The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby runs each winter on Long Lake in Belgrade, Maine

The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby is a winter fishing event held on Long Lake in Belgrade, a town in central Maine's Kennebec County. The derby draws local anglers and visitors who fish for perch, pickerel, and other species through holes in the ice. The event typically takes place in late winter — check with local organizers for the exact dates each year, as they shift based on ice conditions and weather.

Long Lake itself is a 3,000-acre body of water that freezes reliably most winters, making it a natural home for ice fishing. The derby is organized by local fishing clubs and community groups who manage registration, set the rules, and award prizes for the largest fish caught. It is a casual event with a strong local following, not a high-stakes tournament, so the atmosphere tends toward community and friendly competition rather than serious prize money.

Key Takeaways

  • The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby takes place in late winter on Long Lake in Belgrade, Maine, with exact dates varying by year based on ice safety.
  • You will need to register before the event and pay a small entry fee, which covers your participation and may be able to access for prizes.
  • Bring your own ice fishing gear — a rod, line, hooks, and an auger or chisel to cut holes — or rent equipment from local tackle shops in the Belgrade area.
  • The derby targets perch, pickerel, and other freshwater species common to Long Lake, and fish are typically measured on-site to determine winners.
  • Ice thickness and weather conditions determine whether the derby runs, so confirm the event is happening before you travel.

How to register and what it costs

Registration for the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby usually opens a few weeks before the event and closes the day before or the morning of the derby. You register through the organizing club or group — contact the Belgrade Parks and Recreation Department or local fishing clubs for the current registration link and details. Entry fees are modest, typically in the range of $10 to $25 per person, though this varies year to year.

When you register, you will provide your name, contact information, and sometimes your fishing experience level. You may also need to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of ice fishing. Keep your registration confirmation — you will need it to check in on the day of the event and to weigh in any fish you catch.

What gear you need to bring

Ice fishing on Long Lake requires basic equipment: a short ice fishing rod (typically 24 to 36 inches), line rated for freshwater fishing, hooks or small lures, and a way to cut holes in the ice. An ice auger — a hand-crank or powered drill — is the fastest way to make holes, but a chisel (a flat blade on a long handle) works if you do not have an auger. Many anglers bring multiple rods so they can fish several holes at once, which is allowed under Maine ice fishing rules.

Dress warmly in layers — base layer, insulating middle layer, and a windproof outer layer — plus insulated boots, gloves, and a hat. Bring a small shelter or pop-up tent if you have one; it blocks wind and makes waiting for fish more comfortable. A bucket or cooler holds your catch and keeps it fresh. Bring snacks and water, and a headlamp if the event runs into dusk. If you do not own gear, local tackle shops in Belgrade and nearby towns rent ice fishing rods and augers by the day.

Fish species and size rules

Long Lake holds yellow perch, chain pickerel, and largemouth bass, with perch being the most common catch during the derby. Pickerel are larger and make for exciting fishing, though perch are more reliable. The derby may have separate prize categories for different species, so check the rules when you register.

Maine has minimum size limits for fish kept from lakes: yellow perch must be at least 8 inches, and chain pickerel must be at least 15 inches. The derby may enforce these state limits or set its own, so confirm the rules before you fish. Any fish you catch and want to count toward prizes must be weighed in at the official weigh station before the derby ends — typically a few hours after it starts.

Safety on the ice

Ice thickness is the first safety check. Maine ice fishing is safest when ice is at least 4 inches thick for walking and fishing, and 5 to 7 inches thick if you are bringing a vehicle onto the lake. The organizing group will confirm ice conditions before the derby and may postpone if ice is too thin. Do not assume the ice is safe just because the event is scheduled — check with organizers the day before or the morning of the event.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or ice fishing suit if you have one, especially if you are fishing alone or far from shore. Carry a whistle and tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return. If you fall through, stay calm, get your arms on the ice edge, and kick your legs to push yourself out. Never fish alone on unfamiliar ice, and avoid areas where water flows under the ice (inlets and outlets) because the ice is thinner there.

When the derby takes place and how to confirm

The Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby typically runs in late February or early March, when ice is most stable. The exact date shifts each year based on weather and ice conditions — organizers announce the date once they confirm the ice is safe. The event usually runs for a set number of hours, often from morning through early afternoon.

To find the current year's date and details, contact the Belgrade Parks and Recreation Department, check the town of Belgrade's website, or call local tackle shops like those in nearby Waterville or Augusta — they often have derby information and can tell you if the event is running. You can also reach out to the Belgrade Sportsmen's Club or other local fishing organizations. Confirm the date and ice conditions the day before you plan to go.

What happens after you catch fish

When you catch a fish you want to enter, keep it fresh in your cooler or bucket with ice or snow. Before the derby ends, bring your fish to the official weigh station, where organizers will measure it, record the species and weight, and check it against the size rules. Your name goes on the record, and prizes are awarded based on the largest fish in each category — usually largest perch, largest pickerel, and sometimes a heaviest total weight category.

Prizes are typically modest — gift certificates to local tackle shops, fishing gear, or cash — rather than large sums. After weigh-in, you can keep your fish to cook or release it if you prefer. Many anglers who fish derbies like to cook their catch, and perch and pickerel are both good eating when prepared fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Maine fishing license to fish the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby?

Yes. Maine requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older who fishes in the state, including during organized derbies. You can purchase a license online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or at local tackle shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you only plan to fish the derby.

Can I fish with more than one rod at the same time?

Maine allows two rods per person while ice fishing, so you can fish two holes at once during the derby. Check the derby rules when you register — some events may have their own limits, though most follow state law.

What if the ice is not thick enough and the derby is postponed?

If the derby is postponed, organizers will announce a new date and contact registered participants. Your registration fee usually carries over to the new date, though confirm this with the organizing group. If you cannot make the rescheduled date, ask about a refund policy.

Can I bring children to fish in the derby?

Yes. Children can fish the derby if they have a Maine fishing license (free for ages 15 and under) and are supervised by an adult. Many derbies have a youth category with separate prizes, so ask when you register.

Where can I get ice fishing gear if I do not own any?

Local tackle shops in Belgrade, Waterville, and Augusta rent ice fishing rods, augers, and shelters by the day. Call ahead to reserve gear, especially if the derby is on a weekend. Rental costs are typically $10 to $30 per item per day.