After the first event in January 2025, which had roughly half the number of attendees, the women who came to the event coordinated by Corie Berrigan wanted to continue to stay in touch. It was after that first clinic the Facebook group “Upper Michigan Women Anglers” was created.

While only about 35 women attended that first clinic a year ago, Upper Michigan Women Anglers (UMWA) now has 549 members on Facebook and is officially registered as an LLC.

Berrigan, a professional fishing guide, organized the clinic last year as a way for female anglers to learn from one another, experience camaraderie and have an ice fishing outing on Little Bay de Noc. However, last year’s conditions prohibited the practical component. This latest event, which ran Friday through Sunday, was more of the same — but bigger, and with actual fishing included.

There were 70 spots available to attendees, who could register for free, and all the positions ended up booked.

Participants of the women's ice fishing clinic that was held in Delta County this weekend head out from Vagabond Resort on Stonington Peninsula with their gear. (Photo courtesy of Lindsey Reynolds)

Those who attended the women’s ice fishing clinic — mostly from the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin — experienced days packed with presentations and lessons from experienced anglers and ice safety professionals, visits to local destinations, meals from area businesses, time fishing on the ice and invaluable connections.

“I had such an amazing and fulfilling weekend with these ladies,” said Gladstone resident Lindsey Reynolds, who said she started ice fishing six years ago. “I made several new friends and look forward to fishing with them in the future. It was such a pleasure to be surrounded with positive women with similar interests.”

After waiver-signing and check-in, coordinated by what Berrigan called “an amazing volunteer staff” comprised of six members of the UMWA steering committee, Friday began with a safety lesson.

“We had the Delta County Search and Rescue … a team of three ladies present on ice safety. They pretty much knocked it out of the park with their ice safety presentation,” Berrigan said.

Everyone who attended received free prizes that first night, as well.

Saturday included more educational presentations and discussions about the type of bait that works well on Little Bay de Noc, various augers, types of line and how to rig rods.

“And then after the presentations, we had tables set up with different types of rods, how to select the right rod for your targeted species, jigging techniques,” Berrigan explained. “We had a tip-up table with just about every style of tip-up you can imagine … and all the various fishing electronics.”

The crew had lunch on Saturday at the Rapid River Pub — a dozen pizzas donated by the pub and neighboring Jack’s Restaurant.

“The community support for this event was just amazing. I can’t thank everybody involved that helped out with this,” Berrigan said.

On-ice fishing was scheduled for that afternoon, but because of the conditions — following substantial rain on Friday, resulting in a foot of standing water and slush at the access point — ice fishing on the bay became optional.

“Not everyone was able/comfortable heading out on the ice from Vagabond Resort Saturday afternoon, but we had about 15 ladies that braved our way with our sleds with gear floating alongside us through 12 inches of water to get out to a drier place to fish,” wrote Reynolds.

Those who skipped traipsing through the slush instead participated in extended hands-on education at Brampton Township Hall.

After the outings, all returned to Vagabond for dinner and quality time around fire pits.

Sunday morning was again wet, so plans for the day changed after breakfast at Jack’s. Instead of the second day of ice fishing that had been scheduled, the group headed to Beaver’s Lures in Escanaba, where business owner Katelyn Beaver talked about her creations and what species they target.

“A lot of the gals went shopping, buying lures and t-shirts, and it was really a good time,” Berrigan said happily.

Though she was hoping to have more time on the ice, using more equipment and performing more demonstrations — there were several women who had never used an auger themselves before — those activities will have to wait until next year.

Berrigan said she’s leaning towards holding the 2027 women’s ice fishing clinic the weekend after New Year’s, but it’s not set in stone yet.

Rolling with the uncertainties and safely responding to the reality of conditions contributed to the clinic being a success.

“Overall, it went wonderful. Everything fell into place. I had a great team, amazing instructors that traveled here to help these women learn,” Berrigan said.

Many of those who attended made new friends they may not have otherwise been introduced to and are already planning their next adventures.

“Although the bite was slow and the ice conditions weren’t ideal, we made the most of it –supporting each other, enjoying music, and strengthening connections,” Reynolds said. “Fishing with others isn’t just about the catch; it’s about getting outside and being, sharing the experience, and enjoying something together!”

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R. R. Branstrom may be reached at rbranstrom@dailypress.net or 906-786-2021, ext. 140.