Ice fishing season is officially here, and anglers are getting ready for one of winter’s favorite traditions…the Fresno Ice Fishing Tournament, happening Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Fresno Reservoir.
According to the Fresno Tavern, the reservoir currently has about 13 inches of solid ice, making conditions ideal as tournament day approaches. If you’re still gathering gear, the tavern also has you covered with frozen herring and night crawlers available for bait.
The tournament features a $30 entry fee, with 100% payback in cash prizes based on the number of participants and the largest fish caught in each species. Montana fishing regulations and possession limits apply, and kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., followed by a mandatory rules meeting at 7:30 a.m. at the Fresno Tavern, located at 37980 US Highway 2 in Havre. After a full day on the ice, anglers can warm up and celebrate with a chili feed Saturday evening at the Fresno Tavern.
Registration forms are available at Fresno Tavern, Bing N Bob’s, and the Blaine County Journal. For rules or additional information, participants can call (406) 399-3580 or email fresnotavern@yahoo.com.
With safe ice, great prizes, bait ready to go, and good food waiting at the end of the day, all signs point to an awesome Montana winter event. Dust off the auger, sharpen those hooks, and get ready — tournament day is almost here!
