The Derby Happens Every Winter on Pennsylvania's Largest Lake

Lake Wallenpaupack's ice fishing derby runs during the winter months when the lake freezes solid enough to fish safely from the ice. The event is hosted by the Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Association and draws anglers from across the region who compete for prizes in categories like largest walleye, largest perch, and largest pickerel. The derby typically spans several weeks, with exact dates announced each fall — you can find the current year's schedule on the Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Association website or by calling the Wallenpaupack Lake Office.

The lake itself sits in Pike County and covers over 5,600 acres, making it deep enough and large enough to hold healthy populations of walleye, yellow perch, and chain pickerel through the winter. Ice fishing here means drilling through ice that can reach a foot or more thick by mid-January, then dropping lines into water that stays cold and oxygenated enough for fish to feed actively.

Key Takeaways

  • The derby runs for several weeks during winter when ice is safe, with dates announced each fall by the Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Association.
  • You fish from the ice using tip-ups or jigging rods, targeting walleye, yellow perch, and chain pickerel in the lake's deepest holes and channels.
  • Entry fees vary by year but typically range from $10 to $25 per angler, with prizes awarded in multiple fish categories.
  • The lake has public access points at Wallenpaupack Lake Office and several marinas that remain open during winter for parking and supplies.
  • Bring a hand auger or power auger to cut holes, insulated shelter or shanty, and dress for cold that can drop well below freezing on the ice.

Where to Fish and How to Access the Lake

Lake Wallenpaupack has several public access points, though not all remain fully staffed during winter. The Wallenpaupack Lake Office, located on the eastern shore, provides parking and information about ice conditions and derby rules. Several marinas around the lake — including Masthope Mountain Marina and Greenridge Marina — stay open during winter and can direct you to safe fishing areas and sell supplies like tip-ups, jigs, and bait.

The safest and most productive areas for ice fishing are typically the deeper channels and holes where walleye and perch congregate in winter. The lake's main basin, particularly near the dam and in the central deeper sections, holds fish throughout the season. Start by asking at the Lake Office or a marina which areas other anglers are fishing — ice conditions change week to week, and local knowledge about where the ice is thickest and where fish are biting saves time and keeps you safe.

What Fish You Can Catch and How to Target Them

Walleye is the prize fish in Wallenpaupack's derby, and they bite best in low light — early morning, late afternoon, and overcast days. Fish for walleye using live minnows (shiners or chubs) under tip-ups set in 25 to 40 feet of water, or jig vertically with small spoons and soft plastics tipped with minnow. Walleye respond to slow, subtle presentations, so let your jig sit and twitch rather than working it aggressively.

Yellow perch are abundant and bite more readily than walleye, making them a reliable catch throughout the day. Fish for perch in slightly shallower water — 15 to 25 feet — using small jigs tipped with perch eyes or minnow pieces, or tiny spoons. Perch often school together, so if you catch one, stay in that hole and keep fishing.

Chain pickerel, the third major derby category, are aggressive predators that hit larger minnows and flashy lures. Fish for pickerel in shallower areas near weed beds and structure, using live shiners under tip-ups or casting larger jigging spoons. Pickerel bite year-round and are less affected by weather than walleye, so they provide steady action on slow days.

Gear You Need and What to Bring

A hand auger works for drilling holes through ice up to a foot thick, though a power auger (gas or electric) saves effort if you plan to fish multiple holes. Bring at least two tip-ups — simple devices that hold a line and flag when a fish bites — or a jigging rod with a sensitive tip that lets you feel subtle strikes. Tip-ups are passive and let you cover more water; jigging rods let you actively search for fish and feel what's happening below the ice.

Dress in layers: base layer of merino wool or synthetic (not cotton), insulating mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell. Bring insulated gloves, a warm hat, and insulated boots rated for standing on ice in sub-zero wind chill. A small shelter or shanty — even a simple pop-up windbreak — makes the difference between a miserable day and an enjoyable one. Pack a thermos of hot liquid, snacks, and a headlamp for early morning or late afternoon fishing.

Bring live bait (shiners, chubs, or perch) from a local tackle shop, or catch your own the day before using a small net in shallower areas. Jigs in sizes 1/16 to 1/8 ounce, small spoons, and soft plastics in white, chartreuse, and natural colors cover most situations. A small tackle box, needle-nose pliers for hook removal, and a stringer or cooler to keep fish fresh round out your kit.

Derby Rules and Entry Information

Entry into the Lake Wallenpaupack Ice Fishing Derby typically costs between $10 and $25 per angler, depending on the year. You register at the Lake Office or at participating marinas before you fish. The derby runs on a catch-and-release or catch-and-weigh system — most derbies require you to weigh fish at an official weigh station by a set time each day, usually late afternoon.

Fish are measured or weighed in separate categories: largest walleye, largest perch, and largest pickerel. Some years include daily prizes and an overall season winner. Check the current rules when you register, as they can change year to year. The Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Association publishes a full rule sheet that covers what species count, minimum sizes (if any), and how ties are broken.

When Ice Is Safe and When to Stay Off

Ice fishing is only safe when ice reaches at least 4 inches thick for walking and drilling. Lake Wallenpaupack typically freezes solid enough by mid-December, though early-season ice can be thin and unsafe. Check ice thickness before you venture out — drill a test hole at the shore and measure with a ruler. If you're unsure, ask at the Lake Office or a marina; staff there monitor conditions and can tell you whether the ice is safe that day.

Avoid fishing during warm spells or rain, when ice weakens rapidly. Stay away from areas near the dam, inlet streams, and channels where water moves and ice stays thin. Never fish alone on early-season or late-season ice. If you fall through, the cold water can incapacitate you in minutes — always wear a personal flotation device or ice rescue suit, and tell someone where you're fishing and when you'll return.

Preparing and Cooking Your Catch

Walleye from Wallenpaupack are firm, mild, and excellent pan-fried or baked whole. Scale and gut the fish as soon as you land it, then keep it on ice or in cold water. At home, fillet the walleye and cook it skin-on in a hot skillet with butter and lemon — the skin crisps and protects the delicate flesh underneath. Walleye fillets cook through in 4 to 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Yellow perch are small but flavorful, with sweet, tender meat. Leave them whole, gut and scale them, and pan-fry them whole in butter until the skin crisps and the flesh flakes easily. Perch are best eaten fresh the day you catch them. Chain pickerel have a stronger, fishier flavor than walleye and benefit from soaking in milk for an hour before cooking to mellow the taste. Fillet pickerel and cook the fillets skin-side down in a hot pan, or bake them with herbs and white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dates for this year's derby?

Dates vary each year and are announced in the fall by the Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Association. Contact the Wallenpaupack Lake Office directly or check their website for the current season's start and end dates. The derby typically runs for four to six weeks during the coldest part of winter when ice is thickest and safest.

Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish the derby?

Yes, all anglers 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, even during the derby. You can purchase a license online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at any authorized vendor. A seven-day license is available if you don't want a full-year license.

Can I use live bait, or are there restrictions on what I can fish with?

Live bait is allowed and is the most effective method for walleye and pickerel. Check the current derby rules for any restrictions on bait type or size. Pennsylvania's general ice fishing regulations allow live minnows, and the derby typically follows state rules unless it specifies otherwise.

What if the ice doesn't freeze thick enough this winter?

If ice conditions are unsafe, the Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Association may postpone or cancel the derby. They monitor conditions closely and announce any changes on their website and through local marinas. If the derby is cancelled, entry fees are typically refunded.

Are there lodging options near the lake during the derby?

Yes, several hotels and vacation rentals operate year-round in the Wallenpaupack area, including options in nearby Hawley and Greenridge. Many anglers fish the derby over a weekend or stay for several days. Book lodging in advance during the derby season, as rooms fill quickly.