Staff photo by Fritz Busch Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Club members promote the 37th Annual Fishing Derby noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, on Sleepy Eye Lake. Club members from left, Larry Evers, Larry “Sputzy” Helget, Lynn Krenz, Merv Speckman, Dave Hertling and Dale Evers.

SLEEPY EYE — The 37th Annual Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Club Fishing Derby takes place noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, on Sleepy Eye Lake.

Registration for one of the largest fish contests in Southern Minnesota begins at 9:30 a.m. Participants are asked to enter on the north side of the lake in Sportsmen’s Park.

“There should be plenty of ice,” said club member Lynn Krenz.

The weather forecast sounds favorable with a high of 24 degrees, morning low of 21 degrees and a chance of snow on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Thanks to the benevolence of many supporters, many prizes will be awarded. Fishing entry fee is $5 per person for prizes including a Hummingbird Helix 7 fishing finder, Mr. Heater Big Buddy heater and many more prizes to be drawn beginning at 2:30 p.m.

A $1 general raffle starts at 1:30 pm. A $5 large prize raffle begins at 3 p.m. A $20 grand prize raffle begins at 3:15 p.m. Winners need not be present to win the large and grand prize raffles.

The grand prize is a 2018 6 1/2 foot by 14 foot Ice Castle fish house. Other grand prizes are nine $500 and $250 cash.

Large prizes include a Strike Master 40 volt ice auger, 10 foot Tamarack Angler kayak, $150 value gift card and many more prizes.

Children who register to fish will be given a door prize while they last.

Prizes and trophies for the four largest game and pan fish will be awarded. Game fish include northerns, bass, catfish and walleyes. Pan fish include sun fish, perch, crappies and blue gills.

When you catch a fish, bring it to be weighed at the registration booth. It must have good color and be lively. All fish must be weighed by 3:05 p.m.

Permanent and portable fish houses are allowed.

Lunch and refreshments will be available on the lake.

Proceeds go to local parks and lakes projects and other organization’s projects.

The Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Club strongly advocates catch and release.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.