Half Day Pro-Level Trout Ice Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Expertguided 6hour prolevel ice fishing adventure in Western ColoradoTarget Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout using advanced techniquesSmall group experience with professional equipment and location guidance
When the lakes freeze solid and most anglers hang up their rods for the season, that's when the real fishing begins. Jason Shafer knows Western Colorado's frozen waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show serious anglers what pro-level ice fishing looks like. This isn't your typical weekend warrior setup – we're talking six hours of focused, technical fishing designed for anglers who want to push their skills to the limit. You'll be targeting trophy Browns, Lakers, and Rainbows in spots that Jason selects based on current ice conditions and seasonal fish patterns. If you're tired of cookie-cutter fishing trips and ready for something that'll actually challenge you, this is your ticket to the best ice fishing Western Colorado has to offer.
This trip runs for six solid hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and really dial in your technique. Jason picks locations based on what the fish are doing right now – not where they were biting last week. Ice conditions change everything in this game, and he's constantly monitoring thickness, clarity, and underwater structure to put you over active fish. You'll be fishing for three species of trout that each require different approaches and presentations. The group stays small at just two anglers, so you get real one-on-one instruction instead of competing for attention. Jason provides water to keep you hydrated, but bring your own food and drinks if you want them. Most importantly, make sure you've got your Colorado fishing license and any required permits – these lakes don't mess around when it comes to regulations. The focus here is on advanced techniques that separate weekend ice fishers from the pros who consistently put fish on the ice.
Forget about dropping a line through a hole and hoping for the best. Jason teaches precision ice fishing using electronics, detailed bottom mapping, and presentation techniques that most anglers never learn. You'll work with different jig styles, live bait presentations, and tip-up strategies depending on what species you're targeting and how they're behaving that day. Ice thickness and underwater structure dictate everything – where to drill holes, how to read your fish finder, and when to move spots if the action dies. The real skill comes in understanding how trout relate to structure differently under ice versus open water. Lakers cruise different depths than Rainbows, and Browns often hold in spots that look dead to inexperienced eyes. Jason breaks down the why behind every technique, so you're not just copying motions but actually understanding fish behavior. Weather plays a huge role too – barometric pressure, cloud cover, and temperature swings all affect how aggressive these fish feed under the ice.
Brown Trout are the thinking angler's fish, especially through the ice. These guys get incredibly selective in winter, often requiring subtle presentations and perfect timing. Western Colorado's Browns can push well into the double digits, with fish over 20 inches being legitimate possibilities on the right day. They tend to feed in short windows, usually relating to light changes or barometric pressure shifts. What makes Browns so addictive is their intelligence – they'll follow your lure, inspect it, and reject it if something's off. When you finally connect with a good Brown through the ice, you've earned it. They fight differently in cold water too, using their weight and the confined space under ice to test your drag system.
Rainbow Trout bring the action when other species go quiet. These fish stay active throughout winter and provide consistent opportunities to test different techniques. Colorado's Rainbows are known for their acrobatic fights, and even under ice they'll run and jump if they find an opening. They school up in winter, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Rainbows respond well to movement and flash, making them perfect for working on your jigging rhythm and lure presentation. Size-wise, expect fish in the 14 to 18 inch range, with the occasional surprise pushing over 20. They're also more forgiving than Browns, giving you chances to practice new techniques without getting completely shut out.
Lake Trout are the monsters that make ice fishing legendary. These deep-water predators can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes in Colorado's high-altitude lakes. Lakers are ambush feeders that cruise the depths looking for easy meals, making them perfect targets for vertical presentations through the ice. When a big Lake Trout hits, you know it – they don't fight flashy like Rainbows or smart like Browns, but they pull with relentless pressure that tests your equipment and patience. Fish over 30 inches are realistic goals, with true giants lurking in the deeper basins. Lakers also stay active in water temperatures that shut down other species, making them reliable targets when fishing gets tough. The key is getting your presentation down to their level and keeping it in the strike zone long enough for these deliberate feeders to commit.
Pro-level ice fishing isn't about luck – it's about putting in time with someone who knows these waters inside and out. Jason's been guiding these lakes long enough to read conditions that most anglers miss entirely. Six hours gives you time to really work on your technique and understand why certain presentations work while others fail. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized instruction that'll make you a better ice angler for years to come. Western Colorado's ice season is short but intense, and the best fishing happens when conditions line up perfectly. Don't wait until the ice starts getting sketchy – book now and experience what serious ice fishing looks like when you've got the right guide putting you on fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wiliest fish you'll encounter on these Colorado lakes, typically running 2-8 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 15+ pounds. They hang in deeper water during winter, often suspending 20-40 feet down near drop-offs and structure. These European natives are incredibly spooky and will test your skills - they're known for powerful runs and head-shaking fights that keep you honest. What makes them special is their wariness; they've seen every lure in the book. Browns taste fantastic too, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you're jigging, use a subtle approach with minimal movement. Browns often just barely mouth the bait, so watch for the slightest tick on your line rather than waiting for a hard strike.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our Colorado lakes, with fish ranging 5-20 pounds and some true monsters over 30. These deep-water specialists live in 40-80+ feet of water year-round, hugging bottom structure and rocky drop-offs. They're the biggest predator in the system and fight like freight trains once hooked - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. Lakers are unique because they're active all winter long, making them perfect ice fishing targets when other species slow down. The meat is rich and oily, great for smoking. What sets them apart is their preference for big meals - they'll inhale a 6-inch baitfish without hesitation. My go-to trick is using large tube jigs tipped with sucker meat, worked slowly just off bottom. Don't be afraid to go heavy - 1-2 ounce jigs get down fast and trigger aggressive strikes from these apex predators.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are Colorado's bread and butter, averaging 12-18 inches and putting up some of the best fights you'll experience through the ice. They cruise mid-water columns, usually 15-30 feet down, and are much more aggressive than their brown trout cousins. These beauties with their pink stripe are active feeders in cold water, making winter prime time for consistent action. What guests love most is their acrobatic nature - even under ice, you can feel them trying to jump on the other end of your line. They're also excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. The key with rainbows is staying mobile. If you're not marking fish on your electronics after 15 minutes, move to another hole. They school up in winter, so where you find one, you'll usually find several more nearby.
Colorado