2014 FINGER LAKE ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT Feb. 1st

[PikeSticker]

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE. Due to weather conditions the Tournament has been moved to FEBRUARY 15th in the hopes for cooler and drier weather and lake conditions.

The 477th Fighter Group organization is conducting their Third Annual Ice Fishing Tournament at the Palmer Elks Lodge on Finger Lake on February 15, 2014.  They are an elite group of Arctic Reservists at JBER/Elmendorf AFB that fly, maintain, and support the F-22 Raptor.  The organization is made up of full-time Air Reserve Technicians and Traditional Reservists.  The framework of their Group consists of Alaskan citizens that sacrifice one weekend a month and 15 days year for military duty.  The members regularly volunteer numerous hours in support of Alaskan communities.  These volunteer efforts include monthly food-line service at Beans Café, Glen Highway clean up, participation in local school events, working with Girl and Boy Scouts, medical support to remote villages, Anchorage Special Olympics, VFW, Hunters Education Programs, ELKS, Toys for Tots, the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon, raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Alaska, coaching various high school sports programs, and many more.

The organization is hoping to make this year's tournament the best ever and turn this into the largest Ice Fishing Tournament in the state. Last year there were 500 participants in the event.  The Alaska Healing Hearts will also be participating in the event this year. 

The tournament will also be doing a raffle at the event.  Some of the items they will be raffling off:
Jiffy Propane Ice Auger
Rafting Trip
Train Tickets
Aqua-Vu underwater camera

DON'T FORGET YOU NEED YOUR 2014 FISHING LICENSE FOR AGES 16 AND OLDER. Fishing Holes will be drilled FREE for those without augers!!

In two short years the tournament has grown by 100% - this year they are looking to grow the event even more and they really focus on making this a family event every year. They have separate categories for Adults and YOUTH. With the main focus is being on the youth. They recognize every youth who participates.  With enough support they will easily surpass last year’s numbers of 500 participants and 10 supporters to become the largest ice-fishing event in the state.  A portion of the funds raised will be used as awards and prizes.  Any leftover funds will be used to enhance the welfare and recognition of our enlisted airmen.

And the BEST Part is all children 12 years of age and under participate FREE with a paying Adult.

Let's all help the troops who do so much for our communities and non-profit organizations by taking the whole clan, YES MOMMA TOO, for a great day on the ice with a lot of great folks.

[AKFISHRIPPER]

Is spearing allowed?

[PikeSticker]

There is no spearing category. All fishing is done with rod and reel or tip ups.  But if a Northern Pike is caught it would qualify just the same as the arctic char, rainbows, and landlocked salmon species in the lake. Providing there are pike in the lake. I'm getting mixed information on that. One database says there are pike in the lake and the other does not mention them as being present.

[redneckalaskan]

when can you sign up for the tournament. Is it the day of and if so when.

[Kingsalmon52]

Sign up will be done on the day of the tournament.  We would like to let people start signing up at 8 am or at 830 at the latest.

[AKVandal]

Any update on the status of Finger Lake and the associated tournament? How is the ice  holding up? or is there even any ice left?

[redneckalaskan]

I was going to ask the same question.

[jiggenfrogs]

Any update on the status of Finger Lake and the associated tournament? How is the ice  holding up? or is there even any ice left?

Took my daughter out thur, so she could see a few fish come up the hole.  The lake was wet, with no snow, so if you head out take some grippers for your boots.  Caught a bunch of 7-10'' landlock salmon.  People where driving trucks out and there was around 20'' of ice.  With these warm temps all the 8-10'' holes are getting bigger, so I would be careful with a truck.  Great 4-wheeler conditions though just keep an eye out for previous holes.

[Kingsalmon52]

Hi everyone, were hoping for some cooler temperatures next week.  We are going to watch and check the ice through out the week.  We might change up the rules a little bit to be on the safe side and not allow vehicles to be driven on the lake if your apart of the derby.   

The business around town have really been coming through, so there is going to be a great opportunity to win some nice stuff.  Every youth that stays and participates will be recognized at the award ceremony. 

Thank you and I hope to see everyone out there.

[Kingsalmon52]

Hello, we have decided to postpone the derby for a couple of weeks.  The new date will be the 15Th February same time and same place.  Hopefully we will get some colder temperatures and get a little more ice.