Blizzard can’t slow fishermen down
Blizzard can’t slow fishermen down
By Jerry W. Kram
Sometimes North Dakota weather just has to remind people who’s boss.
A fast moving weather system plowed through the area on Saturday just as the 7th Annual Bite the Ice Fishing Tournament was getting underway. The weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm for the anglers, however, as all three tournament categories were filled for the first time in years.
The Bite the Ice Tournament offers cash prizes for the top five walleyes, five northerns and 10 perch. In past years, when Lake Sakakawea was recovering from a major drought and record low water levels, tournament organizers had to hold drawings because anglers couldn’t bring in enough fish. This year, enough fish were brought in during the first hour and a half of the tournament to fill all the categories. That shows how well the fishing on the lake has recovered, said Kristin Jaeger with the Parshall Promoters. The Promoters and New Town Chamber of Commerce are the organizers of the Bite the Ice Tournament.
The improved results were even more impressive given the challenging conditions during the tournament. Strong winds and an inch or two of fresh snow combined to make getting to the tournament challenging for many people. However, as the fishing started at 10 a.m., conditions on the ice were good. The wind had died down and it looked like it was going to be a good day for fishing.
