Ice Fish Fest at Catfish Bay

Ice Fish Fest 2025

Ice Fish Fest is South Dakotas Largest Ice Fishing Tournament. It was created to start a family wintertime event for Sioux Falls at Catfish Bay. It is one of the few times each year that Catfish Bay is open to the public for Fishing. The proceeds help raise money for the volunteer Catfish Bay Water Ski Team and Camp OnAqua.

Ice Fish Fest is an annual family event that has grown into South Dakota’s largest ice fishing tournaments that draws participants from miles around. All holes are pre-drilled so all you need to bring is a fishing pole, warm clothes and a plan to have fun.

Saturday, January 25th

10:30 AM Gates Open

12:00 PM Start Picking Your Fishing Hole

12:45 VIP Pick Your Spot Raffle & Otter Shack Package Drawing

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Fishing Tournament

4:15 to 4:45 Awards (Approximate Awards Times.)

Note: From 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM contestants must stay in the roped off areas on the ice. This is typically the time when contestants bring their gear on the ice, get their fishing tickets (if they did not receive them in the mail). It is also a good time to buy more raffle tickets, bait and concessions.