Wood Ducks by Bill Balmer

Brice Prairie Conservation Association

Preserving Lake Onalaska and the Black River Bottoms


BPCA Winter Fishing Derby

A Hardwater Tradition

47th Annual Brice Prairie Ice Fishing Derby: Feb. 3, 2007

Winning Fish Board 2007

The winning "Big Fish" Board from the 2007 Derby
(Click to enlarge)

The BPCA held its 47th annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, February 3, 2007. Air temperatures of 3 below zero (F) combined with 20 knot west winds to make for a chilly afternoon on the ice, "just like old times", as one seasoned veteran was heard to comment. However, the cold weather didn't dampen the enthusiasm for this annual tradition! 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, and packed to capacity. 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.

Holmen Courier article: "Despite frigid temperatures, derby winner finds hot spot"

2007 Derby Fishing Results
  • Northern Pike: none
  • Bass
    1. 3.57 pounds, caught by: Kim Gorka, Holmen
    2. 1.73 pounds, caught by: Kim Gorka, Holmen

      3. (Kim donated her prize money back to BPCA - thanks Kim!)

  • Crappie
    1. 395 grams, caught by Jamey Justin, Onalaska
    2. 335 grams, caught by Tom Beirne, West Salem
    3. 330 grams, caught by Dale Lenz, Holmen
    4. 310 grams, caught by Jamey Justin, Onalaska
  • Perch
    1. 390 grams, caught by Tony Mayer, Brice Prairie
    2. 305 grams, caught by Tony Mayer, Brice Prairie
    3. 265 grams, caught by Glen Gilbertson, French Island
    4. 190 grams, caught by Tony Mayer, Brice Prairie
  • Bluegill
    1. 280 grams, caught by Nick Franke, Bangor
    2. 265 grams, caught by Nick Franke, Bangor
    3. 225 grams, caught by Nick Franke, Bangor
    4. 215 grams, caught by Anna Korb, Richland Center
BPCA - Raffle Winners
  • Cash Raffle
    1. $1,000 -- Carol Marking, Brice Prairie
    2. $400 -- Rick Loppnow, Alma
    3. $100 -- Jason Prinz
  • Gun and Gear Raffle
    1. Savage Rifle or $300 -- Jacqlons, Holmen
    2. Bow or $200 -- Bruce Von Berkum, Brice Prairie
    3. Bennelli Shotgun or $150 -- Nick Larson, Holmen
    4. Muzzle Loader or $100 -- Lonnie Pierce
    5. Ruger or $100 -- Mark Viner, Midway
    6. Gas Grill or $75 -- Corcoran
    7. Rod/Reel or $75 -- Bernie Koula, Chaseburg
  • Kids Bike Winner: Cody Wolk, Brice Prairie

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