Perfect weather attracts ice fishers to Devils Lake

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Story submitted by Harriet Rice

Sunny skies and balmy temperatures brought out an estimated 200 ice fishing enthusiasts for Saturday’s Devils Lake Ice Fishing Contest co-sponsored by Bump’s Lakeside and the Burnett Area Tourism Coalition.

Raffle tickets sold like hotcakes. While there were drawings throughout the day, the suspense built for the three top prizes. After the tickets were drawn, these winners emerged:

Three-person fishing shack ($500 value): Patti Tuset
40” flat screen television ($200 value): Pat Pettit
Mr. Heater portable heater ($50 value): Jim Petrangelo, Webster

Prizes were also awarded to anglers who caught the largest fish in four categories. The prize package was a bucket filled with $75 worth of ice fishing gear.

Northern: Dan Nyren, 2-lbs., 8 oz.
Walleye: Peter Miller, 1-lb., 4 oz.
Bass: Louie Moen, 2-lbs., 6 oz
Crappie: Ed Otto, 12 oz.

Jace Stuart won the kids’ category with his 2-lb., 7 oz. Northern. Brian Peetsch took home his share of the 50-50 cash raffle.

Event organizers thanked the local businesses that supported the event: Fish Bowl Bar & Grill, Cabin Corner, Affordable Auto, Log Cabin Store, Wild Bill’s, Bump’s Lakeside and The Main Store.