The Lake Granby Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest happens each winter on the frozen surface of Lake Granby, near Granby in Grand County
The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest is an annual winter event that draws anglers to Lake Granby to fish for pike, perch, and trout through the ice. The contest typically runs for a single day in January or February, though the exact date shifts year to year. You fish from sunrise to sunset, competing for prizes in categories based on fish species and size. The event is open to anglers of all ages and experience levels — you do not need to be an expert to enter or to have a good time.
Lake Granby itself sits at 8,270 feet elevation in the Colorado high country, about 90 minutes northwest of Denver. The lake is known for holding healthy populations of northern pike, yellow perch, and lake trout. Winter ice fishing here means you are working with thick ice — typically safe by mid-December — and cold that keeps the fish active. The contest draws both locals who fish Granby regularly and visitors who come specifically for the event.
Key Takeaways
- The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest is a single-day winter event on Lake Granby, usually held in January or February, with the exact date announced by the Grand County Parks and Recreation Department.
- You need a valid Colorado fishing license and must follow all state fishing regulations, including species-specific bag limits and size restrictions.
- Entry fees and prize categories vary by year, so check the official contest rules before you register to understand what fish count toward which prizes.
- Bring proper cold-weather gear, a hand auger or power auger to cut holes, and ice fishing rods — the lake is exposed and wind can be significant even on calm days.
- Fish are weighed at a designated weigh station on shore, and you must keep your catch alive or on ice to be may be able to access for prizes.
When the Contest Runs and How to Register
The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest takes place on a single day each winter, with the date announced several weeks in advance by the Grand County Parks and Recreation Department. Recent contests have been held in late January or early February, but you should confirm the current year's date directly with the county or through the Town of Granby website. Registration typically opens a few weeks before the event and may close a few days prior, so plan ahead if you want to enter.
Registration is usually done in person at the Grand County Parks and Recreation office in Granby or online through their website. Entry fees are modest — typically in the range of $10 to $25 per angler — though this varies. Some years the contest offers a family rate or allows children to fish free with a paying adult. Check the current rules to see whether you need to register in advance or can sign up on the morning of the contest.
What Fish Count and How Prizes Work
The contest recognizes catches in separate categories: northern pike, yellow perch, and lake trout. Prizes are usually awarded for the largest fish in each category, and sometimes for the most fish caught or the heaviest total weight. The exact prize structure changes from year to year, so read the official contest rules before you fish — knowing which category has the biggest prize or which size threshold matters can shape your strategy.
All fish must be weighed at the official weigh station, typically set up on the shore near the boat launch or a designated parking area. You are responsible for keeping your catch in good condition — either alive in a bucket or on ice — until weigh-in. Fish that have been mishandled or are no longer fresh may be disqualified. Weigh-in usually happens at the end of the fishing day, often around sunset or shortly after.
Licensing and Fishing Regulations You Must Follow
Every angler fishing the contest must carry a valid Colorado fishing license, even if you are a child or a resident fishing on your home water. You can purchase a license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, at sporting goods stores, or at the Parks and Wildlife office in Granby. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a practical choice if you are visiting just for the contest.
Colorado's fishing regulations apply to the contest — you must follow all bag limits, size restrictions, and tackle rules. Lake Granby has specific regulations for each species; for example, pike may have a different minimum size than trout. Check the current Colorado fishing regulations booklet or the Parks and Wildlife website before you fish, because regulations can change year to year and vary by water. Violating regulations can result in fines and disqualification from the contest.
What Gear You Need to Bring
Ice fishing at Lake Granby requires gear different from open-water fishing. You need an auger to cut holes through the ice — either a hand auger (which takes more effort but is quiet and portable) or a power auger (faster, but heavier and louder). Bring at least two holes' worth of auger capacity, because you may want to fish multiple spots. You will also need ice fishing rods, which are shorter and more sensitive than regular fishing rods. Tip-ups — devices that hold the line and signal when a fish bites — are popular for pike and can increase your chances of multiple hookups.
Dress in layers and bring more cold-weather gear than you think you need. Lake Granby is exposed and wind can be severe, even on days that seem calm in town. Insulated boots, a warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket are not optional. Bring a bucket or cooler to keep fish fresh, a net or gaff to land fish safely, and a headlamp or flashlight because the fishing day ends at sunset and you may need light to pack up. A small shelter or pop-up tent can make a huge difference in comfort on a long, cold day.
Getting to Lake Granby and Where to Fish
Lake Granby is reached via US Highway 34, which runs through Granby. From Denver, take I-25 north to US 36 toward Boulder, then continue north and west toward Estes Park; US 34 branches off toward Granby. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on weather and traffic. In winter, roads can be icy — check road conditions before you leave and allow extra time.
The main public access to Lake Granby for ice fishing is at the Granby Marina area and the boat launch near the dam. Parking is available, though it can fill up on contest day. The lake is large — over 7,000 acres — so you have room to spread out. Ask other anglers or check with the Parks and Recreation office about which areas are producing fish that year; pike tend to hold near structure and deeper water, while perch often school in shallower areas.
What Usually Goes Wrong and How to Avoid It
The most common mistake is underestimating the cold. Anglers show up in street clothes and spend an hour shivering before they leave. Dress warmly from the start, bring extra layers, and do not hesitate to take breaks in a heated vehicle if you need to warm up. Hypothermia is real, and there is no prize worth getting hurt.
A second mistake is not checking ice thickness before you go out. Lake Granby is usually safe by mid-December, but early-season ice can be thin and dangerous. Call the Parks and Recreation office or the marina to confirm ice thickness before the contest. Never assume ice is safe just because other people are on it — conditions can vary across the lake.
Third, many anglers forget to bring enough tackle or the right tackle for the species they want to catch. Pike need heavier line and larger lures; perch bite on small jigs. Bring a variety of sizes and types so you can adjust if one approach is not working. Running out of productive lures halfway through the day is frustrating and avoidable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Colorado fishing license to fish the contest?
Yes. Every angler must carry a valid Colorado fishing license, regardless of age or residency. You can buy a one-day license online or at sporting goods stores in Granby. The license is inexpensive and takes only a few minutes to purchase.
What if I have never ice fished before?
The contest is open to all experience levels. Arrive early, watch what other anglers are doing, and do not hesitate to ask questions — ice fishing communities are usually friendly and willing to help newcomers. Bring the right gear and dress warmly, and you will have a good day regardless of whether you catch a prize fish.
Can children fish in the contest?
Yes. Children can fish the contest, though they must follow all regulations and have a valid license (or fish under a parent's license, depending on state rules). Some years the contest offers reduced entry fees or free entry for children, so check the current rules.
What happens if the ice is not safe on contest day?
If ice conditions are unsafe, the contest may be postponed or cancelled. The Parks and Recreation Department will announce this decision as soon as possible. Check your email or the Town of Granby website the morning of the contest if you are concerned about conditions.
Can I fish anywhere on Lake Granby or are there restricted areas?
You can fish most of the lake, but some areas may be off-limits or restricted. Ask at the weigh station or the Parks and Recreation office when you arrive to confirm where you can fish. Staying in designated areas also keeps you safer and makes it easier for contest organizers to manage the event.