The Rangeley Lakes Ice Fishing Derby happens every winter on the lakes around Rangeley, Maine, and draws anglers who fish for brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon through the ice

The Rangeley Lakes Ice Fishing Derby is a winter tournament held on Rangeley Lake and the surrounding chain of lakes in western Maine. The event typically runs for several weeks in January and February, though exact dates shift each year based on ice conditions. Anglers fish from holes cut in the ice, competing for prizes in different weight categories. The derby is open to both locals and visitors, and you do not need to be an experienced ice fisher to enter — many participants are trying ice fishing for the first time.

The derby is organized by local fishing clubs and the Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Entry fees are modest, usually between $10 and $25 per angler, and the money goes toward maintaining the fishery and supporting the event. You register at participating bait and tackle shops in Rangeley or sometimes at the chamber office itself. Most years, the derby runs continuously rather than on set tournament days, meaning you can fish any day during the window and submit your catch whenever you land a fish that qualifies.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rangeley Lakes Ice Fishing Derby runs for several weeks in January and February each year, with exact dates announced by the Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.
  • Entry costs between $10 and $25, and you register at local bait shops or the chamber office before you fish.
  • Fish are weighed at official weigh stations, usually located at tackle shops or the chamber, and prizes are awarded in weight categories for different species.
  • Bring your own ice auger, rod, and tackle — rental options are limited, so plan ahead if you do not own equipment.
  • Ice thickness and safety conditions vary year to year, so check current conditions with local shops before heading out.

How to Register and What It Costs

Registration for the Rangeley Lakes Ice Fishing Derby opens in early January each year. You register in person at one of the participating tackle shops in Rangeley — shops like Rangeley Region Sport Shop or Oquossoc Angling Outfitters handle registration and can answer questions about current ice conditions and where fish are biting. The entry fee covers your participation for the entire derby period, not per fish or per day. Some years the derby also offers a family rate or discounted entry for children, so ask when you register.

When you register, you receive information about the weigh stations and the rules for each species category. Most derbies award prizes for the heaviest brook trout, the heaviest lake trout, and the heaviest landlocked salmon caught during the tournament window. You keep your fish on ice after you catch it and bring it to an official weigh station before the derby ends. Weigh stations are typically open during business hours at the same shops where you registered, though hours may extend on weekends.

What Fish You Can Catch and Where

The Rangeley Lakes chain holds three main species that the derby tracks: brook trout, lake trout (also called togue), and landlocked salmon. Brook trout are the most abundant and the easiest for beginners to catch — they school in shallower water and respond well to small jigs and live bait. Lake trout live deeper and require more patience, but they grow larger and can make for impressive derby entries. Landlocked salmon are the rarest catch but the most prized; they are strong fighters and less predictable than the other two species.

The main fishing happens on Rangeley Lake itself, which is the largest of the chain and has the most reliable ice. Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Cupsuptic Lake also host derby fishing, though conditions and access vary. Local tackle shops can tell you which lakes are safest and where fish are holding in any given week. The depth of the water and the time of year both matter — early in the season, fish are often shallower, while later in the derby they move deeper as the ice thickens and light penetration changes.

Ice Safety and Conditions

Ice thickness on Rangeley Lakes typically reaches safe fishing depth — usually 4 inches or more — by mid-January, but this varies year to year depending on how cold the winter is. Before you head out, call or visit a local tackle shop and ask about current ice conditions. They measure ice thickness regularly and know which areas are safest. Never assume the ice is safe just because the derby is running; conditions can change rapidly, and some areas of the lake freeze thicker than others.

Bring a spud bar (a long metal tool for testing ice as you walk) and test the ice in front of you as you move across the lake. Wear a life jacket or flotation device rated for ice fishing — they are bulky but they save lives if you break through. Dress in layers so you can shed clothing if you get warm from activity, and bring extra dry clothes in your vehicle. Fish with a partner when you can, and tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return.

What Gear You Need to Bring

You will need an ice auger to cut a hole through the ice — hand augers are affordable and work well, though power augers are faster if you plan to fish multiple holes. A standard ice fishing rod (usually 24 to 36 inches long) works better than a regular spinning rod because it is shorter and easier to handle in a small space. Bring a bucket or seat to sit on, a scoop to clear slush from your hole, and a way to keep your catch cold — a cooler or insulated bag works fine.

Tackle for Rangeley Lakes ice fishing is simple: small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with live bait like shiners or smelt catch most fish. Bring extra line because it breaks more easily in cold weather. A headlamp or flashlight is essential because winter days are short and you may fish into dusk. Rental options for augers and rods are limited in Rangeley, so if you do not own equipment, buy or borrow before you arrive. Local shops sell basic gear, but selection is smaller than in larger towns.

When to Fish and What to Expect

The best fishing usually happens in the first two weeks of the derby, when anglers are fresh and fish have not been pressured as heavily. Early morning and late afternoon are typically more productive than midday, though on cloudy days fish bite throughout the day. The water is cold, so fish move slowly and bite gently — watch your line carefully and set the hook at the slightest twitch.

Expect to spend several hours for a single catch. Ice fishing requires patience and stillness. Many anglers fish multiple holes at once, moving between them to find active fish. The social side of the derby is part of the draw — you will meet other anglers on the ice, share information about where fish are biting, and swap stories. Bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea and settle in. The experience of being on a frozen lake on a clear winter day, with the quiet and the sky, is often as rewarding as the fish themselves.

Cleaning and Cooking Your Catch

If you land a fish worth weighing, you will need to keep it cold and intact until you reach the weigh station. Pack it in ice immediately after you catch it, and do not gut or fillet it before weighing — the official weight includes the whole fish. After weighing, you can take your fish home to cook. Brook trout and landlocked salmon are excellent eating, with firm, flavorful flesh that benefits from simple preparation.

The easiest method is to pan-fry whole small trout (under a pound) with butter and lemon, or to fillet larger fish and bake them at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Lake trout (togue) has fattier flesh and benefits from poaching or smoking to balance the richness. If you are new to cleaning fish, ask the tackle shop staff — many are happy to show you how to fillet, or you can find videos online before you go. Eating what you catch is part of the tradition of ice fishing in Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish the Rangeley Lakes Ice Fishing Derby?

Yes, you need a valid Maine fishing license. You can purchase a short-term license (one day, three days, or seven days) online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, or at tackle shops in Rangeley. The license is separate from the derby entry fee.

Can I fish if I have never ice fished before?

Yes. Many derby participants are fishing through ice for the first time. Local tackle shops offer advice on technique and where to fish, and other anglers on the ice are usually willing to help. Start in shallow water near shore where it is safer, and fish with someone experienced if you can.

What happens if the ice does not freeze thick enough?

If ice conditions are unsafe, the derby may be postponed or cancelled. The Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce announces any changes on their website and through local shops. Check before you travel, especially in years with mild winters.

Can I keep the fish I catch, or do I have to return it after weighing?

You keep the fish. After it is weighed at the official station, it is yours to take home and cook. This is one reason to bring a cooler — you will want to keep your catch cold on the drive home.

Where do I find out the exact dates for this year's derby?

Contact the Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce directly, or call a local tackle shop. Dates are announced in December and depend on ice conditions. The chamber website and social media pages post updates as the season approaches.