The lack of ice around Washington Island does not have to stop you from fishing this weekend. The Washington Island Lions Club is still holding its weeklong fish derby despite the lack of safe ice to sit on for the competition. Dozens usually participate in the event that celebrates the winter season and brings out the community in droves, especially for Sunday’s community lunch. It serves as a kickoff to the year for the Washington Island Lions Club, which also counts the Fly-In Fish Boil and Island Fair as its keystone events. Because of the community’s support, Club Treasurer Joel Gunnlaugsson says they can pump thousands of dollars right back into other Washington Island organizations.

Ice fishing throughout the state has been impacted by the mild weather, costing some counties thousands in tourism dollars as a result. As it relates to the fish derby, Gunnlaugsson joked that there is nothing in the contest’s rules that forbids people for taking their boats out for spin to find the winning fish.