Wood Ducks by Bill Balmer

Brice Prairie Conservation Association

Preserving Lake Onalaska and the Black River Bottoms


BPCA Winter Fishing Derby

A Hardwater Tradition
winning fish board

The winning "Big Fish" Board, 2005

The BPCA held its 45th annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, February 5, 2005, a balmy 50-degree spring-like day on Lake Onalaska. Derby headquarters for registration, prizes, games, refreshments, food, and fun was the big white tent pitched at the former Red Sails Resort on Brice Prairie. The ice fishing derby is an important fundraising event for the BPCA, with proceeds being used for BPCA conservation and community projects. In addition, it provides a pleasant social and community activity. Entry fees for prizes were $1 for adults or 50 cents for kids, with derby fishing closing at 3:00pm. Prizes for the top four fish in each category were: $25, $15, $10, and $5.

A member's view of the scene: "... the weather was perfect, 50 degrees, sunny.... there was all the activity spread out on the ice...hundreds of cars... kids having snowball fights, ...ATVs.... it was just such a neat picture..." --Fred Funk

2005 Derby Fishing Results
  • Bluegill
    1. Renee Finck, Onalaska, WI - 265 Grams (0.58 lbs)
    2. Pete Steinmetz, La Crosse, WI -- 255 Grams (0.56 lbs)
    3. Mark Olson, Onalaska, WI -- 250 Grams (0.55 lbs)
    4. Brian Kitelinger, Platteville, WI -- 220 Grams (0.48 lbs)
  • Crappie
    1. Donn Konze, Holmen, WI - 710 Grams (1.56 lbs)
    2. Brad Burke, Holmen, WI -- 430 Grams (0.95 lbs)
    3. Brad Burke, Holmen, WI -- 415 Grams (0.91 lbs)
    4. Brad Burke, Holmen, WI -- 410 Grams (0.90 lbs)
  • Perch
    1. Luke Finco, Onalaska, WI - 515 Grams (1.13 lbs)
    2. Luke Finco, Onalaska, WI - 510 Grams (1.12 lbs)
    3. Glen Gilbertson, Onalaska, WI 500 Grams (1.10 lbs)
    4. Alan Pischke, Onalaska WI -- 355 Grams (0.78 lbs)
  • Bass
    1. Dave Johnson, Onalaska, WI - 4.38 lbs
    2. Bill Peterson, La Crosse, WI -- 4.13 lbs
    3. Paul Johnson, Genoa WI -- 3.11 lbs
    4. Jeff Mattie, La Crosse, WI -- 3.07 lbs
  • Northern Pike
    1. Jon Schroeder, Hokah, MN -- 11.56 lbs
    2. Travis Olson, La Crosse, WI -- 11.51 lbs
    3. Charlie Greene, La Crosse, WI -- 8.37 lbs
    4. Bill Kranski, Onalaska, WI -- 8.16 lbs
BPCA - Raffle Winners
  • Gun Raffle
    1. Les Seelye, Decorah, IA - Remington 30.06 or 270
    2. Rocky Dabelstein, Mabel MN - Henry Golden Boy 22
    3. Jim Murphy, Rooster Valley, MN -- Traditions Muzzle Loader
  • Cash Raffle
    1. Bob Nontelle, La Crosse - $500
    2. Joy Strelow, Onalaska - $250
    3. Dave Uehling, Onalaska - $150
    4. Ron Willard, West Salem - $100
  • Kids Bike Winner: Katie Hellerude
2005 Derby Sponsors

The BPCA gratefully acknowledges the support of the following donors to the 2005 Derby:

For more information, contact Marc Schultz: schultzmaat signcharter.net