GREAT NORTHERN

Dale Morehouse, age 14, was the winner of the 15th annual Ice Fishing Derby, held on Saturday at the Dredge Cuts Trout Pond. But he would have lost the 2.18-pound northern pike and the $2,000 prize if his big cousin, Kent Morehouse, hadn’t been quick. Dale was bringing the fish out of the hole when the line broke. Kent Morehouse swatted the fish onto the ice before it fell back into the water.

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture had a beautiful sunny day with no wind for the event, which brought families and kids with their sleds for a day on the ice. The contest had 57 participants and 162 pre-drilled ice holes were sold. The contestants came from Glasgow, Jordan, Bozeman, East Helena, Miles City, Williston, Westby, Poplar, Wolf Point, Scobey, Nashua, Fort Peck and Frazer. An estimated 80 more people came to observe the tournament and enjoy chefs Mike and Ryan’s famous brats and onions.

More than $5,000 in cash, prizes and raffles were awarded to the participants. Paul McColly from Hinsdale won the $400 entry fee to fish in the 2012 Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament. The 50/50 was won by Logan Hicks in the amount of $460. Additional prizes were provided by the tournament sponsors. Six northern pike were caught, all winners, as well as one walleye and 60 perch. The results:

1st place – $2,000 Dale Morehouse, Glasgow, 2.18-pound northern pike.

2nd place – $500 Jamie Atkinson, Wolf Point, 1.58-pound northern pike.

3rd place – $400 Rick Tihista, Nashua, 1.06-pound northern pike.

4th place – $300 Dick Kline, Nashua, .46-pound northern pike.

5th place – $200 Josh Palm &Travis Kittleson, Glasgow, .42-pound northern pike.

6th place – $100 Dave Combs, .38-pound northern pike.

The cash prizes were awarded at the Park Grove Bar and Cafe.

The 16^th annual Ice Fishing Derby will be held Feb. 16, 2013.