Ishpaagoonika Deep Snow Camp

On Friday, we met at the Rec Center and prepared to go out on Pelican Lake on Saturday for a series of Ojibwe cultural activities. Participants created fish decoys. When they see a Walleye, a metal spear will be ready to be used to spear the fish and pull it onto the ice. The decoy tricks the Walleye into thinking it is viewing a dying fish and comes in to grab its prey – but wham, the spear does its job. A small ceremony took place, followed by dinner, and all were invited to camp out overnight at the Rec Center.

On Saturday, the day began with temperatures holding a steady 12 degrees on Pelican Lake in Oneida County. Attendees got to try out their new fish decoys and do some jigging in the holes cut into the ice.

There were lots of Perch swimming around. Pelican Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 39 feet, and a monster 48 inch Musky weighing close to 40 pounds was an interesting catch!

Lunch was served, and it was a time to share fishing stories. Activities continued into the evening back at the Rec Center. The event wrapped up on Sunday.

A big thank you to our staff, volunteers and participants for making this year extra exciting!