March 8, 2023 at 6:16 p.m.
Fair weather for ice fishing
About 110 sixth graders tackle Fairy Lake event
March 3 was a fair weather day, with temperatures in the mid-30s and hungry fish – in other words, a perfect time for the fifth annual Sixth Grade Ice Fishing Day on Fairy Lake. The Sauk Centre Conservation Club and other area businesses and organizations put on the activity to introduce students to the state’s signature winter pastime.
In previous years, the fishing day was held in January, but it was delayed to late February because of the extreme cold, and then it was delayed again to March because of the snow. Fortunately, the delays played into the event’s favor.
“It’s a beautiful day,” said Marty Sunderman with the SCCC. “The fish bite a little better when you get closer to March anyway, so it’s been good.”
About 110 students from Sauk Centre Public Schools and Holy Family School in Sauk Centre fished. As the event previously hosted between 90 and 110 students, this year was one of the best, if not the best, in terms of attendance.
The students’ fishing endeavors were assisted by about 50 area volunteers. The holes were drilled and fishing lines were set.
The fish also showed up in force. By the end of their first hour of fishing, the students had caught close to 20 fish of all kinds and sizes.
Scheels contributed gift certificates as prizes to students who caught the biggest fish; volunteers also participated in a drawing for six more gift certificates.
For refreshments, the SCPS Parent-Teacher Association and Boyer Motor brought hot chocolate, coffee and donuts onto the ice. Half of the donuts were donated by the Sauk Centre Bakery.
While focused on their fishing holes, the students plainly enjoyed their time on the ice, with friends grouping together, small snowball fights breaking out in good humor and many trips being made to the refreshment trailer.
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