Big Lake Chamber of Commerce

Big Lake Events in 2026

The second annual Pike Fishing Derby will take place Saturday, July 25, at Burkeshore Marina. Registration opens at 6 a.m., and fishing begins at 7 a.m. Trout Unlimited and the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce will host the free event.

Big Lake hosted pond hockey in February and the final large Alaska Homestead Expo in May. Ice Classic remains on the Chamber calendar, although its 2026 result hasn’t been published.

July 25: Pike Fishing Derby at Burkeshore Marina

Adults at the 2026 Pike Fishing Derby will compete for longest northern pike or highest catch count. A separate youth division will recognize younger anglers. Burkeshore Marina is located at 3610 South Burke Shore Drive.

Registration will open at 6 a.m., one hour before the competition begins.

No entry fee is required for the derby. Suggested contributions are $30 for ages 15 and older and $10 for ages 14 and younger.

Every angler will need a current Alaska sport fishing license. Burkeshore Marina will provide the boat launch without charge.

An adult who lands the longest fish will receive a Mercury 20 hp outboard. The two leading catch counts will receive $500 and $350.

A youth who lands the longest fish will receive $500. Cash awards are also listed for second and third place in that division.

Pike preparation and boat cleaning demonstrations will follow the fishing program. Food and drinks will be available. Children’s activities are also scheduled at the marina.

Current Knik Arm sport fishing rules keep northern pike fishing open throughout the year. No harvest limit applies, and live release is prohibited. ADF&G emergency orders will carry any in-season change to those published rules.

ADF&G classifies northern pike as invasive in Southcentral Alaska. Big Lake’s size and depth lessen some effects seen in shallower waters, although pike still prey on native fish there. Alaska’s no-release rule explains why the derby counts fish removed from the lake.

An annual resident sport fishing license costs $20. Nonresidents may purchase a one-day license for $15 or a three-day license for $30. Current prices and online sales appear on the ADF&G license page.

Who is supporting the derby

Explore AK Services donated the top three awards in both age divisions. Burkeshore Marina supplied the event location and launch access.

NOAA and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission appear among the funders. Sponsor credit also goes to 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle and Big Ray’s. Miller’s Market appears on the sponsor list as well. Public-agency partners include the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Trout Unlimited shares host duties with the Chamber. The Mat-Su Salmon Habitat Partnership appears among the community partners. SeaShare and Bean’s Cafe are also supporting the program.

Business questions about the derby belong with the Big Lake Chamber at 907-892-6109. D.D. is listed as the Chamber contact.

Another Big Lake event on July 25

The Big Lake Lions Recreation Center will host 907 Pro Wrestling’s Battle in Big Lake on the same Saturday. Doors open at 3 p.m., and the first match is scheduled for 4 p.m. The center is located at 2942 Lions Circle.

A premium seat will cost $25. General admission costs $20, while admission for children age 12 and younger costs $5. A military admission price is also listed. Families who plan to attend both July 25 events should account for the drive from Burkeshore Marina and the afternoon door time.

The Big Lake Ice Classic

The Big Lake Ice Classic is an annual spring fundraiser administered by the Chamber. Contestants purchase guesses through participating businesses. A winning entry identifies when the ice-breaker vehicle drops through the lake’s weakening ice.

Part of the pot goes to the winner. Scholarship funding comes from the remaining proceeds. Alaska law authorizes the Chamber and Houston Junior-Senior High School Booster Club to administer the classic, jointly or separately.

Past records show how widely breakup timing can vary. Chamber records place winning entries between April 28 and May 23. Most published results occurred during the first half of May, but the contest depends on an observed time rather than a fixed date.

No 2026 ticket deadline or winning entry appears on the Chamber page. Residents should obtain current ticket locations and the official result from the Chamber.

Winter and spring events already held in 2026

Big Lake hosted the Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic at Burkeshore Marina from February 20 through February 22. Its 2026 tournament page records youth and adult divisions on outdoor ice. Current organizer notices now concern the 2027 event.

The final large Alaska Homestead Expo and Marketplace followed on May 22 and May 23 at the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center. About 100 mostly local vendors were expected for the closing expo. Common Ground Alaska plans to replace the annual hall event with smaller classes during the year.

Something else

Big Lake Community Council publishes public meetings held at the Lions Recreation Center and other local sites. Road Service Area 21 will meet there at 6:30 p.m. on August 10. Borough Assembly dates also appear on the council page when a Big Lake matter requires public comment.

Families can find additional Mat-Su community events through Connect Mat-Su’s calendar. Its entries cover classes, school programs, public activities, and nonprofit gatherings across the Borough. Location deserves a close check because the calendar includes Wasilla, Palmer, Houston, and smaller communities outside Big Lake.

Community Christmas and a tree-lighting program remain on the Chamber’s annual list. A confirmed 2026 date has not been posted.

Event submissions to the Chamber calendar

Local organizers can send a confirmed program to info@biglakechamberak.org or call 907-892-6109. A Chamber listing should remain useful after a short social post disappears.

Send the full event name, public hours, date, and street address.

State the admission cost and any separate registration deadline.

Provide one public contact with a working registration or organizer link.

List current sponsors under the names approved for publication.

Quarterly updates should keep completed events as short 2026 records. A cancellation or venue change belongs on the same listing that carried the original date.