Maple Lake Fishing Derby Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Big Prizes, Ice Fishing Fun

(KNSI) – The Maple Lake Fishing Derby is going all out for its 50th birthday next month.

Derby Chairman Greg Thomes has been to 48 of them. “I’m kind of the old guy on the ice,” he laughs. But he adds he has had the good fortune of watching it grow. “It’s changed from being just kind of a small community event to a statewide, large event.”

Between 10,000 to 12,000 anglers come to compete.

Thomes explained it takes a village. “We have up to a couple hundred volunteers. People plan their honeymoons and their vacations around this. It’s just a fun event.”

One thing that sets this event apart is allowing fish houses on the ice.

Fishing takes place from noon to 3:00 p.m. on February 8th. Tickets are $10 each and are good for one fish. If you like to register multiple fish, you will need a ticket for each one. Tickets can be purchased at local bait shops, businesses in Maple Lake and on the ice the day of the event.

This year, they’re giving away an Ice Castle fish house for the 50th largest northern pike. People can also buy raffle tickets to win an Ice Castle. There are 50 other prizes like lithium-powered ice augers, portable ice shelters, filet knives and a lot of ice fishing clothing. There are also nearly 300 door prizes.

Afterward, there will be an ice auger hole drilling contest and a party on the ice with a live band.

For more information, click here.

___