Colorado’s Eleven Mile State Park Hosts Ice Fishing Tournaments
OutdoorHub 01.30.12
The 2012 Sports Column Colorado Classic Ice Fishing Tournament, hosted by Colorado State Parks and produced by the 11 Mile Marina at Eleven Mile State Park, held the opening Grand Slam event on Jan. 7. The Grand Slam was the first in a three-contest series and 115 teams from all over Colorado competed for over $7,000.00 in prize money.
The big winners were John and Tyler Elwell from Woodland Park, taking the “Northern Pike” category in total weight and Big Fish Pot with a single pike weighing 15.09-lbs. for a combined cash prize of $1,207.00. Brandon White and Bryan Johnson of Salida captured the “Trout” category with four fish weighing 15.655-lbs., including the big trout of the day tipping the scales at 6.875-lbs., to take home $1,207.00.
The “Kokanee Salmon” category saw Matt Torrelli and EJ Kelley of Colorado Springs take first place with a 10 fish bag weighing 12.155-lbs. and worth $607.00. Kory Weaver and Jeremy Moore of Woodland Park took home $600 for the single biggest Kokanee, weighing 1.915-lbs.
The next contest in the series is the South Park Ice Masters Tournament, which will be held on Feb. 11. This trout-only team event is for the heaviest total weight for two fish in addition to the optional Big Fish Pot for the single heaviest fish of the day and 20% of the participating teams will win cash. Each winning team member receives the coveted Ice Masters green jacket, their name enshrined on the Traveling Trophy, and champion bragging rights to one of the most competitive ice fishing contests in Colorado. Lots of door prizes are given away at weigh in, including pairs of Avalanche tickets, tackle, dinners at local restaurants and more. Entry fees are $75 per team in advance and $95 on the day of the contest.
A valid daily or annual Colorado State Park pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. A valid Colorado fishing license is also required for all participants.
Park officials remind ice fishermen that ice thicknesses may vary considerably within relatively short walking distances. Anyone venturing out onto the ice should always go with a partner, drill test holes to determine ice thickness, wear a life jacket and carry ice picks, 50 feet of rope and a cell phone. Park rangers also recommend that anglers stay away from pressure ridges, open water and ice that are porous, soft or have granulated crystals.
For contest rules, details and entry forms go to 11milesports.com or call the 11 Mile Marina toll free at 1-877-725-3172. For Eleven Mile State Park information, call the office at 719-748-3401 or visit www.parks.state.co.us.
