Each year, groups and organizations around Montana celebrate a treasured winter tradition with local ice fishing contests. These contests are permitted by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks through a public process to ensure the contest meet regulations and will have no negative impact to the fishery.

Not only are these contests, or derbies, a fun way to fish Montana’s waters year around, but they often support a great local cause.

Public comment on the fishing contests should be emailed to fwpfsh@mt.gov by Sept. 21.

The following are the ice fishing contests and dates proposed for the coming winter in Northwestern Montana, Region 1:

Dec. 30: Sunriser Lions Family Fishing Derby — Smith Lake

Dec. 31: Wild West Panfish Trail — McWennegar Slough

Jan. 7: Wild West Panfish Trail — Blanchard Lake

Jan. 20—21: Perch Assault — Lake Mary Ronan

Jan. 20—21: Bull Lake Ice Fishing Derby — Bull Lake

Jan. 27—28: Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Winter Fishing Derby — Thompson Chain of Lakes

Feb. 1—24: Perch Pounder — All R1 Lakes

Feb. 4: Wild West Panfish Trail — Echo Lake

Feb. 10: Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby — Murphy Lake

Feb. 17: Snappy’s Lake Mary Ronan Perch and Salmon Derby — Lake Mary Ronan

Feb. 24: Canyon Kids Christmas Fund Fishing Derby — Lion Lake

Feb. 24—25: Perch Assault – Middle Thompson Lake