What You Need to Know: Ice Fishing On Colorado’s Grand Mesa

Winter fishing at 10,000 feet on Colorado’s Grand Mesa can be one of the best ways to spend a winter weekend once the snows come. Standing on the frozen surface of Island or Sunset Lakes, surrounded by silence and snow-covered pines, is the perfect setting to enjoy some ice fishing.

When the Grand Mesa freezes over, Colorado’s largest flat-top mountain becomes a playground for ice anglers. If you have ever wondered what it’s like to drop a line in one of the Western Slope’s most scenic winter lakes, keep scrolling for a few beginners’ tips.

Understanding Grand Mesa’s Winter & Ice Conditions

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Hundreds of lakes on the Grand Mesa freeze over each winter, offering Western Colorado residents plenty of places to learn how to fish from on top of the ice. By mid-December, at 10,000 feet, you may have 4 inches of clear blue ice.

Testing ice with a spud bar is essential, and so is checking the weather before you go. The safest places are far away from inlets or flowing water. Reading ice takes practice. Use extreme caution as you get started.

Best Lakes & Access Spots on Grand Mesa for Ice Fishing

Hundreds of lakes mean lots of options. However, not every lake is accessible as the next one if the snow piles up. If you are a beginner like us, aim for easily accessible spots such as Island Lake and Sunset Lake. Generally, the Mesa Lakes area is a good bet, but water levels following the scorching summer of 2025 were so low that these lakes won’t be in play this winter.

If you want to get right out on the ice, Island Lake includes a parking area that is plowed regularly during the winter. Ice fishing at this location pays off with reliable trout action, and it is a great place to learn more about reading ice. A snowshoe track further into the Grand Mesa National Forest will unlock additional lakes with more surprises.

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Ice Fishing Techniques & Tactics for Beginners

One of the best ways to get started with ice fishing on the Grand Mesa is to call up the Grand Valley Ranger District (970-242-8211) and ask a Grand Mesa Forest Ranger if they can help match you with an ice fishing spot equal to your skill set.

You can learn a lot about ice fishing on Grand Mesa, but the real secret is patience. Hot cocoa is your best friend, too. Once you learn to cut ice with an auger or your spud bar, fishing with a small jig and a waxworm is a good way to start. Moving is said to pay off on the Grand Mesa. Fish early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and keep your movements slow and subtle.

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