ABOVE: Several icehouses scattered across Hall Lake in Fairmont. Other icehouses have appeared on all of the lakes in Fairmont and more houses and fishermen are expected next weekend for the Fairmont Lakes Foundation's ice fishing tournament.

FAIRMONT – While the recent cold and snowy weather hasn’t been ideal for many, it is ensuring a yearly event continues as scheduled.

The Fairmont Lakes Foundation Inc. (FLF) is hosting its ice fishing tournament January 31, with check-in from 7-8:45 a.m., fishing starting at 9 and weigh-ins at 1 p.m. Walleye, pan fish and northerns are all up for grabs, with over $2,200 in prizes at stake for those who snag the best catches.

Last year was the first year they removed yellow bass from the winter event, and FLF board member Matt Moore said it will not be coming back.

Weather has made it difficult for some activities at this point, including moving the pond hockey tournament indoors due to warmer conditions. Thankfully, Moore said the stars have aligned for them, as the recent cold temperatures have produced positive results.

“Last year it was right up to the wire whether we were going to have good ice for it or not,” he said. “This year, especially with this week ahead of the tournament, with the cold weather, we expect ice conditions to be very favorable for folks getting out there. It’s up to every individual angler to be aware of their surroundings and make sure the ice they’re on is safe.”

By being at the mercy of the weather conditions for this event, especially given its fundraiser status for the FLF, Moore said it can be a challenge depending on the year.

“We’re a smaller volunteer organization,” he said. “It’s a few hands doing a lot of work to get this thing put together. Our fishing tournaments, both the ice fishing tournament and the spring fishing tournament we hold, is our major fundraisers for the year to help us fund all the initiatives we’re part of, helping keep our lakes clean and the betterment and the enjoyment of the lakes.”

This includes the lake cleanup day, native vegetation planting and fish stocking, among other lakes management initiatives.

Per Department of Natural Resources regulations for the event permit, a maximum of 150 anglers will be allowed to participate. Moore said it is appreciated if people apply as soon as possible, but often they get a rush of entries in the week leading up to the event and the day of. Currently, everything seems to be holding up for a good amount of ice come tournament day.

“The long-range forecast here looks like we’re going to be making ice for the next week, and no storms in the forecast or anything like that,” Moore said. “Should be set for a good day of fishing.”

While weather can affect how many anglers will show up, Moore said there is a different indicator that could signal a good turnout.

“Reports from around town, as folks have been out, have been catching some nice fish,” he said. “I think folks that show up for this tournament might have a real shot at winning.”

From those reports, Moore said any of the five chain lakes could produce some fantastic fish.

“There’s no one specific honey hole people need to crowd,” he said. “There’s fish throughout.”

When the day comes, Moore said he is excited for anglers, both local and out of town, to come together for a day of fishing.

“It’s a fun day, fishing with a chance to win some prizes,” he said. “Good camaraderie, see families, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. A lot of support from the local area. We also get quite a few folks that come from a ways away to enjoy Fairmont lakes.”

For more information and to sign up, visit fairmontlakesfoundation.com/product/ice-fishing-tournament-registration/ or search online for the “Fairmont Lakes Foundation.”