessibility to accommodations to the fish species that hang out there. We’ll touch on all of these things and more as we reveal the absolute best places to get your fish on.
1. Eleven Mile Reservoir
If you want to go to a well-known lake, try fishing the Eleven Mile Reservoir between Hartsel and Wilkerson Pass. It’s 3,400 acres in size with ice that’s 11 to 15 inches thick throughout. There’s a lot of room to experiment and explore multiple holes.
There are several fish species at the Eleven Mile Reservoir. You’ve got a good chance of hooking any of the following fish species there:
- Kokanee salmon
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Cutthroat trout
Aside from the fun of ice fishing, you’ll love the beautiful natural surroundings at this lake. There are seemingly endless trees, snow-capped mountains, rugged rocks, and more. And you’d get to take it all in.
And if you are into other types of outdoor fun, explore the whole state park and indulge in the amenities:
- Campgrounds
- Picnic sites
- Trails
- Visitor Center
- Marina
2. Trinidad Lake State Park
Looking for a lake that’s a little smaller? Maybe Trinidad Lake State Park is the perfect setting for your next ice fishing trip. This lake is about 1,000 acres, less than a third of the size of the Eleven Mile Reservoir. And trust us when we tell you that it’s unbelievably beautiful.
If you prefer an intimate ice fishing experience with stunning surroundings that look like they’re right out of a geography book, this is your ice fishing spot. There are rough, rugged cliffs and thick forests that draw your gaze as you wait for a bite.
The low-key vibe of this lake is ideal for anglers of all skill levels and walks of life. And the amenities will make you want to stay. There are 73 campsites, a gift shop, onsite parking, RV sites, and more.
Some of the fish species you’re likely to find in Trinidad Lake State Park include:
- Bluegill wiper
- Brown trout
- Largemouth bass
- Rainbow trout
- Walleye
- Crappie
Trinidad Lake is about 4 miles west of the city of Trinidad, and ice fishing is allowed from December to April.
3. Lake Granby
Lake Granby is expansive, to say the least – at over 7,000 acres, this lake is big. And it’s popular too, being that it’s one of the three lakes featured in the Three-Lakes Fishing Contest – the other two are Grand Lake and the Shadow Mountain Reservoir. A ton of ice fishers go to these lakes every year for the competition.
But you definitely don’t have to be a participant to sample the beauty of this lake. The natural surroundings are to die for. Plus, the lake is really easy to get to.
If you’re looking to catch some lake trout, this lake is the place to go. Lake Granby is known for its huge lake trout density. But you’ll also find the following fish species as well:
- Rainbow trout
- Kokanee Salmon
- Brown Trout
Anglers have caught lake trout more than 32 inches long. Maybe you’ll be just as lucky! The season starts at the beginning of January and ends in late April.
Lake Granby is about 5 miles out from the town of Granby, and ice fishing is allowed from early January to late April.
4. Chatfield Reservoir
Winter anglers love the Chatfield reservoir – perhaps it’s because you can easily access it from Denver, the biggest city in the state. So, don’t expect your fishing trip to be peaceful 100% of the time. This reservoir is near the top of the list of the most heavily fished Colorado reservoirs. Still, there almost always seems to be enough space for everyone.
As for what you might catch around here, it’s all about the rainbow trout. Some anglers have caught some gigantic trophy fish up to 25 inches long. In addition to that, you may find any of the following fish in this reservoir:
- Walleye
- Crappie
- Yellow perch
- Bluegill
If you thought that you might get there and find that there are no fish, you don’t have to worry about that. The fish are restocked regularly all throughout the season. And as for amenities, you’re completely covered – the Chatfield State Park has:
- A gift shop
- Grills
- Marina
- Onsite parking
- Picnic area
This lake is 25 miles southwest of downtown Denver, and fishing is typically allowed from January to April.
5. Harvey Gap Reservoir
The Harvey Gap Reservoir is one of the smaller lakes on this list – it spans 198 acres. Though it’s on the smaller side compared to other lakes in the state, it still has awesome amenities that’ll keep you happy during your fishing trips. The facilities onsite provide grills, a picnic area, parking, and restrooms.
Anglers frequent this spot the most in two seasons – summer and winter. When you go ice fishing here, you’ll find one or more of the following fish species:
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Northern pike
- Perch
- Crappie
- Rainbow trout
One thing you’re sure to note when you ice fish here is the wintery backdrop. You’ll be at a high elevation of 6,500 feet. At such a high vantage point, you’ll have full panoramic views of nature. There are sagebrush, cedar, and cottonwood trees all around, and they’re a beauty to look at.
You’ll find this reservoir in Rifle, Colorado, and ice fishing season spans from December to March.
To learn more about the Harvey Gap State Park, go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
6. Chambers Lake
Chances are you’ve heard about Chambers Lake at one point or another. It’s another mega-popular fishing spot in the Colorado area. Though it’s on the smaller side (about 255 acres), that doesn’t stop ice fishers from coming back year after year to fish these waters.
The fish species you’re sure to find here include lake trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and cutthroat. The most common species include rainbow trout and cutthroat.
What’s great about this lake is that it goes into a deep freeze in December and doesn’t thaw until late April, so if you want to squeeze in a fishing trip late in the season, Chambers Lake might be the perfect spot.
And to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your trip, there are campgrounds, water, and restrooms available onsite.
Chambers is located 7 miles east of the top of Cameron Pass on Highway 14.
7. Crawford Reservoir
The Crawford Reservoir is very well known in town, though it’s only about 400 acres in size – on the smaller side. This reservoir is ideal for anyone who wants to have a chill ice fishing trip that’s not too crowded, especially in the wintertime.
Looking to hook some crappie or perch? Go to the Crawford Reservoir sometime between January and March. It’s during these months that the ice is thick enough for ice fishing (at least 6 inches). In addition to crappie and perch, you could catch these other fish species:
- Northern pike
- Rainbow trout
- Lake trout
- Muskie
- Largemouth bass
- Catfish
What’s more, is that you get to enjoy the amenities the Crawford State Park provides:
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Parking
The Crawford Reservoir is located about 2 miles south of the town of Crawford.
8. Blue Mesa Reservoir
Right next to the Crawford Reservoir is the Blue Mesa Reservoir, a much bigger ice fishing spot to explore. It spans an impressive 9,180 acres, so there’s no shortage of ice fishing spots. The lake opens for ice fishing early – in December. So, for those who like to start up early in the season, this reservoir may be the right pick.
The fish species you’re most likely to find are brown trout and rainbow trout, especially at the beginning of the fishing season. Mid-season – January and February – is the perfect time to snap up some salmon and mackinaw. Just be aware that, due to ice conditions mid-season, you’ll likely need a snowmobile to get to the prime fishing spots or travel from spot to spot. Ice fishing season ends in April.
If you’re new to ice fishing, consider taking a guided fishing tour.
The Blue Mesa Reservoir is in Gunnison, a town in Western Colorado.
9. Georgetown Lake
Do you live in or around Georgetown? If you do, it’s only right to check out Georgetown Lake. It sees a lot of action, partly because of its location and how easy it is for locals to access.
This particular lake has a select few fish species, including:
- Rainbow trout
- Brook trout
- Brown trout
This list may seem a little short compared to other lakes on the list, and you’d be right. There are three main species. But if you’re looking to nab one of these specific species, you’ll be very happy ice fishing in this lake.
When ice fishing here, you’ll be more than 8000 feet above sea level. So, the air quality is second to none. And then there are the Rocky Mountains, endless rows of trees, and natural wildlife. There are few places more beautiful than Georgetown Lake.
10. Antero Reservoir
The Antero Reservoir is a prime ice fishing location for anyone who wants to snag some trout or trophy fish. Get out there in late November to get the fishing season started off right. Since the lake is really shallow, it freezes early in the winter.
There are many fish species in this lake, including:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Kokanee Salmon
- Brook trout
- Snake river cutthroat
- Green back cutthroat
- Splake
What you may love most is that your chances of catching trophy fish are relatively high here. These fish grow to huge sizes because tons of shrimp live in these waters. The lake is also very fertile. While you get on with your ice fishing, you get to enjoy the following amenities:
- Picnic areas
- Camping
- Outhouses
- Kiosks
There’s a drawback to this lake; word has gotten around that the big fish are here. So, things tend to get really busy around ice fishing season (which ends mid-March). But if you’re patient and don’t mind being relatively close to other fishermen, you’ll be okay. To reduce your chances of running into a crowd, avoid going on the weekends.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Choosing an Ice Fishing Lake
You’ve got a lot of great ice fishing lake options. Which one should you choose? That’s a great question. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
Location
Are you up for driving a long distance to get to your lake of choice? If not, you’ll want to trim down your options to those that are closest to home. If you’re not sure how close a given lake is to you, you can find out with a simple Google search.
How Easy It Is to Access
Do you have a snowmobile? Can your car/truck drive offroad in snowy conditions? Are you up for a hike? If the answer to these questions is “no,” then it’s best to choose a lake with easy access. That means that it is close to a main road or just outside of town.
What you’ll often find is that smaller lakes can be harder to get to, requiring you to take difficult routes or a full-blown hike to access them. Before you decide on an ice fishing lake, give the state park or management a call. Parking may be scarce, roads might be blocked off, etc.
Accommodations
Do you plan on a one-day fishing trip where you take care of your own accommodations? Or will you need accommodations in the area? Many of the options mentioned in this article have facilities available, but there are some that do not.
Regardless of the ice fishing lake you’ve got your eye on, check ahead of time to prepare. Winter hours and availability may be different from that of the summer, spring, and fall.
Fish Species
If you’re not set on catching a particular fish species, any of the ice fishing lakes mentioned earlier will work. But if you want to catch a certain type of fish, the lake matters. For instance, if you have been yearning to catch trophy perch, the Crawford Reservoir is a good bet. You want to go where the fish hang out.
Scenery
Scenery might be an afterthought for some, but it’s incredibly important. Ice fishing requires a lot of sitting, waiting, and looking around. If your surroundings aren’t pleasant to look at, that could have a negative effect on your trip.
Then, there’s the element of preference. Do you like the look of distant mountains, or are you more into cliffs and forests? Do a quick Google image search to see the lake’s surroundings and decide whether you connect with them. This is another great way to narrow down your options.
The Thickness of the Ice
Ice distribution is super important. Though there’s no way to ensure your safety 100%, the ice should be at least 6 feet to be relatively safe for ice fishing.
Given the inherent risks of ice fishing, it’s crucial to take all the safety precautions that you can. There’s a chance that all or a portion of the ice may be deemed unsafe/too thin. And then there’s the fact that ice conditions can change at the drop of a hat. So, right before heading out, be sure to ask about the current ice conditions or find an ice safety report (often published online).
It’s for this reason that it’s a good idea not to settle on just one ice fishing lake. In the event that your first choice isn’t available due to safety issues, you can fish the other lake.
How Busy the Lake Is
Do you mind crowds? The answer to this question will have a monumental effect on which lake is best for your next fishing trip. The most popular spots tend to be the most crowded, especially on weekends. If you’re not sure whether a particular lake tends to be busy, it makes total sense to talk to someone and find out when the busiest times are.
Determining this information can be as easy as going to the state park’s website or giving them a call. You may be surprised by the answer you get.
The Size of the Lake
The larger the lake is, the higher your chances of having your own space. Smaller lakes are more likely to get crowded. Anything under 500 acres is considered to be small, 1,000-3000 acres is about midsized, and bigger than 3000 acres is large.
Large Lake Pros
- Serene fishing experience with little noise or distractions.
- More amenities and facilities.
- Other activities to indulge in.
- Good chance of catching trophy fish.
Large Lake Cons
- More likely to have lots of crowds and noise.
- It can be difficult to find where the fish are, especially if you’re inexperienced.
Small Lake Pros
- Thicker ice.
- Since smaller lakes aren’t usually as popular as larger lakes, there are usually less crowds.
- Less guesswork when deciding where to fish, as there’s less space for fish to spread out.
Small Lake Cons
- Potentially less access to amenities and facilities.
- There may not be many other activities to indulge in.
When Ice Fishing is Allowed
Some ice fishing lakes aren’t going to be open all throughout the winter. So, you should take seasonality into account as you’re selecting your ice fishing lake. If you plan on taking a fishing trip in December, you won’t be able to go to Lake Granby, for example. This lake isn’t open for ice fishing until January.
The above information should help you narrow down your choices a bit and settle on one or two lakes for your next fishing day.
Choose Your Ice Fishing Lake
With all of the information you’ve gathered from this article, it’s time to finally choose your ice fishing lake(s). You don’t have to choose just one – it could be two or even three, as it’s good to have a backup or two.
The truth is that you can’t go wrong with any of the lakes featured in this article. But if you use the table below, you can get a full look at each lake at a glance.
| Lake | Location | Fish Options | Ice Fishing Months | Amenities |
| Eleven Mile Reservoir | Between Hartsel/Wilkerson Pass | Kokanee salmon, Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout | Late December to Early April | Campgrounds, picnic sites, trails, visitor center, marina, and more |
| Trinidad Lake State Park | 4 miles west of Trinidad | Bluegill wiper, Brown trout, Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, Walleye, Crappie | December to April | 73 campsites, gift shop, onsite parking, RV sites |
| Lake Granby | 5 miles from Granby | Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Kokanee Salmon, Brown Trout | Early January to late April | Picnic areas, campgrounds |
| Chatfield Reservoir | 25 miles southwest of downtown Denver | Rainbow trout, Walleye, Crappie, Yellow perch, Bluegill | January to April | Gift shop, marina, grills, onsite parking |
| Harvey Gap Reservoir | Near Rifle | Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Northern pike, Perch, Crappie, Rainbow trout | December to March | Grills, picnic area, parking, restrooms |
| Chambers Lake | 7 miles east of Cameron Pass | Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, Cutthroat | Late December to April | Campground, water, restrooms |
| Crawford Reservoir | 2 miles south of Crawford | Crappie, Perch, Northern pike, Rainbow trout, Lake trout, Muskie, Largemouth bass, Catfish | January to March | Camping, picnicking, parking |
| Blue Mesa Reservoir | Gunnison | Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Salmon, Mackinaw | December to April | Guided ice fishing trips |
| Georgetown Lake | Georgetown | Rainbow trout, Brook trout, Brown trout | December to March | Scenic views, high elevation, limited amenities |
| Antero Reservoir | Just west of Hartsel | Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Snake River cutthroat, Green back cutthroat, Splake | Late November to Mid-March | Picnic areas, camping, outhouses, kiosks |
Conclusion
So, there you have it – several fantastic lakes for ice fishing in the beautiful state of Colorado. The information we’ve shared in this article should make it much easier to choose the right lake for your next ice fishing endeavor. We hope you found all the information you were looking for. Now, go and catch some trophies!
