2025 Contest Rules​

Official Rules and Regulations for the Event and Raffle Drawing

(Subject to change)

 

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Section 1:

General Rules

 

1.1 - Entry/Check-in & Key Information:​

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1.1 - Date:

• Saturday, February 8th, 2025 

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1.2 - Time:

• Ticket Booth Open: 9 AM – 2 PM. Only 1,000 tickets available—secure your spot online today!

• Ice Fishing Contest:

  • 12PM - 3PM.

  • Contestants are requested to attend the 11:45 AM kickoff meeting.

• Event Grounds Open: 9am - 6pm. 

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1.2 - Tickets (Fishing Holes):

 

1.2.1 - Ticket Limit

• Buy online today to secure your spot and gain quicker access!

  • Each contestant may purchase up to a maximum of two tickets equaling two fishing holes.​

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1.2.2 - Parking and Transportation

• No parking on the ice.

• No parking in the Parkside or boat parking areas.

• Free shuttles from Running Aces in Columbus, MN, starting at 9 AM.

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1.2.3 - General Fishing Rules

• Follow all Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations.

• Valid Fishing License required.

• Each ticket includes 1 fishing hole (Max Two Per Contestant). In order to have the privilege to fish two holes, you must purchase a second ticket. 

• You may not share or split holes, each contestant will fish their claimed holes.

• DNR, Washington County Sheriff's departments, and an EMT will/may be on patrol.

• Winners may be required to complete IRS paperwork for prizes. Taxes and fees apply. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days.​

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1.2.4 - Disqualification:

• Violating any contest rules will result in disqualification.

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Section 2:

Event Schedule:​

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9:00 AM: Shuttles start; in-person registration opens.

10:00 AM: Vendor Row, Food Truck(s) open, 50/50 raffle begins, contestants begin to choose hole locations.​

11:45 AM: Rule review and announcements.

12:00 PM: Fishing contest begins.

2:00 PM: Registration closes, 50/50 raffle closes.

3:00 PM: Fishing contest ends/closes (must be in line for weigh-in).

3:30 PM: Announce raffle and contest winners, present checks to charities.

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Section 3:

Rules of Participation

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3.1 - Fishing Guidelines:

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• One pole per hole.

  • You may use a Tip-up, this will count as your 'pole'. 

• Live bait must be purchased on-site. 

  • Dry bait is permitted (see Section 5 for prohibited items).

• Contestants will choose a hole for each event pass they possess. You may not split, share or watch another individual(s) fishing hole (see Section 6: Contest Fishing Rules). 

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3.2 - ​Inspection:

• All equipment and belongings may be inspected at designated checkpoints or at any point during the contest.

• Participants leaving and re-entering must pass through inspection again.

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​3.3 - Safety Requirements:

• Alcohol consumption is permitted but not available for purchase on-site. 

• All participants are responsible for their own safety and must prepare for adverse weather and weather conditions.

• At any point officials may disqualify anybody for unsafe conditions, being impaired or being uncooperative.

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3.4 - Catch Rules:

• Fish must be alive, caught within contest hours, and brought to the weigh-in station immediately.

• Dead or frozen fish will be disqualified.

• Contestants must follow all DNR and local laws.

• All species will be accepted, following the DNR Laws. 

  • Northern Pike: All between 22"-26" must be released by the contestant immediately and will not be weighed. 

• Only two fish can be brought up to be weighed at one time (all fish brought up must be alive). 

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Section 4:

Prizes and Judging

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• Participants may win only one prize, determined by the heaviest fish caught.

• In case of a tie, the length of the fish at weigh-in takes precedence.

• You may be questioned at any point to uphold the integrity of the contest. If this is administered; failure to comply or knowingly violating any rules will result in forfeiture of prizes and disqualification from the contest. 

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Section 5:

Prohibited Items and Actions

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5.1 - Restrictions:

• No wheelhouses, hubs, portables, shelters.

• No electronics or such items (including flashers, Vexilars, cameras, Livescopes, etc.).

• No outside live bait or augers. 

• You will not drill your own hole.

• No open flames, (i.e gas or wood firepit).

• Items unrelated to 'bucket ice fishing' are prohibited.

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5.2 - Allowed:

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5.2.1 - Personal Items Allowed:

• Heaters (including liquid propane [L.P.]), seating buckets, and bags alike; are allowed, but will be inspected.

  • Note: Although liquid propane (L.P.) is allowed, it cannot be brought on the shuttle. Please drop it off beforehand. 

• Chisels and scoops may be used to clean and maintain your fishing hole.

• Pliers or similar tools may be used to safely remove hooks from fish.​

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5.2.2 - Personal Gear Allowed:​

• Participants must bring their own fishing equipment, including:

  • Rods, reels, jigs/hooks and line. (Something to fish with).

  • Tip-Ups are allowed, this will count as a fishing pole.  

  • Buckets and chairs (Seating equipment).

  • Appropriate clothing (jackets, boots, scarfs, hand warmers, etc.).

  • Ice Cleats (please bring as it may be slippery).

  • Pliers or similar tools may be used to safely remove hooks from fish.

  • Chisels and scoops may be used to clean and maintain your fishing hole.

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5.2.3 - Allowed Bait​​​

• Live bait will only be available for purchase on-site by Master Bait & Hook. Please plan to purchase some.

• Contestants are allowed to bring dry bait (i.e. Waxies).

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Section 6:

Contest Fishing Rules

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6.1 - Eligible Catch Time:

• 12 PM - 3 PM on February 8th, lines will not be allowed in the water until then. 

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6.2 - Ice Fishing Hole Restrictions:​

• Pre-drilled holes provided; no personal augers or spears allowed.

• You must clear your hole if you leave your hole

  • Example: You may not leave any line in the water if you wish to leave the contest grounds. ​

• Each ice fishing hole requires one event pass.

  • Participants may purchase up to two passes (maximum two holes).

• All fishing passes must be visible at all times.

  • This includes having two passes, both must be shown at all times. ​

• Once a fishing hole is claimed, you must fish that hole for the entirety of the competition.

• You may not split, share, or delegate ice fishing holes.

• Lines may not be in the water until contest start. 

  • Lines must be out of the water at contest end. 

• At contest end, you must actively be in line to be weighed.

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6.3 - DNR Rules:

• The Forest Lake Ice Classic Ice Fishing Contest follows the full guidelines the DNR provides. 

• Contestants are expected to know and willingly cooperate with these rules. 

• Northern Pike: All from 22-26" must be immediately released by contestant and will not be weighed.

• You may find the full DNR Rules here

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6.4 - Inspection:

• Officials will inspect fish, coolers, buckets, and bags.

• Officials have the right to question or inspect any participant's fish within the contest regulations. This does not imply an accusation; rather, it is an act to maintain the integrity of the contest.

• If anyone is caught knowingly modifying or adjusting fish, equipment, or any other items, officials have the right to instantly disqualify the participant.

• If anyone is caught knowingly breaking any rules, will will result in disqualification and violators may be prosecuted.

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6.5 - Weigh-in:

• Wear your fishing pass (fishing pass must be visible at all times).

  • Contestants wearing two holes must have both passes visible. ​

• Each fish must be free of ice/snow, all hooks/tackle/bait removed.

• Officials will be holding and inspecting fish.

• Fish presented for weigh-in must be handled carefully to ensure they are alive and free from visible damage. Contestants are responsible for ensuring fish are clean of ice and snow before submission.

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6.5.1: Weigh-IN Process:

• Staff will drill holes; contestants will then claim their holes. 

• During the contest, bring fish to weigh-in area (max 2 at a time, fish must be alive).

• Fish are weighed, measured and tracked then released by officials. You must notify officials if you wish to mount it (donation requested to lake association).

• Contestants may go back to fishing, until contest end. 

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Section 7:

Raffle Rules and Disclaimer

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Raffle General Rules

7.1 - Ticket Sales:

• Raffle tickets are sold in person only.

• Purchasers must be 18 years or older.

• Raffle tickets are separate from event tickets and do not grant entry into the fishing contest.

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7.2 - Availability:

• Tickets are sold by volunteers, and availability cannot be guaranteed.

• Tickets will also be available for purchase on the day of the event.

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7.3 - Sales Policy:

• All sales are final.

• No refunds or exchanges will be issued.

• Each ticket is uniquely numbered and complies with Minnesota Gambling Control Board regulations.

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7.4 - Prize Rules:​

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7.4.1 - Non-Transferable Prizes:

• Prizes are non-transferable unless forfeited the time of the drawing, in which case a re-draw will occur.

• Prizes are non-exchangeable for cash.

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7.4.2 - Claiming Prizes:

• Winners have 30 days to claim their prizes and settle any applicable taxes or fees.

• Unclaimed prizes after 30 days will be forfeited.

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7.4.3 - Taxes and Fees:

Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes or fees associated with their prizes.

Prize recipients may need to complete IRS documentation prior to distribution.

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7.4.4 - Substitution of Prizes:

Event organizers reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if necessary.

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7.5 - Participation Rules:

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​7.5.1 - Presence Not Required:​

• You do not need to be present during the raffle drawing to win. However, attendance is encouraged.

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7.5.2 - Contact Information:

• Winners not in attendance will be notified using the contact details provided at the time of purchase.

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7.5.3 - Prize Claim Instructions:

• Claim your prize within 30 days of the drawing.

• Settle any applicable taxes and fees before receiving the prize.

• Prizes involving titles or state tax obligations may require additional documentation.

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7.8 - Raffle Drawing Disclaimer:

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7.8.1 - Eligibility:

• Participants must be 18 years or older.

• Tickets must be purchased in person at participating locations or during the event.

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7.8.2 - Raffle Separation:

• The raffle is separate from the ice fishing contest, requiring distinct participation.

 

7.8.3 - Bundled Prizes:

• Some prizes may be bundled into larger packages for enhanced value.

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Section 8:

Safety and Additional Info

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• Check ice thickness; event inspection by Forest Lake Fire Chief prior to event.

• Emergencies: Contact local responders or event staff immediately.

• Sponsor support appreciated. Check partners tab.

• Event photographers present: participation implies consent for promotional use.

• Respect anglers/environment; follow event/fishing etiquette.

• Organizers’ decisions are final.

• Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant at any point in time. 

• ​Participants are expected to act respectfully toward staff, other contestants, and the environment. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

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Weather Contingency:

• Follow designated procedures for adverse weather.

• Contest may be canceled due to any unforeseen circumstances, not enough ice thickness, or weather events.​

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Fraud Warning:

• Fraud attempts may be prosecuted.

• Please let us know if anything is unclear or if you have additional questions!

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Liability Waiver

• ​By participating, contestants agree to release event organizers, sponsors, and affiliates from liability for injuries, property damage, or loss incurred during the event.

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