What the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby Is

The Moosehead Lake Togue Derby is a winter ice-fishing tournament held on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine, where anglers compete to catch lake trout (togue) through holes in the ice. The event draws both local fishers and visitors who want to fish seriously in one of Maine's largest and coldest lakes. Ricky Craven, a former NASCAR driver and Maine native, has become closely associated with the derby and brings attention to the event through his participation and promotion.

The derby typically runs over a set period during the winter months when the ice is thick enough to fish safely. Participants pay an entry fee to compete, and prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught and sometimes for other categories like smallest fish or most fish. The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Moosehead Lake region, and it draws people who understand that winter fishing on a deep, cold lake requires real skill and preparation.

Key Takeaways

  • Moosehead Lake togue fishing happens through the ice in winter, and the derby is a competitive event with entry fees and prizes for the largest catches.
  • Ricky Craven's involvement as a participant and promoter has raised the profile of the event among Maine fishing communities and beyond.
  • Togue (lake trout) are cold-water fish that live deep in Moosehead Lake and require specific techniques and equipment to catch through ice.
  • The derby typically takes place during winter months when ice thickness is safe for fishing, and exact dates and rules change year to year.
  • Preparation includes understanding ice safety, having proper ice-fishing gear, and knowing where togue hold in deep water during winter.

Togue Behavior and Where to Find Them on Moosehead Lake

Togue are deep-water fish that spend most of the year in the coldest parts of the lake, and Moosehead Lake — which reaches depths of over 200 feet — is ideal habitat for them. In winter, togue move even deeper and hold near structure: drop-offs, old channels, and rocky bottom. They are not active feeders in the way that bass or pike are; they eat smaller fish and respond to slow, deliberate presentations rather than aggressive jigging.

On Moosehead Lake, successful togue fishing during the derby means fishing deep — often 80 to 150 feet down — and using live bait or small jigging spoons that imitate the sculpins and small fish togue hunt. The fish are most active during low-light periods: early morning, late afternoon, and overcast days. Many derby participants fish multiple holes to cover water and increase their chances of finding active fish.

Ice Safety and Preparation Before the Derby

Moosehead Lake is large and deep, and ice conditions vary across its surface. Before fishing the derby, check current ice thickness reports from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or local fishing shops in Greenville. Safe ice for walking is generally considered to be at least 4 inches thick; for snowmobiles and light vehicles, 8 to 12 inches. Moosehead Lake ice can be thick enough by mid-January in most years, but conditions change, and you should never assume.

Bring safety gear: a life jacket or flotation device, an ice auger or chisel to test ice as you walk, and a rope or ice rescue tool. Fish with a partner when possible, and tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return. Dress in layers — you will be standing still in cold wind for hours — and bring extra socks and hand warmers. A shelter or portable ice shanty protects you from wind and makes the day more comfortable.

Essential Gear for Moosehead Lake Togue Fishing

Ice fishing for togue requires different equipment than open-water fishing. You need an ice auger (hand-crank or powered) to cut holes, an ice fishing rod — shorter and more sensitive than a regular rod — and a reel that holds enough line for deep water. Monofilament line in the 6- to 10-pound range works well; it is easier to feel with than heavier line, and togue do not require heavy tackle.

Bring live bait (shiners or smelt, depending on what is available locally) in an insulated bait container, or use small jigging spoons in silver or gold. A depth finder or flasher helps you locate fish and see how they respond to your lure. You will also need a net or gaff to land fish through the hole, a bucket for slush, and a stringer or cooler to keep your catch. Many successful derby anglers use multiple rods fished simultaneously where regulations allow, which increases their chances of connecting with fish.

Ricky Craven's Role in Promoting the Derby

Ricky Craven grew up in Maine and has maintained strong ties to the state and its fishing culture throughout his racing career and after. His participation in the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby brings visibility to the event and to Maine winter fishing in general. Craven fishes seriously — not as a celebrity appearance, but as someone who understands the sport and respects the lake and the fish.

His involvement has helped draw attention to Moosehead Lake as a destination for winter fishing and has encouraged people who might not otherwise try ice fishing to give it a try. Local fishing clubs and the Greenville region have benefited from the increased interest, and the derby itself has grown as a result. Craven's presence also underscores that fishing is a sport for people of all backgrounds and that Maine's lakes and traditions matter to the people who grew up here.

How to Enter the Derby and What to Expect

Entry to the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby requires registration with the organizing club or group, usually done in advance or on the day of the event. You will pay an entry fee — the amount varies year to year — and receive information about the fishing hours, weigh-in procedures, and any specific rules for that year's derby. Some derbies have categories for different age groups or experience levels, so check the details when you register.

Fishing typically happens during set hours, often from early morning through afternoon. You will fish from the ice, and at the end of the day you bring your catch to an official weigh-in station, usually in Greenville. Fish are weighed and measured, and prizes are awarded based on the largest fish or other categories. The atmosphere is competitive but friendly — most people fishing the derby know each other or know people who do, and the event is as much about community as it is about winning.

Other Winter Fishing on Moosehead Lake

The togue derby is the signature winter event, but Moosehead Lake also holds landlocked salmon and brook trout that can be caught through the ice. Salmon fishing on Moosehead is less predictable than togue fishing but can produce larger individual fish. Brook trout are smaller and more scattered, but they are fun to catch and good eating. Many anglers fish for multiple species during a winter outing, using different techniques and depths depending on what they are targeting.

Summer fishing on Moosehead Lake is also strong, with togue, salmon, and trout available to boat anglers. The lake is large enough that you can fish for days without covering the same water twice. Whether you come for the derby or for casual winter fishing, Moosehead Lake rewards preparation and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby happen each year?

The derby typically takes place during winter months when ice is safe, often in January or February, but exact dates change year to year based on ice conditions and the organizing group's schedule. Contact the Moosehead Lake region or local fishing clubs in Greenville for current dates.

Do I need to be an experienced ice angler to fish the derby?

No. The derby welcomes anglers of all skill levels, and many people fish it as their first ice-fishing experience. Bring proper gear, fish safely, and be prepared to spend time on the ice — experience helps, but patience and preparation matter more.

What size togue do people typically catch in the derby?

Togue in Moosehead Lake range from 1 to 5 pounds for most catches, with occasional fish in the 6- to 8-pound range. Larger fish are possible but less common. Prize-winning fish are usually in the 3- to 5-pound range, depending on the year and how many anglers are competing.

Can I fish the derby if I don't have my own gear?

Yes. Local fishing shops in Greenville rent ice-fishing equipment, including rods, augers, and shelters. Rental costs vary, but it is an affordable way to try the derby without buying gear. Call ahead to reserve equipment, especially if you are coming during peak derby days.

Is Moosehead Lake safe for ice fishing in winter?

Moosehead Lake typically has safe ice by mid-January, but conditions vary across the lake and change throughout the season. Always check current ice reports before you go, bring safety gear, and fish with a partner. Never assume ice is safe without checking.