Oak Lake's 11th Annual Ice Fishing Derby is back this weekend and all are invited to come out to support the Oak Lake-Sifton Fire Department in this annual fundraiser!

Fire Chief, David Houston, says Saturday's event promises approximately $3000 in cash awards to attendees with the largest catch of the day for northern pike, walleye and perch.

Traditionally, the Oak Lake ice fishing derby draws 300 people, but some years close to 600 people have gotten in on the angling action.

"This winter the fishing sounds good," shares Houston.  "I've heard guys catch their limit some days, but the next day maybe they don't catch quite as many.  But all in all, it sounds like the fishing has been pretty good!  Moving around on the lake is a little tougher this year because of all the snow and where the heave is.  I don't think you can drive from Cherry Point side to the west side across the lake.  I think you have to take the road around.  But that's ice fishing!"

Fire Chief Houston says funds raised will go towards purchasing and upgrading their equipment, and that list can be long.

"We've got a Brush Truck that we need to finish equipping out with more equipment.  We always need turn-out gear.  In the past we've bought equipment such as a new battery-operated Jaws of Life combination tool, and ram and stability struts, and air bags, and things like that in the past.  We're working towards getting more gear for grass fires and woodland fires."

The Oak Lake-Sifton Fire Department currently has 20 volunteers with about a dozen members trained in Level 1 First Responder.

Oak Lake Ice Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, January 28th, from 10am to 3 pm.

Registration will take place at the Cherry Point side and at the West Entrance ~ $25 per person