Courtesy Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest
Poles are already in the water for the Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest.
Last night’s kickoff party at River Run RV Resort began the 32nd annual tournament, with fishing starting today at 6:40 a.m. and continuing through Sunday.
The event, organized by the Granby Chamber of Commerce, saw around 1,200 participants last year with most anglers fishing multiple days. Organizers are expecting even more competitors this year.
Interim director of the chamber, Ali Williams, said everyone is looking forward to what the event has in store.
“We’re really excited,” she said. “It’s such a fun weekend.”
Anglers can register the day of the tournament by going online to GranbyChamber.com/Fish or in person at Budget Tackle, Indian Peaks Marina or Granby Bait ‘n’ Tackle. Registration can be for one, two or all three days starting at $45 for one day.
Contests begin at 6:40 a.m. each day. The weigh station is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Indian Peaks Marina, 6862 US Highway 34.
The first awards ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the River Run RV Resort. Saturday’s awards will start at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday’s will start at 3 p.m.
Cash prizes are valued at over $28,000, including $12,000 in tagged fish and $10,000 in merchandise. Saturday’s drawing includes a 2019 Ski-Doo Snowmobile.
This year is the second year for the Village on Lake Granby, where a group of vendors will be under tents to create a festival-like atmosphere to accompany the ice fishing. There will also be a yak giving sled rides at the village.
“It’s fun to see even the people around the tournament, not putting a pole in the ice, but just coming and enjoying it,” Williams said.
The tournament’s Facebook page will be posting leaderboards every hour so people can see where their fish rank in the standings. Look for updates at http://www.Facebook.com/3lakesicefishing.