Minnesota briefs: Ice fishing contest goes virtual By Star Tribune Text size Copy shortlink: Ice fishing contest is going virtual Despite COVID-19, an annual ice fishing tournament that draws up to 1,500 people each winter is going forward, though in a different fashion. The Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce typically holds its February ice fishing tournament on Serpent Lake in Crosby, about 17 miles northwest of Brainerd. It usually includes a homecoming with vintage snowmobiles, food, raffles and a DJ on the ice. Since the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is not granting permits for such large events this year due to the pandemic, the chamber will now hold a virtual tournament, where anglers can fish any lake.