Ice fishing tourneys
Well, as we move into February, the ice fishing season seems to be holding on, if only barely. Still many lakes, especially the larger ones that are either still not frozen or if they are it is marginal ice. Many of the lakes that have been frozen since November continue to put out fish, but they have been hit awfully hard. This most recent cold snap, and next week’s pending one will surely help conditions, if it does materialize.
For the first time in its 15 year history, the first two Perch Assault tournaments of the season were both held as walk out only. Originally scheduled for Middle Thompson, then changed to lower, organizers ruled out motorized traffic the Tuesday before the event after several anglers reported very thin ice in places. With safety always top priority, the change definitely forced some teams to rethink their strategy, and with wind and rain, those teams that left their ice houses home were in for a long day.
After all the teams had weighed in, Russ Geldrich and Chance Evenson came out on top, two and a half pounds ahead of the second place team of father and son, Steve and Zach Hill. Third place was Brendon Limpo and Mike Riggles, followed by Russ Owens and Gary Hembd in fourth and with fifth place going to another father and son team of Ken and Tyler Varga. Complete results can be pound on the Perch Assault Facebook page.
On another tournament subject, I received news this week that the Ryan Wagner Memorial Derby, scheduled for this weekend (Saturday Feb. 8) has been tentatively postponed to Feb. 22, due to circumstance out of the organizers control. This event is in its 22nd year and is an incredible fundraiser in Ryan’s memory. Tens of thousands in scholarships have been awarded since it’s inception and I honestly hope this event can still happen this year. If you need a great, family friendly derby to take the kids to, and for a good cause, this is always a good one! I’ll keep you posted.
The Fisher River Valley derby IS on for this weekend, so folks can head West this weekend and engage in one of the most challenging derbies in the valley on Saturday and Sunday. All the lakes in the Thompson Chain are eligible as are multiple species and classes. You can get more info by calling 406-293-3389 or 406-253-6255.
The following weekend, you have a choice of two derbies. The tournament scheduled for the 15th and 16th at The Lodge at McGregor Lake is still on as of this week, and the report is that the lake just iced upped on Tuesday, so let’s hope the ice keeps building between now and then. There are new owners at the lodge and I sincerely hope this goes as planned as it is an event enjoyed by hundreds every year. Big lake trout and rainbow trout are on the menu and there are always great prizes as well as cash payouts. Call 406-858-2253 for info.
OR, you can take the family down to Lake Mary Ronan on Saturday the 15th for the 20th anniversary of the Snappy’s LMR Family Fishing Derby at the Mountain Meadows Resort, just north of the state park. Chancy and the crew have been making this one of the more popular and fun ice fishing derbies in the state for the last 20 years, and is always a hit with the kids and adults alike. Sign up at Snappy’s or call 406-257-7525.
Region One puts on more ice fishing derbies than the rest of the state combined, and the reason is simple. Great fishing and great people wanting to make sure folks can get out and enjoy a great day on the ice, and these are just the ones over the next two weeks! I’ll see you on the ICE!