Ice Fishing Trip - Northern Colorado
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour ice fishing experience on frozen Northern Colorado lakesAll necessary fishing gear provided by Love4FlyFishing guidesSmall group capacity limited to two guests maximum
Picture this: you and your buddy are sitting on a frozen lake in Northern Colorado, lines dropped through holes in the ice, waiting for that telltale tug that means dinner is on the hook. This isn't your typical fishing trip – ice fishing brings a whole different energy to the game. You get four solid hours to work the water below the ice, and trust me, when those trout are active under the frozen surface, it's game on. We keep the group small at just two anglers, so you're not fighting for prime spots or dealing with crowded ice. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, and all your ice fishing gear comes with the trip. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks to keep you fueled, and whatever drinks help you stay warm out there.
Ice fishing in Northern Colorado is a completely different beast than casting from shore in summer. The fish are still there – they're just hanging out under a solid roof of ice, and that changes everything about how they behave and how we target them. The lakes up here freeze thick enough to walk on safely, usually from December through February, and that's when the real magic happens. You'll be fishing in a winter wonderland with snow-capped peaks all around, but don't let the scenery fool you – the fish are hungry and active. The cold water keeps them moving, and they're often more predictable than during the chaos of summer boat traffic. Your guide will have you set up over proven spots where the fish like to cruise, and you'll learn to read the subtle bites that ice fishing is famous for. The whole vibe is more relaxed and social than other types of fishing – there's something about being out on the ice that makes people slow down and really enjoy the experience.
Ice fishing is all about finesse and patience, but the gear side is pretty straightforward. We'll have you rigged up with ice rods – these are shorter, more sensitive sticks designed specifically for fishing through holes in the ice. The reels are simple spinning setups that won't freeze up on you when it's cold. We use small jigs, spoons, and live bait depending on what species we're targeting that day. The holes get cut with a power auger, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own ice chisel or breaking your back cutting through thick ice. We'll set you up with a comfortable chair and maybe a portable shelter if the wind picks up. The key technique is keeping your bait moving just enough to attract attention without spooking the fish. You'll learn to feel those light winter bites – sometimes it's just the line going slack for a second, or a tiny tap that you might miss if you're not paying attention. Ice fishing teaches you to be a better angler overall because everything is amplified. The fish can see your line more clearly in the clear winter water, so your presentation has to be on point.
Cutthroat Trout are the crown jewel of Colorado ice fishing. These native beauties are aggressive feeders even in winter, and they'll hammer small jigs and spoons with authority. They typically run 12-16 inches in these Northern Colorado lakes, with their distinctive red slash marks under the jaw making them easy to identify. Cutthroats are most active during the middle of the day when the sun warms the water slightly, and they love structure – drop-offs, submerged rocks, anything that breaks up the bottom. Landing one through the ice is special because you're catching a piece of Colorado fishing history.
Rainbow Trout bring the fight that ice anglers dream about. These silver rockets don't lose their energy just because there's ice overhead – if anything, the cold water makes them stronger. Most rainbows you'll catch will be in the 14-18 inch range, perfect eating size. They're suckers for small spoons worked with a subtle jigging motion, and they often travel in schools. When you find one rainbow under the ice, there are usually more nearby. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and they'll test your drag when they make their runs.
Brown Trout are the crafty veterans that make ice fishing challenging and rewarding. These fish are smart – they've seen every lure in the book, so you have to be subtle with your presentation. Browns tend to run larger, with 16-20 inch fish being common in these Northern Colorado waters. They're ambush predators that like to sit near structure and wait for an easy meal. Live bait often works best for browns, especially small minnows or wax worms. They bite light, so you need to stay focused and watch your line like a hawk.
Smallmouth Bass might surprise you with their winter activity. Most people think bass shut down when it's cold, but smallmouth stay active under the ice, especially during warm spells. They average 12-15 inches in these lakes and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience ice fishing. Smallmouth love jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait, and they often hang out in deeper water during winter. When you hook one, get ready for multiple runs and some serious head shaking.
Lake Trout are the monsters lurking in the deeper parts of these Northern Colorado lakes. These fish can grow massive – 20-30 inch lake trout are possible, and they fight like freight trains. They prefer deeper water, usually 30-60 feet down, so you'll need heavier tackle when targeting them. Lake trout are opportunistic feeders that will eat large spoons, tube jigs, and cut bait. They're not the most active in winter, but when one decides to eat, it's an experience you won't forget. The key is finding the right depth where they're holding and being patient.
This ice fishing experience gives you everything you need for a top-rated day on frozen Northern Colorado waters. Four hours is the perfect amount of time to really get into the rhythm of ice
Your 2018 Old Town kayak comes equipped with everything you need to navigate frozen Northern Colorado waters and locate the best fishing spots beneath the ice. The built-in GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder helps you identify where the trout and perch are hiding below. This stable platform handles two anglers comfortably, giving you plenty of room to drill holes, set up your gear, and land your catch. The kayak's design works perfectly for accessing those hard-to-reach spots on the lake where the fish are biting. Whether you're jigging for rainbow trout or targeting northern pike, this setup gets you to the productive water while staying mobile throughout your four-hour adventure on the ice.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of our Colorado waters - wary, hard-fighting, and absolutely worth the effort. These golden-brown beauties with dark spots typically range 12-20 inches, with trophy fish over 24 inches lurking in deeper lakes. They prefer cooler water around structure like fallen trees, rock piles, and steep drop-offs, often holding in 20-35 feet during winter. Low-light conditions are key - early morning, late evening, or overcast days produce the best action. What makes browns special is their combination of wariness and power. When hooked, they make long, determined runs and fight dirty near cover. The firm, flaky meat is top-notch eating with a slightly richer flavor than other trout. Here's the key: browns are ambush predators, so work your bait slowly near bottom structure. They'll often follow for a while before committing, so patience pays off big time.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroat trout are one of Colorado's native beauties, easily spotted by that distinctive red-orange slash under their jaw. These fish typically run 8-16 inches in our mountain lakes, though some deeper waters hold fish pushing 20+ inches. They love clear, cold, well-oxygenated water and hang around rocky bottoms, vegetation edges, and inlet areas. Winter fishing can be solid since they stay active under ice, especially during overcast conditions. What makes cutthroats special is their willingness to hit lures and their scrappy fight - they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. The meat is excellent too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for the campfire. Pro tip: focus on areas where streams feed into lakes - cutthroats often cruise these spots looking for food washing down from above.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep Colorado lakes - true trophy fish that can make your whole season. These grey-green monsters with cream-colored spots regularly hit 15-25 pounds and can exceed 30+ inches in our deeper reservoirs. They live in the coldest, deepest water, typically 40-80 feet down near the thermocline during winter. Ice fishing is actually prime time since they're more accessible and actively feeding. What draws anglers is the sheer size and power - these fish make screaming runs and test every piece of your tackle. The rich, oily meat is fantastic smoked or grilled. Overcast days and low-light periods produce best, especially early morning. Critical tip: use heavy jigs and work them aggressively near bottom in the deepest parts of the lake. Lakers respond to big, flashy presentations that imitate wounded baitfish - don't be subtle with these bruisers.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of Colorado ice fishing - colorful, feisty, and always willing to play. These silvery beauties with their signature pink stripe typically range 10-16 inches, with some lakes producing fish over 20 inches. They cruise various depths but often suspend in 8-20 feet of water near structure or drop-offs. Winter is actually great for rainbows since they stay active and school up, making for consistent action. What makes them special is their athletic fight - they'll jump, run, and keep you guessing right to the net. The pink flesh is delicious and cooks up perfectly. Best fishing happens during low-light periods like early morning or overcast days. Local trick: try small jigs tipped with waxworms about 2-3 feet off bottom. Rainbows often cruise just above the lake floor, and that presentation puts bait right in their feeding zone.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are absolute fighters that'll give you a workout through the ice. These bronze-colored fish typically run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds in our Colorado waters. Look for them around rocky structure, drop-offs, and submerged boulders in 15-25 feet of water during winter. They school up in deeper areas when it's cold but still feed actively. What guests love most is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll pull drag and make you work for every fish. The firm, white meat has a mild flavor that's fantastic fried or baked. Winter can actually be prime time since they concentrate in predictable spots. Here's a local secret: focus on steep rocky banks that drop into deeper water. Smallmouth often suspend just off these areas, and a jigging spoon worked vertically can trigger savage strikes.
Denver