What the Lake Audubon Ice Fishing Tournament is and when it happens
The Lake Audubon Ice Fishing Tournament is an annual winter event held on Lake Audubon near Bismarck, North Dakota, where anglers compete for prizes by fishing through the ice. The tournament 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 fish during a set window — usually a few hours in the morning — and weigh in your catch at a designated location on the lake.
The tournament draws both serious competitors and people fishing for the first time, and it's organized to keep things fair and straightforward. You pay an entry fee to participate, and prizes are awarded based on the weight of fish caught in specific categories. The event is a fixture in the Bismarck fishing calendar and a good way to spend a winter day on the ice with other people who fish.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Audubon Ice Fishing Tournament happens in late January or early February each year, with the exact dates announced by the organizers in advance.
- You pay an entry fee to fish, and prizes go to the heaviest fish in each category — typically walleye, northern pike, and perch.
- The tournament runs for a set fishing window, usually a few hours in the morning, and you weigh your catch at the official weigh-in station.
- Ice thickness and weather conditions determine whether the tournament proceeds as scheduled, so confirm dates and conditions before you travel.
How to enter and what to bring
Registration for the Lake Audubon Ice Fishing Tournament usually opens a few weeks before the event and closes the day before or the morning of the tournament. You can register in person at a local bait and tackle shop in Bismarck or by contacting the tournament organizers directly — check with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department or local fishing clubs for current registration details and the entry fee amount, which varies year to year.
Bring your own ice fishing gear: an auger to cut holes, a rod and reel or tip-up, line, hooks, and bait. Most anglers use live minnows for walleye and pike, though some use jigging spoons or other lures. Dress in layers — the wind on the ice is real, and you'll be standing still for hours. A shelter or pop-up tent is not required but makes the day much more comfortable. Bring hand warmers, a thermos of coffee or hot water, and snacks. A bucket or cooler to hold your fish is essential, and a scale to weigh your catch before you head to the weigh-in station helps you know where you stand.
Where to fish on Lake Audubon and what fish are in the tournament
Lake Audubon is a 5,400-acre reservoir about 20 miles north of Bismarck. The tournament typically covers the main body of the lake, though organizers may restrict fishing to certain areas depending on ice conditions. Common tournament categories are walleye, northern pike, and perch — the three species most reliable on the lake in winter. Some years the tournament adds a category for the largest fish overall or the most fish caught.
Walleye are the main draw. They suspend in deeper water during winter, usually 20 to 35 feet down, and respond to jigging with live minnows or small spoons. Northern pike roam shallower areas and are aggressive hunters, so they hit larger baits and lures. Perch school in moderate depths and bite steadily if you find the right spot. The tournament organizers or local bait shops can tell you which areas have been producing fish in the weeks before the event — that information changes with weather and ice conditions.
Ice safety and weather conditions
Lake Audubon is monitored for ice thickness before the tournament, and organizers will not hold the event if ice is unsafe. That said, ice thickness varies across the lake — deeper areas freeze later and thaw earlier than shallow bays. The rule of thumb is 4 inches of clear ice for walking, 5 to 7 inches for a small group, and 8 to 12 inches for a vehicle. On tournament day, stay in the designated fishing area and avoid thin ice near current or springs.
North Dakota winters are cold, but weather can change fast. Check the forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament. Wind chill is the real danger — a 20-degree day with a 20-mile-per-hour wind feels like zero. If you feel numb or confused, get off the ice and warm up. Bring a charged phone and tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. The lake patrol or tournament staff will be on site, but your own judgment about conditions is your best safety tool.
Prizes and how the weigh-in works
Prizes are awarded to the heaviest fish in each category — walleye, pike, and perch — and sometimes for the largest fish overall or the most fish caught. Prize amounts vary by year and depend on entry fees and sponsorships. Prizes are usually cash or gift certificates to local businesses, though some years include fishing gear or tackle.
The weigh-in happens at a set time and location on the lake, usually a heated tent or building near the parking area. You bring your fish in a cooler or bucket, and staff weigh them on an official scale. The fish must be alive or freshly caught — no fish from previous days. Once weighed, your fish are recorded by species and weight, and you get a receipt. Winners are announced after all fish are weighed, usually within an hour or two of the weigh-in deadline.
Getting to Lake Audubon and where to stay
Lake Audubon is about 20 miles north of Bismarck on Highway 83. The drive takes roughly 30 minutes from downtown Bismarck. There is a public boat ramp and parking area on the east side of the lake, and the tournament typically uses this area for registration and weigh-in. Arrive early on tournament day — parking fills up, and you'll want time to set up before fishing starts.
If you're traveling from out of state or far from Bismarck, the city has hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts. Bismarck is the state capital and has all the services you'd expect. If you want to stay closer to the lake, there are a few small towns nearby, though options are limited in winter. Book lodging in advance — the tournament draws people from across the region, and rooms fill up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the Lake Audubon Ice Fishing Tournament happen?
The tournament is held in late January or early February each year, but the exact dates change based on ice conditions and the organizers' schedule. Contact the Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department or a local fishing club in December to find out the current year's dates. Organizers announce dates several weeks in advance so you can plan travel.
Do I need my own ice fishing gear or can I rent equipment?
You need to bring your own gear — rods, augers, bait, and tackle. No rental service operates at the lake for tournament day. If you don't own ice fishing equipment, a local bait and tackle shop in Bismarck can sell or rent you what you need, though renting in advance is more reliable than showing up the morning of the event.
What if the ice isn't thick enough on tournament day?
The tournament will be postponed or cancelled if ice thickness is unsafe. Organizers check conditions in the days before the event and announce any changes as soon as they know. If the tournament is cancelled, entry fees are usually refunded or rolled over to the following year — ask the organizers about their policy when you register.
Can I fish with a tip-up or do I have to jig?
Both tip-ups and jigging rods are allowed. Tip-ups are good for walleye and pike because they cover more area and let you rest while you wait. Jigging is more active and works well for perch and for anglers who like to stay moving. Use whichever method you're comfortable with.
Are there fish cleaning stations at the lake?
Most tournaments do not provide fish cleaning on site, so plan to clean your catch at home or at your lodging. Bring a fillet knife and a cutting board if you want to clean fish before you leave the lake. Some local restaurants or bait shops may clean fish for a small fee — ask when you arrive in Bismarck.