The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby & more

Pass-the-Poutine Contest | Ice Slide | Kinabik Discovery Village

FEBRUARY 13-15, 2021 | FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND

COVID-19 Notice: This event is subject to Covid-19 evolving public health restrictions. Updates will be made on this page in the event of cancellation or alteration. We're in this together. Please do your part to follow all Alberta Health guidelines and regulations. For information on Covid-19 in Alberta visit alberta.ca/covid19

Spend three days fishing on Sylvan Lake for perch, walleye, whitefish, and burbot! Winner of this catch-and-release ice fishing derby for the longest catch will take home a cash prize of $1,500! Over $4,500 in total prizes!

This derby is organized online to allow for social distancing through the Angler's Atlas website and their MyCatch App. Make sure to follow all event rules and regulations and read them carefully before the derby begins.

Bring your own gear or rent from providers in town. Register now to enter the derby!

How to Enter the Ice Fishing Derby

GRAND PRIZE

$1500 Longest Catch of the Derby!

TOP PRIZES

$500 Longest Burbot Overall
$500 Longest Perch Overall
$500 Longest Walleye Overall
$500 Longest Whitefish Overall

DAILY PRIZES

$150 each day - First Catch of the Day
$50 each day - Worst Catch of the Day!

RANDOM PRIZE DRAWS

Participants in The BIG JIG Derby and Learn-to-Fish will also be entered in for random prize draws! Draws will be awarded randomly throughout the derby, whether the fish are biting for you or not!

Prizes will be awarded on or before February 17, 2021. Winners will be contacted using the information provided when registering for the tournament.

February 13-15 2021 is Alberta Family Fishing Weekend. This weekend only, anybody can fish without being required to have an Alberta sportfishing license.

The BIG JIG runs from the following times:

February 13 from 6am - 9pm
February 14 from 6am - 9pm
February 15 from 6am - 3pm

Just a Reminder:

Dress warm
Bring your own gear or rent from providers in town. Book ahead!
You will need a clearly marked bump board (measuring board) to enter your catches in the derby.
Your phone! Register online and upload your catches within the event times
This weekend only is an Alberta Family Fishing Weekend! That means no provincial fishing license is required, Feb 13-15 only!

The BIG JIG Fishing Derby is an online tournament organized through Angler's Atlas website and their MyCatch App. You will need a phone that can connect to data or the internet as well as that has a camera to photograph your catches to participate.

The BIG JIG is an online tournament organized through the Angler's Atlas website and their MyCatch App. You must register to participate in the tournament in three easy steps:

1. To register for the tournament, log in or create an account online with Angler's Atlas

2. Register for The BIG JIG tournament and pay the $35 entry fee. You will receive an automatic email confirming that you have registered for the tournament and payment has gone through: https://www.anglersatlas.com/search/tournaments

3. Download the MyCatch App to your mobile phone and log in using the same information you used to register your account. You will enter your catches through the app.

Watch this quick video for how to register and use the MyCatch App!

This Derby is catch and release only! Eligible species include Walleye, Lake Whitefish, Yellow Perch, and Burbot. Only barbless hooks are permitted.

Disqualification will result from harvesting fish during the derby, submitting entries of Northern Pike (Northern Pike are an ineligible species), using barbed hooks, or not following any other rules set out for the derby.

The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby is operating under Alberta Competitive Fishing Event License No. 600625. By registering for the tournament, you agree to abide by all event rules and conditions of the CFE license. Not abiding by the rules will disqualification and forfeit of entry fees paid.

The public access point to Sylvan Lake from within the Town of Sylvan Lake is located on Lakeshore Drive and 49 street. There is only one public access point from within the town.

There are other accesses to Sylvan Lake in surrounding municipalities including Sun Breaker Cove, Norglenwold, Jarvis Bay, and Half Moon Bay. Use at your own risk. These access points and ice quality are not monitored by the Town of Sylvan Lake.

Practice ice safety at all times and be cautious! Sylvan Lake is a natural waterbody and affected by changing environmental conditions and usage. ice quality and thickness are not monitored or maintained by the Town of Sylvan Lake. Use at your own risk. For ice safety tips:

Our goal is to host an ice fishing derby in a good sportsman like manner. Please work with us to ensure the fairness and integrity of the event. For adjudication and concerns please call 403-887-1192.

This Derby is catch and release only! Eligible species include Walleye, Lake Whitefish, Yellow Perch, and Burbot. Only barbless hooks are permitted.

Remember to follow all provincial sportfishing and Covid-19 regulations! Fish and Wildlife officers will be monitoring the area.

Find your way with the event map

Event Schedule

Due to extreme cold temperatures, Learn to Fish, Cultural Teachings, and Sleigh Ride activities have been cancelled for February 13, 14, 15.

Download Event Schedule

Top Prize for the Longest Catch!

$0!

Won by Corey M - 78.7cm Burbot

Longest Burbot

Won by Jon Z. - 74.5cm

Longest Whitefish

Won by Peter C. - 50cm

Longest Perch

Won by Janet W. - 18.7cm

Longest Walleye

Won by Jeff A. - 53.4cm

FIRST CATCH OF THE DAY

$0 each day

Won By Adam M; Mike K; and Chris C.

WORST CATCH OF THE DAY

$0 each day

Won By Cory G; Derek A; and Honglin S.

Random Prize Draws

1 Day Goose Hunt with 300 Decoys (AB residents only)

Prize Value $400

Won by Robert A.

Truck Box of Split Firewood

Prize Value $150

Won by Karen S.

Overnight Gold Prospecting and Mining Experience

Prize Value $650

Won by Chris R.

2-Person Daytime Ice Fishing Shack Rental

Prize Value $75

Won by Ho C.

2 x 200 Round Paintball Packages

Prize Value $70

Won by Scott L.

2 x Airsoft Rental Packages

Prize Value $90

Won by Tyler C.

4 x 50$ Vehicle Detailing Certificates

Prize Value $200

Won by Devin T; Alan H; Deanna D; Terence C.

Premium Brewery Bundle

Prize Value $85

Won by Scott A.

4 x $50 Gift Certificates

Prize Value $200

Won by Devin C; Renea L; Dwayne B; Joseph T.

White Frog Cafe Prize Pack

Prize Value $50

Won by Dana N.

Overnight Ice Fishing Adventure for Two

Won by Donna O.

Winter Equipment Rentals

Bring your own gear or rent from providers in town. Make sure to book as early as possible, rentals book fast! Find ice fishing shack rentals, rods, and more.

CASTAWAY ADVENTURE FISHING

Day-use and overnight ice hut rentals. Guided fishing and equipment rentals. Groups welcome. 403-550-7242

Equipment Rentals:

Overnight fishing with bunks, firewood, bait, and gear
Wood heated day-use hut and gear included
Double pop-up tent with propane heater

https://www.facebook.com/castawayadventurefishingsunsportrentals.org

https://www.instagram.com/castawayadventurefishing/

403-550-7242

Learn-to-Fish for Beginners

Learn to Fish workshops have been cancelled due to extreme cold weather. Check out the Learn to Fish video for some insider tips taught by local Sylvan Lake anglers.

Watch our Learn to Fish video

Did you know?

This weekend only is an Alberta Family Fishing Weekend Feb 13-15, 2021!

That means that the province waives the usual requirement for fishers to have a fishing license, this weekend only! Its a great time for those new to the sport to give it a whirl, no license required!

Pass-the Poutine Contest

Be the Judge of the Best Poutine in Town!

It doesn't get more Canadian than poutine! Head into town after a day out on the ice to try some of the best poutines on offer at Sylvan Lake's local restaurants. There's nothing like fries and gravy to warm up after a day out on the ice.

This contest will see local restaurants pull out their most creative versions of deliciousness-on-top-of-fries in appetizer sized portions. Save some room to try them all! Is there anything that wouldn't taste great matched with fries and gravy? Take-out available!

Dill Pickle Poutine //

Hockey Central Sports Lounge

A delicious combination of salty and savory. With house made ingredients.

Braised Short Rib Poutine //

Roundabout Eatery

Mouthwatering short rib - you'll be asking for more!

The Rod Father //

Bukz

A half sized halibut fish and chips poutine with a dollop of tartar and a twist of fresh lemon.

THIRD PLACE

Smoked Brisket and Stout Gravy Poutine //

Snake Lake Brew Co.

Smoked brisket and delicious cheese topped with a stout gravy!

RUNNER UP!

Turkey Lurkey Poutine //

Main Street Eatery

Roasted baby potatoes, turkey, stuffing, bacon, sugared cranberries, cheese curds, and smothered in gravy.

Stout N' Jig Poutine //

The Driftwood

Creamy, cheese-stringy poutine with juicy mini meatballs and classic crisp crinkle cut fries!

Tokyo Beef Poutine //

Wok Box

Sweet teriyaki beef, cheese curds and green onions, served over golden fries and drizzled with lime aioli.

Cheesy Bacon Mac Poutine //

Good Earth Lakeshore

Delicious fries smothered in mac and cheese topped with bacon.

BEST POUTINE

Spicy Pad Thai Poutine //

Bamboo Hut Southeast Asian Cuisine

Celebrating our Canadian and Asian heritage together with sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy flavours.

Double Cheese Poutine //

Open Range Saloon

Classic crinkle cut french fries topped with cheese curds, house made gravy and shredded cheese

Kinabik Discovery Village

Discover Learn-to-Fish for Beginners and Indigenous Peoples Heritage

About the Kinabik Village

Originally named Snake Lake by settlers in the area upon arriving in 1899 for the many garter snakes in the area, Sylvan Lake was also known by the Cree word Kinabik (or kinepik). It was renamed in 1903 to the current Sylvan Lake, from the latin word sylvanus meaning "of a forest" for the many trees that surround the lake.

The Kinabik Discovery Village will be the site for Indigenous cultural teachings as well as Learn-to-Fish for Beginners.

Sylvan Lake Pier, located at Lakeshore Drive and 50 street
Mon 10am - 1pm

Indigenous Cultural Teachings

Indigenous Cultural Teachings activities have been cancelled due to extreme cold weather.

And Even More Winter Fun

Better bundle up! You won't want to miss it

Lake Skating Rinks

Three ice rinks on the natural lake ice! Bring you own skates and loop around the Rink Tree or bring your stick for the hockey rinks! Benches and parking available on-ice. Lakeshore Drive.

Free, self-managed activity. If busy, please come back another time! The Lake Skating Rinks are open all winter long.

Winter Village

Over 300,000 glittering lights go into the annual winter village! Nightly from 5-11pm, plus don't miss this year's addition of color-changing lighting on the Lake Skating Rinks. Sylvan Lake Pier at Lakeshore Drive and 50 street.

Free, self managed activity. If busy, please come back another time! The Winter Village runs nightly from December to mid-March.

Ice Slide

Our biggest ice slide yet! Made by the Ice on Whyte team, our ice slide is back and bigger than ever for 2021! The kids and kids-at-heart are sure to love it! Located at the Lake Skating Rink site

Free, self managed activity. If busy, please come back another time! The ice slide will last a week or two before melting.

Find your way with the event map

COVID-19 Notice: You are responsible for following all Covid-19 safety guidelines and regulations as set out by the Government of Alberta. Fish and Wildlife Officers will be monitoring the area. For more information on Covid-19 regulations, please visit alberta.ca/covid-19.

The BIG JIG Ice Fishing Derby & more

Event Schedule

Top Prize for the Longest Catch!

Won by Jon Z. - 74.5cm

Won by Peter C. - 50cm

Won by Janet W. - 18.7cm

Won by Jeff A. - 53.4cm

FIRST CATCH OF THE DAY

Won By Adam M; Mike K; and Chris C.

WORST CATCH OF THE DAY

Won By Cory G; Derek A; and Honglin S.

1 Day Goose Hunt with 300 Decoys (AB residents only)

Prize Value $400

Won by Robert A.

Truck Box of Split Firewood

Prize Value $150

Won by Karen S.

Overnight Gold Prospecting and Mining Experience

Sponsored by Threesonsolutions

Prize Value $650

Won by Chris R.

2-Person Daytime Ice Fishing Shack Rental

Sponsored by the F Shack

Prize Value $75

Won by Ho C.

2 x 200 Round Paintball Packages

Prize Value $70

Won by Scott L.

2 x Airsoft Rental Packages

Prize Value $90

Won by Tyler C.

4 x 50$ Vehicle Detailing Certificates

Prize Value $200

Won by Devin T; Alan H; Deanna D; Terence C.

Premium Brewery Bundle

Prize Value $85

Won by Scott A.

4 x $50 Gift Certificates

Prize Value $200

Won by Devin C; Renea L; Dwayne B; Joseph T.

White Frog Cafe Prize Pack

Prize Value $50

Won by Dana N.

Overnight Ice Fishing Adventure for Two

Won by Donna O.

Pass-the Poutine Contest

Dill Pickle Poutine //

Hockey Central Sports Lounge

Braised Short Rib Poutine //

Roundabout Eatery

The Rod Father //

Bukz

Smoked Brisket and Stout Gravy Poutine //

Snake Lake Brew Co.

Turkey Lurkey Poutine //

Main Street Eatery

Stout N' Jig Poutine //

The Driftwood

Tokyo Beef Poutine //

Wok Box

Cheesy Bacon Mac Poutine //

Good Earth Lakeshore

Spicy Pad Thai Poutine //

Bamboo Hut Southeast Asian Cuisine

Double Cheese Poutine //

Open Range Saloon

Kinabik Discovery Village

And Even More Winter Fun

COVID-19 Notice: You are responsible for following all Covid-19 safety guidelines and regulations as set out by the Government of Alberta. Fish and Wildlife Officers will be monitoring the area. For more information on Covid-19 regulations, please visit alberta.ca/covid-19.