By Manisha Reddy Reporter • Feb 23, 2026
Youth anglers bundled up for a colder-than-last-year event as the Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby drew a record crowd Feb. 21 at Heitkamp Pond, with organizers crediting community donations and volunteers for keeping the long-running event growing.
Gary Page, owner of Heitkamp Construction, noted that the event’s purpose is “about getting kids outdoors.” Heitkamp Construction and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club helped organize the derby.
Organizers estimated more than 300 kids and families attended, a jump from about 240 last year. A results sheet from the derby listed 233 youth registrations and said 325 fish were recorded, caught and released during the event.
Cindie Van Tassel, coordinator with the Sportsmen’s Club, said this year marked the derby’s 21st year. She said cold weather is always a factor but most families came prepared with small portable shelters, warming stations and winter gear.
Beyond fishing, the derby is designed as an all-ages winter outing. Registration ran from noon to 1 p.m., followed by fishing and weigh-ins through the afternoon. Hot dogs were served, with Van Tassel noting the food line stayed busy.
Both Page and Van Tassel said every child leaves the derby with something in-hand, including welcome items handed out at registration and, for some, prize items drawn during the day. Prizes were awarded both by random drawings and by derby results in fish categories. First-, second- and third-place winners in each fish category received trophies and gift cards worth $25, $15 and $10.
In the perch division, Ali Pacada took first place, Logan Mauch placed second and Jackson Krump placed third. In crappie, Arianne Griffin won, followed by Elija Kubela, then Paisley Gerou. In walleye, Elijah Wanek placed first, Caleb Houle took second and Amelia Houle took third.
Grand prizes were also awarded by age group. Spencer Budke won the age 0-6 boys grand prize, an ice fishing camera. Auvy Loeks won the age 0-6 girls grand prize, an Ugly Stick backpack and fishing chair. Rogan Stroehl won the age 7-11 boys grand prize, an Ugly Stick backpack and fishing chair. Baily Miranowski won the age 7-11 girls grand prize, an ice fishing shelter. Jordan Teberg won the age 12-18 boys grand prize, an ice fishing camera. Bristol Paulson won the age 12-18 girls grand prize, an ice fishing shelter.
Wanek also landed the day’s largest fish, a 22 1/2-inch walleye, and received a donated pail of fishing items for the catch.
Page said the biggest challenges each year are weather, collecting prizes and keeping the community engaged, adding that area businesses and supporters do very well in helping donate. Van Tassel echoed Page, calling the derby a community effort powered by volunteers and contributions.
For those who missed the event, organizers encouraged families to watch for next year’s date on local postings and the groups’ social media pages.