A Memorable Month -

Fun for all ages !

You know what they say about the good old days, you never truly appreciate them until they’re gone. Well, it turns out that some of the most memorable on Lake Mille Lacs haven’t been gone long–and we have the proof (and photo evidence) to show just how good they were. It’s been an exciting month full of electric energy, fishing fun, and polar partying up in our northern paradise and we can’t wait to wrap it up for you in a rod and reel embellished bow. Because the best moments deserve a second look, don’t you think?

Ahem, “We’re pleased to present a month-ish in review of catch and compete ice fishing tournaments and chilly thrills on Lake Mille Lacs. Which was your favorite? (and which are you bummed to have missed?) Psst… Don’t worry, there’s always next year. 

Fishing for Ducks - The 20th annual Fishing for Ducks, hosted by Garrison Ducks Unlimited, was held on February 22nd in the Garrison Bay section of Lake Mille Lacs. Not only did fish-frenzied participants appreciate some good old-fashioned Minnesota ice fishing, they also cast their lines knowing the money raised during this action-packed tournament went into conserving, restoring, and managing wetlands for waterfowl through the Garrison Wildlife Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. There was a silent auction, raffles, food, bloody marys courtesy of The Quack Shack, and so much more. Fishermen entered their walleye, northern pike, perch, tullibee, burbot, rock bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish for consideration. The top 100 biggest fish caught won prizes–including a truck for the top prize and a wheelhouse for the 100th biggest fish! Old friends were reunited, new friendships were formed, and everyone bonded over this quintessentially American pastime. 

Garrison WinterFest - The Garrison Commercial Club and Harbor Inn hosted Garrison Winterfest on March 1st and 2nd at Garrison Concourse Wayside Park. This early spring extravaganza is the definition of end-of-winter-memory-making and laugh-producing fun. We’re talking Softball on Ice, Golf on Ice, Winter Olympic games with prizes, raffle drawings, meat raffle, community dinner, DJ music, hard water ice racing…gah! We’re out of breath! If you didn’t make it this year, lock it in for next year.

Perch Party - As Minnesota ice fishing tournaments go, the Perch Party, hosted at Nitti’s Hunters Point Resort on February 20th, is a whopper. If the Mille Lacs Lake area is one big happy neighborhood (and it is), picture the entire block together in one place enjoying each other’s company, competing for the biggest catch, eating, drinking, and simply having a blast. And while the camaraderie takes the top spot at the Perch Party each year, a close second are the PRIZES! There were live scopes, grills, side-by-sides, 4-wheelers, and so much more! The Mille Lacs ice fishing game is strong at the annual Perch Party and it’s a tradition you must add to your winter bucket list. Or you might risk finding yourself with a severe case of FOMO.

Perch and Pout (Minus the Pout) February 15th - This year’s Perch and Pout (Minus the Pout), also held at Nitti’s Hunters Point Resort, was a ‘reel’ good time. Excited anglers of all skill levels delivered their perch to the weigh shack in hopes of being the big winner but with prizes like forward-facing sonar, augers, and even a 4-wheeler who isn’t considered a winner? Add in exciting cash prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place fish, and congratulations are truly in order to all who participated. In this fishermen’s favorite ice fishing tournament, participants competed to catch the largest perch. This year’s focus shifted to perch, rather than eelpout as in recent years, with an emphasis on honoring traditions and enjoying the great outdoors. 

United Heroes League - 2025 Justin Morneau Ice Fishing Classic - The 10th annual United Heroes League Justin Morneau Ice Fishing Classic was celebrated on February 1st at… you guessed it…  Nitti’s Hunters Point Resort. Attendees tapped their feet to the tunes of the Chad Johnson Band under a heated tent on the ice. They also enjoyed meet-and-greets with Twins Hall of Famer and current television analyst Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins Pitcher Louie Varland, and several other sports legends. In addition to the fish category prizes (over $100,000 in prizes including two fish houses!) United Heroes League gave away dozens of fabulous door prizes. Each year the proceeds from this event benefit United Heroes League non-profit that helps military families heal, build friendships, and engage in their communities through sports. Fishing, fun, and sports legends? Sign us up!

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