FAQ
Q: Can I park on the ice?
A: No. Main parking is located in our parking lot.
Q: Is there a place I can warm up?
A: We have a concession tent to get out of the elements.
Q: I caught two of the same fish. Should I register both?
A: You may register as many fish as you like. However, only the largest fish in each category will count. We have several places of prizes for the largest fish caught. We also have a prizes for the largest blue gill, crappie, perch, bass and walleye.
Q: Can I bring bait?
A: Yes and NO. Yes you can bring any type of bait EXCEPT MINNOWS and OTHER LIVE AQUATIC SPECIES.
Q: Do you have bait for sale?
A: Yes, we will have minnows & wax worms for sale. Please bring a minnow bucket if you plan on purchasing minnows.
Q: Can I bring alcohol to Ice Fish Fest?
A: NO, due to insurance and liability reasons alcohol is not allowed at Ice Fish Fest
Q: Can I bring my ice shack?
A: Yes, hand pulled portable shelters will be allowed. Shelters can only be placed on a pre-drilled hole provided for the contest.
Q: Can additional holes be drilled?
A: Additional holes can be drilled by Ice Fish Fest staff around existing pre-drilled holes for electronic equipment, two hole ticket holders or inside shelters for additional group members. Drilling additional holes will be based upon the number of tickets held by the participant, the group or electronic equipment that needs a separate hole. Drilling additional holes can only be done by Ice Fish Fest Staff and is based on staff availability.
Q: Where are “pre registered” tickets picked up?
A: All tickets are picked up at the registration booth at Catfish Bay from 10:30 am to 1 pm on tournament day.
Q: A youth 12 and under caught the largest fish of the day do they win the $5,000 prize?
A: Yes they will win the $5,000 grand prize plus the $750 1st place prize in their youth division. All participants young and old can win the main division prizes.
Q: Are tickets still available the day of the contest?
A: Yes tickets will be available at the gate the day of the event if they are not sold out. They are more expensive so we are encouraging everyone to pre-register online. Registering online will save you money and help us plan the event better. Online registration ends a few days before the event
Q: What is Catfish Bay going to do with the money?
A: The proceeds help pay for Ice Fish Fest expenses like prizes and stocking the the private lake. The proceeds also help the all volunteer Catfish Bay Water Ski Team maintain Catfish Bay, operate shows, practices and provide funding for youth programs like Camp OnAqua. Catfish Bay Water Ski Team is all volunteer IS NOT supported by the city or state financially. All costs to operate Catfish Bay & Ice Fish Fest are paid for from proceeds Ice Fish Fest, Shows, Camp OnAqua, Team Members and Sponsors.
Q: Do I need a fishing license?
A: NO, Catfish Bay is licensed as a "Fee Fishing Facility" by the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.
Q: Can I bring a cooler onto the ice?
A: Yes, but no glass is allowed. Coolers will be allowed but all coolers will be subject to a mandatory search or they will not be allowed into the contest area.
Q: Do you have handicap parking?
A: Yes, in designated areas with a valid sticker. Please talk with our parking volunteers to help assist with handicap parking.
Q: Can I keep my fish?
A: No, this is a catch and release tournament all fish must be released.
Q: Can you use a fish/depth locator and underwater camera or GPS?
A: Yes you can use electronic equipment.
Q: Are spectators welcome?
A: Yes, the event is free for spectators to get into Catfish Bay for the day. We do appreciate spectators and participants supporting of our concessions and other fundraising efforts happening that day.
Q: Can I check the depth?
A: Yes starting at 12 pm you can check the depth in existing pre-drilled holes only with a depth finder or a line without a hook. All lines must be out of the water by 12:45 pm until the official start.
Q: When can I enter the contest area on the ice & start fishing?
A: You can enter the ice at 12:00 pm to reserve your holes by placing your equipment next the hole. You can check the depth but you cannot start fishing until 1:00 pm when the tournament officially starts.
Q: Are concessions available?
A: Yes, concessions will be available starting at 10:30 am.
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