Ice fishing has recently become a popular past time during the winter months. This method of fishing involves cutting a hole in the ice crust and dropping your line into it in hopes of catching something. The task can be a chilly one, so many choose to use a hut on the ice to help keep them warm from the winter elements. Plenty of ice fishing tournaments events happen during the Rockie’s snowy season, including the annual Ice Fishing Derby at Saratoga Lake in Wyoming.
Prizes of up to $35,000 are a big draw for this annual derby, including cash as well as merchandise. The Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby is one of the most popular annual events in Carbon County, Wyoming, and attracts fishermen from all over the United States. Tagged fish are fed into the lake and each one offers a different cash prize if caught. Three trout will have special tags that will bring in a hefty cash prize. You’ll want to keep an eye out for the Bounty Fish with a pink tag on its dorsal fin. One lucky winner will bring in huge cash prizes for this catch… let the games begin!
Cash rewards are also offered for achievements such as the longest fish caught each hour. The Derby is held on the 3rd weekend of January every year and is a two-day celebration of all that is ice fishing. Saratoga Lake covers over 142 miles with tons of fun accommodations for everyone, even if you are not registered in the Derby.
Registration is a bit of a set back with a fee of $35 per person, but with the huge cash prizes for a multitude of feats, it’s definitely worth it. Bring out the whole family of ice anglers! Kids under 14 can participate in the Small Fry Derby, which still has some good cash prizes and is only $10 to register. Even if you’re not fishing yourself, there will be vendors with food and beverages to keep your belly full while observing all the fishing fun. Cheer on your friends and family and help them beat out the competition in this annual event!
If you want to give fishing a try but aren’t quite ready to head out in the winter months, give Fly Fishing Colorado a call at 970-423-7031. Spend your morning fishing the Upper Colorado River – an experienced guide will help you learn to tie flies, show you some hidden spots for great fish catching, as well as give you all the skills needed to start your fly fishing adventuring!
*Featured image courtesy of Pitchengine.