People are seen fishing in Dillon Reservoir near Summit Cove in 2022.
Elaine Collins/Courtesy photo
If you’ve driven the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor during the winter months, chances are you’ve passed through Summit County and seen a few pop-up tents and possibly even a truck resting on a frozen Dillon Reservoir.
While the lake is a popular summer spot for boating and kayaking, it’s also a perfect spot to set up a tent and grab a fishing rod. But like all winter recreational activities, you need some basic knowledge before you head out and try ice fishing.
Here are some tips from local experts to make your first ice fishing trip a resounding success.
Why it’s worth a try
Randy Ford, owner of Alpine Fishing Adventures in Dillon, said there is usually at least one person in a group who is skeptical about trying ice fishing. For them, the sport is synonymous with standing or sitting shivering in the cold while waiting for a bite at the end of their bait.
But Ford said that’s not the way the experience should go. Heated portable tents protect anglers from the elements and keep people warm.
In fact, some of the most common feedback Ford receives from customers is about the scenery that inevitably comes with ice fishing.
“The best thing about ice fishing is just the experience of being alone in the environment for a lot of these people,” Ford said of his customers. “Before we even drill a hole, I get great feedback from our customers about how good it is to be here, just to be on the frozen water, in this environment – it’s just a neat and tidy thing. There are all kinds of views and different sounds that you can experience while on the ice, and that are very different from any other fishing.”
Scott Boettcher, owner of Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures in Dillon, wholeheartedly agrees.
“Sometimes you just need a day off, and it’s a great way to be outside and not be on TV or sitting on your tablet or on your cell phone,” she said. “It’s nice to be in nature and it can be very casual. You can get up, get ready, and fish for a couple of hours, and when you’ve had enough, you can pack it up and be home in 10 minutes.
A person holds a fish during an expedition with Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures in early January 2022. The company takes clients on daytime ice fishing expeditions on Dillon Reservoir.
Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures/Courtesy photo
How to be safe
So how do you really know the ice is safe enough to be on? Summit County’s ice fishing season typically begins sometime in November and ends in early April.
To test for thickness, Ford, Boettcher and George Peebles, owner of Silver Flask Fishing, recommended using the spud rod technique. Essentially, this means taking an oversized chisel-like tool to tap the ice. If the ice has a certain thickness, it will not be punctured and thus means it is safe to walk on. All three experts say at least 4 inches of ice is considered safe, especially for beginners.
Once the ice has been determined to be safe, experts recommended using an auger or some type of drill to dig a hole in the ice. From there, you need a shovel or scoop to remove the mud. After that, a person is ready to fish.
Peebles also suggests wearing a collar around your neck for extra safety. If you fall through the ice, this device could help you out of the water.
As a beginner, only a few basics are needed for ice fishing. A bucket to sit on, a fishing rod, an auger or drill to dig a hole, and a shovel to remove the mud.
Silver Fishing Flask/Courtesy photo
Ice fishing is a popular sport for both locals and visitors to Summit County. Some popular spots are Dillon Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir.
Silver Fishing Flask/Courtesy photo
To keep guests warm, Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures out of Dillon sets up tents to protect people from the wind. Inside the tents are chairs and fishing holes.
Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures/Courtesy photo
Ice fishing is a popular sport in Summit County during the winter.
Alpine Fishing Adventures/Courtesy photo
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What you need before you go out
To make ice fishing more enjoyable, Ford said you can bring amenities like a heated tent, chairs and a portable grill. He also recommends anglers carry some type of sonar device that can help them determine where they should set up for the day.
Peebles suggests dressing as warmly as possible, as you would if you were skiing or snowboarding.
Over the past decade or so, Ford noted that the sport has taken off and many companies are making gear for a wider demographic. In the past, the most common bibs were available exclusively for men, but now you can find equipment for women and children as well.
“That’s one of the most interesting things that I see is how, as an activity and a sport, it’s really grown over the last five to 10 years,” Ford said. “It has gained a lot of popularity.”