Are you itching to get out on the lake and enjoy some ice fishing? Want to share your love of this winter sport with your favorite youngster? Or want to earn some bragging rights for being a master ice fisherman? Then head on up to Phelps, Wisconsin where the fishing is always good, no matter the season!
29th Annual Great Northern Ice Fishing Tournament
If you are looking for an ice fishing tournament with huge rewards, then the annual Great Northern Ice Fishing Tournament is for you! This family-friendly event is hosted every year by the Phelps Lions Club to raise funds for their many wonderful charities and community service programs. It’s not just a fun day on the ice, this is fishing for a cause!
The tournament is held off of the West boat landing on Lac Vieux Desert on Saturday, January 24th. The day includes two competitive events, the first from 8 a.m. until noon, and the second running from noon until 4 p.m. Prizes are awarded for multiple categories, which means all the better chance you have at taking home a title. Pair that with fantastic raffle prizes, and almost everyone wins!
The awards ceremony and raffles take place at the dinner following the tournament, to be held at the Derby Track in Eagle River. As this tournament is open to all ages with a low entry fee, this is a great way to get the whole family involved and introduce the art of ice fishing to the younger generations. Don’t consider yourself a competitive ice fisherman? Come on out anyway, because the Lions Club causes are well worth the fun!
Don’t Miss More Ice Fishing Tournaments in Phelps!
With some of the largest lakes in Vilas County, Phelps is an ideal destination for ice fishing and the perfect place for winter tournaments. Check out these other great ice fishing events in Phelps:
- Saturday, February 14th: The Northern Exposure Ice Fishing Tournament will take place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on North and South Twin Lakes.
- Saturday, February 21st: The Sand Lake Pub Ice Fishing Derby will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Big Sand Lake.
- Sunday, February 22nd: The Annual Kids Fishing Jamboree is held on the west shore of Lac Vieux Desert, providing a free and rewarding ice fishing experience for kids of all ages.
Take Advantage of Free Fishing Weekend!
If ice fishing tournaments aren’t your thing, or you are just testing the waters of this winter activity, visit Phelps on January 17th and 18th. This is Wisconsin’s free ice fishing weekend, with no license required. Find great fishing activity with amazing scenery at the following lakes
in Phelps:
- North Twin Lake
- South Twin Lake
- Big Sand Lake
- Long Lake
- Lac Vieux Desert
- Smoky Lake
As if these frozen waters don’t present enough fishing opportunities, Phelps is located in Vilas County, which is home to 1200 lakes of all sizes, shapes and possibilities!
And free fishing weekend offers more than just fun on the ice! When you have had your fill of fishing, check out the Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River, just a short ride from Phelps. This event is one of the largest in the area, drawing professional snowmobilers from all around the globe for over 50 years. What could be better than a weekend filled with ice fishing and snowmobiles? Not much!
Need Help Planning Your Ice Fishing Trip?
If you are looking for a place to stay, the best spot to find a good meal, or updated information on local fishing tournaments and events, the Phelps Chamber of Commerce is here to help! Just give us a call at 715-545-3800 and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have and point you in the direction of fishing bliss!
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