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