Lack of ice unlikely to affect fishing tournaments

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photo by Sally DiSciullo Sally DiSciullo caught this shot last Thursday at sunset. She reported that Lake Granby is starting to ice up. There is still a lot of open water in the middle but the edges are freezing nicely. It isn’t ready for people yet but it will be soon! The 3 Lakes Fishing Tournament hosted by the Granby Chamber of Commerce is slated for January 26-28.
photo by Sally DiSciullo Sally DiSciullo caught this shot last Thursday at sunset. She reported that Lake Granby is starting to ice up. There is still a lot of open water in the middle but the edges are freezing nicely. It isn’t ready for people yet but it will be soon! The 3 Lakes Fishing Tournament hosted by the Granby Chamber of Commerce is slated for January 26-28.

by Christy Parrott

One of the warmer winters on record is unlikely to affect ice fishing tournaments, but coordinators are taking precautions. The unseasonable temperatures have left Grand County with far less snow and, therefore, less ice. “The snow helps to insulate the ice,” Lake Skipper, Jeff Miller explains.

But it’s too early to panic. “I don’t think it’ll affect us,” Miller reassures. “The last spot froze over Wednesday, January 3rd, so we should have plenty for the tournament.” The Wolford Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest is scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, and includes a $10,000 prize for the largest winning tagged fish.

Still, Kacey Beres has rescheduled the 3rd annual Denver Water Warrior’s Scramble catch-and-release Ice Fishing Tournament from February 3rd to February 24th, just in case. The Warrior’s Scramble, held at William’s Fork reservoir, is the only pike fishing tournament in the area, according to Beres. Last year, a 40-inch pike took the grand prize of $1,000. Additionally, along with bragging rights, the winning team will receive a travelling trophy.

“It’s a fun day on the lake,” Beres says, “And you get to raise money for a great cause.”

The Warrior’s Scramble Tournament was established to benefit EMS workers and military veterans. This year’s earnings assist Pets For Vets, a national organization that provides service dogs capable of waking a veteran from a nightmare or proving medication reminders. For more information go to Petsforvetsinc@msn.com.

“We’ll know a week out if the lack of ice remains an issue,” Beres explains. “And we’re still looking for judges to help with the tournament.” Contact information can be found at the Warrior’s Scramble Facebook page.

With any luck, none of Grand County’s favorite winter past times will suffer, though some may be able to participate while wearing a T-shirt.