Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off: Bigger Than Ever!

Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off

On March 21st as many as 2,000 anglers will head into the Whiteshell Provincial Park, to partake in this 17th annual event held on Falcon Lake. With over $140,000 in potential prizes, and a first place prize at $15,000, this is definitely an event you don't want to miss.

Even faster approaching is the early bird deadline for the Winter Fish-Off. Purchasing a ticket before March 11th automatically enters you to win one of the three amazing early bird prizes, which are announced during the derby a 1:00pm!

Prizes

This year’s prizes are bigger and better than ever before. There are over $60,000 in guaranteed prizes set in place for the top 50 heaviest fish. First place will go home $15,000 richer. Second place will be riding away on a brand new 2020 Can Am Outlander 450. Third will be leaving with an Alumacraft 1436 Jon Boat with a 4hp Mercury and trailer. The remaining top places will be rewarded with many other amazing prizes.

For the kids entering the derby, they will all be leaving with great prizes! Also, each kid who catches a fish in the derby will be awarded a trophy.

Hidden weight

One of the biggest prizes up for grabs at the Winter Fish-Off is the hidden weight prize. Before the tournament begins, a hidden weight to two decimal places is chosen and sealed in an envelope. This envelope is not opened until after the derby is complete. Then, if any angler has caught that exact weight, they win the incredible prize of an AlumaCraft Competitor 185 SPT with a 150hp Mercury, valued at $60,000!

In 2018, Ben Gilbey caught a 1.66lb pike that matched the randomly selected weight exactly, winning him the brand new AlumaCraft boat. This drove the prize total that year to an unbelievable $120,000+. Check out the video linked at the bottom of the article to watch those exciting moments unfold.

Falcon Lake Tagged Fish Contest

The Falcon Winter Fish-off has an amazing, year-round, tagged fish contest stemming from the derby each year. Since 2017, the event organizers have released thousands of dollars worth of tagged fish into Falcon Lake. This year, there is over $20,000 of tagged fish available to catch. Every time you set the hook on Falcon Lake you have a legitimate chance at winning $1,000 or even $5,000 from a tagged fish.

The tagged fish in falcon lake include northern pike and smallmouth bass of all sizes. In the Last 3 years, the tagged fish contest has already paid out $4,000 from caught fish. So, to enter this contest all you have to do is buy a $20 ticket at one of the local retailers. Another option, is to purchase a second hole or kids ticket at the Winter Fish-Off. This will automatically enter you into the tagged fish contest for the entire year.

About

The Falcon lake Winter Fish-off derby site is located on the west side of Falcon Lake. Anglers will be led to the derby sight by a number of signs posted off of the #1 highway. The gates will open to the derby site at 9:00am, where anglers can start finding their holes. Fishing will begin at 11:00am and will run through till 2:00pm. Soon after the derby concludes, the event organizers will announce the winners of all the prizes. Anglers can use portable tents during the derby. However, anglers using tents need to wait until after the horn sounds to commence the fishing, before setting up. During the event, anglers can enjoy a warm meal from Danny's Whole Hog served on the ice.

Last year over 1,900 anglers entered completion including over 200 kids. The derby consisted of a total of 106 fish caught, with the biggest, a northern pike, weighing in at 11.40lbs. This pike won a lucky angler $15,000 for first place.

The Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off would not be possible without the help from the amazing sponsors, and volunteers from the community and surrounding area. Before starting the event, 3,600 holes will be drilled by volunteers to ensure everyone’s holes are ready to go.

St. Amant Foundation

The Falcon Lake Winter Fish-off proudly supports the St. Amant foundation. Portions of every ticket sale goes to the foundation. As well as all the proceeds from bait sales, clothing sales, 50-50 raffle, silent auction and the Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. beer gardens. The 50-50 raffle alone has raised over $11,000 each of the last 2 years. Since 2014, the Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off, has donated over $60,000 to support the St. Amant Foundation.

Make your way to the 17th annual Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off on March 21st, 2020. Where you can enjoy an easy, fun-filled day on the ice with the entire family. Be sure to check out their website at WinterFishOff.com to find out all the information you'll need to purchase your tickets! Also, Check out the video below to see exactly what the Winter Fish-Off is all about!

For more rules, prizes and ticket information on The Falcon Lake Winter Fish-off, visit the Winter Fish Off Website.

For more information about ice fishing in Manitoba visit our Ice Fishing page.

*Protect Manitoba’s water and resources. Stop aquatic invasive species. For more information on how to do your part visit the Sustainable Development AIS page.