Blue Mesa Ice Fishing Tournament

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s 2026 Blue Mesa Lake Trout Tournament runs January 1 through April 30 on Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado, situated just west of Gunnison at approximately 7,519 feet elevation. This is the fifth edition of the tournament, which operates as a harvest-incentive competition rather than a catch-and-release event: anglers harvest lake trout 24 inches or smaller, remove the heads, and submit them at collection points across the reservoir and at CPW offices in Gunnison and Montrose. A total of $10,000 in prize money is distributed to the 24 most productive anglers, with $3,000 going to first place, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and $500 for fourth. Every angler who does not finish in the top four is entered into a raffle, with one entry per head submitted, for one of twenty $200 prizes. All winners are notified by May 31, 2026.

Why This Tournament Matters Beyond the Prize Money

The ecological backstory here is genuinely compelling. Lake trout were introduced to Blue Mesa in the 1960s to create trophy fishing opportunities, but their population has grown large enough to threaten the reservoir’s kokanee salmon, which were also introduced and have become one of Blue Mesa’s most prized fisheries for trollers. In 2025, anglers submitted 2,770 lake trout heads, a tournament record, and the result was measurable: the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery collected almost 3.2 million kokanee eggs in the fall of 2025, its best haul in six years. CPW aquatic biologist Giulio Del Piccolo has described smaller lake trout as the primary kokanee predators, which is why the tournament specifically targets fish under 24 inches. The largest lake trout ever recorded, caught in Blue Mesa in 2023 by Gunnison angler Scott Enloe, weighed 73.29 pounds. That is the caliber of trophy fish this reservoir also produces.

Good to Know: Collection points are at the Elk Creek, Iola, and Lake Fork marinas at Blue Mesa Reservoir. Anglers must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. Heads must be submitted individually, not pooled with other anglers, and must be accompanied by a data slip completed in pencil available at each collection station. After removal, the fish must be prepared for human consumption.

Ice Conditions and Safety in 2026

CPW has noted that 2026 ice conditions have been variable, with early season coverage limited to the Iola Basin. The reservoir’s size and elevation create ice formation that depends heavily on sustained cold periods. Always verify conditions before driving onto the ice by checking with the marinas or the Gunnison CPW office. A personal safety kit should include an ice pick, rope, and whistle at minimum. Keep dogs on leashes near the ice edge and never allow them to run onto the frozen surface unsupervised. Motorized vehicles are permitted on the ice when conditions allow.

The Gunnison Valley Beyond the Reservoir

Gunnison, at 7,700 feet, is a working Western mountain town with a genuine independent restaurant scene along Tomichi Avenue and a compact downtown that serves both the university community and the outdoor recreation economy. Crested Butte, 28 miles north via Highway 135, is one of Colorado’s most intact historic ski towns, with a Main Street that rewards a slow afternoon browse. The Gunnison Valley ice fishing season also includes an annual tournament on Taylor Reservoir, offering anglers who make the drive an opportunity to combine two distinct mountain fisheries in a single trip. For those looking to stay near the water, Lake.com lists cabin and vacation rental options in the Denver area and broader Colorado Rockies region for trip-planning purposes, with Gunnison Valley properties available directly through local platforms.

Weather Reality: January temperatures in Gunnison are among the coldest in the contiguous United States. Average highs hover near 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows that regularly drop below zero. Dress in multiple waterproof layers, prioritize wind protection over insulation weight alone, and pre-heat your vehicle before loading equipment.