Fresno fishing derby set for Jan. 30-31

From Havre Area Chamber of Commerce

Registrations are now being taken for the Fresno Ice Fishing Derby to be held at Fresno Reservoir, a  walleye hotspot, 12 miles west of Havre, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31.

The derby will raise funds to protect the fishery and for scholarships to Montana State University-Northern. The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee's fishing derby is designed to let people win cash and at the same time have fun.

Entry fee is $25 per day, per contestant, or $50 for two days.

Pre-registration is preferred, but same day registration is available.   

Fishing starts both days at  7 a.m. Participants will be able to fish Saturday until 3 p m and 2 p.m Sunday.

Participants in the Ice Fishing Derby can fish both days or either Saturday or Sunday. The daily prize payout will be determined by the number of anglers who are registered each day.

To be eligible for daily prizes, fish must be measured by 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Fishermen will be required to remove all lines at the end of each fishing day.

Eligible fish include northern pike, walleye, and perch/crappie with perch and crappie combined.

Spearfishing will be permitted.

The weigh-in and same-day registration is located at The Walleye Tavern for both days.

All participants must abide by Montana fishing regulations and have a valid Montana fishing license. Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult licensed participant.  

Complete rules and an entry form are available at the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, Stockman Bank in Havre, on the Internet at http://www.havremt.com under the calendar/events listing or by calling the Chamber at 265-4383, an application and a copy of the rules will be faxed or mailed out.

Application forms can be returned when completed with payment to the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 308, Havre, MT 59501. They may be dropped off each morning of the fishing derby by 6 a.m. at The Walleye Tavern. Money orders or checks should be made out to the Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee.

Refunds will be given only if the event is not held due to ice conditions.