Northwest Wisconsin Ice Fishing: Anticipation Soars with First Bite

Spend a day on the ice with family and friends looking for fish that aren’t social distancing. When you find them, reel them in, and claim a prize at one of the Northwoods’ iconic ice fishing contests. Polk County has several of those events for all ages. Contest scheduling is dependent on COVID-19 restrictions, if any.

The St. Joseph annual ice fishing contest, January 31 on North Twin Lake in Polk County, offers more than 100 door prizes, as well as the largest fish prize and raffle prizes. Fishing hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids have their own fishing contest. Call 715-268-7717 for more information.

The next month brings the Wanderoos Area Lions Club’s ice fishing contest. Set for February 6, from 9 a .m. to 3 p.m., it will be held on Lake Wapogasset. Prizes will be award to first, second, and third place in six divisions: sunfish, crappie, northern pike, bass, perch, and walleye. Door prizes and kids’ fishing event are in store. Go to wanderoos.org for updates.

There are a couple more contests to consider in Polk County, including Big Lake Ice Fishing Contest over by Osceola on Saturday, February 20. Mork’s Big Lake Store sponsors it. Fish from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hundreds of door prizes will be awarded, as well as cash prizes for first through third place for panfish, bass, walleye, and northern pike, and other prizes also. There’s also a kids’ contest. Proceeds go toward walleye stocking. Call 715-294-2342 for details.

February 21 rolls out the 60th Annual Lake Magnor Ice fishing contest by Clayton. Fishing hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with cash prizes for various fish species, along with door prizes and raffles. Food and beverages will be sold on the ice. Gift bags will be available for the kids. Go to the Richardson Sportsman Club, Inc., Facebook page for details and updates. There is also a polar plunge the same day, sponsored by the club and supported by the fire department and first responders. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.