Grand Lake help

[Ranger619]

One of my sons is going to give Grand Lake a try end of January. Any suggestions you could throw out here for him ? It’s his first go at ice fishing out there in Colorado he’s ice fished back here at home in Illinois with me but just now starting out there. He fly fishes a lot out there so he’s trying to fill that void in winter LOL. Thanks Glenn

[Bigassbassman]

I'd suggest Granby instead of Grand lake.  I'd also suggest a guided trip with Bernie Keefe on Granby in order to get the lay of the lake.  Bernie will get him set up with some good locations and great techniques to catch lakers in Granby.

[Ranger619]

I know they’ve got a place booked on Grand but I’ll pass it on to him. Grand by doesn’t look to far from Grand. Thanks

[Bigassbassman]

I know they’ve got a place booked on Grand but I’ll pass it on to him. Grand by doesn’t look to far from Grand. Thanks

You can fish either lake for a chance at good fish, but better numbers of good fish in Granby.  They have the annual 3 Lakes contest on Grand, Granby, and Shadow Mountain, so all three are destination fisheries. 

If he just wants to get out on Grand Lake for some fishing on his own without a guide, I'm sure some guys here on the forum can give him some advice on where to start.  I'd say if he has various sized tube jigs, some sucker meat, and power bait, he should get into some fish.  Does he have all the necessary gear (flasher, etc)?

[Ranger619]

No but we’re working on that. I sent him out there with decent rod and reel for ice fishing and some jigs but he probably needs a different rod for lake trout for sure. And Xmas is here before we know it ! Definitely has to get a flasher #1

[SLAYERFISH]

Really if he just wants to mess with trout Shadow Mt. has a bunch.  The dam/ pump canal area is easy to get to.  Hang a jig tipped with something or jig a Silver kastmaster and it's a done deal.

[Dkreager]

Like others have said, granby is the better option of the 3 lakes for Lakers. As far as gear, I'm about as cheap and light as it gets. Entry sonar, look into the deeper sonar balls. It's a little ball about the size of a tennis ball and syncs to your phone or tablet. They are about 300$ I honestly love mine and it works really well, as long as the ice isnt super thick. As far as jigs, 3" or larger tube jigs in all sorts of colors, white seems to be everyone's favorite, and some good 3/8 leadheads. Tip that with a chunk of sucker meat and send it to the bottom. Find some good topo maps that are available online and start studying. Lots if structure out there, it's just a matter of how far you want to walk or ride.

[DrCro]

Really if he just wants to mess with trout Shadow Mt. has a bunch.  The dam/ pump canal area is easy to get to.  Hang a jig tipped with something or jig a Silver kastmaster and it's a done deal.

Or jerk it real good at the mouth. Shoot hopefully that's appropriate...

[ColoradoBob]

He should definitely stop in at Granby Bait and Tackle. They can give him some advice on what is working and of course will have bait, etc.

[SLAYERFISH]

and of course will have bait,

Bait?

[CO_Dinky]

Bait?

Minnows of course! 

[ColoradoBob]

Bait?

By bait I meant frozen suckers. Does not have to be alive to qualify as bait Slayer!

[Raptortrapper]

Can’t use live bait over here on the western slope.  Make sure any minnows are dead.  Same if you are using perch for pike.  They will nail you on this.  Just a heads up...

[troutbiscuits]

He should definitely stop in at Granby Bait and Tackle. They can give him some advice on what is working and of course will have bait, etc.

This ^^

They are my first stop when I go to that area.

[DrCro]

This ^^

They are my first stop when I go to that area.

Mike is good people!

[Ranger619]

Thanks for all the help/suggestions folks ! We booked a day with Sam Hochevar to fish Grand. Since it’s our first go around out there we thought that would be best. Learn some stuff and hopefully hit other places on our own in the future. Gotta get the kid setup with the right equipment first but I think he’ll be happy at Christmas 

[DrCro]

Thanks for all the help/suggestions folks ! We booked a day with Sam Hochevar to fish Grand. Since it’s our first go around out there we thought that would be best. Learn some stuff and hopefully hit other places on our own in the future. Gotta get the kid setup with the right equipment first but I think he’ll be happy at Christmas 

He'll be hooked no pun intended.

[grababrewski]

Thanks for all the help/suggestions folks ! We booked a day with Sam Hochevar to fish Grand. Since it’s our first go around out there we thought that would be best. Learn some stuff and hopefully hit other places on our own in the future. Gotta get the kid setup with the right equipment first but I think he’ll be happy at Christmas 

Great choice! Can't go wrong with any of Bernie's guides. Top notch all the way (or they wouldn't be working for Bernie long) He'll have a blast!

[CO_Dinky]

Can’t use live bait over here on the western slope.  Make sure any minnows are dead.  Same if you are using perch for pike.  They will nail you on this.  Just a heads up...

Pretty sure most folks here know that.  My response was very much tongue-in-cheek.