Minneapolis-based photographer Stephen Maturen photographed the 7th World Ice Fishing Championships in Rhinelander, Wisc. for Outdoor Life Magazine.

It was the first time the competition had been held on US soil and the first time that team USA won the gold medal. Teams ranged from the heavily sponsored Team USA and Canada to the rather rag-tag band of competitors from the Ukraine and Estonia. It was an interesting day on the ice in central Wisconsin, about 5 hours away from the Twin Cities, shooting a sport that few realize exists.

Continue reading and see more photos on Stephen’s blog.