The Fish-On Ice Fishing Derby gets underway on February 18th on Fishing Lake near Wadena with 30 thousand dollars in prizes up for grabs. Today (Feb 15th) is the day you’ll want to register so you can save some money and be entered into a draw for an ice fishing auger and drill package. Up for grabs is a Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel 18V Li-ion Brushless Cordless Next Generation Hammer Drill Impact Driver Combo Kit with a Bass Pro Shops XPS Eze Drill Pro Ice Auger. Early bird registration is on until 4 p.m. today and is $75. Participants can enter the day of the derby, but the fee rises to $80 and you won’t be eligible for that prize package.

“Our grand prize is $15,000, our second prize is $5000, and we usually get about 500 to 600 fisherman,” explained organizer Carmen Sowa.

Sowa told CKRM that ice fishing shacks or any type of shelter will be permitted during the derby, but they can’t be moved onto the ice and set up prior to 8 a.m. on February 18th. Starting after 8 a.m. shelters and structures will be permitted.

“Bring your fishing lines and your favourite hooks, bring some bait, and, foremost, bring some ice cleats. We don’t have any snow out there, so it’s icy and we want everybody to stay standing,” Sowa recommended.

The derby opens up at 8 a.m. with fishing happening from noon to 4 p.m. on North Shore Fishing Lake, south of Kuroki, SK. Participants can CLICK HERE to get registered.