Fisher River Fire Rescue ice fishing derby set for Feb. 18-19

The Super Bowl may be in the books, but ice fishing tournaments in northwest Montana are one way for outdoors enthusiasts to battle cabin fever.

One of the most popular, the Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Auxiliary’s annual Winter Ice Fishing Derby on the Lower Chain of Thompson Lakes is being held Feb. 18-19.

The entry fee is $20. $12 of each entry will go into the prize money pool while $7 will be donated to the Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Auxiliary and $1 to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Advance sale tickets are available at Happy’s Inn, Libby Sports Center, Snappy Sport Senter and Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp. Tickets will also be sold at the event.

Payouts will be divided equally for pike, salmon, rainbow trout and perch. There are many opportunities for anglers to win numerous donated large and small prizes from local businesses and community members.

Weigh-in times for Saturday are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, the children’s drawing is at 4 p.m. while the adult drawing is 5 p.m. after the final weigh-in.

On Sunday, Feb. 19, final prize drawings begin at about 3 p.m. Derby participants must be present to win drawing prizes. Also, prize money for each category will be awarded on Sunday after the final weigh-in.

For more information, call 406-293-6884, 406-291-2870 or 775-741-0588.