BRAINERD — The Brainerd Jaycees announced Thursday, Jan. 25, that this year’s Ice Fishing Extravaganza will change to a hybrid format spread across Brainerd area lakes and using an app called Fish Donkey.
In a news release, the organization stated that they’re making the change to the Feb. 3 event in the spirit of adaptability and safety.
Earlier this week, Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang told Crow Wing County commissioners that 6 more inches of ice would be needed for his office to issue an event permit for the Extravaganza, according to the Brainerd Dispatch.
With the forecast calling for temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s, it isn’t likely enough ice would form in time.
Billed as the largest ice fishing contest in the world, the event typically draws thousands of anglers to Hole-in-the-Day Bay on Gull Lake. Instead, participants may compete by fishing on a Brainerd area lake of their choice.
The Jaycees say they’re working on providing in-person support on main lake accesses across the area to help contestants who might not be familiar with the Fish Donkey app. The app was used in 2021, when the Jaycees hosted the event virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Jaycees, the app has seen numerous updates since that time.
Also on Thursday, the Hill City Lions Club announced it canceled its 25th Annual Ice Fishing Contest on Hill Lake, set for Feb. 10. The club said ice conditions and the upcoming warmer weather prompted the cancellation.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 26, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the Common Nighthawk migration and late summer wildflowers. -
Lorie ShaullThe free event focuses on practical ways to improve woodland habitat for wildlife, while keeping forests healthy and productive for future generations, the SWCD said. -
Contributed/MnDOTDrivers in Wadena can expect two-lane traffic on Highway 10 to begin late on August 29, 2025, with Highway 71 closing as construction continues. -
Contributed/Miracle-Ear FoundationThe Miracle-Ear Foundation is partnering with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Tribal Public Health to offer free hearing screenings and hearing aids for up to 100 people. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEFrom hearing Woody Guthrie on the air in 1976 to leading KAXE through crises, Maggie Montgomery reflects on the station’s resilience and the urgent fight to keep community radio alive after federal funding cuts. -
Jennifer Barr/KAXEThis week, we've been wondering what you loved to read when you were young. -
Events this week include an artist reception and Medicare presentation in Bemidji, a rummage sale in Brainerd, Fall Fest in Virginia and the Lumberjack Mile and 5K in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/KAXE StaffFrom pre- and post-parties to art exhibits, new stores and more, here is your guide for Riverfest weekend. Sept. 5-7, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXETwelve new automatic license plate readers went up in Bemidji and other MN cities in May 2025. But the Flock Safety cameras raise concerns with privacy advocates. -
Plus: Minneapolis mass shooting spurs talk of advanced, compassionate interventions; and a judge rejects a guilty plea in a Nashwauk voter fraud case.
