AURORA, Wis. — A 36 1/2-inch northern pike catch highlighted the Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby hosted Jan. 20 by the Homestead-Aurora Conservation Club.

Grant Larson registered the big pike as 155 participating anglers could fish any waters during Wisconsin’s free fishing weekend. Other top catches were Zach Wolf, 24-inch walleye; Pat VanPembrook, 13-inch crappie; Mark Valentine, 11 5/8-inch perch; and Mark Lanthier and Hank DeClark, 10 1/2-inch bluegill.

Kids winners were Sherlinda Hendrickson, 30-inch pike; Weston Barthels, 17-inch walleye; Jonathan Boehmfeldt 10 1/2-inch crappie and 8-inch bluegill; and Axle Hendricks, 9-inch perch.

The event featured over $5,000 in prizes, including $1,350 in cash fish prizes. Many of the additional prizes were donated by club members or local businesses.

The fundraiser will help the club continue to stock fish in local waters and help maintain a rifle range in Homestead.