NOTE OF CAUTION: On all lakes, be aware of the ice conditions, especially in those waters below 8000’ in elevation. The freeze-melt-freeze conditions in recent weeks can cause ice to be unstable. It is better to be safe than sorry. Check local contacts for up-to-date ice conditions and please read the additional information regarding being safe on the ice.

Photos from Echo Lake

Echo Canyon Reservoir: This 118 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area located a few miles south of Pagosa Springs on US 84. Echo Lake is typically a good lake for rainbow trout and large yellow perch. Ice conditions are good and anglers are reporting fair success for trout and perch on wax worm tipped jigs. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Beaver Creek Reservoir: This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area near South Fork. There is vehicle access to the parking lot near the boat ramp. Anglers should expect to catch rainbow trout from 10-16 inches and brown trout and kokanee salmon from 10-14 inches. Due to dam inspections, the water level will remain 10-20’ below the high water mark for the foreseeable future. Anglers should take caution on steep slopes approaching the water. Anglers have have been successful for rainbows and kokanee up to 14” near the inlet area. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Big Meadows Reservoir: This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area southwest of South Fork. From Highway 160, access along Forest Road 410 (two miles) is typically accessed by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes. The logging operations that have kept the road open and plowed are winding down.  Consequently, vehicle access will become limited over the next few weeks. Anglers have reported very good action using various types of jigs tipped with meal worms and earthworms. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Lemon Reservoir: Located approximately 15 miles northeast of Durango. There is still open water due to unusually warm weather.  Ice conditions around shorelines are marginal at best.  No reports of angling.  For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir: This 69 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located 40 miles west of Antonito. Access is by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Anglers can expect to catch brown trout and rainbow trout. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Vallecito Reservoir: This 2,700 acre reservoir is located NE of Durango. Approximately 30% of the reservoir is still ice free.  Poor ice conditions around margins of lake. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Williams Creek Reservoir: Williams Creek Reservoir is covered with about 9 inches of ice. Williams Creek is generally good for brook, rainbow and cuttbow trout and the occasional kokanee salmon on jigs baited with mealworms, but recent reports suggest “hot” and “cold” fishing success. Please note that snowmobiles are allowed only as an aid to ice fishing and not for recreational use on the lake. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).