WEEKLY FISHING REPORT 01.01.26

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CATCHING!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

EAGLE CLAW/SHAPPELL ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT 2026 SIGN UP ONLINE CLICK BOOK NOW BOX TO ENTER

CONTEST NOTES: Based on where conditions are today we are confident that the ice will be contest ready. The weather forecast is not exactly what we would like to see with continued warm daytime temps. Thankfully the days are short and the nights are cold. The wind situation has returned to a more normal state. We literally had strong gusting winds for three weeks straight 24 hours a day. Now we may get an afternoon breeze that dies at sundown. It is cloudy now and suppose to be for the entire day. That’s very helpful for the ice. If we are at 2 and 3 inches today and gain 1/2 inch per day we are in good shape for January 10. Not much pre fishing this year so everyone is on the same page. Your chances are good. Sign up now for what will be an historic Grand Slam. If you choose to wait until the last minute to sign up please be advised that any walk ups on contest day will not be received until all pre registered teams have signed in. Slots are currently available. You need every advantage to be in the money and signing up on “day of contest” is not one of them.

Always looking for a few volunteers to help out for on ice inspections and other things. We pay for your gas, feed you well and have lots of fun. Contact Larry at elevenmile@hotmail.com if interested.

Team Event consist of two anglers of which one must be at least 18 years old. Note that those that enter all three play a points game for bonus cash. Points are awarded for each contest with highest total for all three being the winners. There are points awarded for early entry. At 10 points for Colorado Classic Early you wouldn’t believe how many years were decided by less. This year the early entry cut off date is December 26. You get a discounted rate of $275.00 for all three contests plus points. You can still sign up for all three until January 10 at the regular rate of $325.00 no points. Must be in all three contests to qualify for the Toyota Tacoma.

If a team ends up being in all three contests individually they will earn points and be eligible for the Tacoma. At least one of the team members needs to be in all three meaning if you need to you can switch out team members.

EARLY SIGN UP RATES FOR ALL THREE EVENTS MUST BE MADE BY 12.26. YOU CAN STILL SIGN UP AFTER BUT COST $50.00 MORE

CURRENT CONDITIONS UPDATE: 01.03.26 100% ICE ON!! The ice is still super early. There are people out on the ice but you need caution with every step. Test holes as you go. Coves and bays have more ice. The weather forecast is in our favor with 50’s ending tomorrow and then a steady slide with colder daytime temps like high 25 on Friday and single digit wed and Thursday night. Most areas seeing 2, 3 to not quite four inches. Two is nothing you want to venture out on. With cold headed this way we are confident we will be at 4 or more by contest day. These updates are daily when possible and conditions warrant.

HOURS: Planned hours were day after Christmas, everyday until the first contest January 10. We will be here as planned. Stop in and hopefully by weekend January 3 we will be on the ice.

EARLY SEASON ICE SAFETY: Our slogan is “there is no such thing as safe ice”. You should always approach ice fishing with the appropriate amount of caution particularly during early ice. You can never predict what the lake may decide to do when the ice is forming. Some recent anglers noted there was two to four inches at Cross Creek. Well it’s plain stupid to go out on two inches. We look for at least four and in the early season. The question is how thick is it on your next step. Here is our safety checklist.

1. Never go alone! In early ice it is asking for trouble going by yourself 2. Wear safety ice picks around your neck. 3. Have a whistle also around your neck. 4. Bring a type IV throwable float cushion. 5. If you don’t own a floatation tech coat and bibs like a Striker ice wear a PFD vest under your coat…why not? 6. Bring at least 50 feet of rope…throw it the sled and hope you never need it. 7. Drill plenty of test holes on your way out. It may be 4 inches where you stand and 2 inches where you sit. It’s easy and a no brainer to keep testing the ice. 8. Even when you go with someone let friends or family know of your plans. 9. Always have a set of dry clothes in your vehicle. You might not drown if you go through but hypo thermae is always a threat when wet and exposed.

STRIKER BRANDS: When it comes to an ice fishing wish list there is plenty of equipment to catch your bank account. Priority is a personal position. How much do you ice fish? what are your equipment objectives? Investment vs. fad and in the end what makes you HAPPY. For us at the top of the list is being safe, warm and comfortable. The two items here are footwear and outerwear. Find yourself a great pair of boots. As an outdoor hunting/fishing enthusiast an absolute investment would be footwear. Sure Danner boots or other high end makes can cost you over $500.00 but they will serve you well for 10 years or more no problem.

As far as outerwear is concerned this is also an area of investment. If you have a budget as most of us do what would you need or rather have, a Live Scope fish finder starting at $2,800.00 or a coat and bibs with flotation technology that is wind proof and keeps you warm at -30 not to mention saving your life. Striker Brands has numerous offerings in this department. This year we are carrying a line of products by our new sponsor Striker. If you go to one of the big boxy places they do carry some Striker but not much. What they do carry is never discounted and strictly follows MSRP. SO our Striker products are the same price you will find anywhere or less. We have their new floatation tech vests which are versatile and stylish. Probably won’t see those at Scheels or Bass Pro. Their new top of the line Apex suits are $529.00 for the Coat $529.00 for the Bibs. We have an EXCITING OPPORTUNITY to offer Contest pricing authorized by our new sponsor Striker Brands even if you are not in the contests. Limited time offer get the Apex suit for $449.00 per piece. That is $80.00 off MSRP a $160.00 HUGE SAVINGS for both pieces. You will never regret making the investment particularly at that price. Besides being able to save your life you will be so freaking comfortable and warm. We also have their Stella suits specifically designed for women as well as other flotation Bibs like the Predator starting at $249.00 and other products such as mittens, gloves, beanies etc. Come on in a try them on. Or you can clutch your Live Scope when you go through the ice and take it down to the bottom. No one wants to fall through the ice and most people never do. But those of us who spend countless hours on the ice have stories to tell and are here to tell them because of STRICKER ICE products. I am getting an Apex this year replacing my 15 year old original Striker suit. Which by the way did save my life.

WINTER SEASON HOURS: FROM ICE ON TO ICE OFF OPEN FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY 8:00AM TO 4:00PM SATURDAY OPEN 7:00AM CLOSED TUESDAY, WED, THURSDAY UNLESS WE ARE HERE. GUIDING SERVICES AVAILABLE 7 DAYS PER WEEK WITH RESERVATION.

PARK OPEN 24/7/365

WATER FLOW: 63.6 CFS IN 71.1 CFS OUT

WATER TEMP: 32

CPW ANNUAL WINTER STOCKING: Most of the fish put in the lake are dumped in the Winter. CPW found that mortality rates of stocking only catchable size 10-12 inches through the ice produced excellent results. They started this week ice or no it’s almost Winter. They stocked 33,000 Cuttbows at the North Shore.

WINTER 2026 SEASON: We are very excited about the upcoming Winter Season. Although ice fishing is the premier draw many people come out to Eleven Mile State Park for Winter solitude, wildlife viewing, ice skating, ice kiting, cross country skiing, winter camping and adventures. As conditions develop we will maintain an ice skating rink with hockey nets behind the marina for seasonal use at no charge besides your Park Vehicle Pass. CPW will be hosting a Winter Carnival in February and of course we produce the annual Eagle Claw/Shappell Colorado Classic Ice Fishing tournament series held January, February and March. Besides our great store stocked with ice fishing gear/tackle we also feature rental equipment and a great crew of professional ice fishing guides. Larry F, Alex F, Rich K and welcoming this year Leslie B to the crew.

We also have a great deck right off the ice that you can schedule your special event or party at no charge based on availability. We have a grill and sound system if needed. Call to reserve.

EAGLE CLAW/SHAPPELL ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT SERIES JANUARY 10, FEBRUARY 7, MARCH 7. SIGN UP ONLINE STARTS NOVEMBER 15. PRICE IS SAME AS LAST YEAR $275.00 FOR ALL THREE EVENTS $125 FOR INDIVIDUAL TEAM OF TWO. WE ARE RAISING BIG FISH POT FROM $25 PER TEAM TO $35. SINCE IT IS 100% PAYOUT ALL THAT MEANS IS MORE MONEY FOR THE WINNERS BY AT LEAST $1,000. CONTESTS USUALLY PAY OUT OVER $10,000.00 PER EVENT. 20% OF THE FIELD WIN MONEY. WE SPREAD IT AROUND!!

ELEVEN MILE STATE PARK IS IN THE SOUTH PARK NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

TROUT: NO REPORT

SALMON: NO REPORT

NORTHERN PIKE: NO REPORT

ROAD: GOOD: They have chip and sealed the road from Lake George to CR/92 then dirt for about 2 miles then chip and seal to the General Store. The 2 miles of loose dirt and gravel is getting wash boarded and in POOR condition but still a small section of the 10 mile ride in.

CR92/59 to 23: FAIR : overall it has been much worse but starting to see deterioration.

PIC # 1: Rocky Flats to points West. 01.01.26

PIC # 2 North Shore to points East. 01.01.26

PIC # 3: CPW Winter Stocking 17,000 Cuttbows. Fresh ice 12.29.25

PIC # 4: Striker Apex series floatation Coat and bibs. $449.00 each. Won’t find that price anywhere.

PIC # 5: Lazers and Tiny Tots made in USA by 11 Mile Marina.

SPECIAL NOTE: 11 Mile Marina is located at the North Shore in Eleven Mile State Park, Lake George Colorado. A CPW Park Pass is required on all vehicles entering the Park. Any fees for Guide/Outfitter/Rental services do not include Park fees, CO fishing license or gratuities.

The WEEKLY FISHING REPORT is produced by fishermen for fishermen. We try to get it done every Thursday but some times fishing or life gets in the way. So if its not there on Thursday morning it will show up by Friday. We appreciate all the support and acknowledge that many of you won't miss a week but every now and then we might. CLICK SUPPORT THE REPORT TO HELP OUT Be Safe. Fish On!

Please direct any questions, comments, PICS or inquiries to elevenmile@hotmail.com

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