3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest

Registration

Online

Ends January 22
1 day: $65
2 days: $75
3 days: $85

In Person

January 3rd - Event
1 day: $75
2 days: $85
3 days: $95

2025 Information: Friday, January 24th- Sunday, January 26th

Parking

Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir are part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Annual or day vehicle passes are required and should be purchased online prior to your arrival.

For Lake Granby, the recommended place to park is at the Sunset Point Boat Launch and Overflow Parking lots off of CR6. Additional parking can be found at Cutthroat Bay off of CR64. Because the weigh station is located at Stillwater Boat Ramp, the small parking area tends to fill early. It is to your advantage to park elsewhere.
For Shadow Mountain Lake, parking is available at Green Ridge Campground.
For Grand Lake, parking is available at the Grand lake Swim Beach and Public Boat Launch.

Camping

Although campgrounds are closed for the season, overnight camping is permitted for self-contained units (must have indoor water and toilet facilities) in the Sunset overflow parking lot and Stillwater boat ramp. Camping is prohibited along County Road 6 (Arapaho Bay Road) and in day use areas. For questions regarding camping, please contact the USFS.

Important! Vehicles on Ice

If you are bringing an OHV, be prepared for some areas of tough conditions of slush on the ice. Current conditions remain challenging for OHVs.

The US Forest Service allows vehicles (snowmobiles and ATVs) less than 1,000 lbs to be on the ice. This is the total weight of vehicle, gear and rider. USFS and CPW will be on site to enforce the weight limit and ticket any violations.

Operate at your own risk, as the ice can be inconsistent. Use caution and avoid areas that are shallow with exposed rocks that can heat up and soften surrounding ice. Always carry safety equipment, including shovels, ropes, and a throwable flotation device. 

Snowmobiles operated on public land or trails in Colorado must be registered with CPW.

Operating a snowmobile under the influence is illegal. According to Colorado law, “no person shall operate a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, as defined in section 12-22-303 (7).”

Event Schedule

THURSDAY
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Welcome Bag Pickup at Ace Hardware
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Open House w/prizes & food at Ace Hardware
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Kickoff Party at Sun Outdoors 

FRIDAY
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Welcome Bag Pickup at Ace Hardware
6:40 AM - 4:00 PM Ice Fishing!
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weigh Station at Stillwater Boat Ramp
5:00 PM Winners Announced Disputes close 30 min after winners announced
5:30 PM Awards Ceremony at Sun Outdoors Winners must pick up prize by 7PM

SATURDAY
6:40 AM - 4:00 PM Ice Fishing!
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Welcome Bag Pickup at Ace Hardware
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weigh Station at Stillwater Boat Ramp
2:00 PM Large Giveaway Package winners announced Live on Facebook
5:00 PM Winners Announced Disputes close 30 min after winners announced
5:30 PM Awards Ceremony at Sun Outdoors Winners must pick up prize by 7PM

SUNDAY
6:40 AM - 2:00 PM Ice Fishing!
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Welcome Bag Pickup at Ace Hardware
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Weigh Station at Stillwater Boat Ramp
3:00 PM Winners Announced Disputes close 30 min after winners announced
3:30 PM Awards Ceremony at Sun Outdoors Winners must pick up prize by 5PM

NOTE! Announcement times are approximate. Please prepare for delays depending on end-of-day entries at weigh station.

Leaderboards & Giveaway Announcements

Leaderboards and Giveaway winners will be posted on the Facebook page.

Ice Conditions & Safety Reminder

Ice conditions can be inconsistent, as always, check the ice as you go. Expect areas with variable layers of snow, slush, and ice  while traveling about the lake. Use extra caution or avoid areas where moving water may be found - including the far pumping plant, Columbine Bay, Deer Island, the Dam, and Arapaho Bay where the creek enters the lake.

Grand Lake Hockey Ponds (9 total) will be marked for their upcoming tournament. Do not drill/fish in these marked areas.

Please use ice safety best practices, and always remember to dress appropriately for very cold weather, including waterproof boots and an extra set of dry clothes. Bring a safety kit with shovels, ropes and a throwable flotation device.

2025 Rules & Regulations

Please read through the full contest 2025 Rules & Regulations prior to your arrival. No open water fishing.

Contact Information

• In case of a medical emergency: call 911
• In case of vehicle emergency: call East and West Towing:  970-215-0277  OR   Pete's Towing:  970-887-0066
• Contest specific questions including: registration and weigh station disputes email: kayte@destinationgranby.com

Tournament Details

• The contest begins at 6:40 am each day.

• The Weigh Station is at Stillwater Campground, 8590 US-34, Granby, CO 80446.

  • Weigh Station Hours:

    • Friday & Saturday from 9 am-4 pm

    • Sunday from 9 am-2 pm

  • Winner Announcements (via Facebook page)

    • Friday & Saturday 5 pm

    • Sunday 3 pm

    • Dispute window closes 30 minutes after winners are announced

  • Awards Ceremony (Ballroom at Sun Outdoors):

    • Friday & Saturday 5:30pm

    • Sunday 3:30pm

• Leaderboards, Daily Giveaway winners, and Raffle Drawing winners will be posted on this page as well as the 3 Lakes Facebook page.

• NOTE! These times are approximate. Please prepare for delays depending on late day entries at weigh station.

Categories

General: Cash prizes are given to the top seven places each day in the following categories: Brown Trout; Rainbow Trout; Lake Trout (Mackinaw) under 19”; and Grand Slam (one of each: Mack under 19", Rainbow, Brown, Kokanee). Fish must be brought to the weigh station (maximum two per day). Winners are determined by weight and time entered for ties.

Children: Children can enter the contest as paid or free. Paid children’s participants can participate in either the general adult category (eligible for cash prizes) or the children’s category. Entrants in the children’s category are not eligible for cash prizes but receive trophies and prizes.

Big Fish Lake Trout: Fish 32” or larger that have been caught and released are eligible. Enter by photographing your fish. All entrants will be entered in a daily drawing for a trophy. 

Tagged Fish: Ten fish will be tagged with “3 Lakes Tourney Winner,” with 2023 numbers. Catching one of these fish makes you eligible for a tagged fish prize of $1,000 (a drawing will be held if multiple tagged fish are caught). If you catch a tagged fish from a previous year, you will receive a $200 gift card in the mail.

2025 Daily Cash Prizes

Cash prizes total $8,775 in daily cash giveaways and $26,325 for the weekend! Good luck!

*  Mackinaw Must be under 19"
** Grand Slam - Catch 1 of each: Mack under 19", Rainbow, Brown + Kokanee

Contest Rules & Regulations

Please be sure to read through the 2025 Rules and Regulations prior to the start of the event.

Kick Off Party

2025 Kickoff Party Details TBD

Where do I park?

For Lake Granby, the recommended place to park is at the Sunset Point Boat Launch and Overflow Parking lots off of CR6. Additional parking can be found at Cutthroat Bay off of CR64. Because the weigh station is located at Stillwater Boat Ramp, the small parking area tends to fill early. It is to your advantage to park elsewhere.

For Shadow Mountain Lake, parking is available at Green Ridge Campground.

For Grand Lake, parking is available at the Grand Lake Swim Beach and Public Boat Launch.

Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir are part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Annual or day vehicle passes are required and should be purchased online prior to your arrival.

Is camping allowed?

Although campgrounds are closed for the season, overnight camping is permitted for self-contained units (must have indoor water and toilet facilities) in the Sunset Overflow lot. Camping is prohibited along County Road 6 (Arapaho Bay Road) and in day use areas. COLORADO DIVISION of WILDLIFE REGULATIONS: The North Fork of the Colorado River below Shadow Mountain Dam to the mouth of Lake Granby is closed to human activity on both National Park and US Forest Service public lands from November 15 to March 15 annually. This closure protects Bald Eagle winter habitats.

Can I bring my snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle on the ice?

The US Forest Service allows vehicles (snowmobiles and ATVs) less than 1,000 lbs to be on the ice. This is the total weight of vehicle, gear and rider. USFS and CPW will be on site to enforce the weight limit and ticket any violations.

Operate at your own risk, as the ice can be inconsistent. Use caution and avoid areas that are shallow with exposed rocks that can heat up and soften surrounding ice. Always carry safety equipment, including shovels, ropes, and a throwable flotation device.

Snowmobiles operated on public land or trails in Colorado must be registered with CPW.

Operating a snowmobile under the influence is illegal. According to Colorado law, “no person shall operate a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, as defined in section 12-22-303 (7).”

Where are restrooms located?

Portable restrooms are located at the following areas: Sunset Point Boat Launch,  Stillwater Boat Launch, and Cutthroat Bay at CR64.

What is the cancellation policy?

You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel by January 12, 2025. To cancel, send an email to kayte@destinationgranby.com

Why is there no cash prize for catching the Biggest Fish?

On average, fish this size are over 20 years old. We hope to assist in the management of these fish. While catching one of these large trout is an exciting experience, we would like this category to remain family and novice friendly while limiting any cash motivated additional pressure on these fish.

What should I know about ice fishing safety?

Like any outdoor activity, ice fishing can pose certain risks that can be mitigated by proper education. If you are new to the sport, take time to acquaint yourself with ice fishing safety protocols and resources including ice fishing safety information from CPW.

In addition, always remember to dress appropriately for very cold weather, including waterproof boots and an extra set of dry clothes. Bring a safety kit with shovels, ropes and a throwable flotation device.

How can we be good stewards of our public lands?

Please remember to clean up your fishing site and pack out all trash and items your group brought in. Dumpsters are located at all designated parking areas. Please follow the Leave No Trace principles: plan ahead and prepare, travel on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. 

Sun Outdoors

20% Lodging Discount at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain for contest participants. Use code 3LAKES25

*Code valid 1.1.2025- 5.1.2025

Sponsor

Sponsorship provides the necessary funding to make our events possible, and with your help, we can carry on years of tradition and start new ones. For more information, please email kayte@destinationgranby.com or review our 2025 Sponsorship Package.
 

Volunteer

There are many ways to get involved: volunteer to help with set-up, parking, food and beverage, at the weigh station or awards ceremony.