What the Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby is
The Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby is an annual fishing tournament held on Father's Day weekend in June on Lake Champlain, the large freshwater lake that borders Vermont and New York. The event draws anglers from both states who fish for bass, pike, and other species in a competitive format where catches are weighed and ranked. It is organized as a family-oriented tournament, meaning participants often fish in teams or bring family members along, and the event emphasizes both the competition and the social gathering around it.
The derby has run for decades and operates under specific rules about which fish count, how they must be handled, and what time the fishing day begins and ends. Registration typically opens several weeks before the event, and anglers pay an entry fee to participate. The tournament is not a state-run program but rather an event organized by fishing clubs, local businesses, and volunteers who manage the weigh-in, scoring, and awards.
Key Takeaways
- The Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby takes place on Father's Day weekend in June and welcomes anglers from Vermont and New York to fish for bass, pike, and other lake species.
- Participants pay an entry fee to register, and the tournament runs from an announced start time through an end time on the same day, with all fish weighed at a central location.
- The event is designed for families and allows team fishing, so you do not have to fish alone or be an experienced angler to take part.
- Prize money and awards go to the anglers who catch the heaviest fish in each category, with payouts varying by year and entry numbers.
- You will need a valid Vermont or New York fishing license to participate, and fish must meet minimum size requirements set by state law.
When the derby happens and how to register
The Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby is held on Father's Day weekend, which falls in mid-June each year. The exact dates and start time change annually, so checking with the organizing group or local fishing clubs in the weeks before the event is necessary to confirm the schedule for the current year.
Registration typically opens four to six weeks before the tournament date and closes a few days before the event. You can register through the organizing club's website or by phone, and you will need to provide your name, contact information, and which state you fish from. The entry fee varies by year but is usually in the range of $25 to $50 per angler or per team. Some years offer discounts for early registration or for teams that include a father and child.
After you register, you will receive confirmation with the exact start time, the location of the weigh-in station, and the rules for that year's tournament. Many organizers also send a map of the lake with recommended fishing areas or restricted zones.
What fish count and how the scoring works
The Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby typically counts largemouth bass and smallmouth bass as the primary species, though some years also include pike or other game fish. Each fish must meet the minimum size requirement set by Vermont or New York state law — usually 12 inches for bass — or it will not be weighed and will not count toward your score.
Most derbies use a simple scoring system: the angler or team with the heaviest single fish wins first place, the second-heaviest fish wins second place, and so on. Some years the tournament scores based on the combined weight of your three best fish, or your five best fish, so the rules for that year matter. The organizing group announces the scoring method when you register.
All fish must be brought to the official weigh-in station by the announced end time. Fish are weighed on a certified scale, and the weight is recorded. You keep your fish after weigh-in — the tournament does not require you to release them — so many anglers take home their catch to cook.
Fishing licenses and legal requirements
To fish in the Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby, you must hold a valid fishing license from either Vermont or New York, depending on which state you are fishing from. Vermont licenses are issued by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and New York licenses are issued by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Both states offer short-term licenses (one day, three days, or seven days) as well as annual licenses.
You can purchase a Vermont license online through the Fish and Wildlife Department website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops throughout the state. New York licenses are available through the DEC website and at authorized vendors. The cost of a short-term license is typically $10 to $20 depending on the state and the length of validity.
In addition to a license, you must follow all state regulations on fish size, catch limits, and fishing methods. Lake Champlain has specific rules about which areas are open to fishing and which are closed, so review the current regulations before you fish. The tournament organizers will remind you of these rules when you register.
Where to fish on Lake Champlain and what to bring
Lake Champlain is a large lake — about 120 miles long — so the fishing grounds are extensive. The tournament does not restrict you to a single area, but some parts of the lake are more productive than others depending on the season and water conditions. Bass tend to congregate around rocky points, weed beds, and drop-offs where the water deepens. Pike are often found in shallower, weedy areas. Local fishing reports and guides can point you toward the most active zones in mid-June.
You will need a boat to fish the derby, whether you own one, rent one, or fish from a charter. Several marinas on both the Vermont and New York shores rent boats by the day, and some charter captains offer guided trips during the tournament weekend. If you are new to Lake Champlain, a guide can save you time and increase your chances of a good catch.
Bring your fishing rod, tackle box, a cooler with ice to keep fish fresh, a net, and a measuring device to check that your fish meet the minimum size. Wear a life jacket, bring water and snacks, and check the weather forecast before you go. Lake Champlain can be rough in windy conditions, so pay attention to the forecast and stay safe on the water.
Prizes and what winners receive
Prize money in the Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby is distributed to the top finishers in each category — usually the heaviest fish overall, the second-heaviest, and so on. The total prize pool and the amount paid for each place vary from year to year depending on how many people register and how much entry fee revenue is collected. In recent years, first place has typically paid several hundred dollars, with smaller amounts for second and third place.
Some years the tournament also awards prizes for categories like "largest pike," "best team," or "youth angler," so check the rules for the current year to see what awards are available. Prizes are usually announced and paid out at an awards ceremony held the evening of the tournament or the next day.
Community and family atmosphere
The Lake Champlain International Father's Day Derby is as much about gathering with other fishing families as it is about competition. Many participants fish with their fathers, sons, or other family members, and the tournament weekend often includes meals, socializing, and stories shared at the weigh-in. Local restaurants and lodges near the lake often fill up during the derby weekend, so book accommodations early if you are traveling from out of state.
The event connects anglers across the Vermont-New York border and builds relationships within the fishing community. If you are new to Lake Champlain fishing or to the area, the derby is a good way to meet other anglers, learn about the lake, and become part of a tradition that has brought families together for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to fish with my father to enter the derby?
No. While the tournament is named for Father's Day, it is open to any angler. You can fish alone, with friends, with family members of any relation, or as part of a team. The family-friendly atmosphere is welcoming to all participants.
What happens if I catch a fish that is too small?
Fish that do not meet the minimum size requirement cannot be weighed and will not count toward your score. You can release the fish or keep it for personal use if state law allows, but it will not earn you points in the tournament. Measure your fish before you bring it to the weigh-in to avoid disappointment.
Can I fish from shore instead of a boat?
Most of Lake Champlain is best fished from a boat, but some areas near public access points allow shore fishing. Check with the tournament organizers about whether shore fishing is permitted and which areas are open. A boat gives you access to more productive water and a better chance at larger fish.
What if the weather is bad on derby day?
The tournament typically proceeds as scheduled unless conditions are dangerous — such as severe storms or high winds that make boating unsafe. The organizers will announce any cancellations or postponements early on the morning of the event. Check your email and the tournament website for updates if weather looks questionable.
How do I find out the exact date and registration details for this year?
Contact local fishing clubs in Vermont or New York, check with marinas on Lake Champlain, or search online for "Lake Champlain Father's Day Derby" along with the current year. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website and local tourism boards also post information about upcoming fishing tournaments in the region.