The Grand Lake tournament runs each summer and welcomes anglers of all skill levels

The Grand Lake Catch and Release Tournament is an annual summer event held on Grand Lake in the Colorado high country. The tournament focuses on catch-and-release fishing, meaning every fish you land goes back in the water. It draws anglers from across Colorado and neighboring states who want to compete on a well-known trout fishery without keeping their catch.

The event typically takes place in July, though the exact dates shift year to year. You fish from a boat or from shore, depending on the tournament format that year. Entry fees are modest — usually in the $50 to $100 range per angler — and the tournament is run by local fishing guides and the Grand Lake area chamber of commerce or a similar community organization.

Grand Lake itself sits at 8,369 feet elevation on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake holds cutthroat trout, lake trout, and some brook trout. Summer water temperatures are cold enough that fish stay active throughout the day, which is why the tournament works well in July rather than later in the season.

Key Takeaways

  • The Grand Lake Catch and Release Tournament is a summer event where all fish must be returned to the water, and entry typically costs $50 to $100 per person.
  • You will need a valid Colorado fishing license and must follow all state regulations for tackle, bait, and catch limits during the tournament.
  • The tournament usually runs in July, but dates vary by year, so contact the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce or local fishing guides for current information.
  • Grand Lake sits at high elevation with cold water year-round, so fish are active during daylight hours and the tournament format works well for both boat and shore fishing.
  • Most tournaments award prizes based on total weight of fish caught during the event, with separate categories for different angler experience levels.

What you need before the tournament

You must have a valid Colorado fishing license before you can enter. You can purchase a license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), at sporting goods stores, or at local tackle shops near Grand Lake. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you only plan to fish the tournament weekend.

Bring a boat or arrange to fish from shore. If you own a boat, make sure your registration is current and you have life jackets for everyone aboard. If you do not own a boat, many local guides offer charter services during tournament week, and some tournaments include a "shore angler" division so you can compete from the bank or from a rental dock.

You will need appropriate tackle for trout in a high-altitude lake. Bring spinning rods or fly rods depending on your preference, along with small spinners, spoons, soft plastics, or flies. Grand Lake trout respond well to small offerings — size 12 to 18 flies or spinners in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range. Bring more than you think you will lose, because snags happen.

Pack layers and sun protection. July weather at 8,369 feet can shift quickly. Mornings are cold, afternoons can be warm, and wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring a rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, and water. The high elevation means sun exposure is intense even on cloudy days.

How the tournament scoring usually works

Most Grand Lake tournaments score based on total weight of fish caught during the event window — typically a 24-hour or 48-hour period. Every fish you land and measure counts toward your total. Fish must meet a minimum size (usually 10 inches for most trout species) to count on the scorecard.

Tournaments often divide anglers into categories: a beginner or youth division, an intermediate division, and an open or advanced division. This means you compete against anglers at a similar skill level rather than against everyone at once. Some tournaments also have a separate shore angler category if you are not fishing from a boat.

You typically weigh your fish at a designated time and location — often a boat ramp or marina — at the end of each fishing day. Bring your fish in a livewell or cooler with water to keep them alive until weigh-in. Tournament staff will measure and weigh each fish, record it, and return it to the lake immediately.

Prizes are usually awarded to the top three finishers in each division. Prize money or gift certificates to local tackle shops are common. Some tournaments also award prizes for the largest single fish caught, or for youth anglers who land the most fish.

Rules and regulations you must follow

Colorado Parks and Wildlife sets the base rules for Grand Lake fishing, and the tournament adds its own rules on top. You must follow all state regulations even during the tournament. This means respecting daily catch limits (which vary by species and change year to year), using only legal tackle, and fishing only during legal hours.

Catch-and-release tournaments have specific rules about how you handle fish. You must keep fish alive in a livewell or aerated container until weigh-in. Do not squeeze fish, do not dry them out, and do not expose them to air longer than necessary. Rough handling can injure fish and disqualify your catch or your entry.

Most tournaments prohibit live bait and allow only artificial lures or flies. This keeps the playing field level and reduces the chance of fish being injured by hooks they swallow. Check the tournament rules when you register — they will spell out exactly what tackle is legal.

You must fish only in designated areas of the lake. Grand Lake has some private shoreline and restricted zones, so the tournament will provide a map showing where you can fish. Fishing outside the designated area can result in disqualification.

Getting to Grand Lake and where to stay

Grand Lake is on Colorado Highway 34, about 15 miles north of Granby and roughly 90 minutes northwest of Denver. The drive from Denver takes you through or near Rocky Mountain National Park. If you enter the park, you will need a park pass, but you can also take Highway 34 around the park's west side to reach Grand Lake without paying the entrance fee.

The town of Grand Lake has motels, cabins, and vacation rentals. Book lodging early if the tournament falls on a popular weekend, because the area fills up quickly. Camping is also available at nearby national forest campgrounds and private RV parks.

Grand Lake Marina and other local boat rental services rent fishing boats by the day. If you do not own a boat, this is often cheaper than hiring a guide for the full tournament, though guides can teach you where fish are holding and what techniques work best on that particular week.

Preparing your boat and gear before you arrive

If you are bringing your own boat, service it before the trip. Check the engine, fuel system, battery, and bilge pump. Make sure your trailer lights work and your boat registration is visible. Grand Lake is at high elevation, so your engine may run differently than at sea level — bring extra spark plugs and oil in case you need them.

Test your livewell or aeration system before you arrive. A livewell that does not work properly can kill your fish before weigh-in and waste your entry fee. Bring backup aerators or a battery-powered bubbler in case the main system fails.

Organize your tackle the night before. Sort flies or lures by size and color so you can find what you need without fumbling. Bring a headlamp or small flashlight — early morning fishing means you will be rigging in low light. Tie a few backup knots at home rather than trying to tie them on the water in cold, early-morning conditions.

Finding current tournament dates and registration

The Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce maintains information about the annual tournament, including dates, entry fees, and registration deadlines. You can reach them by phone or visit their website. Local tackle shops in Grand Lake and Granby also have tournament details and can help you register.

Some years the tournament is run by a specific guide service or fishing club rather than the chamber. Ask at the tackle shop or call ahead to find out who is organizing the event that year. Registration usually opens in May or June and closes a week or two before the tournament.

You can also search online for "Grand Lake Catch and Release Tournament" along with the current year to find announcements and registration pages. Facebook pages for Grand Lake fishing and Colorado fishing tournaments often post updates and photos from past events.

What to expect on tournament day

Arrive early. Most tournaments have a mandatory captain's meeting the evening before or the morning of the event. You will receive your official scorecard, learn any last-minute rule changes, and get a map of the fishing area. Attendance is required — missing the meeting can disqualify you.

Fishing typically starts at sunrise or shortly after. You will have a set window — often 24 or 48 hours — to fish. You can fish whenever you want during that window, but you must be back at the weigh-in location by the deadline. Weigh-in is usually in the late afternoon or early evening.

Bring food and water for the full day. There are no restaurants on the lake itself. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. The high elevation and sun exposure dehydrate you faster than you expect.

Fish will be most active in early morning and late afternoon. The middle of the day can be slow, especially if the sun is bright and the water is calm. Use that time to move to new spots, rest, or adjust your tackle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the tournament?

Most tournaments allow both boat and shore fishing, though some years have a separate shore angler division. Check the tournament rules when you register. If you do not own a boat, you can rent one from Grand Lake Marina or hire a guide who will provide the boat and fishing knowledge.

What if I have never fished Grand Lake before?

Hire a guide for at least one day before the tournament to learn where fish are holding and what techniques work. Local guides know the lake's structure, seasonal patterns, and current conditions. The cost is worth it if you are new to the water. Many guides offer half-day trips that fit a tournament schedule.

Can I fish with live bait?

Most catch-and-release tournaments prohibit live bait and allow only artificial lures or flies. Check the specific tournament rules — they will be clear about what tackle is legal. Artificial-only rules protect fish and keep competition fair.

What happens if my fish dies before weigh-in?

Dead fish cannot be weighed in most tournaments. This is why a working livewell and proper fish handling are critical. If your livewell fails, stop fishing and head to weigh-in. It is better to weigh in fewer fish than to arrive with dead ones that will not count.

Is there a youth or beginner division?

Most tournaments offer a beginner or youth category so younger anglers and less experienced fishers compete fairly. Ask about age limits and experience requirements when you register. Youth divisions often have lower entry fees and can be a good introduction to tournament fishing.