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Kids and adults alike can enjo...

HOLLY, Michigan – Seven Lakes State Park and the Izaak Walton League of America are taking advantage of Michigan’s free fishing weekend and holding their 45th Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Big Seven Lake at Seven Lakes State Park, 14390 Fish Lake Road, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Jim Case, unit supervisor for Seven Lakes State Park, says derby participants can plan on gathering at "Fisherman’s Cove" on the banks of Big Seven Lake. There, they can purchase Motor Vehicle Passes for the day, and get ready for some serious fishing on Big Seven Lake.

“Before anybody goes out, we will have a DNR officer there to not only go through the details of ice safety, but also give our participants a quick course on the basics of ice fishing,” Case said. With temporary sides surrounding the picnic shelter, Case said "Fisherman's Cove" will be heated, and that there will be plenty of hot cocoa, coffee and other refreshments to go around.

After that, fishermen are free head out onto Big Seven Lake to begin the derby. “They can fish for any type of fish they want – and they can fish anywhere on the lake they want,” Case said. As for equipment and bait, Case said most folks bring their own, however, he will have several fishing poles available to share with novices, and a limited amount of bait. Additionally, Case said ice augers will be furnished, as well as many pre-drilled holes for anyone to use.

“We’ll have prizes for the biggest fish, the most fish caught, the smallest fish and even the ugliest,” he said. “Folks should dress warm and bring the whole family for a fun morning and afternoon.”

To date, Case said several area scouting troops are planning to attend. “It looks like it’s going to be a pretty well-attended derby,” he said. “It’s always more fun when we have a lot of people out there fishing.”

For more information on the derby, call Case at (248) 634-7271 or email IWLA President John MacBeth at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .