What the Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza is and when it happens
The Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza is an annual winter event held on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota, where thousands of people gather to fish through the ice, compete for prizes, and celebrate winter fishing culture. The event typically takes place in late January or early February, though the exact dates shift year to year depending on ice conditions and the organizers' schedule. You can find the current year's dates through the Brainerd Convention & Visitors Bureau or local Brainerd tourism websites.
The Extravaganza draws both serious anglers and families new to ice fishing. The lake is marked with thousands of fishing holes, and participants fish for walleye, northern pike, and perch. The event includes a formal weigh-in competition with cash prizes, but you do not have to enter the contest to fish during the event — many people come simply to spend a day on the ice with friends and family.
Key Takeaways
- The Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza happens once a year in late January or early February on Gull Lake, with dates that vary by year.
- You can fish for free during the event without entering the competition, though a formal weigh-in contest with prize money runs alongside the open fishing.
- Bring warm clothing rated for Minnesota winter temperatures, a fishing license, and ice fishing gear — or rent equipment on-site if you do not own any.
- The event draws large crowds, so arrive early for parking and to claim a good fishing spot, especially on weekends.
- Local restaurants, bait shops, and lodging fill up quickly during the event, so book accommodations in advance if you are traveling from out of town.
What you need to fish at the Extravaganza
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required to fish at the Extravaganza, just as it is for any fishing in the state. You can purchase a license online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, at bait and tackle shops in Brainerd, or at sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are only planning to fish during the event.
For gear, you will need an ice auger to cut holes, a fishing rod or tip-up, line, hooks or lures, and a bucket or sled to sit on and hold your catch. If you do not own ice fishing equipment, several shops in Brainerd rent augers, rods, and other gear by the day. Rental costs are modest, usually between $10 and $25 per item depending on what you rent. Many first-time visitors rent rather than buy, which is a practical way to try ice fishing before investing in your own equipment.
Dress in layers — base layer, insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer shell — and wear insulated boots, gloves, and a hat. Minnesota winter temperatures on the ice can drop well below zero, and wind chill makes it feel colder. Hand and foot warmers, a thermos of hot coffee or soup, and a windbreak shelter (which many people bring) make the day far more comfortable.
How the competition works and how to enter
The formal weigh-in competition runs during set hours on the event days. If you want to enter, you fish during the open period, keep your catch, and bring your fish to the official weigh station before the deadline. The heaviest fish in each species category (walleye, pike, perch) win cash prizes. Entry into the competition is separate from fishing itself — you pay an entry fee at registration to be may be able to access for prizes.
Entry fees vary by year and by category. Some years the event charges a single entry fee that covers all species; other years you pay per species you want to compete in. Check the Brainerd Convention & Visitors Bureau website or call ahead to confirm the current year's entry structure and prize amounts. Many people fish the entire event without entering the competition — they keep fish for the table and enjoy the social atmosphere without the pressure of competing.
Parking, crowds, and timing your visit
The Extravaganza draws several thousand people over its run, and parking fills quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours (usually mid-morning through early afternoon). Arrive early — before 8 a.m. — if you want reliable parking close to the lake. If you arrive later in the day, you may have to park farther away and walk to the ice.
Weekday fishing during the event is typically less crowded than weekends, which can be an advantage if you want more space and quieter conditions. However, weekdays may also have fewer vendors, rental shops, and support services on-site. Check what services are available on the specific day you plan to visit.
The ice on Gull Lake is checked regularly during the event, and organizers mark safe fishing areas. Even so, always be cautious on ice, stay in marked zones, and never fish alone. If you are new to ice fishing, fishing near other people or joining a group is both safer and more enjoyable.
Where to stay and eat during the event
Brainerd has hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals throughout the town, but rooms book up weeks in advance during the Extravaganza. If you are planning to attend, reserve lodging as soon as dates are announced. Camping is also an option in winter, though it requires cold-weather camping gear and experience.
Restaurants in Brainerd range from casual diners to sit-down establishments. Many fill up during the event, so eat at off-peak times (early lunch, late dinner) or call ahead to ask about wait times. Some local bait shops and event vendors sell hot food on-site, which is convenient if you want to stay on the ice longer. Bringing your own food and drinks is always an option and often the most economical choice.
What fish you will find and how to prepare them
Walleye, northern pike, and perch are the primary species in Gull Lake during winter. Walleye is prized for its mild, flaky white meat and is the most sought-after fish at the Extravaganza. Pike is larger and more aggressive, making it exciting to catch, though the meat is softer and requires careful handling to avoid bruising. Perch are smaller but abundant and excellent for a quick shore lunch or for taking home to fillet and fry.
Keep your fish on ice or in a cooler as soon as you catch it — the cold preserves quality and makes filleting easier later. If you are new to cleaning fish, ask other anglers on the ice; most are happy to show you how, or you can watch videos beforehand to learn the basics. A sharp fillet knife, a cutting board, and a trash bag make the job quick and clean.
Walleye fillets pan-fry beautifully in butter with a light seasoning of salt, pepper, and lemon. Pike benefits from a braise or a slow-cooked preparation that tenderizes the meat. Perch are small enough to cook whole or to fillet quickly, and they take well to frying, baking, or poaching. Cooking fresh-caught fish the same day you catch it is one of the true pleasures of ice fishing.
Getting there and what to bring
Brainerd is in central Minnesota, roughly two hours north of the Twin Cities on Highway 371. If you are driving from Minneapolis or St. Paul, take I-94 north to Highway 371 and follow signs to Brainerd and Gull Lake. Parking during the event is on the lake itself or in nearby lots — follow signs posted by event organizers when you arrive.
Bring your fishing license, gear, warm clothes, and a cooler for your catch. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you fish early morning or late afternoon. A small shelter or windbreak, a thermos, and snacks make the day more comfortable. If you are renting equipment, confirm availability by calling the rental shop a day or two before you go — popular items can run out during peak event days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license if I am just watching and not fishing?
No, you only need a license if you are actively fishing. You can walk on the ice, watch other anglers, and enjoy the event without a license. However, if you want to fish at any point, you must have a valid Minnesota license before you cast a line.
Can I bring my children to fish at the Extravaganza?
Yes, children are welcome. Minnesota residents under 16 do not need a fishing license, though they must follow all other fishing regulations. Bring warm clothing, supervise children closely on the ice, and consider renting smaller or lighter equipment that is easier for them to handle. Many families use the event as an introduction to ice fishing.
What happens if the ice is not safe?
Event organizers monitor ice thickness throughout the season and will postpone or cancel the event if conditions are unsafe. Check the Brainerd Convention & Visitors Bureau website or call ahead a few days before your planned visit to confirm the event is running. Ice conditions can change rapidly, so always ask organizers on-site which areas are safest to fish.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, you can keep your catch for eating. Minnesota has daily catch limits for each species — check the current regulations on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website before you go. Most people who fish the Extravaganza keep walleye and perch for the table and release pike, though regulations allow you to keep pike as well within the daily limit.
Is there a beginner-friendly time to go?
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded and can feel less overwhelming for first-time ice fishers. The event also sometimes hosts beginner clinics or demonstrations — check the event schedule when dates are announced. Fishing near experienced anglers and asking questions is one of the best ways to learn, and most people at the Extravaganza are friendly and willing to help newcomers.