---
title: "Eelpout Festival 2011"
description: "Equal parts icefishing tournament and party, Minnesota’s annual Leech Lake Eelpout Festival is a sight to behold."
date: "2011-02-22"
modified: "2011-02-22"
authors:
  - name: "Stephen Maturen"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/stephen-maturen/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/fishing/2011/02/eelpout-festival-2011/"
categories:
  - "Fishing"
  - "Ice Fishing"
---

# Eelpout Festival 2011

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ESVHKRYLS7BF3UM3GZQAX72RAA.jpg>)

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0001.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/RFR2A2ZVBUOG3B3HKRSCSB7WI4.jpg>)
*An ATV pulling a couch on skis is one of the least bizarre sites at Eelpout 2011.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0002.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/DYPKOZZO35JKIMMFUGMDIQTR74.jpg>)
*A board in the weigh-in station marks the largest and smallest eelpouts on record through Saturday morning.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0003_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/E4GDLUGL4VPYQKWNWYJ3BMUA6E.jpg>)
*A number of odd-looking eelpout hang outside the festival weigh-in station.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0004_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/O5ORQRSLPR5WRTEDDMVAAZHPLI.jpg>)
*A large trophy goes the overall weight winner at the end of the festival.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0005_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/THQCWZSVL2JCJ2VASESRCEKCGQ.jpg>)
*Ice houses dot the horizon of Leech Lake on a bleak February afternoon.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0006_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/JXX7AYQU2DO3MDHGTTOLVPBUHA.jpg>)
*Paul and Wendy Skoglund of Duluth, MN were some of the few anglers to fish while braving the elements.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0007_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/3A7KWTKLZUOB5HADVAPB2J4NJA.jpg>)
*Wendy Skoglund has been fishing at the Eelpout festival for 5 years.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0008_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/NFQR6VH3J4SDS3NUMVJW5W5AVY.jpg>)
*Paul Skoglund untangles his line.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0009_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/QYGBGP3NGNB4SLXFJWWQAAV36A.jpg>)
*The largest fish caught as of early Saturday morning, 9.69 lbs.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0010.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/PP3I2JJFBNBKO7EHSQ77VBVQDI.jpg>)
*For the most part Eelpout Festival is more of a bar-hopping event than a fishing event. Structures like this dot the ice, serving beer on tap and stocked with a full bar.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0011.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/BPZOA3FOK7VT6BSWWUWW2DLWDE.jpg>)
*A reveling partygoer with his "Hops Holster" fully loaded.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0012_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/V3HMPIH3HA36YP3XBTFWRMWSTM.jpg>)
*Some attendants clean out their ice house from the leftovers of Friday's party.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0013_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2P77CVBLEAJBKL6OVZLCFCBNCM.jpg>)
*"Ice Hole" peppermint schnapps is a very popular drink amongst 'Pouters.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0014.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/WFGMIMMPUCGKMBRZUNI6V6VIP4.jpg>)
*A man in Viking attire looks on in his snow vehicle.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0015_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/BLZTA5I6H6EX3U5R5CLGW6HYQM.jpg>)
*Members of the Tonight Show came up from LA to shoot a piece on the festival.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0016.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/5RUG5HMWE5PCGUWWRIMLR2HSRY.jpg>)
*A stuffed Taz doll adds a little punch to this man's ATV.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0017_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ZPYMBYWRZ26CO4JKW2QG2LCFPY.jpg>)
*Practitioners of the "Notel Motel," a popular spot on the ice in the evenings, have a bit of fun tossing around a cached keg.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0018_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2IGPVCDKWOWQUPUNGHJUD2BXA4.jpg>)
*More couches on skis.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0019_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/CA3EWWJBKY4JV2RQIJ3Z62EMAU.jpg>)
*Practitioners of the "Notel Motel," a popular spot on the ice in the evenings, have a bit of fun tossing around a cached keg.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0020.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/GFL7R7BO6FRQ4UGLURJUOP6FI4.jpg>)
*A view inside the "Notel Motel," a structure that could fit around 100 people.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0021.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/NLPJM44MFJFGQJAVDRIDPC6AR4.jpg>)
*The best way to take a nap on Leech Lake.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0022_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/UQJYMWSANSSJAQ6TRLKI4OCA3Y.jpg>)
*A festival-goer takes a shot through an ice sculpture inside the ice bar on the beach of Leech Lake.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0023_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/XVVALM2WZZLAOPAECSBZA3HQGA.jpg>)
*People gather for the Polar Plunge.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0024_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2SP3I35IGBNM3N2Y7DZUKOODOU.jpg>)
*A member of the Army National Reserves sings the National Anthem before the Polar Plunge.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0025_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/RBPBE35YS74XNQ65IXJR35JNFQ.jpg>)
*A group of women decked out in full Viking regalia take the plunge.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0026.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/4AXT6VJE4RZ4R3CF2GJUYNXFKY.jpg>)
*Temperatures were around 10 degrees at this point, not taking into account windchill.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0027_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/4GTUEUPIYFG7OP5VLMR45LFNNM.jpg>)
*Medical attendants in full dry-suits on hand to help out plungee's.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0028_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/XPU7AKYMENJP3V4NDZYLS6YDCI.jpg>)
*A quick dash back to warmth.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0029_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/5B43PU7PVDFZH6KWYTKX7QHLZQ.jpg>)
*A burst of a flame into the sky helps warm the crowd.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0030_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/PJM4JDPNAQKMRBHEX3JMB4CBME.jpg>)
*Its hard to catch your breath when soaking wet in below freezing temps.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0031.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/YDD6OAX6GRQS44SGPRX64BPLUQ.jpg>)
*Nice form on a cannon ball.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0032.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/W7VMSYFUIL2PF3EATBTEQS4CV4.jpg>)
*One expects this look after jumping in Leech Lake.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0033_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/XZPG37NBJ275IBAU62JRXL7L4E.jpg>)
*Again, running back to warmth.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0034_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/ONAAKMR5J32FGMBFJAIRAMG4QQ.jpg>)
*Beautiful form on this belly flop.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0035_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/MQAR65AJPLCJQ57FLHAGVBREOM.jpg>)
*…And the ensuing splash.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0036_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/I7Q6HPFAVKUEQPSVIEZ3KGHBKI.jpg>)
*A member of the Bikini Ice Fishing Team.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0037.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/YYILE4G374IJO5S6ULHGL6SQOY.jpg>)
*A quick dance number by the Bikini Ice Fishing Team.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0038_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/2Y3ZJSBHHJIO7H5QGT77TFCOMM.jpg>)
*A quick dance number by the Bikini Ice Fishing Team.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0039_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/HBUHXA5NS3NHOXLJLY3O2D5SHA.jpg>)
*Free t-shirts and hats by the Bikini Ice Fishing Team.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0040_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/T7Q5ICPR3FPDZOWFJUHLYGRYRU.jpg>)
*A singing number by a member of the Bikini Ice Fishing Team.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0041.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/TRXLOGBXUDBWFWUDL3YQGDZL6A.jpg>)
*A combination of high performance ice fishing attire… and a bikini.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0042_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/OC4M6UBIEX4QGR7XXRMLL753XU.jpg>)
*A combination of high performance ice fishing attire… and a bikini.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0043_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/D2CWYY2ZMEV2YXVAXMM2JEPFSQ.jpg>)
*Pumping up the crowd.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0044_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/S4ABXBY6DZXVSXI4GHLFSCN2FA.jpg>)
*Showing off some of the bikini ware.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0045.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/B7DX7TEPH4XCF2BAQKHBXTMLK4.jpg>)
*Bikini's and free t-shirts, a real crowd pleaser.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0046_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/QCZBAIHIZB3JJLY5MB6MALTMWM.jpg>)
*More free hat's and of course bikini's.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0047_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/7XY2XVKAESU42LFQNAYMJYH5Q4.jpg>)
*Free posters.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0048_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/FN4MOHK7J43LQUKV62XOWVXW4Q.jpg>)
*Festival-goers scramble for a free Bikini Ice Fishing Team hat.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0049_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/HMFIUUAKIISQOJ2ENL52NUCYOE.jpg>)
*Snowmobile jackets were a popular look throughout the town of Walker, MN.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0050_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/FNT4KZBEEF5NFANVHUOBQZODVY.jpg>)
*A look down onto the ice.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0051.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/KRHKRLPR6OJK7BK3355MHMB22Y.jpg>)
*Santa Claus made an appearance at the festival.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0052.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/VFF6B2OEASPDJWQQVSGTOL64WI.jpg>)
*A couple of parked snowmobiles.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo30010Eelpout_2011-0053.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/G37SR7VT4NVCWZYH2CR66F3ARM.jpg>)
*An old school snowmobile is still kicking on the ice.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0054_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/HW5GU6EBGGHMODQG26LPQXJASE.jpg>)
*A great vantage-point for the festival.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0055_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/VH5YEX7HOA2EWCFBHUH66OOUWY.jpg>)
*A large fire roars outside a number of trailers on the ice, keeping a large gathering warm as the sun wanes.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0056_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/OGUDINO2332UGWIAOD5OUMX3WQ.jpg>)
*Cutting a hole in the ice.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0057_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/NPY4FGBKD6MQBMYFLTEJYT7FRU.jpg>)
*Chains on the tires is a must for proper transportation.*

![httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images201102Eelpout_2011-0058_0.jpg](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/RWCWXLTTRP3XOXWW4I22XL2C3Q.jpg>)
*Popping a wheelie on a three-wheeler.*