By Jack Specht

It’s a cold December morning. A massive mark appears on your fish finder. You feel that light tap on the end of your ice rod, set the hook, and suddenly you’re connected to the Arctic char of a lifetime. What follows is a memory—and a feeling—you’ll never forget.

If you haven’t experienced a truly great day of ice fishing yet, you’re missing out. Our upcoming ice season is shaping up to be one for the books, and there’s no better time to get into the ice game. I personally can’t wait to spend the winter introducing folks to something I care so deeply about. Cutthroat Anglers is now offering 4-hour ice fishing trips using top-of-the-line gear at a competitive price.

Everything you need for the day—other than a fishing license—is provided. We’ll start out in a comfortable ice shelter warmed by a propane heater, so you can expect to stay cozy if we choose to fish inside. You’ll be equipped with premium ice rods, jigs, baits, and state-of-the-art Vexilar sonar technology. And if you don’t have waterproof boots, don’t sweat it—I’ll have waders and boots ready to keep you warm and dry. All you really need to do is dress warm, buy a fishing license, and show up!

The elusive Arctic char is my favorite species to target on these trips. Not only are they arguably the most beautiful fish in the Rockies, but they can grow BIG. Record-size fish have been pulled through the ice on Dillon Reservoir year after year. Alongside char, we regularly find solid numbers of rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and even the notorious sucker. During early season, we also enjoy extremely productive days targeting native cutthroat trout at a local alpine lake.

Throughout the day, I’ll teach you a variety of techniques to consistently catch fish. Our primary method will be active jigging, which creates a true one-on-one encounter with the fish. We’ll also mix in other approaches like dead-sticking, running bait on an open bail, or using an automatic hook-setting device known as a JawJacker.

Most of our ice trips take place on the prolific Dillon Reservoir—a fantastic option because fish are often found close to shore near drop-offs, structure, and boat docks. Some days are as simple as walking onto the ice and fishing a productive hole. Other days, we’ll do a little “run-and-gun” style fishing, hopping between multiple holes in a variety of locations. One of my favorite early-season adventures is hiking to a nearby alpine lake to target native cutthroat trout. During that first month of ice coverage, cutthroat absolutely feast, making for fast-paced, action-packed days. If you join me on a cutthroat trip, come prepared for the elements!

If you have any questions about our ice fishing trips—or want to get a date on the books before it’s too late—give us a call at the shop. I can’t wait to get out on the ice with you!