Unseasonably warm weather is delaying ice formation across several Routt County reservoirs, creating uncertain conditions for winter anglers, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials.

At Stagecoach State Park, the reservoir remains ice-free, leaving shore fishing as the only option for now. 

The park’s annual Ice Fishing Tournament, rescheduled from Jan. 3 for Jan. 17 because of mild conditions, is still uncertain. Park officials said the event’s status will depend on ice conditions closer to the date. 

Several Pinnacle Campground sites — 28, 29, 30, 43, 44 and 45 — remain open through the winter, while the Tailwaters section of the Yampa River below the dam remains closed to fishing through the spring. 

CPW is also reminding locals and visitors that Routt County Road 18 will close Jan. 1 and reopen on April 1 due to winter hazards.

At Steamboat and Pearl Lakes, CPW reports patchy ice and lingering open water across both reservoirs. Ice thickness near the Steamboat Lake marina ranges from 3 to 7 inches in spots.

Colder overnight temperatures are helping conditions improve, and officials say firmer ice could develop in the coming week if subzero weather persists.

Snowfall has also been limited in North Routt, leaving motorized and non-motorized trails not yet ready for grooming. Park staff thanked members of the North Routt Snow Riders for helping clear fallen trees along local routes.