Colorado Destination Named Top Spot For Ice Fishing

Colorado is prime for outdoor activities during the fall, spring, and summer, and when winter rolls around, the fun outside doesn't stop. Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Colorado during the wintertime to take advantage of some of the country's best skiing and snowboarding conditions. Others flock to Colorado's frozen rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to experience top-notch ice fishing opportunities.

The charter company FishingBooker recently released its annual list of the best ice fishing destinations in the country, confirming Colorado is one of the top spots for this outdoor winter activity.

Colorado's remote 11 Mile Reservoir was among the company's list of best places to ice fish for 2024. The professional anglers at FishingBooker say this scenic Colorado spot is a must-visit when the waters freeze over.

Rainbow trout, Brown trout, and Cutthroat trout all swim in the waters at 11 Mile Reservoir, and catches over 17 inches are common. Besides trout, those fishing here have the chance to reel in Northern Pike and Kokanee Salmon.

Many anglers that go ice fishing at 11 Mile set up tents on the frozen surface. The reservoir typically gets its first safe ice in mid to late December. Eleven Mile Marina reports that the ice thickness is usually 14 to 20 inches in most spots.

Eleven Mile also hosts an ice fishing tournament every winter, featuring a competitive cash price. This annual event attracts even more anglers to the Lake George location.

In their rankings, FishingBooker also noted the breathtaking views anglers are met with, while out catching trophy-sized fish in this area of Colorado.

Planning a winter vacation to Eleven Mile? There are other activities to try at the lake besides ice fishing. Test out a pair of ice skates or do some cross-country skiing nearby.