Fishing to begin at noon near Eagle Lake access

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

When the weather gets its coldest, fishermen always look for that ray of sunshine. Something that gives them a bit of warmth, or a good fuzzy feeling inside (of course a new propane heater never hurts in giving a person a little extra heat this time of year). 

The Frazee Sportmans Club will give local residents an opportunity to enjoy a bit of warmth on the lake and in their heart as they converge on Eagle Lake on Saturday for the annual ice fishing derby. The event will be held from 12-4 p.m. near the Eagle Lake access. 

The event was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and organizers are excited for the opportunity for people to get back on the ice this year. 

“We are shooting for a family friendly event. The last time we were able to hold the derby we had an increase in the number of kids,” said Ashley Renollett, who is helping to organize the event.

The name of the game on Saturday will be fishing, but a number of prizes will be given away as part of the fishing derby as well. Some of the raffle prizes include an Aqua-Vu camera, JT custom rod and reel, an Otter sled, portable heater and 15 $20 cash prizes. There will also be cash prizes for the top three biggest pan fish and game fish for both the adult and kids (15 and under) categories.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Frazee Sportsman’s Club, but Renollett said the event doesn’t typically make a lot of money for the club. Instead, Renollett said the club hosts the event each year as a way to help provide a fun community event and bring people to town in the middle of winter.

“We really just want to keep the event going and give the community something to look forward to and have a fun way to bring people to the community,” she said.

The drawing and winners will be announced at the Third Crossing Bar and Grill at 5 p.m. In order to enter a person needs to purchase a raffle ticket for $10. Only 300 tickets will be sold. In the event the ice fishing derby is canceled due to ice conditions or weather, the drawing will still be held at the Third Crossing Bar and Grill.

For more information about the event, contact Ryan Pierce at (701) 866-1181.