Anglers aged 12 and older must have a valid Utah fishing license to participate, and those attending events at state parks will need to pay entrance fees. Safety is also a top priority, and participants are encouraged to review ice safety tips on the Utah State Parks website before heading out.

Here’s a look at some of this winter’s must-attend tournaments:

Burbot Bash

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Jan. 24-26, 2025

The Burbot Bash, hosted by the Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce, targets the burbot, a predatory fish impacting other sportfish species. Participants can win thousands in prizes for catching the most, largest, smallest, and tagged burbot. Registration opens Jan. 1 at the Burbot Bash website.

East Canyon Ice Fishing Derby with Fins & Fur

East Canyon State Park

Feb. 8, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This contest awards cash prizes for the top four fish, with additional hourly awards for the biggest catch. Registration is $50, excluding the park entrance fee. Sign up on Eventbrite.

Ice Addiction Tournament

Steinaker Reservoir

Jan. 25, 2025 | 8 a.m. to noon

Part of a multi-state series hosted by Tightline Outdoors, this event offers opportunities for anglers to compete locally and regionally. More details are available on the Tightline Outdoors website.

Mac Attack Derby

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Feb. 15-17, 2025

This tournament focuses on reducing small lake trout populations. Registration is $50, and prizes include cash for tagged fish and categories based on weight. Learn more at the Buckboard Marina website.

Millsite On Ice Fishing Tournament

Millsite State Park

Jan. 10-11, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 10th annual tournament features two-person and single-person events, including youth and women’s categories. Prizes will be awarded for longest and tagged fish. Details and registration are available on the Millsite on Ice website.

Monster Cisco Disco & Tournament

Bear Lake State Park

Jan. 25, 2025 | 6 a.m. to noon

Part of the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, this event celebrates the Bonneville cisco, a fish found only at Bear Lake. Prizes are awarded for the biggest cisco. Participation is free, but park entrance fees apply. Find more at the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest website.

Quadfishathon

Multiple Locations

Compete at four state parks–Lost Creek, East Canyon, Rockport, and Echo–for $50 per location or $150 for all four. Fees include park entry. Tournament dates are:

– Jan. 18: Lost Creek State Park

– Jan. 19: East Canyon State Park

– Feb. 1: Rockport State Park

– Feb. 2: Echo State Park

Visit the Parks Pass website for more information.

Steinaker Youth Ice Fishing Derby

Steinaker State Park

Feb. 1, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This free youth-focused event, sponsored by Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah, awards prizes for various categories, including heaviest and smallest fish by age group. Uintah County Tourism covers park entry for one vehicle per participant. Register by Jan. 29 on Eventbrite.

Ice Fishing Clinic

DWR Price Office

Jan. 11, 2025 | 10 a.m. to noon

New to ice fishing? Learn the basics at this free clinic, covering safety, equipment, lure selection, and techniques. Register in advance on Eventbrite.

Stay Updated

Due to weather variability, some tournaments may be postponed or canceled if ice conditions are unsafe. Participants should monitor event websites and email updates.

For additional tips, tournament rules, and registration details, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.