Sun, ice, and bent rods—this year’s 28th Annual Ice Fishing Derby hosted by the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture proved that winter fun doesn’t always need winter weather. Held February 7 at the Dredge Cuts Trout Pond along Highway 117, KLTZ reported that anglers were greeted with temps in the mid-50s and a packed pond, with 205 holes sold and around 150 people ready to fish. From noon to 3 p.m., 88 fish made it to the weighmaster (and plenty more never saw the scale), with participants traveling from 16 different communities—one even coming all the way from Piney Flats, Tennessee, to earn $40 in Chamber Big Bucks for longest distance traveled.
The leaderboard delivered plenty of excitement, too. John Plucinski of Forsyth landed a 5.34-pound northern pike to claim the guaranteed $2,000 first prize, while a strong showing of rainbow trout filled out the rest of the top spots, including multiple hometown finishes from Glasgow anglers. Beyond the prizes, the day was a win for the next generation of anglers, thanks to Fort Peck Marina, which donated free ice fishing rods to every youth 12 and under—more than 25 kids took part. Between generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and plenty of fish stories heading home, the derby once again proved why it’s a can’t-miss winter tradition.
Feature photo: So-CoAddict from Getty Images Signature
