Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all Minnesota fishing laws regulate fishing during the contest. MN DNR officers may be present and have the right to question any contestant.

Yes, there are 2 categories of prizes, “fishing” and “non-fishing.” 

You need to be present and catch a fish to be eligible to win a “fishing” prize. You do not need to be present to win a “non-fishing” prize. There will be additional door prizes given away during the contest. Some door prizes you need to be present for and some you do not. The prizes that you do not need to be present for will be mailed out to the winner.

Yes! We will have plenty of games and activities in the Chaska Event Center, so you don't have to fish in the contest to have fun!

Yes, but glass bottles are not allowed. Food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will also be available for purchase in the Chaska Event Center.

No. All holes are drilled the morning of the fishing contest. No additional hole drilling is allowed by any contestant. You may want to bring an ice chisel and ice scoop to clear any ice that may form prior to the contest starting.

At 1 p.m.,the announcer will give the start signal.

Yes, but only with a depth finder or a line without a hook. All lines must be out of the water by 12:45 p.m. until the official start.

At 3 p.m., the announcer will signal contestants to end the contest. A contest official must see you on your way to the fish weigh-in by 3 p.m. Remember, you must bring your fish to the weigh-in stand immediately when caught and alive. Dead or frozen fish will be ineligible.

Parking in the Firemen's Park parking lot begins at 11:30 a.m.

No, parking is located in the Firemen's Park parking lot and additional parking is located at Veterans Park and throughout downtown Chaska. ADA parking is available in the Firemen's Park parking lot. View our downtown parking map for more details.

No, you will be disqualified. 

Only game fish are eligible to be weighed in for contest prizes. These include: 

• Northern
• Walleye
• Crappie
• Bluegill
• Sunfish
• Perch
• Any bass species

Please note: Rough fish, including bullhead and carp, are not eligible.

No, windbreaks or set up shelters are not allowed.

No, all contestants must remain completely visible while fishing. 

No, only one hole and one line per contestant. You may jump to open holes and fish a different hole during the contest.

No, please take your line out of the water. Leaving your line unattended is against Minnesota State Law.

Yes, coolers will be allowed. All coolers may be subject to mandatory search or will not be allowed in the contest area.

Yes! You can head to the Chaska Event Center to warm up, use the restrooms, purchase food and beverage, participate in games and potentially win prizes.

You may register as many fish as you like. All eligible game fish caught by a contestant are eligible to win “for the fisherman” prizes.

Yes, we will have free crappie minnows for contestants. Sucker minnows and wax worms will be available for purchase.

Yes, any contestant may leave the park at any time. You cannot return with any fish though.

We will be selling bucket raffle tickets throughout the contest for door prizes.

You can purchase Chaska Fire Department Relief Association raffle tickets. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from any active or retired firefighter. You can stop by the fire station and purchase tickets if a member of the department is available. You do not need to be present to win the raffle. 

The Chaska Fire Department Relief Association.