What the Island Pond Ice Fishing Derby is and when it happens

The Island Pond Ice Fishing Derby is a winter fishing event held on Island Pond in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, drawing anglers of all skill levels to fish through the ice for perch, pickerel, and other cold-water species. The derby typically runs for a set period in late winter — usually January or February — with specific dates announced each year by the Island Pond community or local recreation department. Participants fish during designated hours, and prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught in various categories.

The event is rooted in Vermont's tradition of ice fishing as both a practical way to fish during winter months and a social gathering that brings neighbors together when the water freezes solid. Island Pond, located in Orleans County near the Canadian border, is deep enough and cold enough to support a healthy ice fishery, making it an ideal location for this kind of community event.

Key Takeaways

  • The Island Pond Ice Fishing Derby runs for a limited period in late winter, with exact dates varying by year and announced by local organizers.
  • You will need a valid Vermont fishing license to participate, and ice fishing has its own specific regulations separate from open-water fishing.
  • The derby awards prizes for the largest fish in different categories, so weigh your catch at the official weigh station before the event ends.
  • Ice safety is essential — check ice thickness before fishing and never fish alone on unfamiliar ice.

Vermont fishing license requirements for ice fishing

To fish in the Island Pond Ice Fishing Derby, you must have a current Vermont fishing license. Vermont offers licenses for different time periods: a full-year license, a 3-day license, and a 1-day license. You can purchase a license online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, by phone, or at authorized vendors throughout the state. The cost varies depending on residency and license type.

Ice fishing in Vermont follows the same licensing rules as open-water fishing, but the regulations for what you can catch, how many fish you can keep, and which methods are allowed may differ from summer fishing. Before the derby, check the current Vermont fishing regulations for Island Pond specifically, as some waters have special rules about species, size limits, and daily catch limits. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department publishes an annual fishing guide that covers these details by water body.

What fish species you can expect to catch

Island Pond's ice fishery centers on yellow perch and chain pickerel, the two species most commonly caught and most often featured in derby prize categories. Yellow perch are smaller fish — typically 6 to 10 inches — but they bite readily through the ice and are excellent eating. Chain pickerel are larger predators that can reach 18 to 24 inches or more, making them attractive for anglers seeking a bigger catch and a prize-winning fish.

The pond also holds lake trout and other species depending on the season and water conditions, though these are less predictable during a derby event. Success on any given day depends on water temperature, ice conditions, and how active the fish are — factors that change week to week during the winter season. Talking to local bait shops or other anglers who fish Island Pond regularly will give you a sense of what is biting in the weeks leading up to the derby.

How to prepare your gear and find bait

Ice fishing requires different equipment than open-water fishing. You will need an ice auger (hand-crank or powered) to drill holes through the ice, an ice fishing rod — shorter and more sensitive than a regular rod — and small jigs or live bait rigs designed for vertical fishing. Many anglers use live bait: small minnows, shiners, or waxworms are standard choices for perch and pickerel. You can purchase bait at local shops in Island Pond or nearby towns, or order it ahead if you are traveling from a distance.

Bring a bucket or cooler to hold your catch, a scoop to clear ice from your hole, and warm clothing — ice fishing means standing still in cold air for hours, so insulated boots, a heavy coat, and hand warmers make a real difference in comfort and safety. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you fish early morning or late afternoon. If you are new to ice fishing, renting or borrowing an auger from a local shop is cheaper than buying one for a single event.

Ice safety and what to check before you fish

Before stepping onto Island Pond, check the ice thickness yourself or ask local anglers and bait shops about current conditions. Safe ice thickness for walking and fishing is generally 4 inches or more of solid, clear ice. Avoid white or cloudy ice, which forms from snow and is weaker than clear ice. Never fish alone on unfamiliar ice, and always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or ice fishing suit rated for immersion — if you break through, these give you time to get out. Carry a rope or throw line in your vehicle. Check weather forecasts before you go; sudden warming can weaken ice rapidly, and wind can create dangerous conditions. If the ice feels soft underfoot, sounds hollow, or shows signs of cracking, leave the pond immediately. Local fish and game wardens or bait shop owners can tell you whether conditions are safe on any given day.

How the derby works and how to enter

The Island Pond Ice Fishing Derby typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no pre-registration required — you show up during the event dates, fish during designated hours, and bring your catch to an official weigh station before the deadline. Prize categories usually include largest fish overall, largest perch, largest pickerel, and sometimes youth categories. Entry fees, if any, are modest and support local recreation or conservation efforts.

Weigh your fish at the official station before the event closes for the day or before the final deadline. Bring your catch in a cooler or on ice to keep it fresh and in good condition for weighing. The organizers will record the weight and species, and winners are announced at the end of the derby period. Check with the Island Pond town office, recreation department, or local bait shops for exact entry procedures, weigh station location, and prize details for the current year.

Where to stay and what else to do in Island Pond

Island Pond is a small village in the Northeast Kingdom, about 30 minutes from larger towns like Newport and Lyndonville. Lodging options include local inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals; many visitors also stay in nearby towns and drive to the pond for the day. The area is known for outdoor recreation year-round — snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking are popular winter activities in the surrounding forests and mountains.

The Northeast Kingdom has a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts and local restaurants that cater to hunters and anglers. Visiting during the derby gives you a chance to meet other people who fish and to experience a traditional Vermont winter event. If you are traveling from out of state, plan to arrive a day or two early to scout the pond, pick up bait and supplies, and get a sense of current conditions from locals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register ahead of time for the Island Pond Ice Fishing Derby?

Most years, the derby operates on a walk-up basis with no pre-registration — you simply show up during the event dates and fish. However, procedures can change, so contact the Island Pond town office or local recreation department before the event to confirm whether registration is required and what the entry process is.

What happens if the ice is not thick enough when the derby is scheduled?

If ice conditions are unsafe, the event may be postponed or cancelled. Local organizers monitor conditions and announce changes through the town office and local media. Check with the Island Pond community before traveling if you are concerned about ice safety.

Can children fish in the derby?

Yes, most ice fishing derbies welcome anglers of all ages and often have youth prize categories. Children under 16 may not need a fishing license in Vermont, but check current regulations. Adult supervision is essential for young anglers, especially on ice.

What should I do if I catch a fish that is below the legal size limit?

Return it to the water immediately. Vermont has minimum size limits for most species, and fish below the legal size cannot be kept or weighed in the derby. Check the current regulations for Island Pond before you fish so you know which sizes are legal.

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

Contact the Island Pond town office, the Orleans County recreation department, or local bait and tackle shops. Information is usually posted on community bulletin boards and local websites in December or early January.