It was a picture-perfect day on the ice as Balsam Bay hosted the 3rd Annual High School Ice Fishing Tournament on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Under sunny blue skies and mild spring temperatures, reaching a high of –2°C. Approximately 1,400 students from 77 schools across Manitoba gathered on the frozen surface of Lake Winnipeg for a day of friendly competition and outdoor fun.

At 9 a.m., the sound of a horn signaled the start, sending students racing across the ice to claim one of 2,000 pre-drilled holes. The $20 registration fee included a temporary fishing licence, supplies, and event services. As a non-profit event, all remaining funds supported prizes, while each participating school received a welcome package to help build or sustain a student fishing program.

The tournament, organized by JJ Ross of the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, continues to grow each year bringing students from all over Manitoba together through outdoor learning and shared adventure.

This year’s winners were Strathclair Community School in the A Division, Dauphin Regional Secondary School in the AA Division, and Collège Béliveau in the AAA/AAAA Division. The top individual catch of the day was an impressive 22¾-inch walleye, landed by Danielle Andreychuk of Strathclair Community School.

Parents and participants alike praised the event for its atmosphere and spirit. One parent noted, “This tournament really matters, it gets kids outside in the fresh air, together as a community. For those who don’t come from rural areas, it gives them an experience they might not often have.” Students shared that same enthusiasm; as one participant put it, “Not the best fishing, but everyone seemed happy to be there.”