• Ice Fishing

    on Dillon Reservoir

Looking to try a new winter activity off the slopes? Ice fishing has grown in popularity in Colorado over the last several years, and for good reason! It is a relaxing way to get outside and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the Rocky Mountains! There are two ice fishing outfitters in Summit County, Alpine Fishing Adventures and Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures, both offering fully guided tours on Dillon Reservoir led by expert anglers. From around Thanksgiving to the middle of April, you have the opportunity to experience a new outdoor hobby in the heart of Ski Country!

  • What should I wear? Dress like you are going skiing! Waterproof or water-resistant pants and coat, warm base and mid-layers, gloves, hat, balaclava, etc.
  • What should I bring? Both outfitters will supply all fishing gear including fishing equipment, tackle, and heated huts. You will need to purchase your Colorado fishing license.
  • What type of fish will we catch? Dillon Reservoir is home to Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Arctic Char!
  • Is this beginner-friendly? Yes! Both Alpine Fishing Adventures and Big Ed’s cater to novice anglers and have tours suitable for children and families.

Alpine Fishing Adventures

Alpine Fishing Adventures offers fully guided ice fishing trips on Dillon Reservoir! Alpine Fishing provides ice fishing huts with heaters, all gear, tackle, bait, and ice fishing sonar devices. They offer three levels of trips to accommodate people of all ages, fishing skills, and ice fishing interests! If you want to catch some dinner, Alpine Fishing Adventures will clean and send you home with up to eight kokanee salmon of any size and rainbow trout under 14 inches. Dress like you are going skiing, and bring your fishing license and snacks. Alpine Fishing Adventures will take care of the rest for you!

Green Circle

The 3-hour or one-third day “Green Circle” ice fishing trip is the most affordable guided ice fishing trip available. They can tailor the “Green Circle” trip to accommodate families with very young children and guests who are mobility impaired or use a wheelchair. This is the perfect tour for visitors who want to dip their toes into ice fishing!

  • Start Time: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Cost: 1-2 person $200 | 3 people $275 | 4 people $315 | 4+ add $50 per person.

Blue Square

The 4-hour or half-day ”Blue Square” trip gives guests the chance to experience more with more time on the ice and multiple lake access options. These trips typically result in more and bigger fish! Alpine Fishing Adventures can tailor the trip to beginners, family style, or more advanced and avid ice-fishing anglers.

  • Start Time: 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Cost: 1 person $175 | 2 people $245 | 3 people $310 | 4 people $355 | 4+ add $50 per person.

Black Diamond

The “Black Diamond” is for the more avid angler looking to target Lake Dillon’s magnificent brown trout, Arctic char, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. In some conditions, the ability to hike up and down a snowy embankment or walk through snow for 20 minutes is required. On this trip, you will fish in multiple spots and venture upon the entire lake when conditions allow!

  • Start Time: 7 a.m.
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Cost: 1 person $225 | 2 people $325 | 3 people $400 | 4 people $475 | 4+ add $50 per person.
ALPINE FISHING ADVENTURES

Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures

Big Ed’s, the longest-running ice-fishing outfitter in Summit County, offers ice-fishing adventures suitable for every level of angler. Their tours can be catered to families, bachelor parties, work functions, or people who just want to try something new! No experience is required, and Big Ed’s will provide all fishing gear as well as heated shelter. Their knowledgeable guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime as you fish for trout, salmon, and char in the frozen world beneath Dillon Reservoir!

Three-Hour Tour

The three-hour tour is a great place to start for those wanting to begin exploring ice fishing. With 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. start times, you and your group can be anglers for part of the day as you head out to Lake Dillon for brown trout, kokanee salmon, and arctic char. It is typical for each group to catch a few fish!

  • Start Time: 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Cost: 1-2 people $225 | 3 people $260 | 4 people $315 | 4+ add $50 per person

Four-Hour Tour

For those looking for a little bit more of an in-depth ice-fishing experience, the more extended four-hour tour is the option for you! Like the three-hour tour, the four-hour option will take you onto Dillon Reservoir in search of fish beneath the frozen surface.

  • Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
  • Duration:  4 hours
  • Cost: 1-2 people $275 | 3 people $350 | 4 people $395 | 4+ add $65 per person
BIG ED’S FISHING VENTURES

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