The 40th annual Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby has been postponed until Saturday, February 7, one week later than the original January 31 date, due to unsafe lake access conditions.
Greg Thomes, chairman of the Ice Fishing Derby committee, says that coming cold temperatures will improve lake access.
“There’s good ice on the lake,” said Thomes. “The problem is the water at the lake access. Next week’s near zero overnight lows will drastically improve conditions at the access.”
Nick Olsen, Derby Marketing Director, agreed. “As of today there’s 20+ inches mid-lake, but access to the lake itself is hampered by water at the shoreline, there’s 6”-8” of water out 25’ from the shore.”
“It’s really a safety issue,” said Thomes. “We’re expecting potentially 7,500 people, our responsibility is to keep everyone safe.”
All derby events including the Vintage Snowmobile Show, Arctic Plunge, Take A Kid Fishing, Ice Auger Drilling Contest, Awards Ceremony and After Party will also be postponed.
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