Ducks Unlimited fishing derby set

Press release

The Second Annual Montana Ducks Unlimited Ice Fishing Tournament is set for Feb. 19 on Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

DU will be giving away over $13,000 in cash and prizes! Big ticket prizes include Charles Daly O/U 20 Gauge Shotguns, Kenetrek boots, Vortex Viper 10X42 Binoculars, Otter Vortex Lodge Fish House, Sitka Mountain 2700 Backpacks, Aqua View 715C Cameras, Camp Chef Pellet Smokers and $250 Kenyon Noble Gift Cards. The Big Fish prize is $2500 and the fisherman with the largest walleye and perch will each get $1,000.

Tournament species are walleye, perch and burbot, also known as ling. The entry fee for the tournament is $40 per person until February 18th and $50 on the day of the event. There is a Youth Only Division, age 17 and younger, for $30 per person until Feb. 18 and $40 on the day of the event. The top 10 place prizes are determined by largest weight of a single fish and time registered for walleye and perch (two separate categories). There is not a separate category for burbot, however burbot are eligible to win the “Big Fish” for the tournament which is a standalone category that will go to the largest walleye, perch or burbot (ling) caught during the tournament. The “Big Fish” prize is eligible for both the adult and youth divisions.

“Don’t worry if Lady Luck is not on your side,” a release said. “We are bringing back the popular ‘Smallest Fish’ contest. Last year’s winner took home nearly $1,300 cash for the smallest fish.”

“Get to your fishing hole quicker by flocking to The Silos Junction Bar and Grill at 6999 US Highway 287, Townsend, for a pre-registration party from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb.,” the release adds. “There is no fee to attend this party. You can pick up your registration information and join us for raffles and a small silent auction. Food and drinks will be available to purchase onsite as well. If you cannot pick up your registration contestant tag on Friday, you can pick it up starting at 7 am the morning of the event. This year registration will take place in a huge outside tent on the ice located at the Silos boat launch area. Just follow the signs after to turn at the Silos Junction.”

Official tournament rules and registration can be found at http://www.ducksonice.org .

“Grab your gear, your friends, and get ready for a great day on the ice,” the release concludes. We cannot guarantee you will catch the big one … or the small one, but we can guarantee you will have a great time all the while supporting DU’s conservation efforts across the state.”