Hard Water Classic returns to Blackwell Forest Preserve
Anglers of all ages are invited to test their skills at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's eighth annual Hard Water Classic ice fishing tournament.
The tourney will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 12 on the 62-acre Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville.
The top three catches of largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike and crappie will receive gift cards of $125, $100 and $75 to local sporting goods stores. The angler with the largest fish overall will win a gas-powered auger or ice shelter.
Participants also will have a chance to win door prizes such as a gas-powered auger, ice shelter, tip-ups and rod-and-reel combinations.
Registration is $20 in advance online or $25 at the event, which will be rescheduled to Feb. 9 if there's not enough ice on the lake by Jan. 12. Proceeds will support ranger-led recreation programs that provide outdoor experiences for special-needs groups, youth groups, Scouts and community resource centers in DuPage County.
Check-in is 11 to 11:45 a.m. Participants must bring their own gear and bait and comply with all applicable fishing regulations and tournament rules. Anglers 16 and older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses.
The main entrance to Blackwell Forest Preserve is on Butterfield Road, a quarter-mile west of Winfield Road.