By Chad Koenen

Publisher

After a two year hiatus due to poor ice conditions, the Henning Ice Fishing Derby will be making a comeback this weekend on the east end of Middle Leaf Lake. The annual fishing derby, which is focused on providing an entertaining way to spend a Saturday afternoon, will be held from 12-3 p.m. on the lake. 

“We got good ice for a change,” said Mike Helle who helps to organize the event each year. “We are just happy there is ice.”

The ice fishing derby has been canceled in each of the past two years due to poor ice conditions on Middle Leaf Lake. Helle said members of the Henning Rod and Gun checked the ice conditions last week and it looked like it was in good shape. 

The ice fishing derby, which has just as much of a focus on entertainment than actual fishing, is sponsored by the Henning Rod and Gun Club. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local club which sponsors a number of community activities like the trap team. After not holding the event for the past two years, Helle said this year’s event will be an important one for the club as it looks to continue to make enhancements within the community, rifle range and sponsoring local activities.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It really helps the kids at the range,” said Helle. 

One of the real highlights from the event is the endless amount of prizes that will be available as part of the raffle. Helle said there will be a steady stream of prizes given away for the entirety of the event. In year’s past the club has given away at least one raffle prize every minute for nearly three hours. 

“It will be a pretty steady go (of prizes) and lots of food,” said Helle. 

The cost to enter is just a $5 raffle ticket, which can be purchased at a number of local businesses, as well as the east end of Middle Leaf Lake on the day of the ice fishing derby.

The Henning Ice Fishing Derby has long been known for its expansive door prizes, as well as laid back atmosphere that features everything from a bon fire on the lake to allowing fish houses to keep people out of the elements. With temperatures predicted to be on the chilly side, even for the most hardy ice fishermen, event organizers are encouraging people to plan accordingly on Saturday.

Cash prizes will be given away for the largest northern, walleye, bass and panfish, and the top prizes for the raffle will be a Stoeger M3000 semiautomatic 12 ga., while the second prize will be a Winchester Wildcat semiautomatic .22LR.