The Boysen Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournament draws anglers to central Wyoming each winter
The Boysen Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournament is an annual winter event held on Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni, Wyoming. The tournament typically runs in late January or early February, though the exact dates shift year to year depending on ice conditions. Anglers fish for walleye, perch, and pike through holes in the ice, competing for cash prizes and bragging rights in a community event that has drawn participants for decades.
The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which manages the reservoir and sets the rules for the event. Entry fees are modest — usually between $25 and $50 per angler — and the prize pool is distributed among top finishers in different categories. The event draws both serious competitors and families looking for a winter fishing outing, and it remains one of the most reliable ice fishing tournaments in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The tournament runs in late January or early February each year, with dates announced by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department based on ice thickness and safety conditions.
- You must hold a valid Wyoming fishing license to enter, and the reservoir has specific slot limits and daily bag limits that apply during the tournament.
- Boysen Reservoir sits at 5,000 feet elevation in central Wyoming, about 30 miles south of Thermopolis, and ice conditions can change rapidly.
- Most anglers fish from dawn to mid-afternoon, and the tournament typically concludes with a weigh-in and awards ceremony at a local venue near the reservoir.
- Preparation matters: bring a working ice auger, shelter, and layers, because weather on the reservoir can turn cold and windy without warning.
When the tournament happens and how to find the dates
The Boysen Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournament does not run on a fixed calendar date. Instead, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department announces the tournament dates once ice conditions are safe — typically when the ice reaches 4 to 6 inches thick across the fishing areas. This usually falls in late January or early February, but the exact timing varies by winter.
To find the current year's dates, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Thermopolis Regional Office directly at (307) 864-3143. They can tell you whether the tournament is scheduled, when it runs, and what the current ice conditions are. You can also check the department's website or call ahead to local bait and tackle shops in Shoshoni or Thermopolis, which often have tournament details and can advise on ice safety.
What you need to fish the tournament
You must hold a valid Wyoming fishing license to enter the tournament. Licenses are sold online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at many gas stations and convenience stores throughout the state. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are only planning to fish the tournament.
Beyond the license, you will need ice fishing gear: an ice auger (hand-crank or powered), a fishing rod rated for ice fishing, line, hooks or jigs, and a bucket or sled to haul your catch. Many anglers bring a portable shelter or tent to block wind and cold, a propane heater for the shelter, and a cooler to keep fish fresh. Boysen Reservoir is large and exposed, so wind protection is not optional — it is essential for both comfort and safety.
Bring extra clothing in layers: thermal underwear, insulated pants and jacket, a hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. The reservoir sits at 5,000 feet elevation, and winter temperatures often drop below zero at night. Even on a mild day, wind chill can make conditions dangerous if you are unprepared.
Fishing regulations and what fish count
Boysen Reservoir has year-round slot limits and daily bag limits set by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Walleye, perch, and pike are the primary tournament species. The current regulations allow anglers to keep a certain number of each species per day, but some sizes are protected — for example, walleye within a certain length range may have to be released. These rules apply during the tournament just as they do the rest of the year.
Before the tournament, check the current regulations on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or call the Thermopolis office. Rules can change from year to year, and tournament organizers will brief all participants on any special rules or protected species before fishing begins. Violating bag limits or slot restrictions can result in fines and disqualification from the tournament.
How the tournament scoring works
Most ice fishing tournaments at Boysen use a weight-based scoring system: the angler with the heaviest total catch in their category wins that category's prize. Categories typically include men, women, and youth, though the exact breakdown depends on the year. Some tournaments also award prizes for the largest single fish or the most fish caught.
The weigh-in usually takes place in the afternoon at a designated location near the reservoir, often at a local community center or bait shop. You must bring your fish to the weigh-in to claim your catch — fish left on the ice or at home do not count. Organizers will record the weight, verify that fish meet size and bag limit rules, and announce winners at an awards ceremony the same day or shortly after.
Getting to Boysen Reservoir and where to stay
Boysen Reservoir lies about 30 miles south of Thermopolis, Wyoming, accessible via Wyoming Highway 20. The drive from Casper takes roughly 90 minutes; from Cody, about two hours. The nearest towns with lodging are Thermopolis and Shoshoni. Thermopolis has motels, cabins, and a hot springs resort; Shoshoni is smaller but closer to the reservoir.
Many anglers camp at Boysen State Park, which has campgrounds open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold and wind. Camping spots fill quickly during the tournament, so book ahead if you plan to stay overnight. If you prefer not to camp, book a motel room in Thermopolis well in advance — tournament weekends draw visitors from across Wyoming and neighboring states.
What to expect on tournament day
Tournament fishing typically begins at dawn and runs until mid-afternoon, giving anglers 6 to 8 hours on the ice. You will be fishing alongside dozens of other anglers spread across the reservoir, each working their own holes. The atmosphere is usually friendly and social — ice fishing tournaments are as much about community as competition.
Bring food and water; there are no concessions on the ice. Many anglers pack a thermos of hot coffee or soup and sandwiches. If you are fishing with a shelter, you can warm up between active fishing periods. The weigh-in happens in the afternoon, and winners are announced shortly after. Even if you do not place, the event often includes a raffle or door prizes for participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pre-register for the tournament?
Most years, yes — you register and pay your entry fee before the tournament date, either online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or at a local tackle shop. A few tournaments allow day-of registration, but spots may be limited. Contact the Thermopolis Regional Office to confirm registration details for the current year.
What if the ice is not thick enough and the tournament is cancelled?
If ice conditions are unsafe, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will postpone or cancel the tournament and refund entry fees. They prioritize angler safety over the event schedule. If you have already paid and the tournament is cancelled, you will receive a refund or credit toward next year's entry.
Can I fish Boysen Reservoir outside the tournament?
Yes. Boysen Reservoir is open to public fishing year-round with a valid Wyoming license. Ice fishing is possible whenever ice is thick enough and safe. The tournament is just one event; you can fish the reservoir on your own any winter day that conditions allow.
What if I have never ice fished before?
The tournament welcomes beginners. Many local anglers are happy to share tips, and tackle shops in Thermopolis can rent or sell ice fishing gear and advise on technique. Start with simple jigs and live bait, fish near other anglers where you can watch what works, and do not hesitate to ask questions.
Are there youth or family divisions?
Most years, yes — the tournament includes youth categories and sometimes family teams. Check with the organizers when you register to confirm what divisions are available for the current year.