Ice fishing rods are usually short (18-24 inches long) and vary in stiffness depending on the type of fish you are pursuing. Some anglers build their own ice fishing rod from broken rods. Tip-ups are popular along the upper Mississippi River and on the Iowa Great Lakes to catch northern pike and walleye. Ice in lakes and rivers, a sheet or stretch of ice forming on the surface of lakes and rivers when the temperature drops below freezing (0° C 32° F). The nature of the ice formations may be as simple as a floating layer that gradually thickens, or it may be extremely complex, particularly when the water is fast-flowing.
Presented by River Run RV Resort
Join the Granby Chamber of Commerce for the 33rd Annual 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest, the longest-running ice fishing tournament West of the Mississippi. Ice fish on beautiful Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Grand Lake in Colorado. Enter for one, two, or all three days of the contest and vie for more than $22,000 in cash and prizes from Scheels, Clam, and more. Participants receive an official event hat (limited supply) and prize drawing entry. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Granby Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization that supports the Granby community.
Prices (valid December 1-January 31):
One Day – $60
Two Days – $70
Three Days – $75
Online Merchandise store
You can now stock up on your favorite 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest merchandise! Purchase your items online now and you’ll be able to pick them up in-person the weekend of the tournament (January 29-31, 2021). Online store will close on December 18.
Special Lodging Rates at River Run RV Resort
Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, River Run RV Resort, participants in the tournament receive special lodging rates during the contest. Rates valid 1-28-21 through 2-1-21. Two night minimum stay required.
Arrowhead Studio Cabin – $115 (use promo code 3LKS115)
Foxtail Studio with Loft – $125 (use promo code 3LKS125)
Bearclaw 2 Bedroom Cabin – $135 (use promo code 3LKS135)
Guidelines and Changes related to COVID-19
- We encourage everyone to register early and online.
- In order to comply with public health guidelines related to large gatherings, the Kickoff Party has been canceled.
- Award Ceremonies and prize package drawings will be held virtually on the 3 Lake Ice Fishing Contest Facebook page.
- Multiple door prize drawings will be done throughout each day and will be announced virtually.
- All contest announcements, including leaderboards and prize winners, will be made virtually on the 3 Lakes Ice Fishing Contest Facebook page and here on this webpage.
- The weigh station will be in a new location this year. Details to come.
- Social distancing will be implemented at the weigh station, with a limited number of people allowed inside at one time.
- Face coverings must be worn when inside any indoor/enclosed public space, including the weigh station.
- If the event is canceled for any reason, full refunds will be issued.
- More details coming soon. Please check this page for updates.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
R & J Liquors McDonough Law
Bronze Sponsors
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In This Section
Ice fishing in most New Hampshire lakes and ponds begins at “ice-in” and ends at “ice-out.” Depending on the weather and ice safety, this season can be from late December through mid-April. These types of waters support mostly warmwater fish populations, including perch, pickerel, black crappie and bass, with a few waters providing opportunities to catch brook, rainbow or brown trout through the ice.
Waters managed for lake trout and/or salmon have a defined season of January 1 through March 31. Remember: salmon may not be taken through the ice. Designated trout ponds are closed to ice fishing.
Ice Lakes
- See also:Free Ice Fishing Classes
This is fun! Tyler Vaillancourt of Belmont, NH, with a 21' largemouth bass caught in a small NH pond.
Photo courtesy of John Viar.
Videos About Ice Fishing
- See also: Fish and Game Channel
Q&A
QUESTION: How many ice fishing traps can be set per person?
ANSWER: On most NH waters, the general rule is 6 traps (lines) per person when ice fishing, with the following exceptions:
- You are allowed only 2 traps (lines) when fishing 'lake trout and salmon' lakes.
- Ice anglers are limited to 5 lines while ice fishing on NH-Maine border waters - except Great East Lake, which has a 2-line limit.
Two-line Limit
Here is a list of lakes where only 2 lines per angler are allowed:
| 2-Line Limit | ||
| Waterbody | Managed for | Managed for |
| Lake Trout | Landlocked Salmon* | |
| Connecticut Lake, First | X | X |
| Connecticut Lake, Second | X | X |
| Connecticut Lake, Third | X | |
| Conway Lake | X | |
| Dan Hole Pond, Big | X | X |
| Diamond Pond, Big | X | |
| Francis Lake | X | X |
| Granite Lake | X | |
| Great East Lake | X | |
| Greenough Pond, Big | X | |
| Merrymeeting Lake | X | X |
| Newfound Lake | X | X |
| Nubanusit Lake | X | X |
| Ossipee Lake | X | |
| Silver Lake (Harrisville) | X | |
| Silver Lake (Madison) | X | |
| Squam Lake, Big | X | X |
| Squam Lake, Little | X | X |
| Sunapee Lake | X | X |
| Winnipesaukee Lake | X | X |
| Winnisquam Lake | X | X |
| *Note - salmon may not be taken while ice fishing | ||
Safety on Ice Brochure
Articles from NH Wildlife Journal Magazine
- Ice-fishing Bluegill Blitz
- Icing Up Some Brookies
- Walking on Water
- Taming the Mighty Togue
- Have a Crappie Time Ice Fishing
- The Hottest Thing On Ice
Red Lake Ice Report
Information for Ice Anglers
Ice Lakes Colorado
- Leave No Trace On Our Lakes: Protect Lakes Even When They Are Hidden Beneath the Ice (Ice etiquette and water quality info from NH Department of Environmental Services & NH Fish and Game)