Colorado Ice Fishing Tournaments

Challenge yourself and potentially win some cash by entering an ice fishing tournament in the Gunnison Valley. With two large reservoirs that have easy winter access, the Gunnison Valley is an excellent Colorado ice fishing destination. Tournaments offer a chance to meet other anglers, test your abilities, learn new techniques, win cash and prizes, and get outside. Catch fish such as lake trout, rainbow trout, yellow perch, brown trout, northern pike and kokanee salmon live in lakes near Gunnison and Almont. Keep reading to learn more about ice fishing and tournaments in the Gunnison Valley.

Ice Fishing Tournaments in the Gunnison Valley

Blue Mesa Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournaments

Two ice fishing tournaments are held on Blue Mesa every winter. Lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon and yellow perch live in Blue Mesa. Trophy-sized lake trout have also been caught in Blue Mesa.

Blue Mesa Ice Addiction Ice Fishing Tournament

The Blue Mesa Ice Addiction ice fishing tournament is presented by Tightline Outdoors and is usually held in February. To compete, anglers must register and hold a Colorado fishing license. Holes are pre-drilled and are first-come, first-served and bait must comply with state regulations. Learn about Blue Mesa regulations on the CPW website and the National Parks Service website. The tournament usually begins in the morning, around 8 am and lasts for four hours.

More than $25,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs in the competition. Prizes are given for the three largest fish caught. Every participant has the chance to win something in raffles held after the tournament. Anglers can win cash, ice fishing shelters, sunglasses, gift cards to outdoor stores and fishing cameras.

Ice Addiction is centered around community and creating a love of ice fishing. Some anglers are very focused, while others come for a social and fun atmosphere. Parents are encouraged to bring their children. Many anglers compete every year, creating friendships with other participants and the event organizers. Beginners and seasoned anglers are welcome at this event. Read the rules of the event and learn more here.

Blue Mesa Lake Trout Tournament

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) sponsors a tournament on Blue Mesa with the goal of keeping lake trout populations in check. Lake trout are prolific and feed on kokanee salmon. Maintaining an appropriate population of lake trout helps the kokanee salmon population thrive. This tournament usually begins at the beginning of January and concludes at the end of April.

Winners are determined by the number of trout heads turned into CPW while the tournament is ongoing. Cash prizes are given to first, second, third and fourth place winners. All other participating anglers, even if they only turned in one fish, will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win smaller prizes. Read about the 2025 tournament on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Taylor Park Marina Ice Masters

Ice Masters ice fishing tournament is held on Taylor Reservoir and is usually in February. It is hosted by Taylor Park Marina. Families, beginners and long-time anglers are encouraged to participate. Lake trout, rainbow trout, northern pike and kokanee salmon live in Taylor Reservoir.

Tournament hopefuls have about six hours on the ice. Participants must drill their own holes. A Colorado fishing license and approved bait is required to participate. Read about CPW regulations for Taylor Reservoir here.

This event has four categories to place in: first, second, third and big fish. Winners are determined with the combined weight of three fish. The big fish award is given to the angler who caught the largest fish overall. Other prizes, such as fishing gear and event swag, can be won via raffle. Learn more about Ice Masters on the Taylor Park Marina website.

What is ice fishing?

Ice fishing is the process of catching fish through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Many people set up a tent or hut around their fishing hole for a cozier experience. Ice fishing is a unique way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. It also allows anglers who don’t have access to a boat the option to fish in deeper parts of lakes.

When can you ice fish?

Ice fishing is a winter sport. Ice must be at least four inches thick to be safe for ice fishing. Avoid ice with cracks or ice near inlets or moving water. Keep away from ice that is covered with snow and slush. Pay attention to any changes to the surface of the ice as you travel on it. Visit a local fishing shop for more information about conditions.

What to bring to an ice fishing tournament:

• Fishing license
• Waterproof outer layer
• Warm under layers
• Auger
• Ice fishing rod and reel
• Bait and tackle
• Ice cleats
• Bucket
• Safety gear (ice pick, throw rope, whistle, PFD)
• ATV
• Gear sled

Fishing in the Gunnison Valley

The Gunnison Valley has amazing year-round fishing. Sections of the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers have earned Gold Medal status from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These elite Colorado trout fisheries provide long-lasting and healthy habitats for fish. Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest lake, offers shore and boat fishing. You can even experience a kokanee salmon run in the fall.

Numerous alpine lakes and streams provide more fishing in beautiful places. Ice fishing extends the season into winter. It also gives anglers the opportunity to experience winter in a new way.

Popular ice fishing spots include Blue Mesa Reservoir and Taylor Reservoir. Smaller areas include Needle Creek Reservoir and Dome Lakes. Both of these options are in the Cochetopa Hills area near Cochetopa Dome.

Guided ice fishing

Many of the fishing operations in the Gunnison Valley offer guided ice fishing. Guides provide instruction, knowledge of where to fish and assistance with any catches, including filleting. Guides also bring all the gear required for ice fishing.

Lodging and trip planning

Find a place to stay after a day on the ice in Gunnison or Almont. Gunnison lodging offerings include locally owned inns, no-frills chain hotels and a variety of vacation rentals. In Almont, you’ll find cozy and rustic cabins. Book flights and plan the rest of your trip with this trip planning guide.

What else to do in the area

While on an ice fishing trip, explore more winter activities. Try epic skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Experience the serenity of winter on Nordic skis. Discover the snowy side of the Gunnison Valley’s legendary trails on a fat bike or snowshoes.

Frequently asked questions about ice fishing tournaments

Q: How do I register for an ice fishing tournament?
A: Registration can be completed online or by phone. Check with tournament sponsors for more information.

Q: Do I need a fishing license to participate in a tournament?
A: Yes, a fishing license is required for all fishing in Colorado.

Q: Can my kids participate in a tournament?
A: Yes, kids are encouraged to participate. Children 16 and older need a fishing license. Some tournaments require children under 16 to register for the event to participate. Contact tournament sponsors for more information.

Q: I’m a beginner. Can I enter a tournament?
A: Yes! A tournament is a great way to get into ice fishing.

Q: Do I need my own gear to participate in an ice fishing tournament?
A: You will need your own rods, reels and baits. If holes are not predrilled, you’ll need an auger.

Q: What kind of bait is allowed?
A: Bait regulations vary by the body of water. Live bait is prohibited on Blue Mesa. Gaffs and tail snares are prohibited on Taylor Reservoir.