Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza – Gull Lake, MN

Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 31, 2026, when thousands of anglers will gather on Hole-in-the-Day Bay, Gull Lake for the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Running from noon to 3 p.m., this is one of the largest charitable ice fishing contests in the world—and a true Minnesota winter tradition.

Hosted by the Brainerd Jaycees, the tournament blends serious fishing with a festive, community-focused atmosphere. Anglers spread out across the ice with pre-drilled holes, watching the leaderboard and hoping their catch lands in one of the top prize spots.

Big prizes & big impact
The Extravaganza offers a substantial prize pool, including:

• Cash prizes

• Vehicles and major gear

• High-quality ice fishing equipment and more

Sponsors help build out the prize list each year, so there’s always something exciting on the line. To see the full lineup of prizes, check the official event information on the Extravaganza website.

Fishing for a cause
This isn’t just a day of fishing—it’s also a major charitable fundraiser. Proceeds support community projects and local nonprofits in the Brainerd Lakes Area, with the Brainerd Jaycees channeling the funds back into the region through a variety of giving programs.

For official details, rules, ticket information, and updates, visit the event page:
Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza – Official Event Page

To learn more about how the event gives back, you can also visit:
Brainerd Jaycees Giving Back

Plan your winter around the Extravaganza up on Gull Lake—and your summer around quieter lakes and fishing close to home.

---

If you love heading north for the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, you might also be dreaming about a seasonal place of your own in lake country.

Deer Lake Farmstead is a small, family-owned seasonal park-model and RV community on the south shore of non-motorized Deer Lake, just outside Malmo and less than a mile from Malmo Bay on Mille Lacs Lake. With only 19 extra-large seasonal sites, it’s designed for people who want:

• A quiet, grown-up seasonal lake place

• Easy access to Mille Lacs, local fishing, and regional events

• A spot that’s about 105 miles and under a 2-hour drive from Minneapolis

Enjoy big winter events like the Extravaganza, then spend your summers on a calm, paddle-friendly lake surrounded by fields and forest.

To learn more about seasonal sites at Deer Lake Farmstead or to talk through whether it’s a good fit for you, contact us:

• Phone: 218-232-3060

• Email: [email protected]