The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza Returns to Gull Lake

Image Credit: Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

What started as plans "scratched out on the side of an empty beer case" after one long day in an ice house has become the world's largest charitable ice fishing tournament. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the 36th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza will transform Hole-in-the-Day Bay on Gull Lake into Minnesota's largest one-day city—a frozen metropolis of 10,000-12,000 anglers competing for over $250,000 in prizes while supporting local charities. This isn't just another fishing contest; it's a three-hour window where ordinary anglers become potential truck owners, where volunteers drill 20,000 holes in four hours, and where 100% of proceeds flow directly to organizations that strengthen our community.

An Instant City on Frozen Waters

The transformation of Hole-in-the-Day Bay begins three days before the first fishing line drops. What emerges is nothing short of remarkable: a fully functioning city complete with registration tents, concession stands serving food and beverages, vendor areas, hospitality spaces, and a comprehensive shuttle system. For one extraordinary day, this frozen landscape becomes the largest city in Crow Wing County, effectively doubling Brainerd's population of 13,000 residents.

The logistical choreography behind this event showcases the extraordinary commitment of the Brainerd Jaycees organization. A core committee of 25 members orchestrates the planning, while 300 volunteers mobilize on event day to ensure everything runs seamlessly. The volunteer investment is staggering—20,000 hours dedicated to a three-hour tournament, with some sources indicating up to 50,000 hours over the nine-month planning period. This calculates to roughly 25-30 volunteer hours per fishing participant, demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to community service.

Image Credit: Denise and Joe Laudenbach

When and Where to Join the Action

Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 31, 2026, when the cannon fires at precisely noon, signaling the start of this three-hour fishing frenzy that continues until 3:00 PM. The event takes place at Hole-in-the-Day Bay on Gull Lake, located approximately 15 miles north of Brainerd along Highway 371. The specific address is 5056 Nashway Road, Nisswa, MN 56468.

Getting to the event is remarkably convenient thanks to comprehensive transportation options. Free shuttle service begins at 8:00 AM and continues until the last contestant leaves, with north parking available at County Road 77 at Schaefer's intersection and south parking at Brainerd International Raceway. Visit Brainerd even provides complimentary shuttle service from hotels in the Brainerd and Baxter areas, ensuring accessibility for out-of-town visitors.

Video Credit: Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

The Prize Package That Turns Heads

What draws thousands of anglers annually isn't just the sport—it's the jaw-dropping prize package. Over $250,000 in prizes will be distributed across 150 winners, with the top prize being a brand-new Ford or GMC truck from Mills Auto Group. Other major prizes include a Polaris 450 ATV, $1,000 cash awards, premium ice fishing equipment, underwater cameras, ice suits, gift cards, and vacation packages.

Target species include walleye, northern pike, perch, and tullibee (cisco), with all fish required to be alive at weigh-in. Historical data reveals interesting patterns—in 2018, a remarkable 135 of the 150 prizewinning fish were tullibees, highlighting the importance of knowing your species. The 2025 champion, Siera Romine from Carver, took home a pickup truck with a 5.85-pound walleye, demonstrating that trophy fish await those who combine skill with luck.

Image Credit: Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

Additional Opportunities to Win

Beyond the main contest, participants can enhance their winning potential through supplementary offerings. The Catch of the Day Contest requires a $10 sticker affixed to your main ticket and awards a prize package worth nearly $9,000 for the heaviest specimen of a designated species. The raffle offers two separate drawings (Raffle A and Raffle B) at 3:00 PM immediately after the fishing contest concludes, with tickets priced at $20 each and almost $40,000 in total prizes available.

Securing Your Spot

Standard tickets are priced at $50, with all tickets being non-refundable. Early-bird tickets were available from November 1-30 at Fleet Farm for $35, providing substantial savings for advance planners. Tickets can be purchased online at icefishing.org, and for those who decide last-minute, day-of sales occur from 8:00 AM until noon at the ticket tent on the ice. Tickets purchased before January 12, 2026, are mailed to participants; after that date, tickets are held at Will Call on the ice.

Contestants may fish a maximum of two holes, but two tickets are required for two-hole fishing, with one pole permitted per hole. There's no age limit to participate, though all participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Image Credit: Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

Rules for Fair Play

The Extravaganza maintains strict protocols to ensure fair competition. All bags, bait, buckets, and containers undergo inspection before entry. Only pre-drilled holes are permitted—no ice augers allowed, though ice chisels are recommended to reopen frozen holes. Bait fish must measure 4 inches or smaller, and no erected shelters are permitted; participants must remain visible from all sides. All fish must be in the weigh-in line at or before 3:05 PM to qualify for prizes.

Charity at the Heart of Everything

What truly distinguishes this event is its charitable mission. One hundred percent of proceeds are donated to area charities, with over $150,000 distributed annually. Since the tournament's inception in 1991, over $3 million has been contributed to local causes. The event generates approximately $1 million in business for the Brainerd Lakes area, creating significant economic ripple effects throughout the region.

The primary beneficiary is Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence), an outdoor development center serving persons with cognitive disabilities. Receiving no federal or state funding, Camp Confidence relies entirely on charitable support and serves nearly 12,000 camper days annually. Over 50 additional local charities benefit each year, including Boy Scout Troop 43, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, and many others.

Image Credit: Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

A Tradition That Never Quits

Perhaps most remarkable is the event's unbroken continuity. In 35+ years, the Extravaganza has never been completely canceled. It was postponed three times (2002, 2012, 2016) due to ice conditions, held virtually in 2021 during COVID-19, and operated as a hybrid format in 2024. This year, officials have already approved the event after measuring ice at 17 inches—well within safety standards.

The Extravaganza even draws international participation, with anglers traveling from Australia, China, Switzerland, Denmark, France, South Africa, and the United Kingdom to experience this uniquely Minnesotan celebration.

Your Invitation to Minnesota's Frozen Festival

The 36th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza offers something extraordinary: the chance to participate in world-record-setting tradition, compete for life-changing prizes, and directly support organizations that strengthen our community. Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, the pre-drilled holes and welcoming atmosphere make this event accessible to everyone. Bundle up, grab your fishing gear, and join 10,000 fellow anglers on January 31, 2026, for three unforgettable hours on the ice. This is Minnesota winter at its finest—where recreation, generosity, and community spirit converge on frozen waters.