Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic Tournament
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic at Ridgway State Park. Anglers of all ages are encouraged to participate.
About this Event
CPW will be awarding up to $20,000 for anglers who turn in smallmouth bass only during the duration of this tournament. Smallmouth bass are considered invasive in Western Colorado, and this is an opportunity for anglers to positively impact fisheries management by helping CPW remove them.
Tournament angling will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 5. Fish caught before the start of the tournament will not qualify. Tournament angling will conclude at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10. Anglers must have their catch of smallmouth bass for the tournament turned into the CPW tournament freezer located near the fish cleaning station at the Ridgway Reservoir boat ramp 6:00 p.m. on August 10 to qualify for tournament awards and prizes.
Other than the tournament start time and final check-in of fish, there are no time restrictions on angling during the tournament.
Registration before the event is not required. Participants wishing to compete for awards and prizes will register while turning in their fish into the tournament freezer. There is no tournament entry fee, but an Annual or Daily State Park pass is required to enter Ridgway State Park. Anyone 16 years and older will need a valid Colorado fishing license.
Full tournament rules will be available at the Ridgway State Park Visitor's Center and at the Montrose CPW Office (2300 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401)
Location
Related Events
Jul
9
Registration Required:
Please register for this event.
Delta OUT ‘Adventure Leadership Camp’
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Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Tuesday, November 11
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
As a thank you to U.S. military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and the National Guard free entry into Colorado state parks on Nov. 11, 2025.
Keep Colorado Wild Pass — Explore S’more
Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration to create sweet summer memories. The pass gives you entry to all state parks and supports wildlife conservation.
State Parks & Recreation—Your pass helps manage Colorado’s 42 state parks, including keeping them clean and building new trails and facilities.
Backcountry Safety—Your pass supports the volunteer and equipment needs of search and rescue professionals across Colorado and avalanche safety programs through the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Wildlife Conservation—Additional money raised not used for state parks and outdoor safety will be used to support the State Wildlife Action Plan, which helps fund wildlife and habitat conservation work for the 960 species that CPW manages.
Local Communities—Your pass supports our natural resources and helps grow outdoor accessibility and educational programs in local communities.