There’s something special about an ice fishing derby. It’s not just about drilling holes and chasing fish beneath a frozen lake it’s about community, tradition, family, and the thrill of competition in the heart of winter.
This season, two standout events reminded anglers why ice fishing derbies continue to grow in popularity across the Northwest: a powerful day hosted by Operation Catching Freedom at Bonaparte Lake Resort , and the long-running Molson Ice Fishing Festival.
On January 31st, 47 participants gathered at Bonaparte Lake Resort for a day on the ice hosted by Operation Catching Freedom. Some came to try ice fishing for the first time. Others came to explore a new lake. A few familiar faces returned from the previous week’s tournament including Blake, once again holding up an impressive Tiger Trout. Faith and her brother Joshua Willis returned alongside their dad, ready to test the ice once more.
But perhaps the most touching moment of the day belonged to 94-year-old Korean War veteran Al Christoph. Fishing alongside his son and two grandsons, Al represented the heart of what these events are truly about connection across generations.
One of those grandsons, Nic Christoph, serves as a structural volunteer firefighter in Omak with a background in wildland firefighting. Seeing three generations standing together on the ice, rods in hand, was a powerful reminder that these derbies offer something far deeper than prizes.
The staff at Bonaparte Lake Resort played a huge role in making the event memorable. With comfortable lodging and unmatched restaurant service, the resort continues to provide an exceptional recreational setting for winter anglers.
The excitement continued at Bonaparte Lake’s 4th Annual Ice Derby, where an impressive 291 anglers braved the cold. Among them were 49 youth participants and 242 adults, all competing for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. The fishing did not disappoint. Big fish hit the scales throughout the day, including an elusive Lake Trout that added to the drama.
Young anglers proved they were more than up to the challenge. Joshua Willis claimed first place in the youth division with a 4-pound, 3-ounce Rainbow Trout, earning a Clam Kenai Pro flip over shelter and $367.50 in cash. Kache Popp followed with a 3-pound, 12-ounce Tiger Trout, taking home a Garmin Striker fish finder and $183.50. Prizes were awarded through tenth place, making sure plenty of kids walked away smiling. Big Fish Division The overall Big Fish honors went to Austin Earleay of Omak with a massive 12-pound, 6-ounce Tiger Trout measuring 30 inches. His catch earned him an Otter Pro Thermal Lodge and $1,815 in cash. Chris Teusher of Spokane secured second place with the first Lake Trout ever recorded in the derby’s history a 9-pound, 14-ounce fish measuring 32 inches earning an AquaVue and $907.50. Blake Messe of Omak rounded out the top three with a 4-pound, 12-ounce Tiger Trout and a prize package that included gear from Addicted Fishing , Mack's Lure , and Operation Catching Freedom.
The multi-species category added another layer of strategy. Matt Mitchell of Oroville claimed first with a combined bag weight of 5 pounds, 3 ounces, including a Kokanee, Tiger Trout, and bass. His winnings included a Vexlar Genz Pack Fish Flasher, a Work Sharp, and $1,402.50 in cash. Caden Boswell and Adam Mitchell followed with impressive mixed bags of Kokanee, Rainbow, Tiger Trout, and bass. With hundreds of anglers competing and thousands of dollars awarded, Bonaparte Lake has firmly established itself as one of the largest ice fishing tournaments in the state.
On January 17th, the 22nd Annual Molson Ice Fishing Festival brought together 198 dedicated fishermen. While the fish proved shy only 17 were caught all day the event still delivered a memorable highlight. Joshua Willis once again made waves, landing the longest Rainbow Trout of the day to secure first place. It was a proud moment for his family. His father, Mike Willis, captured the award ceremony on camera as Joshua stood proudly with his prize.
Ice fishing derbies are more than competitions. They bring veterans, families, seasoned anglers, and first-timers together on frozen water. They create stories that last longer than the winter season. They celebrate youth achievement. They honor elders. They strengthen community bonds. From a 94-year-old veteran sharing a rod with his grandsons to a young angler lifting a trophy Rainbow Trout, these events showcase the very best of outdoor tradition.
The cold may bite, the fish may test patience, but the reward is far greater than any cash payout. It’s the laughter echoing across the ice, the weight of a surprise trophy fish, and the shared experience that keep anglers coming back year after year. When the lakes freeze, and the augers fire up, the derby season begins and with it, memories that warm even the coldest winter day.
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