After the last holiday decoration is stored away, the last Christmas cookie has been wolfed down and the last holiday bill (hopefully) paid off, winter settles in.
Want to spice things up and try something new? Head to the Colorado Mountains and break out the ice auger – it’s time for ice fishing. This winter, Grand County communities in Colorado will play host to two major ice fishing contests.
The 25th annual Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest (January 24-26, Granby, Colo.) takes place over three days on three popular fishing lakes in the Granby area: Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake. Participants can fish one, two or all three days, and are eligible for daily cash prizes totaling more than $6,000 each day, as well as thousands of dollars in raffle prizes.
For Three Lakes’ Grand Slam prize, fisherman work to catch one fish from each of the following species: Kokanee, rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw. After weighing all four fish, the prize is awarded to the heaviest creel, or basket.
The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest is open to all fishermen, not only the serious anglers. For more information, contact the Granby Chamber of Commerce at 970-887-2311, grcoc@rkymtnhi.com or www.granbychamber.com.
Prizes at the 3rd annual Grand Lake Catch and Release Ice Fishing Contest (March 1-2, Grand Lake, Colo.) are given in three categories (Lake Trout, Brown and Rainbow) for this two-day event. Over $9,000 in cash, door prizes, and giveaways will be offered throughout the event. Welcome Party, Fishermen’s Feast, and more to entertain off the ice. For more information contact the Grand Lake Chamber at 800-531-1019, or visit www.grandlakcechamber.com
Located 67 miles west of Denver, Grand County is home to wide-open spaces, breathtaking mountain scenery and authentic old-west towns. Outdoor recreational activities include golf, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. Click on www.visitgrandcounty.com for details.
For more information about top events in Colorado take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado.