36th Ice Fisheree highlighted concerns with Gremore Lake
A picture from the 1986 event shows some of the winning catches made by local and visiting fishermen. (Courier Press)
Prairie du Chien’s Ice Fisheree has outlasted its share of challenges over its 75-year history, but in 1986, the event transpired without incident. However, the health of Gremore Lake, the Fisheree’s long-time home, became a concern in the mid-1980s.
The Feb. 5, 1986, Courier Press claimed the lake’s issues impacted the event, saying, “Low oxygen levels spread the fishermen about as they tried with skill to gain the insight where the fish were hitting the lures. There was success on the lower end of the lake and along the open water near Sports Unlimited.”
A short editorial piece from the same edition asserted that the area’s decline in “good fishing” was attributable to low oxygen and suggested the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Corps of Engineers “make the rehabilitation of the lake a priority.”
The 36th Fisheree, which was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, VFW and Jaycees, took place on Feb. 1 and 2, 1986, with fishing hours between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
First- and second-place prizes were awarded in four categories: pike, bass, sunfish and crappie. First-place winners received prizes in perch, white bass, bullhead and rock bass.
Winners in 1986 included Fred Kienast, Dewey Vosberg, Jeff Smethurst, Jeff Walker, Arlin Mater, Scott Hunemueller, Shawn Eilers, Jim Hendricks, Joe Finney and Frank Wahl.
2025 event
The 75th Annual Ice Fisheree will take place from Thursday, Jan. 30, to Sunday, Feb. 2. There will also be a film premiere at the Prairie Cinema on Tuesday, Jan. 28, for the film February, which is set in Wisconsin and involves ice fishing.
Other events will take place at the Crooked Oar, located at 32319 County K. The weekend is packed with family-friendly activities, competitive tournaments, raffles and a chance to experience a long-time winter tradition.
The Fisheree is proudly sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Council, Coulee Auto of La Crosse and the Crooked Oar Bar and Marina.
The celebration starts on Thursday, with a dart tournament at the Crooked Oar.
On Friday, there will be a euchre tournament for card game enthusiasts, meat and gun raffles and a silent auction, featuring a variety of unique items. Live music will take place from 7-10 p.m.
Saturday’s events begin at 7 a.m. with a breakfast at the Crooked Oar, followed by registration for the ice fishing competition and the official weigh-in starts at 8 a.m.
At 11 a.m., the curling contest will test fishermen’s angling skills on the ice. The Kids Ice Fishing Expo will also take place at 11 a.m.
The grand raffle this year features a Ranger Crew XP1000 NorthStar Edition Premium, an off-road vehicle.
Additionally, the second raffle will offer a $1,000 first-place prize, along with ice fishing equipment and more.
The Ice Fisheree competition concludes at 5 p.m., but the 75th Anniversary celebration will continue with Mitch Laue and the Bar Flyz & Girlz, who will perform from 8 until midnight.
Sunday fishing runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., the awards ceremony will recognize the best catches and winners of the weekend’s competitions, and all raffle prizes will be awarded.
For more information and to register, visit prairieduchien.org or call 800-732-1673.
