Current ice conditions are safe on all six bodies of water at Grafton Lakes State Park, and fishermen are braving the cold temperatures for their chance to make a chilly catch. The rapid ice formation also bodes well for the 29th Annual Ice Fishing Contest, scheduled for Saturday, January 25, from 5:30 am to 3 pm.
Offered on the same day as the Winter Festival, the annual ice fishing contest draws several hundred fishermen to try their luck on any of the ponds in the Park. Participants can register starting at 5:30 am until 11 am on January 25 at the Park’s pole barn, accessible via the Winter Entrance. A $10 entry fee for individuals 16 and older is required to participate in the fishing tournament. First place fish will receive a $300 cash prize this year, awarded for the longest length catch in all three categories of trout, walleye/chain pickerel and yellow perch. Children may enter at no charge, and their winning entries will receive gift certificates and other prizes. Please remember that all participants 16 and older must have a New York State fishing license to fish in the Park at any time.
Due to preparations for the Winter Festival, ice fishing is not permitted adjacent to the beach on Long Pond.
Certified bait will be available on site from Graftonondack Outfitters in the registration area. Bait is also available from Conroy’s Bait Supply in Watervliet.
The Berlin Girl Scout Troop 1170 will sell fresh breakfast sandwiches for fishermen at registration from 5:30 to 9 am. Proceeds will benefit an international service project trip that the middle school-aged troop plans to take in 2016.
For those hungry after a long day of fishing, Brunswick Barbecue and Brew invites participants to bring their catch down the mountain after the contest. They will smoke it for you while you warm up by the fire.
The ice fishing contest is sponsored by twenty-four community businesses and the Natural Heritage Trust. Please let these businesses know you appreciate their sponsorship: Averill Park Septic, Beecroft’s Shooters Supply, Conroy’s Bait Supply, Eastern Mountain Sports, Graftonondack Outfitters, Hoosick True Value, John Ray & Sons, Lakeview Inn, L.L. Bean, Marpe’s Country Store, Marra’s Pharmacy, Poestenkill Auto Supply, Rifenburg Construction, Stewart’s Shops, Stone Industries, Taconic Plastics, The Towne Tavern, Tremont Ace Hardware, Uniferst Uniforms, Yankee Trails, Warren Fane, Wiley Brothers and Young’s Pharmacy.
The Ice Fishing Contest is part of a full day of Winter Festival activities, with offerings that include a Polar Plunge, snow bowling, live animal exhibits and hot food. Please call the Park office at 279-1155 for details and for updates on ice fishing conditions.