What the Extravaganza is and when it happens
The Gull Lake Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is an annual winter fishing tournament held on Gull Lake near Brainerd, organized by the local Jaycees chapter as a fundraiser for community projects. The event draws families, competitive anglers, and casual fishers who want to spend a day on the ice catching walleye, northern pike, and perch. The tournament typically runs for a single day in January or February — the exact date shifts year to year, so you'll need to check with the Brainerd Jaycees directly or watch their social media pages for the current year's schedule.
The event is open to the public, and you do not need to be a member of the Jaycees to participate. Registration usually happens on the morning of the tournament at a location on or near the lake, though some years allow advance sign-up. Entry fees go toward Jaycees community work in the Brainerd area, which has included youth programs, scholarships, and local infrastructure projects.
Key Takeaways
- The Extravaganza is a one-day ice fishing tournament on Gull Lake held in January or February, with the exact date changing each year.
- You can fish for walleye, northern pike, and perch, and the tournament is open to anglers of all skill levels and ages.
- Registration typically happens the morning of the event, though you should confirm the current year's process with the Brainerd Jaycees ahead of time.
- A valid Minnesota fishing license is required, and you must follow all state ice fishing regulations including hole limits and equipment rules.
- The Jaycees organize the event as a fundraiser, so entry fees support local youth and community programs rather than going to a prize pool.
What you need to bring and prepare
Before you head to Gull Lake, make sure you have a current Minnesota fishing license. You can buy one online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, or at many bait shops in the Brainerd area. A license is required even for children, though Minnesota offers reduced-cost youth licenses.
For ice fishing gear, bring an auger or chisel to cut holes, a fishing rod suited to the species you're targeting, and appropriate tackle — jigs and live bait work well for walleye and perch, while larger lures and shiners appeal to northern pike. Dress warmly in layers, because wind on the ice can drop the effective temperature well below the thermometer reading. Bring a shelter or pop-up tent if you have one; many anglers use them to block wind and stay comfortable during a long day on the ice. Hand warmers, a thermos of hot coffee or soup, and snacks make the day more pleasant.
Check the ice thickness before you go out. The Minnesota DNR recommends at least 4 inches of clear ice for walking and fishing, and thicker ice if you're bringing a vehicle or snowmobile. Local bait shops and the Brainerd Jaycees can tell you the current ice conditions on Gull Lake.
Minnesota ice fishing regulations you need to follow
Minnesota has specific rules for ice fishing that apply to the Extravaganza. You are allowed to fish with up to two lines at once, and you must stay within sight of your lines at all times. Each line must have a rod and reel or a hand line; tip-ups are legal in Minnesota, but check the current rules because regulations can change.
Walleye, northern pike, and perch all have size and bag limits in Minnesota. For walleye, the minimum size is 15 inches and the daily bag limit is six fish. Northern pike must be at least 24 inches, with a daily limit of three fish. Perch have no minimum size but a daily limit of 30 fish. These limits exist to protect fish populations, and tournament organizers enforce them — fish that don't meet the size requirement cannot be weighed or counted.
You cannot use live baitfish to catch pike or walleye in Minnesota during winter, though dead bait and artificial lures are fine. Perch can be caught with live bait. If you're unsure about any rule, ask the tournament organizers or a bait shop attendant before the event starts.
How the tournament scoring and prizes work
The Extravaganza typically uses a format where anglers fish during a set window — often 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or similar — and weigh in their catch at a designated time and place. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight usually wins, though some years the tournament awards prizes for the largest single fish in each species category as well.
Because the event is a fundraiser rather than a high-stakes competition, prize pools are modest and entry fees are kept low. The focus is on community participation and supporting Jaycees projects rather than on big payouts. Weigh-in is public, so you can watch other anglers' catches and see how the competition unfolds in real time.
Getting to Gull Lake and finding parking
Gull Lake is in Crow Wing County near Brainerd, about 130 miles north of the Twin Cities. From Brainerd, take Highway 371 north or south depending on which access point you're using — Gull Lake has several public boat launches and access areas. The Brainerd Jaycees will announce the specific meeting and weigh-in location for the current year's tournament, so check their website or call ahead to confirm where to park and where registration happens.
Arrive early on tournament day, especially if you're new to the lake. Parking can fill up as the morning progresses, and you'll want time to set up your gear and find a good fishing spot before the tournament window opens. If you're unfamiliar with Gull Lake, consider visiting the day before to scout locations or talk to local anglers at a nearby bait shop.
What to expect if you've never ice fished before
Ice fishing is slower-paced than open-water fishing, and patience is part of the experience. You'll cut a hole, drop your line, and wait — sometimes for minutes, sometimes longer — before a fish bites. Many anglers bring a book, a friend, or a radio to pass the time. The social aspect of the tournament is often as rewarding as the fishing itself; you'll meet other people from the Brainerd area and swap stories about what's working.
If you catch a fish, bring it up slowly to avoid breaking your line, and handle it carefully before placing it in a bucket or cooler to keep it fresh for weigh-in. If you don't catch anything, that's normal too — even experienced anglers have slow days. The Extravaganza welcomes all skill levels, and the goal is participation and community support, not perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license if I'm under 16?
Yes, Minnesota requires a fishing license for everyone, including children. However, Minnesota offers a reduced-cost youth license for anglers under 16, which is cheaper than an adult license. You can buy one online or at a bait shop before the tournament.
What if the ice isn't thick enough on tournament day?
If ice conditions are unsafe, the Brainerd Jaycees will postpone or cancel the event and announce it through their website and social media. Check their pages the day before and the morning of the tournament for any updates. Local bait shops can also tell you if conditions are marginal.
Can I fish with my kids at the Extravaganza?
Yes, the tournament welcomes families and children of all ages. Kids need their own fishing license, but the Jaycees often have a family-friendly atmosphere with activities and food vendors. Call ahead to ask if there are youth categories or family team options for the current year.
What happens to the fish I catch?
After weigh-in, you keep your catch. Most anglers either eat the fish or release them, depending on the species and size. Walleye and perch are excellent eating; pike is also good if you know how to fillet it properly. Ask the tournament organizers if they have any recommendations for local restaurants or processors if you want help preparing your fish.
Where can I find out the exact date and registration details for this year?
Contact the Brainerd Jaycees directly through their website or social media pages, or call the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce, which can connect you with the Jaycees chapter. They'll have the current year's date, registration process, entry fee, and any changes to the tournament format.