5th Annual Taylor Park Marina Ice Masters
Rules and Regulations
Event Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 (update as confirmed) Tournament Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Check-In: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Location: Designated fishing area on Taylor Reservoir (set by Tournament Managers)
General Contest Rules
- No drilling holes until after the National Anthem is sung at 8:00 AM.
- No culling and no live wells allowed.
- No pre-setting huts or gear prior to registration. All contestants must register first before placing any gear in the tournament area. Sponsors are exempt and may set up huts only the day prior (Friday, February 27, 2026) from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
- Contestants 16 and older must present a valid Colorado Fishing License and Registration Number to be eligible for registration, prizes, or weigh-ins. Contestants under 16 must provide a Registration Number only.
- All Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) fishing rules and regulations apply, including bag and possession limits for adults and children under 16. Any violation of CPW rules on Taylor Reservoir waters will result in disqualification.
- Only one cash prize will be awarded per contestant in the main contest, unless also entered in the Big Fish Competition (which is in addition).
- Stomach contents are subject to examination by Tournament Officials.
- Gutting or any alteration of fish will result in immediate disqualification.
- Taxes, licenses, setup fees, and transportation for prize pickup/delivery are the responsibility of the winners. Cash prizes will be awarded the day of the event. Winners receiving over $600 must complete a W-9 form before receiving payment.
- Anglers must fish within the one large predetermined area set by Tournament Managers. Anglers may move freely within the boundaries. Fishing outside the designated area will result in disqualification.
- Winners are determined by the combined weight of three fish (any species), each under 24 inches. Only fish under 24 inches qualify for weighing, regardless of state regulations. Weight is measured to hundredths of a pound (e.g., 4.28 lbs).
- One upgrade per contestant is allowed (by weight only). Upgrades must be species to species (e.g., mackinaw to mackinaw allowed; rainbow to mackinaw not allowed).
- Only fish checked at a designated weigh station will qualify.
- All fish must be caught on the day of the tournament and brought to the weigh station alive. No frozen fish accepted. Contestants may release fish at designated weigh stations. If kept, fish must be marked before leaving the weigh station.
- Handle all fish carefully. Release any fish over 24 inches.
- Huts are allowed, with a maximum of four competitors per hut. All participants must follow the sportsman’s code. Any suspicious activity may result in forfeiture at the discretion of Tournament Managers. Honorable, honest, and patriotic conduct is required to preserve the future of this event.
- Ice holes must not exceed 10 inches in diameter.
- Extra rods are allowed if the contestant holds the proper Colorado qualification.
- Unregistered anglers in your party will disqualify you. Registrations are non-transferable.
- Maximum of 100 contestants.
- Fishable waters are limited to the designated areas set by Tournament Managers.
Prizes (Main Contest)
- 1st Place: $2,500 cash
- 2nd Place: $1,000 cash
- 3rd Place: $500 cash
- Raffle (values over $2,500 available)
Must be present to win raffle prizes. Only registered contestants with numbers qualify.
Big Fish Competition
- Honor system — sportsmanlike conduct only.
- Catch and release for all species over 24 inches.
- $500 added cash prize (sponsored).
- Additional $25 cash entry fee required (paid before 8:00 AM).
- Winner take all.
- Must provide a time-stamped photo of the qualifying fish for verification.
- Score is calculated by combining length (tip of mouth to closed tail) and girth (widest part, usually in front of or behind the dorsal fin).
- Cash awarded regardless of number of entrants. Tournament Officials judge proper verification (more proof is better).
- All Big Fish entrants must also be registered in the main tournament.
- Big Fish competitors may call in for official measurements.
Note on Parking: Trailer parking may be limited in the marina lot—avoid driving trailers down the hill. Use spots on County Road 742 or the public lot near Taylor Park Trading Post. Courtesy rides to the designated fishing areas will be available.
