FAQs

Are tip-ups allowed?

Yes, tip-ups are allowed. Please review the complete set of fishing contest rules and regulations, here.
Can I bring a cooler or outside food/beverage?

No food or beverage coolers will be allowed on the ice. The Chanhassen Rotary Club, food vendor, and Scouts BSA Troop #330 will provide concessions available for purchase.
Can I utilize depth finders, underwater cameras, or fish houses in the fishing contest?

Fish finders are allowed during the fishing contest. Underwater cameras may be used prior to contest start, but not during. No fish houses or enclosures are allowed as part of fishing contest. Please review the complete set of fishing contest rules and regulations, here.
Do I need a fishing license to participate in the fishing contest?

Any participant 16+ needs to have a fishing license to participate in the contest. Fishing licenses will NOT be available for purchase day-of. Merlin’s Ace Hardware in Chanhassen sells fishing licenses. Stop in to get yours before February 1!
How will prizes be awarded in the fishing contest?

All “largest fish” prizes are determined by weight and will be awarded following the contest. Only the largest entered fish from each contestant will be used to award “largest fish” prizes. In the event of a tie in weight, the contestant with the first entry wins the higher prize, the second fish places next.
Is there an admission fee for February Festival?

There is no general admission fee attend February Festival. Ice fishing contest tickets are $10 per ticket, and concessions, s’more kits, and bait are available for purchase on the ice. All other activities and parking are free.

To purchase fishing contest tickets, click here.
Is there an indoor space I can warm up at the event?

There is no indoor space to warm up at the event. The Rotary Club will be selling hot beverages and there will be bonfires at the event.
What are the prizes for the fishing contest?

Over $6,500 in prizes will be awarded as part of the fishing contest. Click here to view the prize list.
What is the cost of fishing contest tickets?

Fishing contest tickets are $10 each. Limit two tickets for each person fishing, one ticket per fishing hole. Please note that there is no sharing fish – the registered contestant is the only one that may submit a fish on a given ticket.
Where can I find a complete set of fishing contest rules and regulations?

You can find them here. Please read through these rules and regulations completely before registering for the fishing contest.
Where can I purchase fishing contest tickets? Can I purchase tickets day-of, on the ice?

You can pre-register and purchase fishing contest tickets online, here. Tickets are available for purchase day-of on the ice, cash or check only.
Will there be pre-drilled holes at the fishing contest?

Yes. All holes will be pre-drilled.

More FAQs

Staff

Wall, Priya
Recreation Manager
- (952) 227-1422
- pwall@chanhassenmn.gov

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February Festival

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Overview

Saturday, February 6, 2027

The 34^th annual February Festival will be held on Saturday, February 6, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on Lake Ann at Lake Ann Park. Join us for an ice fishing contest, food and drink concessions, door prizes, a medallion hunt and free family activities.

Congratulations to Mike Mevissen for winning the 2026 contest! Mike took home the top prize with a 2.9 lb. Northern Pike.

Ice Fishing Contest

1:00-3:00 p.m. | $10 per ticket

Over $6,000 in prizes are up for grabs during the annual ice fishing contest. Prizes are awarded to those who catch the 50 largest fish (by weight) of any legal species. In the event of a tie, the contestant with the first entry wins the higher prize, and the second fish places next. One fish prize per person.

Quick Rules:

All holes are pre-drilled.
No fish house sheds or enclosures inside the assigned fishing contest area.
Depth finders may be used during the contest.
Underwater cameras may be used before the start of the contest (up until 12:45 p.m.) but not during the contest.
Largemouth bass of any length or northern pike between 24 and 36 inches in length are not eligible for the contest (per DNR regulations).
Fishing licenses are required for all contestants 16 years of age and older.
Register online or in person at the event.
Each contestant must purchase their own ticket(s).
One ticket per fishing hole, with a limit of two tickets for each person fishing.
No sharing fish. Only fish a contestant personally catches are eligible for the contest. Fish that are caught by one individual and given to another person are not eligible.
Tickets must be affixed to fishing poles and/or tip-ups during the contest.