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.
-
Scott Rodgerson/UnsplashDouglas and Tiffany Stewart died Jan. 30, 2026, after a train struck their vehicle west of Cass Lake in rural Hubbard County. The incident is under investigation. -
Contributed/Tony Webster via Wikimedia CommonsU.S. District Court Judge Kate Menendez said the court could not grant a pause of the surge based on the arguments in the case. -
Contributed/Leslie MoughtyThe Rev. Leslie Moughty of First Congregational United Church of Christ participated in a protest in the Twin Cities against current immigration enforcement on Jan. 23, 2026. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team highlights recent releases you should listen to, including My Morning Jacket, Eric Bibb, Tyler Ballgame, Florence Adooni and Brother Wallace. -
Contributed/Itasca Curling AssociationGrand Rapids curler Aileen Geving is a member of the U.S. Women's Olympic Curling Team and a member of the Itasca Curling Association. Club President Kelly Erickson also stopped by. -
Contributed/Bloomsbury; HarperCollinsChildren’s librarian Tracy Kampa recaps the winners of the 2026 Youth Media Awards celebrating contributions to children's literature. Renée Watson's "All the Blues in the Sky" was this year's Newbery winner. -
Plus: Two deans were removed from their positions at Bemidji State University; the Bagley City Council is no longer considering disbanding its police force; and the DNR is seeking 200 summer interns. -
Plus: Caucus Night is coming on Tuesday — here's what to expect.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAbout 80 students walked three blocks to the Crow Wing County Judicial Center in downtown Brainerd to line both sides of Laurel Street. Many carried anti-ICE signs and chanted together. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageMichael Hart, 40, previously escaped state custody at the Northeast Regional Corrections facility in St. Louis County in September 2025.
