8th Annual Reeling 4 Recovery Ice Fishing Tourney: Jan. 31-Feb.1

CHAZY LAKE | Reeling 4 Recovery Ice Fishing moved dates up a month this year. The two-day tournament will field competition on both Chazy Lake and Chateaugay Lake on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Anglers can sign up for the contest online: reelingforrecovery.org. Signups are also open on tournament day at the American Legion Sorrell Woodward Post No. 1623 in Lyon Mountain. Chazy Lake's surface is already frozen nearly a foot thick, said Reeling 4 Recovery founder Jerry Haley. "Ice is the best conditions we've ever seen it," he told The Sun. "We already have 10 inches of solid black, clear ice." And entry fees for anglers have not increased for 2026. "But we are increasing the amount of payout to $300, $200 and $100 for the biggest fish," Haley said. "Times are tough." The region's signature ice fishing tourney was founded eight years ago in memory of two friends Haley lost to addiction. Spending time on the ice, fishing with family and good friends, he hopes, creates a better habit, the kind that brings people together, invites sport and builds bonds. Haley said he has been attending meetings at a recovery center in Saratoga that helps people who support others with addiction. At meetings, he met people who have been through recovery several times. Through reset, they keep trying. "I guess the fight isn't over. There's a culture we're working to change here, giving people a chance to choose a positive way forward." Reeling 4 Recovery will be adding community support meetings at a new community center in 2026, Haley said, offering time for people who have lost loved ones to addiction to work together. "We are raising awareness," Haley said, "and finding ways to support people who support those struggling with addiction." Reeling 4 Recovery anglers have been amazing over the past seven years, Haley said. They have helped set the lead in a fun, competitive way by finding the biggest fish in Chateaugay and Chazy lakes. And there have been some very big contenders over the years. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 Reeling 4 Recovery derby days will bring good ice, good food, great music, doorprizes and some fun for everyone. "Ice fishing takes place from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and we've got activities to follow each afternoon and evening," Haley said. Derby base will be at the American Legion Sorrell Woodward Post No. 1623 located at 3909 NY-374 in Lyon Mountain. The spaghetti supper on Friday night is open to the community. "Reeling 4 Recovery will be giving away 300 meals for anybody that wants to come," Haley said. "They don't have to be in the ice fishing derby or anything like that. We start serving at 4 p.m." On Saturday night, a carving station for dinner opens at 3 p.m. with live music with Gab & Dad and DJ Flash with special guest Flywlkr, who is renowned for performing songs solely about fishing. Ice Fishing is a great winter sport, and the tournament welcomes newcomers looking to try it out. "Definitely come check us out," Haley said. "There are free door prizes, food and cash payouts every two hours, and we have great raffle this year. Roberts Sports Center has donated a 2025 Can-Am Renegade 110 XXC edition four-wheeler. We aren't offering as many tickets as we have in past years, there are only 500 tickets available." Newly designed Reeling for Recovery apparel is now featured with a fun collection on the Missed Merch website: missedmerch.com/collections/reeling-for-recovery Donations are welcome from any in community who wish to support ongoing Reeling 4 Recovery fishing and camp programs. Come summertime, the non-profit fields programs for youth at their summer camp series at Camp Little Notch. To reach organizers via email: reeling4recovery@gmail.com Keep up-to-date on ice and fishing conditions and derby rules via Facebook: facebook.com/reeling4recovery To learn more about Reeling 4 Recovery programs: reelingforrecovery.org

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8th Annual Reeling 4 Recovery Ice Fishing Tourney: Jan. 31-Feb.1

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