COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

CPW, the Marina and Covid-19: Effective immediately the Visitor Center and all campgrounds and playgrounds are closed in all Colorado State Parks until further notice. The Trails, shoreline areas (ice), and marina's remain open. Go to CPW website for latest details. According to the Governors "Stay at Home" order "you should stay at home as much as possible except for critical activities including participating in outdoor activities at a legally mandated distance of six feet or more from other parties. We are a licensed Colorado Retail Food Establishment observing all best practices as required by CO Department of Health mandates. No more than 10 people in the store at one time including staff. Regular sanitizing of common areas. We will attempt to remain open based on available staff. Last weekend was another awesome time for those that came out. Lots of distance between families and friends (accept for Pic # 1) fishing covid-19 responsible on the ice. There are people here and everyone seems to be observing distancing in their very small groups on the ice. Now that's what we call ICE-O-LATION.

CURRENT CONDITIONS: The foot of snow from last Thursday is slowly dissipating from the ice. But it was a nice protective layer and it didn't warm up until yesterday. Ice is running 15 to 22 inches with shoreline areas much thinner down to 5 or 6. Plenty of places to get on and off the ice. Open water only at the west end at the inlet. Most of the water is on the North side. Windy conditions may expand that rapidly but it is unlikely there will be much if any shore access fishing this weekend. For sure this is solid ice and perhaps the last Spring ice fishing opportunity. It has been quite some time since we have enjoyed late March possibly early April hard water angling. Extreme Caution always advised.

TROUT: GOOD: Spring action is showing how much fun ice fishing can be. Typicals and standards 16 to 19 inches are being caught all around the lake. Stockers and then some at North Shore Many different baits are working, Black Marabou jigs in 1/4 and 1/8 oz have been doing really well in shallow water. Pautzke Trout eggs sacked up a favorite. We have pre-tied and jars. We also have kits that are made so you can tie the perfect sack.

KOKANEE SALMON: FAIR TO GOOD: Some anglers heading out but the hike is still a little tough. Snow not melted off the ice yet. The bites have been pretty darn good when they happen. It seems if you hang all day one of the large groupings will bite and bite hard. They have to be the most finicky fish in the world or at least Eleven Mile which is our current world given the state of affairs. Fire Tiger Kastmaster, PFO Swedish Pimple #'s 3, 4 or 5. Pink Tiger gold back Rattle Master 1/8 oz tore it up one day and skunked the next.

NORTHERN PIKE: FAIR TO GOOD: As we predicted action is picking up as we move into March. They seem to be interested in suckers and size does matter. We are using small ones that seem to be the trick. We have six packs and they are the size you need. The dogs just don't seem to be tripping the flags like the suckers are. Karl E one of our guides has seen plenty of fish but stealth is the key. Smaller ones easier to catch bigger ones are still a challenge. Try some cut bait sucker on a red and white Daredevle jig em in then dead stick it.

Visit the Marina website for their full fishing report and more information.

Ice is never considered safe.  

If you decide to go out on the ice it is always at your own risk.  Use caution.  

Ensure that you have the following:

• A buddy with you;
  
• 50 foot of rope;
• Wear a life jacket, and;
• Drill test holes as you are going out.  
• Always avoid Pressure Ridges.

Thank you and have a great winter and be safe!!!!

See the Marina fishing report.

The North Shore small boat cove has been plowed for ice skating.