The tournament runs each year in late spring, drawing anglers to one of Colorado's most productive trout fisheries

Spinney Mountain Reservoir, located in Park County near the town of Hartsel, hosts an annual trout tournament that typically takes place in May or early June. The exact dates shift year to year, so you'll need to check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the local outfitters who run the event before you plan your trip. The tournament is open to anglers of all skill levels, and the reservoir's reputation for healthy rainbow and brown trout populations makes it worth the drive from most of Colorado's Front Range communities.

The tournament format is straightforward: you fish during the designated window, keep track of your catch, and submit your results at the end. Most years, prizes go to the largest fish in several categories, and sometimes there are team divisions as well. Because Spinney Mountain is a high-altitude reservoir — sitting at about 9,600 feet — the fishing conditions and what works change noticeably from spring through early summer, so timing matters both for the tournament and for your own success.

Key Takeaways

  • Spinney Mountain Reservoir's tournament typically runs in late May or early June, but dates vary each year and you should confirm the current year's schedule with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
  • The reservoir is known for large rainbow and brown trout, and the tournament is open to anglers of all experience levels.
  • You will need a valid Colorado fishing license and a Spinney Mountain Reservoir daily permit to fish the tournament.
  • The reservoir sits at high altitude with cold water year-round, so bring appropriate clothing and be prepared for weather changes throughout the day.
  • Most tournament winners use small spinners, tube jigs, or fly-fishing techniques, depending on water conditions and the time of day.

Getting your permits and licenses in order

Before you can fish Spinney Mountain Reservoir, you need a Colorado fishing license valid for the current year. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website, at sporting goods stores, or at many local outfitters near the reservoir. Licenses come in one-day, five-day, and annual options; if you plan to fish more than once or twice a year, the annual license pays for itself quickly.

In addition to your fishing license, Spinney Mountain Reservoir requires a separate daily permit that you purchase on-site or in advance. The permit fee is modest — typically under $10 — and it funds maintenance and management of the reservoir. The permit is non-transferable, so each angler needs their own. You can usually buy permits at the reservoir's entrance station or at nearby fly shops in Hartsel or Woodland Park. Call ahead to confirm the current fee and whether advance purchase is available, since staffing at the entrance station can vary.

What to bring and how to prepare for high-altitude fishing

Spinney Mountain's elevation means the weather can shift dramatically in a few hours. Bring layers — a base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a windproof jacket — even if the morning feels mild. The sun is intense at altitude, so sunscreen and a hat are essential. Bring more water than you think you'll need; the dry air and exertion dehydrate you faster than you expect.

For tackle, pack small spinners in sizes 0 and 1, tube jigs in white and natural colors, and if you fly-fish, bring small nymphs and dry flies in sizes 16 to 20. The water is cold and clear year-round, so fish tend to be cautious and prefer smaller presentations. Bring polarized sunglasses — they cut the glare off the water and let you see fish before you cast. A net is useful but not required; many anglers land fish by hand or beach them on the shore.

The reservoir has a boat launch and a shoreline accessible by foot. If you don't have a boat, you can fish from shore along much of the perimeter, though some of the best water requires a small boat or float tube. Check current conditions and any temporary closures with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you go, as water levels and access points can change seasonally.

Tournament rules and how scoring typically works

Most years, the Spinney Mountain tournament awards prizes based on the largest fish caught during the tournament window, with separate categories for rainbow trout and brown trout. Some tournaments also have a team division or a youth category. You keep your own record of fish caught and their approximate weights, then submit your results at the end of the tournament day or by a specified deadline.

Rules usually prohibit live bait and restrict you to artificial lures or flies only. Check the specific tournament rules for the year you're fishing, as they can vary slightly. The tournament organizers — typically Colorado Parks and Wildlife in partnership with local outfitters — publish detailed rules on their website or at the reservoir entrance before the event begins. If you're new to tournament fishing, reading the rules carefully beforehand saves confusion on the water.

When to fish and what conditions favor success

Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times at Spinney Mountain, just as they are at most trout reservoirs. Fish are more active when the sun is lower and the water is cooler. Overcast days often fish better than bright, sunny days, because the fish are less cautious when there's cloud cover.

In late May and early June, when the tournament usually runs, the water temperature is usually in the 50s Fahrenheit — cold enough that fish move slowly but active enough that they feed regularly. The reservoir's shallow areas warm faster than the deep water, so early in the season, fish often congregate in slightly deeper water where the temperature is more stable. As the day warms, they may move shallower to feed, then retreat to deeper water again in the afternoon.

Wind can be a factor at Spinney Mountain, especially in spring. A moderate wind can actually improve fishing by breaking up the surface and making fish less wary. A strong wind makes casting difficult and can make the water too rough for sight-fishing, so if the wind picks up significantly, focus on areas that offer some shelter.

Nearby services and where to stay

Hartsel, about 20 minutes from the reservoir, has a few small lodges, cabins, and RV parks. Woodland Park, roughly 45 minutes away, offers more options for lodging and dining. If you're coming from Denver or the Front Range, the drive is about two to three hours depending on where you start. Many anglers make it a day trip, arriving early and leaving in the evening.

Local fly shops near the reservoir — particularly in Hartsel and Woodland Park — stock tackle, sell permits, and can give you current information about what's working on the water. The staff at these shops often fish Spinney Mountain themselves and can offer advice specific to the week you're visiting. They're also good sources for information about the tournament itself, including any last-minute changes to dates or rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Spinney Mountain tournament?

No. You can fish from shore along much of the reservoir's perimeter, and many anglers catch fish without a boat. A boat or float tube gives you access to more water and deeper areas, but it's not required to participate in the tournament or to catch trout.

What's the best technique for catching trout at Spinney Mountain?

Small spinners and tube jigs work consistently, and fly-fishing with nymphs is effective if you have that skill. The key is matching the size of your lure to the size of the natural food in the water — small presentations usually outfish larger ones. Ask at a local fly shop what's been working in the week before you fish.

Can I keep the trout I catch during the tournament?

Yes. Spinney Mountain Reservoir allows you to keep trout within Colorado's standard daily limit, which is typically 10 trout per day. Check the current regulations on Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website before you go, as limits can change.

How far in advance do I need to register for the tournament?

Registration requirements vary by year. Some tournaments allow you to register on the day of the event, while others require advance registration. Check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the tournament organizers for the current year's registration details and any deadlines.

What should I do if the weather turns bad during the tournament?

Bring appropriate rain gear and be prepared to leave the water if lightning threatens. Spinney Mountain is exposed at high altitude, so thunderstorms can develop quickly in late spring and early summer. If you see lightning or hear thunder, get off the water immediately and seek shelter.