Anglers and ice fishing enthusiasts, mark your calendars. The City of Champlin has announced that registration for the much-anticipated 2026 Frostbite 500 Trout Ice Fishing Contest is officially open. According to a social media post from the city, this year's event will take place on February 7, 2026, with a backup date of February 14 in case Mother Nature decides to be uncooperative.
This year's event also heralds an early start for ticket sales, providing the perfect opportunity for holiday shoppers to surprise the angler in their life with an on-ice experience that is quintessentially Minnesotan. "Wrap up tickets to the Frostbite 500 on February 7, 2026, and gift them an unforgettable on-ice experience!" the City of Champlin post suggests. Tickets are priced at $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents and can be purchased online.
Limited to 500 participants, the contest invites anglers of all ages to Champlin Trout Pond located at 10377 French Lake Rd N. Youngsters under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. Participants must come prepared with a valid Minnesota fishing license and a trout stamp. The competition schedules an early-morning start from 8am to 11am, hopefully giving contestants enough time to reel in their biggest catch.
More than just a contest of patience and skill, the Frostbite 500 is set to award prizes for the top three largest trout caught during the event. In addition, there are hundreds of raffle giveaways in store to keep spirits high, regardless of the fishing outcome. The City of Champlin encourages anglers to "Give the gift of ice fishing this holiday season," for an experience that promises thrill and camaraderie on the ice-covered pond.
