If I remember correct your in the Colo. Springs area.Head up to South Park and try Spinney Mountain or 11-Mile lakes.
About 2 hours from Colo Spgs.
These are 2 of the best big (freshwater) trout lakes up there.
Most people use spinning reels with 6-8 lb. test.
Spinney has BIG trout. Rainbows, browns, and cuts.
Fly & Lure only fishing regs.
For hardware, use gold spoons (Kastmasters, Daredevils, ets.), &
3"-5" shallow running plugs. (Rapalas, etc).
You will also need to learn the fly & bubble method. It's rigged just like a Carrolina rig but you use a clear casting bubble in place of the weight. Filling the bubble with water will let it float/sink depending on how much water is filled.
Common fly patters are Wolly Bugger, Platte River specials, Halfbacks,
QT, Hairs ear, just to name a couple. Most all fly/bubble fishing will be sub-surface to 6' deep. Throw them out and reel in REAL slow.
Use the same at 11-mile. Bait is allowed a 11-mile.
11-mile has less fish but most caught are over 3 lbs and 10 lb + are in both lakes.
Also, take a little heavy gear and try for the Notrhern Pike. Like a freshwater Barracuda, these are the only fish in freshwater that try to bite you when you bring them in. 11-mile is known for BIG Pike. 20+ lbs are caught all the time.
Use a shock leader or steel leader and throw large Rapala's, Spinner Baits, or large soft plastics like Bass ***, etc. The Pike will be near the shallow grass beds on both lakes. There is a rush when you see a 40" torpedo follow your lure back.
There is also the stretch of river ( So. Platte) that runs from Spinney to 11-Mile. This is Gold Medal water regs with fly/lure only and catch & release.
This is a great little stretch of the river. Big, fat trout. This area is fished heavy by the fly fishing purists so the fish are schooled. I do real good throwing Black, Brown and Olive 1/8 - 3-16 oz. Maribou jigs. It's a killer method that the fish have not keyed on yet.
Hope this helps get you out there.
PS: Have you bought youe Ice Auger & Ice fishing hut yet?
Gowdy