While most of Colorado’s popular winter events and activities are focused on the ski industry, there is an overlooked gem among the many events and tournaments held in this state. Events like the X-Games and Dew Tour are nationally televised ski and snowboard competitions, but the best tournament Colorado has to offer this winter isn’t one you will find on any of the major networks… or any channel for that matter. To witness this magical competition, you must head over to Grand County, Colorado.

This spectacle of spectacles, and contest of contests, is the 31st Annual 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Competition! 

When: This competition is composed of three, one-day competitions. The contest will be held January 25th, 26th, & the 27th of 2019. 

Each day the contest will start at 6:40 AM, and the weigh station opens at 9 AM. On Friday and Saturday, you must be in line to weigh your catch by 4:30 PM, and by 2:00 PM on Sunday. The rules are strict, and you must be in line by those times to be eligible for any cash or prizes!

Where: Each day, anglers from all over the world will head to Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, & Grand Lake, all located in the town of Grand Lake, Colorado.

Contest: The contestants will be fighting to see which one of them can pull the biggest fish out of the ice and each day a new winner will be crowned.

Who: The competition is open to people of all ages and there will be be prizes for many different age groups. 

The fishermen and women can choose to compete in only one, or up to all three days of the competition.

Cost: $35 will get you in for one day, $45 for two, and $50 for all three of the days! 

Prizes

For the 31st Annual 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest there will be over $21,000 worth of cash and prizes for the winners!

The prize drawing will be held at the end of awards ceremony on Saturday, the 26th and all of the winners must be present to collect their prizes. Similar to the prize drawing winners, any cash winners must be present to collect their reward ( FRI/SAT at 5:30 PM & SUN at 3 PM).

If not present your award will go to the next biggest fish! 

Please don’t forget that each participant must be registered prior to fishing to be eligible for each contest. In order to enter for this incredible competition, please pre-register and pay by Jan. 19th. First 500 entries receive a commemorative hat!

So, take a break from the ski-slopes this winter and head to Grand County to experience the greatest ice fishing competition this side of the Equator!

The lakes are just two hours outside of Denver making it the perfect get away from the big city. Grab your kids or significant other, adventure out onto the frozen lakes, and watch the master anglers pursue the elusive catch that will earn them both cash and bragging rights!

A good time is guaranteed for all!