Hughes Lake Landing, MB – March 30, 2025 – Marcel Colomb First Nation is thrilled to announce its 1st Annual Ice Fishing Derby, set to take place at Hughes Lake Landing, MB, on Sunday, March 30, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This exciting event invites fishing enthusiasts from across the region to compete for huge cash prizes, including a $30,000 grand prize!
With an entry fee of $200 (including the side bet), competitors will have a shot at an impressive prize pool:
1st Place: $30,000
2nd Place: $20,000
3rd Place: $15,000
Plus, additional cash prizes for the top 10 participants!
To add to the excitement, the Walleye Side Bet offers even more rewards:
- 1st Place: A boat and trailer
- 2nd Place: A brand-new quad
- 3rd Place: $5,000
Attendees can also participate in a 50/50 draw and other prize giveaways, ensuring that everyone has a chance to walk away a winner. All prizes are 100% guaranteed!
Participants should note that there is no internet access on-site, so bring cash for any additional entries or purchases.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our community and anglers to come together and celebrate the spirit of fishing while competing for life-changing prizes,” said Okimaw Delhi Hart-Francois, event organizer. “We’re excited to welcome competitors of all experience levels for a day of fun, competition, and great prizes!”
For more information, contact Okimaw Delhia Hart-Francois at 204-356-2439.
Join us for an unforgettable day on the ice – who will take home the grand prize?
Official Rules & Regulations – Marcel Colomb First Nation Ice Fishing Derby 
Marcel Colomb First Nation is excited to host the 1st Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Hughes Lake Landing, MB. To ensure a fair and enjoyable competition, all participants must adhere to the following rules and regulations:
Prize Payouts
Guaranteed Cash Prizes for Northern Pike (Jackfish): $30,000
$20,000
$15,000
$10,000
$8,000
$6,000
$5,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
Walleye (Pickerel) Side Bet Prizes:
Boat, motor, and trailer Quad $5,000
If fewer than 10 Northern Pike or 3 Walleye are caught, remaining prizes will be drawn.
Eligibility to Participate
Participants must present one of the following:
- Valid Manitoba Fishing License
- Valid Status Card (First Nation Citizen)
- Valid Métis Card (Métis Citizen)
Participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Marcel Colomb First Nation Okimaw Delhia Hart-Francois is the official Derby organizer. Only designated Derby Officials can enforce rules and decisions.
Ticket Purchase
Entry Fee: $200 (includes main derby + side bet)
Extra Hole Ticket: $50
Tickets available from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on event day
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
All participants must have a valid Marcel Colomb First Nation Ice Fishing Derby ticket to enter the designated fishing area.
Fishing Hours
Start: 10:00 AM
End: 4:00 PM
No lines in the water before 10:00 AM!
Designated Fishing Area
Fishing holes will be pre-drilled the day before the derby. Contestants can choose their holes after registration at 8:00 AM.
No vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.) are allowed in the fishing area. No fish huts, tents, or coverings in the designated fishing area. No fish finders or underwater cameras permitted.
Participants must stay within the designated fishing area until the competition begins.
Eligible Fish Species
- Main Derby: Northern Pike (Jackfish)
- Side Bet: Walleye (Pickerel)
Equipment Rules
Allowed:
- Ice fishing rods
- Tip-ups
- Rod holders
- Ice picks & chisels
- Bells & hooks
- Bucket with water (for fish measurement)
Not Allowed:
- Live bait
- Chumming (throwing meat-based bait into water to attract fish)
No Assistance During Fishing
- Contestants must set their own lines, bait their own hooks, and reel in their own fish.
- Only children 12 and under may receive assistance.
- No passing fish between participants.
Fish Measurement & Judging
All fish must be measured by Derby Officials only. Measuring station: Located in the fish shack at the center of the designated area.
Measurement: Fish will be ranked by length. In case of a tie, the fish measured first takes priority.
Dead or frozen fish will not be counted.
All fish must be held for the Harvesters Program after measurement.
Community Rules
Respect the Land & Water
Keep the area clean. All garbage must be disposed of properly.
Safety First
Participants are responsible for their own safety. Marcel Colomb First Nation and Derby Officials are not responsible for accidents, injuries, lost/stolen items, or property damage.
No Alcohol or Drugs
This is a family-friendly event. No alcohol or drugs (including cannabis) are allowed.
Anyone found intoxicated will be disqualified.
Disqualification
Any participant violating the rules or displaying unsportsmanlike conduct will be disqualified immediately.
Join Us on the Ice!
Marcel Colomb First Nation invites all eligible participants to join this exciting ice fishing event for a chance to win big and celebrate our community’s love for fishing.
For more information, contact Okimaw Delhia Hart-Francois at 204-356-2439.
See you at Hughes Lake Landing on March 30! 