The 47th Annual Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby organizers have announced that, as of this afternoon (Friday, Feb. 4), Maple Lake has achieved the threshold of 20 inches of ice required by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to have vehicles drive onto the lake for the contest, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 5.
Derby goers are encouraged to still urged to utilize shuttles and ATVs/side by sides, but vehicle traffic will be allowed at all access points.
Participants are reminded to obey vehicle and shelter spacing as noted in the Derby rules. Fishing must take place on Big Maple Lake and ample distance needs to be maintained between vehicles and fishing structures, which is recommended to be at least 50 feet.
To see the full listing of rules for the Derby, check out the contest’s website at Derby Rules | Contest Rules | Tournament Rules (maplelakefishingderby.com)