The Blue Mesa Mackinaw Tournament Draws Anglers to Colorado's Largest Lake
The Blue Mesa Reservoir Mackinaw Tournament is an annual event held on Colorado's largest body of water, where anglers compete to catch lake trout (mackinaw) in one of the state's most productive fisheries. The tournament typically runs for a single day in spring, though the exact date shifts year to year — you'll find the current year's date through the Curecanti National Recreation Area or local fishing outfitters near Gunnison.
Blue Mesa sits at 7,500 feet in the Gunnison National Forest, and its cold, deep water holds mackinaw that can reach 20 pounds or more. The tournament format is straightforward: anglers fish from sunrise to sunset, weigh their catch at a designated location, and compete for prizes based on total weight or largest fish. Entry fees typically range from $50 to $100 per angler, though this varies by year and sponsorship.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Mesa Mackinaw Tournament is a single-day spring event on Colorado's largest reservoir, with entry fees usually between $50 and $100.
- Lake trout at Blue Mesa average 2 to 5 pounds but can exceed 20 pounds, and they hold in deep water year-round.
- The most effective techniques are jigging with live bait or tube jigs in 60 to 120 feet of water, or trolling with spoons and plugs.
- You'll need a Colorado fishing license, a boat or access to one, and a fish finder to locate mackinaw efficiently in deep water.
- Registration typically opens two to four weeks before the tournament and fills quickly, so contact local outfitters or the recreation area early.
What Mackinaw Fishing Looks Like at Blue Mesa
Lake trout — the species officially called mackinaw in Colorado — are cold-water fish that spend most of the year in deep water. At Blue Mesa, they congregate around underwater structure: drop-offs, ridges, and the old river channel that runs along the reservoir floor. In spring, when the tournament typically occurs, mackinaw are still deep, usually between 60 and 120 feet down, though they may move shallower in early morning and late evening.
The fish respond to two main presentations. Jigging with live bait — usually small shiners or mackinaw fry — works well when you've located fish on a sonar screen. Drop the jig to the bottom, then work it with short, steady lifts. Trolling
The water temperature in spring is typically in the 40s Fahrenheit, so mackinaw are active but not aggressive. Patience and precision matter more than speed. A quality fish finder is nearly essential — it shows you the bottom structure, thermoclines, and the fish themselves, which saves hours of blind casting.
Gear and Tackle for Tournament Competition
A medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod in the 6 to 7-foot range works well for both jigging and trolling. Pair it with a reel that holds at least 200 yards of line — you'll be fishing deep and may need to set the hook hard. Use 8 to 12-pound monofilament or braided line; braided line is more sensitive and helps you feel the bottom and detect subtle bites at depth.
For jigging, carry a selection of tube jigs (2 to 3 inches) in white, chartreuse, and natural colors, rigged on 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jig heads. Bring live shiners or mackinaw fry in an aerated bait bucket — they stay fresher longer in cold water, but you'll still need to change them every hour or so. For trolling, pack spoons in sizes 2 to 3 (like Kastmasters or Krocodiles) and small crankbaits that dive to 20 to 40 feet.
A fish finder with a transducer rated for deep water is worth the investment if you plan to fish Blue Mesa regularly. Bring extra line, hooks, and jig heads — deep-water fishing breaks tackle, and you won't want to run back to shore mid-tournament. A net with a long handle makes landing fish easier and faster, which matters when you're competing against the clock.
How to Register and What to Bring
Registration for the Blue Mesa Mackinaw Tournament usually opens four to six weeks before the event date. Contact the Curecanti National Recreation Area visitor center, local tackle shops in Gunnison, or check with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office for the current year's details and registration link. Spots fill quickly — the tournament typically caps entries at 50 to 100 boats, depending on the year.
You'll need a valid Colorado fishing license before you can register. You can purchase one online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or at any sporting goods store or tackle shop. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license and covers the tournament plus a day or two of practice fishing beforehand.
Bring your boat or arrange to fish with someone who has one — the tournament is boat-only. Pack a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh, a measuring board to verify fish length if the tournament uses that metric, and a headlamp or flashlight for the pre-dawn launch. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need; a full day on the water at altitude is tiring, and the sun reflects hard off the water.
The Fishing Conditions and Best Practices
Spring weather at 7,500 feet is unpredictable. Bring layers — a waterproof jacket, a fleece, and a hat. The wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the water choppy and fishing harder. Start early; many tournament anglers are on the water before sunrise to reach their preferred spots and get settled before the official start time.
Blue Mesa has a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit in most areas, which keeps the water calmer and gives smaller boats a fair chance. The lake is large — over 9,000 acres — so scout it beforehand if you can. Fish the deeper basins and the old river channel; these hold the most mackinaw. If you're new to the lake, hire a guide for a practice day or two; the investment pays for itself in fish caught and time saved.
Tournament rules typically require that all fish be caught on rod and reel, not by hand-lining or other methods. Check the specific rules when you register — they vary slightly year to year. Most tournaments require fish to be weighed whole and in good condition, so handle them carefully and keep them on ice immediately after landing.
Preparing Your Catch for the Weigh-In
Keep mackinaw alive or on ice from the moment you land them. A live well works if your boat has one, but ice is more reliable — it slows their metabolism and keeps them fresh for the weigh-in. Avoid letting fish flop on the deck or in the sun; the damage reduces their weight and appearance.
At the weigh-in, your fish will be weighed whole. The tournament organizers will record the weight and may photograph the largest fish for records. After weighing, you can take your catch to clean and cook, or release it if the tournament rules allow (most do not, since the fish are weighed and recorded).
If you plan to eat your mackinaw, clean it soon after the weigh-in while the flesh is still firm. Lake trout has a mild, slightly oily flavor and works well baked, pan-fried, or smoked. The flesh is white and flakes easily when cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
Yes, the tournament is boat-only. If you don't own a boat, you can fish with a friend who does, or hire a guide who will provide the boat and equipment. Some local outfitters near Gunnison offer tournament packages that include boat access.
What's the difference between mackinaw and other trout at Blue Mesa?
Mackinaw (lake trout) are larger and deeper-dwelling than rainbow or brown trout. They're the only trout species at Blue Mesa that regularly reaches 10+ pounds. They live in cold, deep water year-round, while rainbows and browns stay shallower and are more active in spring and fall.
Can I practice fish the lake before the tournament?
Yes. The lake is open to public fishing year-round with a Colorado license. Practice fishing a few days before the tournament helps you learn the structure and find where mackinaw are holding, which gives you a real advantage on tournament day.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous — high wind, lightning, or unsafe water. Check the tournament rules when you register; they'll specify what weather triggers a postponement or cancellation. If the tournament is postponed, it's usually rescheduled for the following weekend.
How much does it cost to fish the tournament?
Entry fees typically range from $50 to $100 per angler, plus the cost of a Colorado fishing license (around $25 for a three-day license). You'll also need fuel, bait, and tackle. Budget for a guide or practice day if you're unfamiliar with the lake.