Two ice fishing contests set for Lake Gogebic

LAKE GOGEBIC – The 14-mile-long Lake Gogebic has a wellearned reputation as an excellent fish factory, a fact anglers can discover or rediscover when they take part in one or both of the two ice fishing tournaments set for the lake this March. Don’t forget, you will need a Michigan fishing license, as required. The lake crosses CST and EST zones so check fishing hours and last weigh-in times for each tournament!

Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Derby

The Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Derby – now in its 40th year as the longest running fishing contest in the area – is set for Saturday, March 4, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. More than $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including $1,000 for the top walleye, perch, and northern that is registered. There are smaller cash prizes for the first registered whitefish, crappie and rock bass. Live bait will be available the day of the derby. Entry fee is $40.

Participants can enjoy free chili and soup during the tournament, with additional refreshments and food available for purchase. There will also be door prizes. For more information call 906842-3321 or visit gogebiclodge.com. The Lodge is located at N9600, State Hwy. M-64.

Hog-a-Thon Fishing Tournament

Then the following Saturday, March 11, it will be the 18th annual Hog-a-Thon Fishing Tournament’s turn in the spotlight. Fishing hours are from daybreak to 5 p.m. EST. Entry fee is $35 cash, or $40 if using a credit card.

This is an open contest with no age categories, says the sponsor, Bergland Outfitters. There is a “pre-fish” opportunity on Friday, March 10, with a $100 prize for the top perch. The big payouts are in the Saturday contest, including $1,500 for first in the perch category. Other cash prizes will be awarded for the top entries in the walleye, crappie and silver perch categories. Weigh-ins will take place at Bergland Outfitters until 5 p.m. EST or The Root Cellar 4 p.m. CST.

Bergland Outfitters is located 2 miles west of Bergland, 35802 State Hwy. M-28. For more information, call 906-235-8288 or visit lakegogebicfishguide.com/hog-a-thon.