Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting all ice anglers to enjoy some wintertime fun and competition at Rifle Gap State Park during the 17th Annual Mountain Air Mechanical Rifle Gap Ice Fishing Tournament, Jan. 17 and 18. Co-sponsored with the Rifle Chamber of Commerce,
the two day-long tournament begins Saturday at 8 a.m through 3 p.m. The fun continues Sunday morning at 8 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony.
Anyone wishing to participate must register with the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce at http://rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com/events/. For more information about the tournament or to register by phone, call the Rifle Chamber at 970-625-2085.
Prizes will be awarded for largest rainbow trout, brown trout and yellow perch. Adults 18 and older can win cash prizes for the top five lengths for each species. The angler who catches the largest of the three species is automatically entered into a raffle to try to win $20,000. Youths 11-17 years old or 10 and under can win non-cash prizes.
“This is a great opportunity to enjoy ice fishing in a family-friendly setting and win some big prizes,” said Park Manager Brian Palcer. “Winning is part of the fun but everyone will enjoy beautiful scenery, good company and great fishing so we expect a large turnout.”
Palcer reminds everyone that whenever venturing onto ice, use caution, bring a partner and always drill test holes to determine ice thickness. Each angler should also wear a life jacket and carry ice picks, 50 feet of rope and bring a cell phone. Stay away from cracks, pressure ridges and slushy or darker areas that signify thinner ice, he said.
To learn more about being safe on the ice, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SurvivalIceSafety.aspx.
Anyone between 16 and 63 must have a valid Colorado fishing license. Anyone 64 and older can purchase a senior license for $1. To purchase a license online, visit www.co.wildlifelicense.com/start.php
A valid daily seven dollar daily, or $70 annual pass is required for all vehicles entering the park.
For more information about Rifle Gap State Park, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/riflegap, or call 970 -625-1607