Cody Layton shows off the 27.4 pound northern pike he caught in Cranberry Lake last February.

CRANBERRY LAKE -- The 2014 ‘First Strike’ Cranberry Lake Ice Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Cranberry Lake Fire and Rescue Department, could attract up to 800 participants on Jan. 25.

Organizers are thrilled with the extended cold weather with little snow, which has made for good ice formation.

“The lake already has 10 inches of ice and we expect good ice for the tournament,” said Derby Chairperson Karen Soltau.

Known for its good fishing, Cranberry Lake is the third largest lake in the Adirondacks and one of the most popular fishing destinations, both summer and winter.

“The extraordinary fishing, along with generous prizes, has made this one of the most memorable ice fishing tournaments in the northeast.” Soltau said. “Early registrations indicate the change of date from past years was a positive move.” In past years the tournament had been held in March.

Due to the size of the tournament, Soltau continues to recommend early registration by mail. Entry fees are $30 for adults and $10 for the children’s perch derby.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first through fifth places for the children’s (12 and under) perch derby. Every child who enters will receive a prize.

In the adult category, up to $800 in prize money will be awarded per hour. In addition to cash prizes, dozens of door prizes will be awarded. There will be as much as $10,000 in cash and prizes, depending on the number of registered anglers.

Registration forms and derby rules are available at www.cranberrylakefire.org or flagup4506@yahoo.com. Updates are available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CranberryLakeFireDepartment.

“We look forward to welcoming ice fisherman from all over the North Country, surrounding states and Canada,” Soltau said. “It’s always a remarkable day and lots of fun for the whole family.”