Submitted by GLSP
Due to warmer than usual temperatures, the 38th annual ice fishing contest at Grafton Lakes State Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 am to 2 pm. Join in on the fun as several-hundred anglers brave the cold temperatures for their chance to make a winning catch on several of the park’s ponds. February is starting with some cold arctic air giving us high hopes for the contest next Saturday.
Registration will run from 5:30 to 11 am, or 12:30 pm for youth, in the park’s maintenance building, accessible via the Main Entrance. There is a $10 registration fee required for all participants ages 16 or older, with no fee for children under 16. All participants 16 and older must have a valid NYS fishing license to fish in the park at any time, including during the contest. Tournament areas are located on Second Pond, Mill Pond, Dunham Reservoir, Shaver Pond, and Long Pond.
Cash prizes are awarded for adults with a first place fish and the longest length catch in all three categories of rainbow or brown trout, walleye or chain pickerel, and yellow perch. An awards ceremony will take place at 2:20 pm. Kids contest winners will receive prizes as well.
All those who register will also be entered into a raffle for door prizes. This year, Grafton Lakes State Park will be participating in the MLK Food Drive. Participants will receive an extra ticket for bringing in food or hygiene products or donating at least $5. Only one extra ticket per person will be given regardless of the donation amount. Expired items or cans dented on the top or bottom seams cannot be accepted.
Needed items include:
• Canned items such as meat, tuna, ham, salmon, stew, chili, peanut butter, soups, beans
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Boxed cereal, oatmeal, flour, instant mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, rice
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, shaving products
• Diapers, baby wipes, not baby formula
• Toilet paper, paper towels, disinfecting wipes
Please use the park’s main entrance. There is no entrance fee for this event. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.
