Lac Du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby

HuntFishMB - Eric Labaupa

Lac Du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby

Crowds of anglers gathering en masse over a patch of ice in the name of competition is a familiar sight on weekends throughout the province. One of the largest of its kind is the popular Lac Du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby. Entering its 12th year of hosting an event, this town organized ice derby drew over 1000 participants in 2017.

With over $45,000 in cash and prizes to be won, one can see why anglers from far and wide converge on this Eastern Region town every year to participate. The Top Ten prizes are straight cash highlighted by a whopping $10,000 cheque to the angler awarded First Place. The next fifty placings after that will take home a variety of fantastic prize packages ranging from a unique fishing vacation to sonar units to all kinds of ice fishing gear and equipment.

A new rule implemented for this year’s derby, taking place on Saturday March 3rd, is the permitted use of portable ice fishing shelters. The permitted use of electronics was also added to the rules the year prior. This reflects the derby’s aim to evolve with the increasing sophistication and popularity of this fast-growing sport. That being said, you definitely do not need to be an expert ice angler to win a prize at this event. Catching any fish gives you a shot at the Hidden Length and Time cash awards. The longest fish entered in the competition will go home incredibly happy as well. For everyone else who caught one or didn’t, the majority of the prizes outside of the Top Ten are awarded by random draw.

All of the money raised at the Lac Du Bonnet Ice Derby goes towards community initiatives. Since they came into existence as an organizing committee, they have distributed just under $130,000 back to the community of Lac Du Bonnet through grants, bursaries, and funds to organizations via volunteer hours.

Enjoy a great day on the ice with family and friends by purchasing a ticket to the Lac Du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby - ‘Where Size Doesn’t Matter’. Holes are pre-drilled so you can leave the auger at home and come out for an easy day of fun. For tons of more information and complete rules, please visit their website at LDBIce.ca