Feb. 21st
Noon
Fishing for Ducks — A Classic Minnesota Ice Fishing Event
Every winter, the small town of Garrison, MN, located on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs, transforms into a hub of ice fishing activity for the annual Fishing for Ducks tournament — a one-of-a-kind ice fishing fundraiser benefiting Ducks Unlimited and wetlands conservation.
How It Works
Participants purchase tickets (about $30–$40 per hole) before the event or on the ice the day of the contest.
Tickets allow you to fish in a designated contest area — hundreds of holes are pre-drilled in the ice by volunteers to handle the crowds.
All fish must be caught by hook and line (no spears) and brought alive to the judges for weighing.
The biggest catches by weight determine the top winners — typically awarding prizes for the largest fish and the top 100 overall.
The contest welcomes all ages, and you’re often allowed up to two holes per person. Contestants can move to new holes if they choose, so long as they stay within the marked event area and abide by rules like keeping holes visible and no shelters allowed on the ice.
Beyond Fishing
While Fishing for Ducks is a serious competition for many anglers, it’s also a full community experience:
On-fish raffles, games, and food vendors add to the fun.
In some years, unique giveaways — from wood duck boxes for kids to big-ticket prizes like trucks or wheelhouses — elevate the excitement.
The event has grown tremendously since its start, drawing thousands of participants.
