Ice fishing has been exploding across New England over these past few winters, after many years in a row of warmer winters that made ice fishing tough (or impossible), the last three have brought Old Man Winter back out in full force and it seems like everyone is putting their time in on the ice. It’s a natural progression, anglers find a new niche to obsess over, and before too long, they want to see where they stand among their peers. And what better way to do that than to sign up for an ice fishing derby and see if your flag stands taller than everyone else’s?
Massachusetts has many derbies on the docket for the month of February, with some impressive payouts!
February 1: Cheshire Rod & Gun Club Ice Fishing Derby, in partnership with Adams Outdoorsmen for Youth, fish anywhere on either basin of Cheshire Lake, the derby runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes awarded for pike, bass and pickerel and will be handed out at the awards ceremony with refreshments. Cost is $15, kids are free with paid adult. Advance registration through Martin Farrell’s Bait, Avid Sport and Onota Boat Livery.
February 8: The County Sportsman’s Club Ice Fishing Derby, located at the Century Sportsman’s Club (531 Rochdale St, Auburn, MA), registration is ‘in person’ only and begins at 5 a.m. Grand prize is $1,000, with many other ways win, plus a 50/50 raffle and a lobster raffle. Entry fee is $30 and includes breakfast.
February 8: Cheshire Fire Dept. Ice Fishing Derby, at Cheshire Lake in Cheshire, MA registration is in-person only, beginning at 6 a.m. at the Route 8 boat ramp. Great prizes plus a 50/50 raffle, $15 to enter, kids are 12 are free.
February 8: 2nd Annual John O’Brien Ice Fishing Derby, located at Quaboag Pond in Brookfield, MA from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit C.A.S.T. for Kids. Register onsite at the Quaboag St Ramp or Venmo @Kelly-Edmonston (please note “Derby”), cost is $15 per angler. Questions can be directed to anthonyrosetti75@gmail.com.
February 14: Tully C.C.C. Ice Fishing Derby, at Lake Ellis in Athol, MA, registration begins at 6 a.m. the derby runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cash prizes for bass, pickerel and perch with trophies for the leaders of the kid’s categories. Cost is $10 for adults and kids 14 and under, are free.
February 21: Hubbardston Rod & Gun Ice Fishing Derby, at Bent/Sawyer Pond in Hubbardston, MA (park at Rietta Ranch on route 68). Entry fee is $25 per adult, kids 12 and under $15. Pre-Register at the club (35 Williamsville Rd, Hubbardston, MA). There will be prizes for largest of three species; yellow perch, pickerel and largemouth bass, plus raffles and more, derby runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 22: Joe B’s 38th Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Quinsig, registration begins at 5:30 a.m. and the derby ends at 2 p.m. Come to the Flint Pond Boat Ramp (off Route 20 in Shrewsbury, MA) to register. Registration is $20 for adults and $5 for kids. Cash prizes for heaviest fish in perch, pickerel, bass, trout (or salmon) and pike (or musky). Text Neil at 508-523-3516.
