Cold weather arrived just in time to bring some new-year cheer for ice-fishermen. For those looking to add an element of competition to their sport, three contests are coming up shortly:
Jan. 8: The Colorado Classic Grand Slam Ice Fishing Tournament is the first leg of a three-part competition hosted by 11 Mile Marina in conjunction with Eleven Mile State Park. The other segments are conducted in February and March; competitors may participate in one or all. The January event offers competition for two-person teams in categories for trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike. Cash prizes will be awarded for each fish category and other side contests. For more information, go to or call the marina at 719-748-0317.
Jan. 8-9: The Lake John/ Cowdrey Lake Ice Fishing Contest is part of a North Park five-lake event. Call the Lake John resort at 970-723-3226 or North Park Chamber of Commerce at 970-723-4600 for registration.
Jan. 15: The annual Bob Taylor Memorial Ice Fishing Contest is on Antero Reservoir. The event honors the late Bob Taylor, Denver Water’s first manager of recreation and an avid angler. Fishermen will compete for prizes of $500, $250 and $100, as well as numerous door prizes. Early registration is $20 per person, and event-day registration is $30. To register or learn more about the event, log on to or call 719-748-0033.
Gill Trail parking reopens.
The lower Gill Trail parking area near Deckers has reopened after construction work to replace the Wigwam Creek culvert. The area provides the only authorized parking for fishermen walking into the South Platte River in lower Cheesman Canyon.
