Ice Fishing FAQ
We understand that booking a guided fishing trip for the first time can be a bit confusing so we put together a list of our ice fishing faq to help answer any questions you may have and/or ones that you haven’t even thought of yet.
Pre Trip Questions
We now offer an online Booking Request Form for those who wish to book online.
The type of ice trip you book will determine how long the trip length is.
Green Circle: 3 Hours
Blue Square: 4 Hours
Black Diamond: 5-6 Hours
Of course, you can. We can’t guarantee our guides will have availability on your requested trip date but we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Our guides have fully equipped huts with all the fishing gear needed to have a successful day out on the water. Including augers, poles, tackle, fish finders, heaters, chairs,
When booking a trip with GSO Fishing we do not require you to pay a deposit to hold your spot.
Because the fishing conditions on Blue Mesa are always changing, and since there are multiple areas we fish from, your guide will contact you 2-3 days before your trip to work out the details like start time and a meeting location.
Dressing appropriately for the conditions can often make a difference in the experience you have out on the ice. Proper clothing for various weather conditions such as good base layers, a coat, hat, gloves, sweater, sturdy boots, etc.
Be sure to dress in layers. Our ice huts are warm, have heaters, and are set up before you get there, but the walk/ride out to the hut can be chilly.
Do not wear shoes that are not suitable for snow and ice including tennis shoes and dress boots. Warm, sturdy, heavy-soled, winter boots are recommended.
- Must Have For Anyone 16 & Older: Valid Colorado fishing license (16 and older)
- You can purchase a Colorado fishing license at Gene Taylors Sporting Goods or online at Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
What To Bring:
- Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks
- Sunscreen – An absolute must! The sun at our altitude can be very intense and burns skin easily.
- Proper clothing for various weather conditions (coat, hat, gloves, sweater. Be sure to dress in layers)
- Cooler for transporting fish home (ice/cold packs are always helpful to keep your fish cool if you have a long drive home.)
Additional Items To Consider Bringing:
- Sunglasses
- Camera/GoPro
- Blanket
- Kid Activities: Toys, Books, Coloring books, etc.
These are private charters/trips so you will not share the hut with any other people.
Fish Limits, C&R, & Species
Of course! You are more than welcome to catch and release any of the fish caught during your trip.
Trout (Rainbow & Brown Trout): 4 Per Person
Kokanee Salmon: 5 Per Person
Lake Trout: (Blue Mesa Limit) Unlimited but only one allowed over 32″
Perch: Unlimited
GSO Trophy Policy: We ask that anything 24″ and longer be released back into Blue Mesa to maintain Blue Mesa’s trophy fish population. Photographs and measurements will be made if you want to have your catch turned into a replica mount.
Yes. If you have limited out on one species and you still have time left on your trips, you can keep fishing for other species of fish.
Fishing Licenses
Anyone who is 16 or older must have a Colorado fishing license that is valid the day of your trip.
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- You can purchase a Colorado fishing license at Gene Taylors Sporting Goods or online at Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Children don’t need a fishing license in Colorado until they turn 16 years old.
Yes. In Colorado, you can buy a one-day fishing license. When purchasing, you must make sure that it is valid the day of your fishing trip.
- You can purchase a Colorado fishing license at Gene Taylors Sporting Goods or online at Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Cleaning The Fish
No, you don’t. Your guide will clean all of the fish for you. You can request to have them cleaned and fillet however you wish.
If you are looking for some great recipes, we have an entire Pinterest Board dedicated to Salmon, Trout, and Perch recipes. We have everything from Chili Lime Salmon to Lemon Pepper Parmesan Trout to Fish Tacos, Foil Dinners, Fish N Chips, and more! There is definitely something for every tastebud and/or culinary need. We hope you enjoy!
Definitely give these guide favorites a try for your next Taco Tuesday!
Other FAQs
Arrowhead Mountain Lodge – They are a 13 room lodge with a restaurant and full bar. They also feature live music in the Summer and their chef will cook your day’s catch for you after your fishing trip!
If you are staying in town there are definitely lodging choices to fit everyone’s needs.
There are even more great lodging opportunities available in and around Gunnison. Visit our local Gunnison Chamber of Commerce website for more details.
We don’t recommend it due to the cold weather conditions, ice, and holes in the ice.
Yes, we can absolutely stop for bathroom breaks.
Yes. You can absolutely end the trip early if you don’t want to fish for the full length of time, but you will still be responsible for paying the full price of the trip.