If your winter calendar has been feeling a little… meh, consider this your icy wake-up call. The 18th Annual Poplar River Ice Fishing Tourney is drilling its way back into town, and it’s shaping up to be a hole lotta fun (yes, we went there).
WHEN: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
WHERE: Poplar River
WHEN: Registration: 10:00 AM
WHEN: Tournament Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Whether you’re an ice-fishing legend or someone who just likes standing on frozen water telling fish to cooperate, this is your kind of event.
How It Works
- Largest fish wins — any species counts
- Tie-breaker: first fish caught takes the glory
- No fishing license needed — the contest covers your fees
- All holes are pre-drilled (because nobody wants to bring a gym workout to a fishing contest)
Cash prizes go to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (amounts depend on how many folks enter), plus additional door prizes because winning once is never enough!
Entry Fee:
- $10 per hole
- OR 3 holes for $25 (math that actually works in your favor)
No vehicles allowed on the ice
Not responsible for accidents (so maybe don’t sprint in cleats)
Bonus Round: Raffle Time
Stick around after the tourney for the raffle drawing — and nope, you don’t have to be present to win.
Raffle prizes include:
- Ruger American Gen 2 – 6.5 CM
- $700 cash
- Ruger American Gen 2 – .308
- $500 cash
- Ruger American Gen 2 – .243
Tickets:
- 1 for $20
- 3 for $50
- 7 for $100
(Firearms must be picked up by March 1, 2026, or they go back to the tourney.)
Need Bait?
If you’re suddenly realizing your tackle box is looking a little sad…
Git Er Done Bait has your back.
📞 (406) 439-8980
If it swims, they probably have something it can’t resist!
Feature Photo via Kalichka from Getty Images
Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.