Over 400 anglers attended the ice fishing tournament that serves as a fundraiser for the Hanska Fire Department. This was the first time the fishing tournament was held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was held in 2020 before the start of the pandemic but was canceled in 2021.

Despite missing a year, the 2022 tournament had a high turnout, almost a hundred more participants than in 2020.

Part of the reason for the high turnout was the weather.

TOURThe sun was out all day with temperatures hanging around 20 degrees throughout the tournament and no wind. The ice was also plenty solid. Anglers reported an ice thickness of around 20 inches.

Hundreds of ice shanties were scattered across Lake Hanska Saturday for the Hanska Fire Association Ice Fishing Tournament. Over 400 people entered in the contest this year.

The only downside was the lack of fish. The fish were not biting as much as in past tournaments. The tournament started at 11 a.m. By noon, only two fish were registered, both panfish. By 1:30 p.m. six fish had been registered. Most were perch, but two walleye were caught. Cy Schweiss caught a 2.6 lb, 19-inch walleye to set the day’s record.

Few others anglers reported any nibbles. Fisherman Chris Isaacson said he and his group were on the lake the night before and only caught three small crappies.

However, fishing was not the main goal of the day. The main purpose was to support the Hanska Fire association. Many of the families on Lake Hanska had a connection to the Hanska Fire Department. Several other local fire departments came to the event to show their support. Representatives from the Nicollet, Lafayette, Sleepy Eye and Courtland fire departments were on the ice.

The tournament also pulled in fishermen from around the region. People from New Ulm, St. James and Mankato attended this year’s tournament. All of the entry fees helped support the Hanska Fire Department to buy and maintain equipment.

The Lake Hanska tournament is the first in a series of three ice fishing tournaments in the region. Sleepy Eye SportsmensIce Fishing Derby will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 on Sleepy Eye Lake.

Adilynn and Clara Beckius of St. James did not take part in the fishing on Lake Hanska, but enjoyed sled rides.

New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen will hold an Ice Fishing Contest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 on Clear Lake.

Jamie Johnson (left) and Steve Wenner (right) inspect a line after a fish took the bait. The fish ultimately got away, but it was a rare nibble for the day.

Jaden DanHee helps young Paxton Schmiesing ice fish on Lake Hanska. This was of Paxton’s first fishing tournaments and he was determined to catch something.

Mankato angler Frank Meyer, came to Lake Hanska for the fishing tournament. It was his first time on Lake Hanska. He came down after hearing about the contest on the radio.