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Photos: Plenty of catches at 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest

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Youngsters show off the trout they caught during the 35th annual 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest. Participants drilled holes and dropped their lines in Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir from Jan. 27-29, 2023.
As the Crow Flies Production/Courtesy Photo

Despite lots of snow, participants in the 35th annual 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest were all smiles with their catches. The contest, hosted by Destination Granby, took place at Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29. Participants snowmobiled or trekked to their spots and enjoyed views of snow-covered pines across the ice.

Participants could pitch a tent away from the crowds if they wanted to enjoy the peace of the lake, or team up with others for a day of camaraderie. Rainbow, Mackinaw (lake) and brown trout swam beneath the ice, popping up to feed in the morning and afternoon, giving anglers a chance for that big catch.

After drilling his first few holes through the ice, participant Billy Van Hauen lowered a fish finder in the dark water to determine if he was at the right depth for his target — rainbow trout. Once he knew he was in the right spot, he set up his tent and settled in.

“I’ve never fished in a competition before, so it was nice to be a part of something,” Van Hauen said. “This is my first year ice fishing; it’s great being on the ice and the views are beautiful.”

Dogs bundled up like their owners to enjoy a day on the ice.
As the Crow Flies Production/Courtesy Photo

Although recent warm weather meant anglers didn’t have to fight negative temperatures, it also made conditions slushy and difficult to navigate. However, many anglers persevered, walking home with not only their catch, but money and raffle prizes. Both kids experiencing their first time ice fishing and veterans who had competed for years were able to reel in fish. Then it was time to head to the weigh station manned by Dan Shannon of Fishing with Bernie and Sarah Cichon-Douglas, the executive director of Destination Granby. Once all the catches were weighed the winners were announced.

For a full list of results, visit DestinationGranby.com.

3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest 1st place winners

Jan. 27

Mackinaw

First – Shane Parker, 2.335 lbs.

Second – Tucker Dahlin, 2.310 lbs.

Rainbow

First – Ralph Macchione, 3.265 lbs.

Second – Tom Brueggeman, 3.195 lbs.

Brown

First – Paul Dicks, 2.240 lbs.

Second – Ken Waber, 2.160 lbs.

Grand Slam (mackinaw, rainbow, brown, kokanee)

First – Nathan Macchione, 6.260 lbs.

Second – Earl Hall, 5.995 lbs.

Big Fish

Eric Kenealy

Youth 5 & Under

First – Braxton Biermann, 2.035 lbs.

Second – Alaska Rihel, 1.915 lbs.

Youth 6-9

First – Jaxson Hennington, 2.185 lbs.

Second – Gavin Beaver, 1.810 lbs.

Youth 10-14

First – Jasmine Martinez, 2.035 lbs.

Second – Maci Schaeffer, 1.840 lbs.

Youth 15-17

First – Tyler Harms, 2.010 lbs.

Second – Samuel Martinez, 1.390 lbs.

Jan. 28

Mackinaw

First – Chase Parker; 2.305 lbs.

Second – Dan Martinez, 2.280 lbs.

Rainbow

First – Ken Walter, 3.855 lbs.

Second – Dillon Zamora, 3.800 lbs.

Brown

First – Nathan Macchione; 3.130 lbs.

Second – Austin Howard, 2.660 lbs.

Grand Slam

First – Allen Macchione, 7.400 lbs.

Second – Brandon White, 7.305 lbs.

Big Fish

Cameron Turner

Youth 5 & Under

First – Braxton Biermann, 2.035 lbs.

Second – Alaska Rihel, 1.935 lbs.

Youth 6-9

First – Gavin Beaver, 1.795 lbs.

Second – Jax Martinez, 1.770 lbs.

Youth 10-14

First – Rider Hall, 1.990 lbs.

Second – Will Hennington, 1.900 lbs.

Youth 15-17

First – Connor Fails, 1.895 lbs.

Second – Samuel Martinez, 1.710 lbs.

Jan. 29

Mackinaw

First – Wayne Berg, 2.495 lbs.

Second – James Davis, 2.295 lbs.

Rainbow

First – Nick Melcher, 5.055 lbs.

Second – Lloyd Martinez, 4.355 lbs.

Brown

First – Jesse Zamora, 2.420 lbs.

Second – Rick Caputa, 1.955 lbs.

Grand Slam

First – Seth Reed, 6.165 lbs.

Big Fish

Ronnie Romero

Youth 5 & Under

First – Sadie Macchione, 1.750 lbs.

Second – Alaska Rihel, 1.695 lbs.

Youth 6-9

First – Regan Richardson, 1.755 lbs.

Second – Jax Martinez, 1.675 lbs.

Youth 10-14

First – Brian Segu, 1.775 lbs.

Second – Kale Rouleau, 1.720 lbs.

Youth 15-17

First – DJ Kohlwey, 2.005 lbs.

Second – Samuel Martinez, 1.720 lbs.

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