Big Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Contributed by Deb Kirk, Administrative Assistant
Big Lake Chamber of Commerce
The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce kicks off its SIXTH ANNUAL ICE FISHING February 20 & 21 with two days of fun and prizes for all ages. The family-friendly event promotes the sport of Ice Fishing in the Mat-Su Borough community and encourage families to participate in a healthy outdoor event.
Last year’s derby had more than 200 anglers and organizers this year are expecting an even bigger crowd. Why? Because we’ve added a little more excitement!
This year’s event is scheduled to happen surrounding the energy of the Iron Dog restart and promises tons of fun to make it a memorable weekend for all.
In addition to the Angling and the Iron Dog restart, the 2016 festivities include the Big Lake Trails (BLT) Family Fun Run! There will be checkpoints set up on the lake from 11:30 am until 4 pm on Saturday. Don’t have a snow-machine for the fun run? No worries! Make the checkpoints the best way you can on your four-wheelers or your feet! Just make them! And get back to the main event tent to get your cards entered by the 4pm deadline for the BLT awards at 4:30 pm on Saturday the 20th to win cash and prizes from BLT!
The Big Lake Derbies are designed for anglers of all ages. Cash prizes are awarded to 1st through 3rd place winners in the adult categories, Trout, Dolly & Women’s. Trophies are awarded to youth 1st through 3rd place in both Dolly and Trout categories. There are two youth age divisions, 10 to 15 & 9 and under.
The Big Lake Chamber does have a limited amount of gear available for those who may need to borrow a pole and plenty of manpower to drill ice holes for anyone!
There’s MORE! The Big Lake Chamber, thanks to Arctic Cat, has added a tagged-fish element to the traditional derby and raffle event. The prizes are going to be fantastic! Arctic Cat has sponsored a prize package valued at $20,000. You pick your prize! One of two options will be available to that lucky angler: a 2016 HDX700 loaded with options or a 2016 Wildcat! All you have to do is CATCH THE TAGGED FISH.
This year’s raffle prizes include a ShoreMaster kayak valued at $1000 courtesy of Burkeshore Marina, a Klim jacket with the Iron Dog Logo courtesy of Iron Dog, a Custom Ice Fishing Yurt courtesy of Steve’s Toyo Stove and a Stingray s33 Ice Auger courtesy of Alaska Industrial Hardware! More prizes will be rolling in between now and the derby. There are lots of chances to WIN BIG!
Remember you don’t have to fish to win and you don’t have to win the top prize to have fun! Arctic Cat will be out there with us offering demo rides (weather permitting) and our proud sponsor Country Legends 100.9 may pay us a visit on Sunday the 21st. 2016 Big Lake Ice Fishing Derby promises to be the best yet!
Get your tickets now! They are available at your local Arctic Cat Dealer (Anchorage, Wasilla, Eagle River and Big Lake), Hilda’s Barber Shop (Wasilla and Eagle River) or at the Big Lake Chamber office.
Tickets will be available the day of the derby but why risk it? Get them now!
It is never too late to get involved the Chamber encourages those interested in being part of the event to check in with Deb Kirk at 892-6109.
For more details, contact the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce at (907) 892- 6109 or biglake@mtaonline.net.