YETI Catch Wars

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

8:00 AM

In Round 1, one partner is the designated oarsman while the other partner fishes (catch & release) and the judge, well … judges. In Round 2, the two teammates switch roles and take on the Edwards to Wolcott stretch again. The more fish caught (and safely released!) the more points the team earns. 

IMPORTANT: Both team members must be registered by June 1, at 6:00 PM.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

8:00 AM: Anglers/Judges meet (location TBD). Rules and safety will be discussed.

9:00 AM: 1st Boat Launch Round 1  – boats will launch every five minutes until all boats are on the river.

12:15 PM: 1st Boat Launch Round 2 – boats will launch every five minutes until all boats are on the river.

3:05 PM: Last Boat at the take out

FORMAT & RULES:

•  A 2023 Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers – be prepared to show your license at the venue.
• All Colorado Fishing Rules & Regs (no more than 3 flies at one time) must be followed.
• 2-person teams (non gender-specific); each team member shall row the chosen stretch of river and each team member shall fish the chosen section of river. 
• Competitors MUST be experienced oarsman and capable of running Class 3+ to Class 4+ whitewater. 
• Competitors MUST know and be competent on this stretch of river. The Competition Specialist personnel will verify qualifications and/or competency.  
• There will not be whitewater safety personnel on the river. 
• Competitors must provide their own raft/cataraft with room for three people total. 
• This is a Catch and Release event. This is also a TEAM EVENT! Work together with your partner!
• Anglers must keep the fish alive and in good health until the judge can safely measure the fish.
• Anglers MAY NOT bank and/or wade fish. All fishing and landing of fish MUST occur from the boat.
• Your judge must record all three fish and you must provide a photo to document your three measured fish.
• Competitors may assist the judge with the measuring process to ensure safety of the fish.
• Measuring tube will be used to determine length of fish, pinching tail down is NOT permitted.
• Pinched barbs are required on ALL hooks – barbless hooks are also approved for use during the competition.
• Any fly rod is allowed!!! Each angler may have up to three rods, rigged if desired.
• All fly-fishing tackle is allowed with the exception of pegging! Only fish caught IN the mouth count!!!
• Judges make final call on whether or not the fish was hooked and landed fairly.
• Judges are not allowed to fish nor are they allowed to assist in the netting of any fish.
• Fly-fishing only. No lures, live baits, or artificially scented baits.
• Please obey all access and trespassing signage. No access to private property, even to measure a fish.
• Life jackets are mandatory. Anglers must provide their own PFD as well as an extra for judge.
• Maximum of 1.5 hours (90 minutes) from put in to take out.
• Start position within the 10 boats shall be randomly selected.
• Once on the water, boat position no longer matters. Only time matters.
• All or part of this event is conducted on Public Lands under a special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
• Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.

Scoring:

• Scoring will be a combination of number of TROUT caught and length of your three (3) measured fish. 
• You may only measure three fish in the tray. If one falls shy of the 12” minimum, no bonus will be awarded, but it will still count. 
• Each and every fish scores 10 points including the fish measured for length.
• On the measured fish, 10 bonus points per 1 inch, round to the nearest 1 inch. Examples: 12” fish equals 10 bonus points. 17” fish equals 60 bonus points. 20” fish equals 90 bonus points.
• Take pictures of all three (3) fish 12” or longer in fish tubes (measure and record).
• Late arrivals will be penalized 10 points per team per minute (unless river emergency). 

PRICE

EARLY BIRD PRICING // February 1 – April 5, 2023
$150

REGISTRATION PRICING // April 6-May 31, 2023
$160

EVENT PRICING // June 1 – June 8, 2023
$180

*1st person to register will serve as the captain and pay the full registration fee. Both team members must be registered by June 1, at 6:00 PM.

PAYOUT

TOTAL PURSE: $1,750

1st Place Team – $1,000 ($500 per person)
2nd Place Team – $500 ($250 per person)
3rd Place Team – $250 ($125 per person)

PRIZES

Prizes to be determined.