(BRANCH & HILLSDALE COUNTIES) - Ice fishing tournaments return to Branch County this weekend as the Branch County Panfish Club opens its 2026 season with back-to-back events January 3 and 4.
Saturday's tournament will move from Messenger Lake to Craig Lake due to ice conditions. Club officials say Craig Lake has solid ice and is currently being fished. The tournament runs from 7:30 a.m. to noon, with sign-ups at the public access site in Coldwater. The event is open to teams or individuals, with a $50 entry fee. Optional side pots are available for several categories, including pike, bluegill, perch, crappie, and junk fish.
Sunday's tournament is scheduled for Cub Lake on South Hillsdale Road in Hillsdale County, just across the Michigan state line. Fishing is set for the same 7:30 a.m. to noon window. Organizers say ice conditions are improving but a final decision will be made by late Friday. If Cub Lake cannot be used, a replacement lake will be announced during Saturday's tournament at Craig Lake.
All participants must sign a new waiver for the season. The club says anglers who fish at least two tournaments will qualify for the end-of-season Classic Championship