Reeling in the Fun:
Highlights from the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby
18th annual LAC DU BONNET ICE FISHING DERBY RESULTS
A Huge Thank You!
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to BA Creative for creating this amazing video that perfectly captures the fun and excitement of our event! Your talent and dedication truly brought the derby to life on screen.
We’d also like to give a big ‘frame’ of thanks to the Lac du Bonnet Foundation for helping ‘reel’ in the funding for this venture—your support keeps our community event picture-perfect and memorable for everyone!
🎓LdB ICE BURSARY Applications Now Being Accepted 🎓
Deadline: Thursday, May 14th, 2026
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is proud to support students in their pursuit of higher education. Applications are now open for our 2026 Bursary Program!
Deadline to apply: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Each year, the Derby Committee awards up to two bursaries of up to $1,000 each to deserving students. Recipients are selected based on criteria such as relevance of studies, financial need, and available funding.
Who should apply? Students pursuing post-secondary education, especially in fields that support and benefit the Lac du Bonnet region. Applicants should also demonstrate strong academic readiness for their chosen path.
Applications can be submitted using our JotForm Bursary Application.
Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/260896179086069 . You may also scan the QR code in the graphic for direct access.
This is a great opportunity to receive financial support while working toward your future goals.
Don’t miss out—apply today!
Random Prize Winner Listings
are on our Prizes page
WINNERS & EVENT SUMMARY
What an unforgettable day on the ice! The 18th Annual Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby was a tremendous success, bringing together anglers, families, and spectators from across Manitoba and beyond. Despite the unseasonably cold temperatures, 1,241 anglers bundled up, hit the ice, fished 1,637 holes and made the most of a beautiful winter day — and the bright sunshine was an added bonus that made the whole experience even more memorable.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. With 208 dedicated volunteers and the support of our generous sponsors, we were able to deliver a safe, exciting, and rewarding event that continues to give back to our community in a meaningful way.
TOP 5 CASH WINNERS
1st Place – $15,000
Sean Schiefelbein – Perch – 24 cm @ 11:35 am
2nd Place – $5,000
David Wilson – Pike – 37 cm @ 11:47 am
3rd Place – $3,000
Dayton Mercier – Pike – 46 cm @ 12:37 pm
4th Place – $2,000
Ian Crossley – Pike – 61 cm @ 1:19 pm
5th Place – $1,000
Will Sagel – Pike – 56 cm @ 1:17 pm
NEW FOR 2026 – RANDOM FISH CAUGHT PRIZES
6th – Roger Polydore – Sauger – 29 cm
SnoBear Ice Fishing Trip for 3 – Cooks Outfitting & Guide Services
7th – Tracy Rusk – Walleye – 28 cm
Open Water Fishing Trip for 3 + Quantum Advocate Rod & Reel
8th – Andy Trethart – Walleye – 33 cm
Eskimo Sting Ray Auger + North Mountain Adventures 3 Night Stay & Hoodie
9th – Domingo Bayaua – Sauger – 30 cm
55" Phillips Smart Roku TV + Outdoor Firepit (Osis TIM-BR Mart)
10th – Justin Desautels – Walleye – 33 cm
40" Phillips Smart Roku TV + Humminbird ICE-35 + Loko Shack Rentals Certificate
special PRIZE WINNERS
Adult 2nd Hole Grand Prize (Rond’s Marine)
Princecraft Yukon 14L Boat + Trailer ($10,460)
Winner: Greg Brennan – Balmoral, MB
Longest Fish (Eagle Nest Lodge – 2 Day / 2 Night Stay for 2)
Winner: Ian Crossley – Pike – 61 cm
Last Fish Caught (Lake Life Powersports – $1,000 GC)
Winner: Scott Barr – Sauger @ 2:09 pm
Skunked Prize (Watertown – $500 GC + Falcon Lake Fish Off Tickets)
Winner: Jesse Bercier
Early Bird Prize (Eskimo Tent + Auger)
Winner: Andrew Friesen
$3,000 Cash Raffle
Winner: Jack McLaughlin – Winnipeg (Ticket #0142)
Used Auger Raffle Winners
D. Rusk – Argyle, MB (Red Card: 10 of Clubs)
D. Miller – La Broquerie, MB (Blue Card: King of Spades)
DERBY DAY BY THE NUMBERS
Total Anglers: 1,241
Total Participants: 1,280
Holes Fished: 1,637
Total Holes Drilled: 2,228 (in just 1 hour!)
Total Fish Caught: 64
Average Fish Length: 33.5 cm
Longest Fish: 61 cm
First Fish Caught: 11:30 am
Last Fish Caught: 2:09 pm
From the organizing committee, thank you to every angler, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who helped make the 18th Annual Derby such a success. Events like this are only possible because of the passion and generosity of this community.
We’re already looking ahead to next year and can’t wait to welcome even more of you back to the ice!
See you in 2027! SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2027
Since our beginning, we've been more than just an event – we’re a community-driven organization dedicated to giving back.
Thanks to your support, we’ve invested over $274,000 back into Lac du Bonnet through grants, student bursaries, and donations to local causes. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.