The countdown has begun to one of the state’s largest ice fishing derbies and it happens right here on Maple Lake.
As of early this week, ice conditions were looking good and event chairman Greg Thomes expected a full derby to take place Saturday, Feb. 1 as scheduled. “The sheriff gave us our permit on Friday and we’re going full speed ahead,” Thomes said. He expected “Big” Maple to have 17 to 18 inches of good ice by derby day. That’s less than last year’s 24 to 26 inches and why organizers are encouraging participants make use of the shuttle and trolly services instead of driving their heavy vehicles on the ice. “We’re encouraging people to put their permanents out there the day before to try to limit the number of people driving on the ice that day,” Thomes said.
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