Even with an unusually mild winter, there are still a number of ice fishing derbies scheduled for the area for this weekend and into March.
These offer a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, spend some quality time with friends and family and have some fun. Anglers of all ages are invited to participate and most competitions offer a range of age categories for prizes.
Good chances there is a competition near you with events occuring on the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and in the Adirondacks.
Regional events include:
Chippewa Bay is holding its annual Open Boundary ice fishing derby, sponsored by the Chippewa Bay Fish and Game Club. This event is tomorrow, Saturday February 11th from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration starts tonight at 5 p.m. or you can register the day of the derby. Entrance fee is $10, children are $5. Food and beverages will be available tonight and tomorrow. There will be live music at the club on Friday night. Prizes will be awarded for the derby.
Sackets Harbor Sons of the American Legion is sponsoring an ice fishing derby on Saturday, February 11th from dawn to 5 p.m. Entry forms are available from the Sackets Harbor American Legion Post 1757 at 209 Ambrose St, Sackets Harbor and at Chaumont Hardware store. One hundred percent payout on prizes awarded. Entry fee is $10 per person in both the adult northern pike division and the children's perch division. Call 315-646-3530 for more information.
The South Colton Racquette Valley Fish and Game Club will sponsor an ice fishing derby next Saturday, February 18th, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stump Bay, Higley Flow State Park. Registration required by 8 p.m. Friday, February 17th at Boyce's General Store, South Colton or Hannawa Falls Country Store. Registration is also available on the morning of the derby at club hall on Coldbrook Drive from 5 - 9 a.m. The entrance fee is $15. Food and beverages will be sold at the club during the derby. Raffles and door prizes will be awarded, but only to registered derby participants. All fish entered must remain at the weigh-in station until the end of the derby.
Saranac Lake will host the 28th annual Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby this weekend. It runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday 3 & 4 March on Lake Colby in the village of Saranac Lake. You can register on the day of the derby from 6:45 a.m.on both days at the Lake Colby Beach House across from the village medical center. The entry fee is $7 per day or $10 for both days. Children under 16 yrs old are are $3 per day or $5 for both days. Call 518-201-4009 for more information.
Remember that all state laws are in effect for all these derbies and all participants must meet all DEC regulations.
Be safe on the ice. Watch the attached video for tips on ice safety!
Have fun, stay warm and good luck!
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