---
title: "Eelpout Festival"
description: "Ice fishing enthusiasts from all over head up to Leech lake in Minnesota for the Eelpout Festival every year. The Bikini Ice Fishing Team being there probably helps."
date: "2010-02-23"
modified: "2010-02-23"
authors:
  - name: "Outdoor Life Staff"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/outdoor-life-staff/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/fishing/2010/02/eelpout-festival-2010/"
categories:
  - "Fishing"
---

# Eelpout Festival

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/RPYWEAPRO4FFQ7FMZH2WPBBL4M.jpg>)

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0695.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/TI5JDKMVCLO7SY47GDWMPVYVBI.jpg>)
*Style came in all colors at Eelpout Festival in Leech Lake Minnesota.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0731.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/PN6DG2RAR4FF4XLOCLFDILWWKM.jpg>)
*These anglers went skunked on eelpout, but they did manage to land one perch.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0747.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/BJNBVRGFQMIVKBUBOCU4VHOTFE.jpg>)
*This tournament is about more than just fishing.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0758.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/UYEKGEJHMYL57Z4AEPYSM6UYW4.jpg>)
*Meet the beauties and the Eelpout beast.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0760.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/CCYY23N5LHG6KEZWYYDBEJGEZY.jpg>)
*This festivalgoer's hat was imported from Europe. The women however, were from Minnesota.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0767.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/5MUF4LOWBJPOPNGS5UGVCEUJ54.jpg>)
*These three Eelpout veterans set up on prime Leech Lake real estate.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0785.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2NUDNA5RLIOZBTH6IYXMQOZKEU.jpg>)
*Serious Eelpouters know that beads, beards and beer are a must.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0789.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/MO6D2LQV64DA5KQKZENYM3MUQ4.jpg>)
*The Eelpout Festival brings thousands of people every year.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0791.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/DJGGBVUYDGMHA6UP7TZI4IS6FA.jpg>)
*With the encouragement of onlookers, these festivalgoers took a dip.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0800.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/GXVUEWJJMF2X7QNW4CJ6ACWC4A.jpg>)
*Festival officials knew how to keep the crowd warm.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0801.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/3SKREOK7WAKXFDZVSXOLZV2O2Y.jpg>)
*Clothes, for the most part, are optional.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0808.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/BZ5NWBQJ5C32I23RTATYATJFMQ.jpg>)
*Two lucky Minnesotans meet members of the bikini ice fishing team.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0822.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2JFAGJAF4OABTUK3S4C322P7YY.jpg>)
*At least the guy with the orange hat is going to keep his ears warm.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0827.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ZJIO3RJSAEAWRUPBDHLM4KFVAQ.jpg>)
*USA! USA! USA!*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0830.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/LZ76PQOIL37MF6Z62V6OXVLCF4.jpg>)
*Anglers from across the country brought ice houses, vans and campers to Leech Lake.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0851.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/HA6TRSG6TQK7OBI5WHKUHOLEU4.jpg>)
*The eelpout is perhaps one of Minnesota's ugliest fish species.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0854.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/Z7X6O4HY3PDY77HF3KQQKSOQBE.jpg>)
*So that's what an eelpout looks like, eh?*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0855.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/KOQGWRLCI2ICY5RKYV5EQSEC2Q.jpg>)
*The notorious eelpout on display here at the weigh in station.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0858.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/GKX5SLZV7U55J6WDEKCQP4F7VM.jpg>)
*A helicopter at an ice fishing festival? Why not?*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0873.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/SUIXBW4EODZKEPXY3CBU7JAFTU.jpg>)
*This engineer built a jigging system out of a hockey stick, a fishing reel, and a battery. However, the rig did not help him catch any fish.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0880.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/YTBH5NFF4WZS4HGGMRKCENWQPA.jpg>)
*This angler was the only one from his group to catch an eelpout. He was also the only one in his group to wear a pink necklace.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0888.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/5ZIJFAOAU2QYYL2P5EUZJ2K6FA.jpg>)
*These fellas wanted to get a better view of the lake.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0892.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/LSYG4RCLAWSKCSBSPKVUHORZ64.jpg>)
*While it is unknown if this festivalgoer caught any fish, it is almost guaranteed that was able to catch a healthy dose of frostbite.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0898.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/R734FES7G5N4N5VRE426J52KRM.jpg>)
*Meet the queens of Eelpout.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0914.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/OYNSMDUHZYJNY75KFGSN7CL6HI.jpg>)
*Hitchhiking is a favorite pastime at Eelpout.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0931.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/7DMPVGK4IP6FBZM3ZTICQLYP6E.jpg>)
*It's just not ice fishing without a barbecue.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0941.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/RN6YHGABOJB4KHB5YZEHMFATNU.jpg>)
*The ice fishing bikini team put on several shows at Eelpout festival.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0946.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/QKSPI4J7SB6IHG3XJWZPO4U73E.jpg>)
*The bikini team is made up of models who like to ice fish.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0964.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ZWKOA5EHDAWHSEX2OELUEBIDCE.jpg>)
*Ice fishing bibs never looked better.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0966.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/CAHDIADEX3KV675GAM6767HREI.jpg>)
*This is perhaps the best looking fishing team ever assembled.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0973.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/SN6GXWYSHWHZJTXNJF7ASG65IU.jpg>)
*There was plenty to smile about at Eelpout.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0975.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/GCYZE6M27W3RJQMH7XJKSWST3M.jpg>)
*Ice fishing got a whole lot hotter.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0976.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/JTZHS7ETT54L7TKFVRJEYFDEGE.jpg>)
*These ladies travel to ice fishing tournaments all around Minnesota.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0980.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/SDOW5M5LZCR25HWOUUCFMYJYFM.jpg>)
*Pink fishing poles sales tripled in sales only hours after the bikini ice fishing team's show.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0982.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ULD2LYE344Y2WMFJJ3H6PCTF7A.jpg>)
*Everyone loves a girl who can fish.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_0992.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/XKHIHDI3JIF35M3JAYCTAOTJMY.jpg>)
*Say hello to the hottest angler from North Dakota.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1008.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ID5FCYBUXSX632FG5EXV7YHB2E.jpg>)
*Who needs a power auger anyway?*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1011.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/VDWOORTM7DRQ53YUCE4TAE5IF4.jpg>)
*No one at Eelpout complained about drilling their own ice fishing holes.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1013.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/BFZ7IDULG77NRHPHYM4YZBW464.jpg>)
*The bikini team perfected the art of using an ice auger.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1029.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/AA2ITWLRJJVIRR5IBEXJBRF2WM.jpg>)
*Having groomed hair is a must for ice fishing.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1032.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/CDSMRULPMCRZ4UMAN7IWHE4V5E.jpg>)
*Never go out on the ice without a buddy.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1052.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/CS6M23QENKY6ENVDGRZW3AQI5E.jpg>)
*Red was the hot color at Eelpout.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1065.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2KMPNUKMXIVQHWDLW6B276W6LA.jpg>)
*Fishing and bikinis? The perfect combination.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1071.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/IEMHK2B3S765G44IPYMYYL6WV4.jpg>)
*Thank you ice fishing gods, thank you.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1093.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/QX7OZCU5LGQSLAGC4BJURCI24M.jpg>)
*You gotta love a girl in camo.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1134.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/UJV3RQOZUHHDMKGBYHGV6LFAJQ.jpg>)
*The sunsets on the Eelpout festival.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2010photo30010DSC_1143.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ZYZVFHGTZYEKMPXPU2LKQTGOPQ.jpg>)
*This was the biggest, and ugliest, fish caught at Eelpout.*