Annual fisheree an outdoor activity for the whole family
Adults as well as children can get outdoors this weekend and enjoy some local recreation at the 68th annual Ice Fisheree, Feb. 2-4, headquartered at The Crooked Oar Bar north of Prairie du Chien. (Courier Press file photo)
The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees will host area ice fishing enthusiasts for the 68th annual Ice Fisheree Feb. 2-4, with headquarters at The Crooked Oar Bar and Marina just north of Prairie du Chien on County K.
Festivities will begin Friday evening, Feb. 2, at The Crooked Oar (formerly Lake-view Marina), with a dart tournament beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be an entry fee with competition starting at 7 p.m. Those who wish to take a chance at cards instead of darts, registration for the euchre tournament starts at 6:30 p.m. as well, and cards will be shuffled at 7. A 52-card gun raffle will also be held on Friday evening and continue throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s events will begin with The Crooked Oar serving a hot breakfast at 7 a.m. for those hungry ice fisheree enthusiasts waiting to hit the ice. The fisheree officially begins at 7 a.m. Live music by Smokin’ Gun Showdown at 7 p.m. will cap the evening.
Back by popular demand is the tagged fishing contest. Several different species of fish will be tagged and released around the Gremore Lake area, allowing participants the opportunity to win their share of $15,000 at this year’s event.
Something new at this year’s fisheree is an Ice Fisheree Expo, Saturday, Feb. 3. This free activity is for both kids and adults. Registration will be held inside The Crooked Oar. The kid’s expo is for youngsters 12 and under and will begin at 11 a.m. The first 20 kids who register for the expo will receive a free Schooley’s Spring Bobber Pole. The adult expo will be held at 1 p.m. for participants 13 years and older.
Dave Koonce will be sharing the fundamentals of ice fishing at this year’s fisheree as well. He will discuss ice safety, clothing, equipment and the thrill of catching fish.
On Sunday, the bar will again serve breakfast, beginning at 7 a.m. Second-day fishing kicks off at 8 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m. when the fisheree and door prizes winners will be announced.
The grand raffle prize for this year’s tournament is $5,000 cash. Other raffle prizes include: a Cabela’s Yukon Thermal DLX Ice Shelter, a YETI Tundra Cooler, wildlife fire ring(s), fishing merchandise, weekend getaways and much, much more.
Everyone who registers to fish at this year’s fisheree will automatically be eligible to win a $500 Cabela’s gift card, a $200 Cabela’s gift card, and three $100 Cabela’s gift cards, plus many more prizes.
First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in five fishing categories. Special kid’s prizes will also be given at the fisheree, including a $50 top prize, compliments of Frenchtown Sand and Gravel.
Registration tags for the fisheree are available at the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, The Crooked Oar and Stark’s Sport Shop.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at Stark’s Sport Shop, The Crooked Oar, Zinkle’s Piggly Wiggly, Nelson True Value, or from representatives of the Prairie du Chien Jaycees and Prairie du Chien Chamber. The raffle drawing will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4.
Bring the family and plan to attend the 68th Annual Prairie du Chien Area Ice Fisheree in Prairie du Chien Feb. 2-4. There will be a large outdoor tent provided and hot chocolate for the kids at this family-friendly event.
