Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a fun sport that can be very safe as long as precautions are taken. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings when ice fishing because conditions can change quickly, especially during early and late ice periods (November & April).

When a body of water first ices up, conditions can vary greatly. It’s important to watch the daily temperature highs and lows.  Once you see ice form and the daily high is not getting much over freezing, you can assume that some good, hard black ice is forming!  When you think you have enough safe ice to get out and fish, it’s important to test this ice.  You can do this by throwing some decent sized rocks onto the ice or by taking a spud bar to test thickness.  It’s important to have at least 4″ of solid black ice in order to be safe.  It is also very important to test the ice every 15-25′ as you venture forward to make sure that your ice is consistent.

When looking for bigger trout and pike, focus on 8 feet of water or less.  Downsizing or presenting your bait more naturally can yield better results!

You should always have all of the safety gear items listed below with you at first ice.  Wear life/ice pics around your neck just in case you go through, you’ll have a way to pull yourself out. First ice is typically very smooth and slippery so ice cleats for your boots are very helpful in avoiding a hard fall.  Carry some rope and wear a life vest.  It’s always smart to have at least one other person with you. A change of clothes left in the car is a good idea just in case.

Ice Safety Gear

1. A Fishing Partner
2. A Chang of Clothes
3. Ice Cleats
4. Spud Bar
5. Life Vest
6. Life PicsLife

Areas to Watch Out For

1. Current/Inlets
2. Pressure Ridges
3. Rocky Shorelines
4. Grey Ice
5. Springs

Buy Your
2016 Fishing License

Did you know that Colorado fishing licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31? Now is a great time to purchase your annual license. Also, be sure to pick up a copy of the 2016 Colorado Fishing Regulations brochure. The brochure is now available at statewide license agents and CPW offices, or may be viewed online.

Spring Fishing Podcast

Do you want to know more about early season trout fishing? In this 7-minute podcast, CPW Senior Aquatic Biologist Doug Krieger explains some of the biological reasons why fishing in early spring is so productive for Colorado anglers.