Looking for WI Ice Derby

[Gillgrabber]

I'm looking for recommendations on a good ice fishing derby to enter with my Son this winter.  I'd like to find a place with good fishing and friendly people who won't mind helping some out-of-towners find a decent spot.  We're not after big prizes, just hoping to have a good time.   I know there are a lot of derby's sceduled througout Wisconsin this winter but we've never fished any of them before.  Any advice would be appreciated. 

[boblee]

theres a dandy one in cumberland on beaver damn lake right in town.  its ungodly popular.  great for kids too because they give prizes out for like the 30th biggest too.  so a 12" bass or northern can win a mr. heater or and ice shack and stuff like that.  they put out great prizes just fish right next to the other 400 people it gets crowded but its fun........good luck

[esox13]

Pickeral Lake in Antigo on Feb. 2 2008 - A Lot of prizes and generally a good time.

[Gillgrabber]

Anybody know of a website which lists all the Wisconsin Ice Derbies?

[boblee]

you should check wit the local bait shops they usually know roughly when they are.   where are you from?

[Gillgrabber]

Kenosha area...right on the Wisconsin/Illinois border.

[edfalc]

how old is your son?
theres a couple up here in vilas county geared just for kids

[Gillgrabber]

Well....he's no longer a little kid - he's 18 now.  I've enjoyed icefishing with him since he was about 4 or 5 years old.  It was one of those Father/Son bonding things we did together but never as often as I'd like.  I'm hoping to get in another memorable seasons or two before he flees the nest.  He's attending the local community college now but is talking about joining the military.  He said to me just yesterday "Dad, please promise me we can do some icefishing this year".  I hate to disappoint him so I'd like to do something fun.  A derby sounds like just the ticket.  Thanks for all the replys.

[backatit]

gillgrabber - Just a suggestion but you might get more responses if we knew where you were from so we wouldn't be sending you all over Wisconsin Hate to send you to a derby on the opposite side of the state than where you're from.

[Gillgrabber]

I did......Kenosha area.  But I don't mind traveling to the other side of the State.  ALL replies are appreciated.

[frozentoes]

The LaCrosse are holds 2 every year in February. The posters are not up yet so I can't give an exact date. These are low-key, but still a lot of fun. The derbies are held on Lake Onalaska and have plenty of room and good fishing for gills, crappie, northern, bass, and perch

[JBD]

The Kenosha Tavern League has a big derby every year. They use 5 lakes. Silver, Paddock, Upper and Lower Twin and maybe Powers, each lake has a registration bar.  The party after is the best, they give away thousands of $$$$ worth of stuff. The date for the party is Feb 23 @ Marino's on hwy 50. Good cause too.

[backatit]

I did......Kenosha area.  But I don't mind traveling to the other side of the State.  ALL replies are appreciated.

Sorry about that.  Must of had crossed eyes this morning

[edfalc]

this year i plan to do at least 6 Derby's
the only 1 i have information on is The Great Pelican Lake Ice Fishing Tournament
http://www.wiicefishing.com/

ive taken my son to it every year and although we have yet to catch a money fish..............some day he(we) will

[wiicefishing]

Big Cedar lake always has a Tourney sponsored by Cedar lake sales (boat sales company). Pike lake also has one every year. Not to far of a drive. Im sure Peewaukee has atleast one. All in the area. Check local bait shops and bars near the lake you fish.