The Waubay Lake Ice Fishing Tournament draws anglers to northeastern South Dakota each winter
The Waubay Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is an annual winter event held on Waubay Lake near the town of Waubay in Day County. The tournament typically takes place in late January or early February, when the ice is thick enough to fish safely. Anglers compete for prizes by catching northern pike, walleye, and perch through holes in the ice.
The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Waubay area community. It draws both experienced ice fishers and people new to the sport who want to try it in a structured setting with other anglers around. Registration usually happens on the morning of the tournament, and fishing typically runs for a set number of hours — often four to six hours depending on the year.
Key Takeaways
- Waubay Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is held in late January or early February each year on Waubay Lake in Day County, South Dakota.
- You can register on the morning of the tournament at the designated location on or near the lake.
- The tournament targets northern pike, walleye, and perch, with prizes awarded in different weight categories.
- Bring your own ice fishing equipment, warm clothing rated for below-zero wind chill, and a valid South Dakota fishing license.
- Check current ice thickness reports before the tournament date, as events may be postponed if ice conditions are unsafe.
Registration and tournament structure
Registration for the Waubay Lake Ice Fishing Tournament happens on the morning of the event. You pay a small entry fee — the exact amount varies year to year — and receive a number or ticket that identifies your fishing hole. Most tournaments assign specific holes or areas to keep anglers spread across the lake safely.
The fishing window is typically four to six hours. Organizers announce the start and end times on the morning of the tournament. All fish must be weighed in at the official weigh station before the end time. Fish caught after the tournament closes do not count toward prizes.
Prizes are usually awarded by weight category — heaviest northern pike, heaviest walleye, heaviest perch, and sometimes a category for the largest mixed catch. Some years include a youth division with separate prizes for younger anglers.
What to bring and what to know about the lake
Waubay Lake is a natural glacial lake covering about 9,000 acres. It sits in the northeastern corner of South Dakota and is known for holding healthy populations of northern pike and walleye. The lake bottom is relatively shallow in many areas, which makes it productive for ice fishing.
Bring your own ice auger, fishing rod, tip-ups, and bait or lures. Most anglers use live bait — shiners or minnows — for pike and walleye, and small jigs or live bait for perch. Dress in layers rated for South Dakota winter conditions; wind chill on an open lake can drop well below zero. Bring a shelter or shanty if you have one — the wind across the ice offers no protection.
You will need a valid South Dakota fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores near Waubay. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally.
Ice safety and weather conditions
Ice thickness is the single most important factor for safe ice fishing. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks office monitors ice conditions on popular lakes and posts updates on their website. For Waubay Lake, check their ice conditions report before you travel. Generally, 4 inches of clear ice is considered the minimum for walking and fishing; 5 to 7 inches is safer for groups of people in one area.
Tournaments may be postponed or cancelled if ice conditions are unsafe. Organizers typically announce postponements a few days before the scheduled date. If you are traveling from a distance, call ahead to confirm the tournament is going forward.
Bring a spud bar or ice chisel to test ice thickness as you walk. Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device — many experienced ice anglers do, and tournaments increasingly require them. Never fish alone, and tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return.
How to find the tournament date and location
The Waubay Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is organized by local groups, so information is posted through the Waubay Chamber of Commerce, the Day County Extension office, and local fishing clubs. The tournament date is usually announced in November or December for the following winter.
Search online for "Waubay Lake Ice Fishing Tournament" along with the current year to find the most recent details. You can also contact the Waubay Chamber of Commerce directly by phone or email — they maintain current information about the tournament location, registration time, and any changes to the schedule.
Social media pages for local fishing clubs and the Waubay area often post updates and photos from past tournaments, which can give you a sense of what to expect and what other anglers bring.
Species you will encounter and fishing techniques
Northern pike are the largest fish in Waubay Lake and often the prize draw for tournaments. They respond well to live shiners or large minnows fished under the ice. Pike tend to be aggressive, so tip-ups work well — set one and wait for the flag to pop. Many anglers fish multiple holes with tip-ups while jigging in another hole.
Walleye are also abundant and prize-worthy. They prefer live bait — small shiners or minnows — and respond to jigging with small spoons or jigs tipped with bait. Walleye often bite better in low light, so early morning and late afternoon can be productive.
Perch are smaller but numerous, and they school together. Once you find one, you often find many. Small jigs tipped with perch eyes or small minnows work well. Perch are a good option if pike and walleye are slow, and they make excellent eating.
Preparing your catch and what happens after weigh-in
Keep your fish on a stringer or in a cooler with snow or ice to preserve quality. Do not leave fish sitting in the sun or in a warm vehicle. Most tournaments require fish to be alive or very fresh at weigh-in, so handle them carefully.
After weigh-in, you can take your fish home to clean and cook, or some tournaments have volunteers who will clean fish for a small fee. If you are new to cleaning fish, ask other anglers — most are happy to show you how, or you can watch videos online beforehand.
Fish from Waubay Lake are safe to eat. The South Dakota Department of Health and Human Services publishes fish consumption guidelines for different lakes and species. For Waubay Lake, northern pike and walleye are generally recommended for regular consumption. Check the current guidelines if you plan to eat fish frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license for the tournament?
Yes, you must have a valid South Dakota fishing license. You can purchase a one-day license online or at sporting goods stores near Waubay. The license covers all species and is required whether you fish the tournament or fish on your own.
What if the tournament is postponed due to ice conditions?
Organizers typically announce postponements a few days in advance through the Waubay Chamber of Commerce and local fishing club pages. If you are traveling from far away, call the Chamber to confirm the tournament is happening before you leave home.
Can I fish with my kids?
Yes. Many tournaments have a youth division with separate prizes and categories. Children under a certain age may fish for free or at a reduced entry fee. Check with the tournament organizers about age categories and any special youth rules.
What is the entry fee?
Entry fees vary by year and are set by the tournament organizers. Fees are typically modest — usually between $10 and $30 per angler — and go toward prizes and event costs. Ask when you register on the morning of the tournament.
Can I use a fish house or shelter?
Yes. Bring a portable ice fishing shelter or fish house if you have one. Many anglers use them for warmth and wind protection. Set it up in your assigned fishing area and keep it visible so other anglers can see it on the ice.