4hr Ice Fishing Trip
Hard water, mid-December to mid-March
FROM
$350
Ice Fishing on Eleven Mile Reservoir
- Season
- Mid-Dec to mid-March
- Duration
- 4 or 6 hours
- Group size
- 1 – 4 anglers
- Target species
- Trout, kokanee, pike
A Different Season on the Same Water
Our open water trolling season ends in October. The fishing does not. Once Eleven Mile freezes, usually with 8 to 10 inches of ice by the time trips start, the same reservoir keeps producing through the winter, and you walk out to it instead of motoring.
These trips are guided by Leslie Branin, who has forty years on this water. Everything is set up before you arrive: a heated thermal tent over drilled holes, rods and reels, automatic hook setters, and an underwater camera so you can watch fish come to the bait rather than guess. You bring warm layers and a fishing license.
It is an easy drive from Summit County, and a day on the ice makes a good counterweight to a week in Breckenridge.
Trips & Rates
6hr Ice Fishing Trip
Hard water, mid-December to mid-March
FROM
$450
Rates are for the whole party, not per person. For groups larger than four, give us a call and we will put a quote together.
What's Included
- A heated thermal tent, set up over pre-drilled holes
- Top-of-the-line rods and reels
- Buddy heaters
- Automatic hook setters
- An underwater camera
- Basic chairs and buckets to sit on
- Bottled water
What To Bring
- A valid Colorado fishing license
- Warm layers: a warm base layer, merino or other warm socks, snow boots, layers under snow pants, a winter coat, gloves and a warm hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Disposable toe and hand warmers
- A portable chair, if you have one you prefer
- A phone for pictures
- A backpack for spare layers, food, snacks and hand warmers
- Lunch, snacks and whatever you like to drink
- If you plan to keep fish: gallon bags and a cooler for the drive home
Your Guide
Leslie Branin
Leslie Branin is an experienced ice fishing guide with forty years of fishing at Eleven Mile Reservoir. Specializing in hard-water fishing, she has taught and guided countless anglers. With extensive local knowledge and a fully equipped setup, she is dedicated to providing safe, successful and memorable days on the ice.
Good To Know
- Beginners are welcome. This is a good first trip for families, and nobody is expected to have done it before.
- You need to be able to walk up to several hundred yards unassisted over flat ice and snow.
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted on Eleven Mile Reservoir, so the walk out is part of the day.
- Ice is typically 8 to 10 inches thick by the start of the season.
Reserve Your Spot on the Ice
Tell us the dates you have in mind and how many anglers, and we will come back to you with availability.
No charge to inquire.
Ice fishing trips are guided by Leslie Branin of 5280 Angler, who operate Eleven Mile alongside us. Your inquiry comes to the same place either way.
FAQ
How thick is the ice?
Eleven Mile is typically carrying 8 to 10 inches by the time the season opens in mid-December, and trips run through to about mid-March.
The same weather rule applies as on the water: if conditions are unsafe, your guide may cancel or reschedule.
Can we drive out to the spot?
No. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on Eleven Mile Reservoir. You should be able to walk up to several hundred yards unassisted over flat ice and snow, so the walk out is part of the day.
Will we be sitting out in the cold?
You fish from a heated thermal tent set up over pre-drilled holes, with buddy heaters running.
Dress for the walk out and for time spent outside the tent: warm layers, snow boots, gloves and a warm hat. There is a full list further up this page.
Do I need any ice fishing experience?
No. Beginners are welcome and it makes a good first trip for families. Everything is set up before you arrive, including automatic hook setters and an underwater camera, so you can see what is happening below the hole rather than guess.
Do I still need a fishing license in winter?
Yes. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for ice fishing, the same as on the water.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 50% deposit to confirm your trip. Cancellations made at least 7 days in advance will receive a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. (Trips canceled for weather or safety will be rescheduled or refunded.)
Where and when do we meet?
After booking, you’ll receive precise GPS coordinates and meeting instructions. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early. Note: cell service in some areas of the reservoir is limited.