The test holes have been drilled and anglers of all ages can now rejoice… The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is a go!

Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard, Brainerd Jaycees Chairperson Jeff Baillif and members of the media were on Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake this morning around 11:00.

Holes were drilled, measurements were taken and finally the permit was issued for the 30th Anniversary of the contest.

The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the largest charitable ice fishing contest on earth. Founded in 1991 the event has been held annually 10 miles north of Brainerd, Minnesota. This year’s contest will officially be held on January 25th, 2020.

Rumors were swirling about the contest getting pushed back a couple of weeks, but with the frigid temperatures in the last week or so, nerves were no longer on edge as the check this morning seemed more of a formality.

Goddard inspected ice depth and determined it to be 15 1/2 inches thick at center ice, 18 inches on the NW corner and gave his approval for for the legendary contest to go on as scheduled.