Get ready to cast your lines, the Elkhead Reservoir Fishing Classic is set to commence on June 21. Anglers from novice to experienced are invited to join the annual event taking place at Elkhead Reservoir State Park, where nearly $10,000 in prizes beckon the competitive spirit. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that the week-long competition starts bright and early at 6:30 a.m. on the inaugural day.
The tournament spans nine days, concluding on June 29, when participants must present their catch of northern pike or smallmouth bass by 3:00 p.m. to be eligible for rewards. There are no limitations on the size or number of these particular fish species anglers can bag, making the event a prime opportunity for those aiming to score multiple wins. As per the event details, one fish from each of two categories, northern pike and smallmouth bass, will be tagged and released before fishing starts, netting the lucky angler who reels them in $1,500 for each tagged catch.
In addition to the tag-specific prizes, the competition spotlights the anglers who land the most northern pike and smallmouth bass during the event with a $750 prize per category. Daily prizes will also be awarded that including: the smallest and largest fish of the day, and the most fish caught per day for each species. These recognitions will be dispersed after 5:00 p.m. from June 21 to 28, and the final day's awards will be handed out at 3:00 p.m., according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Gage Dean, Area Aquatic Biologist, expressed enthusiasm about the tournament, stating, "We are looking forward to another great tournament," as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He highlighted the significance of this event for fishery management, aiming to boost populations of sportfish like largemouth bass and tiger muskie, which in turn supports conservation efforts for native fish in the Yampa River basin. Registration for the tournament isn’t mandatory before the event begins, but to vie for awards and prizes, anglers must register upon arrival at the park or, when submitting their first catch at the CPW fish scanning station. Although there is no entry fee for the tournament, all visitors to Elkhead State Park must have a valid State Park pass, and anglers aged 16 and older are required to possess a Colorado fishing license.
