A file photo of Van Woodward of Woodward Country Store in Weston, ID puts some props together in front of his store to call attention to the upcoming Ice fishing tournament.
WESTON – Woodward’s County Store, located at 42 E. Depot St. in Weston, Idaho, is holding its 11th annual ice fishing tournament on Saturday, Feb. 4, from anytime a.m. until 4 p.m. The tournament attracts people from across Cache Valley.
The ice fishing tournament is the only one in Cache Valley.
“Generally, we have about 200 people enter the tournament,” said Van Woodward, owner of the store. “There is a $10 entry fee and there are some great door prizes.”
For Weston, a town with a population of less than 500, the country store is the only retail business in town. So, when they can get 200 people in town it’s a big deal.
“I only use the lakes around me,” he said. “Sportsmen can fish Weston, Deep Creek, and Twin Lakes Reservoirs.”
He said they can move from lake to lake.
First prizes will go to the longest trout with a cash prize and a trophy. Cash prizes will also go to the second, third, fourth, and fifth longest trout.
“If someone has a bad day and only catches a tiny one with a hook, I give $50 to the smallest fish caught,” he said. “We have up to 15 sponsors that donate prizes to the tournament.”
Woodward’s has some great prizes for contestants. He buys fishing poles with some of the entry fees and he gets businesses to donate.
The fisherman must be present to win door prizes. They start giving away prizes at 4:15 p.m.
A nonresident Idaho fishing license cost is $15.00 for the first day and $7.00 for each consecutive day. The license can be purchased online or at the store.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources sponsored 10 fishing tournaments in Utah, but there are none in Cache Valley.
Woodward also pays cash for the biggest non-trout and $50 for the smallest fish caught with a hook.
“February is a great time for a tournament because it’s a boring month for outdoorsmen,” he said. “All of the hunting is over, and unless you’re a trapper, there is not much to do. This has been a fun event for our town.”
Woodward’s Country Store is also an official Idaho Lottery site.