What the Antero Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest Is
The Antero Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest is an annual winter event held on the frozen surface of Antero Reservoir in Park County, Colorado. The contest draws anglers of all skill levels who compete for prizes by catching the most fish or the largest fish during a set time window, usually spanning a weekend in January or February. The event is organized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in partnership with local fishing clubs and community groups, and it serves as both a competition and a gathering for people who fish to eat and who want to connect over the sport.
The contest takes place on the reservoir's ice when conditions are safe for fishing — typically when the ice reaches a minimum thickness that Colorado Parks and Wildlife deems secure. Participants fish from holes they cut through the ice, using hand augers or power augers, and the catch is usually limited to species like kokanee salmon, lake trout, and perch that inhabit the reservoir. Entry fees are modest, and prizes are awarded in multiple categories so that different types of anglers have a realistic chance to win.
Key Takeaways
- The contest runs for a set weekend in winter when ice thickness is safe, and you must register before the event begins — registration typically closes the day before or morning of the contest.
- You need a valid Colorado fishing license and a Park County Parks and Wildlife stamp to fish legally, separate from contest entry.
- Bring your own ice auger, rod, reel, and tackle; the contest does not provide equipment, and you will be fishing in open winter conditions.
- Prize categories usually include largest fish, most fish, and sometimes youth or beginner divisions, so check the specific rules for the year you plan to enter.
- Antero Reservoir sits at high elevation in the mountains, so arrive early, dress in layers, and bring extra clothing and a thermos — weather can change quickly and fishing can mean hours standing on ice.
When the Contest Happens and How to Register
The Antero Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest is held once per year, usually in late January or early February, though the exact dates shift based on ice conditions and Colorado Parks and Wildlife's assessment of safety. The event typically runs for one full day or a weekend, with fishing hours announced in advance — often something like 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though you should confirm the specific year's schedule before you travel.
Registration for the contest opens several weeks before the event and closes the day before or the morning of the contest, depending on how the organizers structure it that year. You register through Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website or by phone at their regional office in Park County. The entry fee is usually between $10 and $25 per angler, and you will need to provide your name, contact information, and fishing license number at registration. Some years allow online registration; other years require you to register in person at a designated location near the reservoir. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or call ahead to confirm the registration method and deadline for the specific year you plan to fish.
What You Need to Bring and Prepare
You are responsible for bringing all your own fishing gear. This means an ice auger (hand-crank or powered), a fishing rod and reel suitable for ice fishing, line, hooks or lures, and bait if you plan to use it. Many anglers bring multiple rods so they can fish more than one hole at a time, which is legal on Colorado reservoirs. You will also need a bucket or container to hold your catch, a net or gaff to land fish through the hole, and a way to measure fish if you are competing in a largest-fish category — bring a ruler or measuring tape marked in inches.
Dress for extended time in cold, windy conditions at high elevation. Antero Reservoir sits above 10,000 feet, and winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with wind chill making it feel much colder. Wear insulated, waterproof boots rated for ice fishing, multiple layers of wool or synthetic clothing (cotton holds moisture and loses insulation when wet), a heavy insulated jacket, a hat that covers your ears, and insulated gloves or mittens. Bring hand warmers, a thermos of hot coffee or soup, and snacks. Many experienced ice anglers also bring a small shelter or windbreak to block wind and retain body heat while they wait for fish.
Before you go, make sure you have a valid Colorado fishing license and a Park County Parks and Wildlife stamp. These are separate from contest entry and are required by law to fish in Colorado. You can purchase a license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website or at sporting goods stores and outdoor retailers throughout the state. The license is valid for a calendar year, so if you fish multiple times during winter, one license covers all your outings.
How the Contest Works and What the Rules Are
The specific rules vary slightly from year to year, so read the official rules posted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife before the contest begins. Generally, anglers fish during the announced hours and keep any fish they catch. At the end of the fishing period, you bring your catch to a designated weigh-in or measurement station, where contest officials record the weight or length of each fish and note which angler caught it.
Prize categories typically include largest single fish (often broken down by species), most fish caught, and sometimes youth or beginner divisions. Some years also award prizes for smallest fish or most unusual catch, though this varies. Winners are announced after weigh-in, usually the same day, and prizes are distributed on site or mailed to winners afterward. Prizes are often gift certificates to local outdoor retailers, fishing gear, or cash, though the exact prizes depend on sponsorship and funding that year.
The contest follows all Colorado fishing regulations, which means you must follow daily catch limits, size restrictions, and any special rules for Antero Reservoir. For example, some species may have a minimum size requirement, and you may be limited to a certain number of fish per day. These rules are posted on Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website and are also usually printed on the contest rules sheet you receive at registration. Violating fishing regulations can result in disqualification from the contest and potential fines.
Getting to Antero Reservoir and What to Expect on Site
Antero Reservoir is located in Park County, roughly 30 miles southwest of Fairplay, Colorado, in the South Park area of the Rocky Mountains. The drive from Denver takes about two and a half to three hours, depending on weather and road conditions. In winter, mountain roads can be icy or snow-packed, so check road conditions before you leave and allow extra travel time. The reservoir is accessible by vehicle, and there is a parking area near the fishing access points.
Arrive early on the day of the contest — ideally an hour or more before fishing begins — so you can find a good spot on the ice, set up your gear, and acclimate to the cold. The ice can be crowded during the contest, especially near popular fishing areas, so early arrival gives you a better choice of location. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if the contest starts before sunrise, and be prepared for the possibility that the event could be postponed or cancelled if ice conditions become unsafe. Colorado Parks and Wildlife monitors ice thickness throughout the winter and will announce any changes to the contest schedule.
On site, you will find other anglers, contest officials, and sometimes local volunteers who help with registration and weigh-in. The atmosphere is usually friendly and social — ice fishing contests are as much about community as competition. If you are new to ice fishing or to Antero Reservoir, do not hesitate to ask other anglers for advice about where fish are biting or what bait is working that day.
Fish Species at Antero Reservoir and How to Prepare Your Catch
Antero Reservoir is home to kokanee salmon, lake trout (also called mackinaw), and perch. Kokanee are small, colorful salmon that average 8 to 12 inches; lake trout can be much larger, ranging from 12 inches to several pounds; and perch are smaller panfish. All three are good eating, and the contest gives you a reason to catch them and bring them home to cook.
If you plan to keep your catch and eat it, handle the fish carefully from the moment you land it. Kill the fish quickly and humanely — a sharp blow to the head or a knife through the brain are standard methods — then keep the fish cold. On a winter day, the ice itself will keep your catch cold, but pack the fish in a cooler or insulated bag if you have one, or wrap them in newspaper or cloth to slow heat loss. Once you get home, clean and fillet the fish as soon as possible. Lake trout and kokanee can be filleted and pan-fried, baked, or smoked. Perch are small enough that many anglers simply gut them, leave the skin on, and fry them whole. All three species have mild, flaky flesh that benefits from simple preparation — butter, salt, pepper, and heat are often all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ice fishing experience to enter the contest?
No. The contest welcomes anglers of all skill levels, and many first-time ice fishers enter. If you have never ice fished before, arrive early, watch how other anglers set up their holes and rigs, and ask questions. Most ice fishing communities are welcoming to beginners, and you will learn quickly by watching and doing.
What if the ice is not thick enough and the contest is cancelled?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife monitors ice thickness and will announce any cancellations or postponements as soon as the decision is made. If the contest is cancelled, your entry fee is usually refunded or rolled over to the following year's event. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or call the Park County office for updates if you are concerned about conditions.
Can I fish with live bait, or do I have to use lures?
Both live bait and lures are legal under Colorado fishing regulations. Many ice anglers use small minnows as live bait for lake trout and kokanee, while others use jigs or small spoons. Check the contest rules to see if there are any restrictions specific to the event, though most contests allow both methods.
What happens if I catch a fish that is below the legal size limit?
You must release it immediately. Fish that do not meet the minimum size requirement cannot be kept or counted toward your contest total. Size limits exist to protect fish populations, and they are enforced at the contest just as they are during regular fishing season.
Is there a youth division or a way for kids to participate?
Many years the contest includes a youth category or allows children to fish alongside adults. Check the specific rules for the year you plan to enter, as youth divisions and age requirements vary. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly if you have questions about bringing children to the event.