Extended Half Day Trout Ice Fishing Trip in Colorado
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour guided ice fishing experience in Western ColoradoExpert guide selects optimal lake based on conditionsAll equipment and water provided for groups up to eight
When the lakes freeze solid in Western Colorado, that's when the real ice fishing action begins. This 6-hour guided trip with Jason Shafer puts you right on top of some of the best trout water in the region, where browns, rainbows, and lake trout are actively feeding beneath the ice. Jason's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to set up for success. He'll meet you directly at the lake he's selected based on current ice conditions and what's biting that week. This isn't a cookie-cutter tour – it's a personalized fishing experience tailored to what you want to catch and how much adventure you're looking for.
Jason picks the fishing spot, not the other way around. He's constantly monitoring ice thickness, weather patterns, and fish activity across multiple lakes in Western Colorado to ensure you're fishing where the action is hottest. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to really dial in your technique and work different areas of the lake without feeling rushed. The trip covers up to two anglers in the base rate, but Jason can accommodate larger groups – just expect to pay $50 per additional person up to four guests, then $75 each after that, with a maximum of eight people total. He provides water throughout the day, but you'll want to pack your own food and drinks to keep your energy up during those long winter hours on the ice. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – Jason's there to put you on fish while teaching you the nuances of reading ice conditions and seasonal trout behavior.
Ice fishing is a completely different game than open water angling, and Jason comes equipped with everything you need to punch through the ice and get lines down to where the trout are holding. He uses quality ice augers to cut clean holes and brings portable shelters when weather conditions call for it. The tackle selection focuses on small jigs, spoons, and live bait presentations that work best for Colorado trout species during winter months. You'll learn how to work lures vertically in the water column and how to detect the subtle bites that trout give when water temperatures drop. Jason provides rods and reels designed specifically for ice fishing – they're shorter and more sensitive than regular fishing rods, perfect for feeling those light winter strikes. He'll also show you how to use electronics to locate fish and structure beneath the ice, taking the guesswork out of where to set up your next hole.
Brown trout in Western Colorado lakes are the prize catch for many ice anglers. These fish can grow substantial in the nutrient-rich mountain lakes, with fish in the 3-5 pound range being common and occasional monsters pushing double digits. Browns tend to be more active during low-light periods in winter, making early morning and late afternoon prime time. They're aggressive feeders even in cold water and will chase spoons and jigs worked with sharp, erratic movements. What makes browns so exciting to target through the ice is their fighting ability – they'll make powerful runs that test your drag system and keep you on your toes throughout the fight.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of Colorado ice fishing, and for good reason. They stay active throughout the winter months and are willing to bite a variety of presentations. Most rainbows you'll encounter range from 12-18 inches, with plenty of chunky 2-3 pounders mixed in. They respond well to small jigs tipped with worms or PowerBait, and they're notorious for hitting right as you're lifting your lure off the bottom. Rainbows school up in winter, so once Jason locates them, you can often catch multiple fish from the same hole. Their acrobatic fights make them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
Lake trout are the heavyweight champions of Colorado's ice fishing scene. These deep-water predators can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – fish over 20 pounds are caught every season in Western Colorado lakes. Lakers prefer deeper water and larger baits, so Jason will often set up over 40-80 foot depths when targeting them specifically. They're ambush predators that patrol the thermocline looking for schools of baitfish, and when they hit your presentation, you'll know it immediately. The fight is more of a power struggle than the aerial displays of browns and rainbows, but landing a trophy lake trout through a hole in the ice is an experience that'll stick with you for years.
This extended half-day ice fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality time on productive water with a guide who knows where to find fish when conditions get tough. Jason's approach of selecting the best lake based on current conditions rather than sticking to a fixed location means you're always fishing where you have the highest chance of success. The 6-hour format gives you enough time to really learn the techniques and try different presentations without feeling like you're constantly watching the clock. Don't forget you'll need a valid Colorado fishing license and any location-specific permits – Jason can walk you through the online purchase process when you book if you're not sure what you need. Western Colorado's ice fishing season is relatively short, so get your trip scheduled while conditions are prime and the fish are cooperating.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in our Colorado lakes, averaging 12-20 inches but capable of hitting 5+ pounds. These golden-brown beauties with their distinctive black spots love deep, cold water near structure like fallen logs or rocky drop-offs. Winter ice fishing is prime time since they stay active in frigid temps that slow down other species. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're incredibly smart and will test your patience and skill. The reward is worth it though - they fight hard and make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Here's a local secret: browns often suspend just off the bottom in 15-25 feet of water during winter. Drop your bait about 2 feet off the lake floor and wait - when they hit, they hit hard.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep Colorado lakes - true trophy fish that can reach 20-30 pounds in the right waters. These grey-green monsters with cream-colored spots prefer the deepest, coldest water available, often suspended 40-80 feet down in the main basin. Winter is actually perfect for lakers since they stay active while shallow fish slow down. What draws anglers to lake trout is the potential for a fish of a lifetime - they're powerful fighters that make long, deep runs. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Success comes from fishing deep and staying patient. Here's what works: drop a heavy jig or spoon to the bottom, then work it 5-10 feet up. Lakers often hit on the drop, so keep your line tight and be ready for subtle takes.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the classic Colorado trout - beautiful silver fish with that signature pink stripe running down their sides. Most run 10-16 inches in our mountain lakes, though 2-3 pounders aren't rare. They cruise mid-water columns in depths from 8-20 feet, often near inlet areas where oxygen levels stay high. Ice fishing season is fantastic for rainbows since they remain active feeders even in the coldest months. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish will jump and run like crazy once hooked. They're also great eating with delicate, sweet meat. The key to consistent rainbow success through the ice is staying mobile. If you're not getting bites in 15-20 minutes, move to a new spot. They school up in winter, so where you find one, you'll usually find more.
Colorado