Ice Fishing

The Iola Basin of Blue Mesa Reservoir offers the best ice fishing conditions.

Anglers must have a valid Colorado State fishing license and obey bag and possession limits.

• Ice fishing shelters must be removed each day.
• Maximum hole size is 12" diameter or 12" on any side. Check ice conditions before traveling on ice.

For up-to-date fishing information call 1-800-814-7988

Ice Fishing Safety

Two things factor into how much weight ice can support - the quality and thickness of the ice. Clear solid ice is stronger than milky, cracked or slushy ice. As ice ages it cracks, discolors and becomes weaker. Typically, at least two inches of clear solid ice is required to support one person walking and three or more inches are even better. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually the safe minimum for ice fishing.

Ice thickness can vary widely on the same lake or reservoir. Springs, pressure ridges, snow cover, wind, water inflow and outflow and even the existence of waterfowl on a lake can all cause ice thickness to vary. It is recommends that anglers systematically check the thickness of ice as they venture out. The first test hole they cut should be in shallow water.

Before venturing out onto the lakes, remember to follow these precautionary measures: use common sense, test the ice thickness before you travel on it, and use the following guidelines for safe and enjoyable ice fishing.

• Immediately following freeze-up, ice toward the middle of the lake is thinner than the ice along the shoreline.
• Beware of lakes covered with snow - heavy snow cover slows freezing and causes overflow.
• Remember that ice thickness is not always an accurate measure of its strength - clear lake ice is strongest and new ice is stronger than old ice.
• Keep weight spread out.
• Stay on traveled routes that indicate solid ice and also areas of good fishing.

Ice anglers out in force at fishing tourney

Ninety contestants ventured onto Blue Mesa Reservoir for an ice fishing tournament. Gerry Oleson and Nicholas Hill tied in the "Biggest Mackinaw" competition (3 lbs, 1 oz.); Steve Kisselman had the biggest trout; T.J. Hill's four fish carried the most weight (7 lbs, 1 oz.); and Christopher Bynum caught the most perch. The tourney was sponsored by the Western State College Hockey Club.
Call 800-814-7988 in inquire about fishing tournament dates.