North Dakota 4-H members embraced the winter season in February with the return of the 4-H Ice Fishing Derby. This event engages youth in the 4-H Sportfishing program, allowing youth to enjoy quality time on the ice in a mentored fishing tournament.

The 4-H Ice Fishing Derby is a virtual tournament where youth fish alongside an adult on any legal fishing water in North Dakota. Participants submit their catches using an online system for statewide involvement. During the 2025 event, 53 youth participated, catching 63 fish from four species found in North Dakota’s lakes and rivers.

This year’s tournament included sizeable catches in walleye, northern pike, crappie and perch divisions. The 2025 species winners are the following:

Walleye

• 1st Place: Jaxon Meidinger – 28” walleye
• 2nd Place: Landon Hohertz – 27” walleye
• 3rd Place: Mason Stober – 21.5” walleye

Northern Pike

• 1st Place: Adam Krapp – 31” northern pike
• 2nd Place: McKinley Meidinger – 27.75” northern pike
• 3rd Place: Kyler Wild – 27.5” northern pike

Stringer of 3 Perch (Total Length)

• 1st Place: Adam Krapp – 36”
• 2nd Place: Thomas Bender – 33.5”
• 3rd Place: Landon Hohertz – 32.5”

Stringer of 3 Panfish (Total Length)

• 1st Place: Adam Krapp – 36.5”
• 2nd Place: Kiana Serr – 31.5”

This annual event strives to foster a love for fishing, outdoor recreation and conservation among 4-H members while promoting mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – April 4, 2025

Source: Sara Clemens, 701-877-2589, sara.clemens@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu