What the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is and when it happens

The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is an annual winter fishing tournament held on Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota. The event brings together ice anglers of all skill levels — from people fishing their first winter to seasoned tournament competitors — for a day of fishing, prizes, and community. The tournament typically takes place in early February, though the exact date shifts each year based on ice conditions and the Jaycees' schedule.

The Brainerd Jaycees, a service organization focused on community development and youth programs, runs the event as a fundraiser. Money raised supports local youth initiatives and community projects in the Brainerd area. The tournament is open to the public, and you do not need to be a member of the Jaycees to participate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is held annually on Gull Lake in early February, with the exact date announced by the Jaycees each year.
  • The tournament welcomes anglers of all experience levels and does not require membership in the Jaycees to fish.
  • Registration typically happens on the morning of the event at the access point, though you should confirm current procedures with the Brainerd Jaycees directly.
  • Gull Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish, so bring tackle suited to the species you want to target.
  • The event runs during Minnesota's winter ice fishing season, so check ice thickness reports and bring proper safety gear.

How to register and what the entry fee covers

Registration for the Extravaganza usually opens on the morning of the tournament at the Gull Lake access point. You pay a registration fee at that time, which typically includes your entry into the tournament and may be able to access for prize drawings. The exact fee amount varies year to year, so contact the Brainerd Jaycees directly to confirm the current cost before the event.

The fee structure often includes categories for different angler types — sometimes separate divisions for adults and youth, or for different skill levels. Prize money or merchandise is usually awarded to top finishers in each category. Some years the event also includes a raffle component, where registered anglers receive raffle tickets as part of their entry.

Because the event is a fundraiser, a portion of registration fees goes directly to the Jaycees' community programs. This means your entry fee supports local youth development and other initiatives in the Brainerd area.

What fish are in Gull Lake and what tackle to bring

Gull Lake is a productive Minnesota lake with three main species: walleye, northern pike, and panfish (bluegill, crappie, and perch). Walleye are the primary target for most tournament anglers, especially in winter when they move to deeper structure. Pike are present but less predictable in a tournament setting. Panfish are abundant and reliable, making them a good option if walleye are slow.

For walleye, bring jigging rods with light to medium action and spools loaded with 4- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Pack a variety of jig heads (1/8 to 1/2 ounce) tipped with live minnows or soft plastics. Gull Lake walleye respond well to subtle presentations, so smaller baits often outfish larger ones. For pike, heavier jigging spoons and larger minnows work better. Panfish require lighter jigs and small live bait or tiny soft plastics.

Bring a portable auger to cut holes, an ice scoop to keep them clear, and a quality ice fishing shelter if you want to stay warm during the day. A depth finder designed for ice fishing helps you locate structure and fish more efficiently. Hand warmers, insulated clothing, and waterproof gloves are essential — ice fishing in February means temperatures well below freezing.

Ice safety and what to check before you go

Ice thickness is the first thing to verify before heading to Gull Lake. Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources recommends a minimum of 4 inches of clear ice for walking and fishing, 5 to 7 inches for snowmobiles, and 8 to 12 inches for vehicles. Call the Brainerd area DNR office or check their website for current ice reports on Gull Lake before the tournament date. Local bait and tackle shops in Brainerd also post regular ice updates.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or ice fishing suit rated for immersion. Many experienced ice anglers wear one throughout the day, not just when moving across the ice. Carry a rope, ice picks, and a throw line in your shelter. Fish with a buddy when possible, and let someone on shore know where you are fishing and when you expect to return.

Check the weather forecast for the tournament date. February in Minnesota brings wind, snow, and rapid temperature swings. A sudden warm spell can weaken ice; a cold snap can make travel safer. The Brainerd Jaycees may postpone or cancel the event if ice conditions are unsafe, so stay in touch with them as the date approaches.

Where to find current event details and registration information

The Brainerd Jaycees maintain information about the Ice Fishing Extravaganza through their official channels. Contact them directly by phone or through their website to confirm the 2024 or 2025 tournament date, registration procedures, and entry fees. They can also answer questions about divisions, prize structures, and any rule changes from previous years.

Local Brainerd bait and tackle shops often have flyers or information about the event and can point you toward current details. The Brainerd Convention and Visitors Bureau also tracks major winter events in the area and may have information about the Extravaganza on their website.

Arrive early on tournament day if you plan to register on-site. Popular events can draw crowds, and registration may close once a certain number of anglers have signed up. Bring cash or confirm what payment methods the Jaycees accept.

What to do with your catch and fish handling tips

Most ice fishing tournaments in Minnesota operate under a catch-and-release or live-release format, meaning fish are measured for the tournament and returned to the water. Check the Brainerd Jaycees' specific rules before the event — some tournaments keep fish on a stringer in the cold, while others require immediate release after measurement.

If the tournament uses live-release, handle fish with wet hands to protect their protective slime coating. Keep them in an aerated bucket or livewell if you are holding them temporarily. Walleye and pike are hardy in cold water, but panfish can be more sensitive to handling stress. Measure fish quickly and return them to the water as soon as the measurement is recorded.

If you plan to keep fish for a meal after the tournament, follow Minnesota's possession limits and size regulations. Walleye have specific minimum sizes and daily limits that vary slightly by lake and season — check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you fish. Many anglers who fish tournaments also keep a few panfish for a shore lunch or dinner, which is a rewarding way to end the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ice fishing experience to enter the Extravaganza?

No. The tournament welcomes anglers of all levels, including people fishing ice for the first time. Many participants use the event as a chance to learn from other anglers and enjoy a day on the ice with the community. If you are new to ice fishing, arrive early, watch how experienced anglers set up, and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Can I fish with my kids or bring family members who are not registered?

Family members can usually accompany you on the ice, but confirm the Jaycees' policy on non-registered anglers. Some tournaments allow spectators or non-fishing companions; others require everyone on the ice to be registered. Contact the Brainerd Jaycees before the event to understand what is allowed.

What happens if the ice is not safe on tournament day?

The Brainerd Jaycees monitor ice conditions leading up to the event and may postpone or cancel if safety is a concern. They will communicate any changes through their website and phone line. If you are unsure about conditions, call them directly rather than showing up on the scheduled date.

Are there categories for youth anglers?

Many years the Extravaganza includes a youth division with separate prizes and sometimes a lower entry fee. Ask the Brainerd Jaycees whether youth categories are offered in the year you plan to fish. Youth divisions are a great way for young anglers to compete and build confidence on the ice.

Can I use a fish finder or electronics on the ice?

Most ice fishing tournaments allow portable fish finders and depth finders. Confirm the Jaycees' specific rules on electronics before the event, as some tournaments have restrictions on certain types of equipment. A quality ice fishing fish finder is legal and widely used in Minnesota ice tournaments.