The Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby runs each summer and welcomes anglers of all skill levels
The Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby is an annual summer tournament held on Lake Champlain, the large freshwater lake that borders Vermont and New York. The derby focuses on catching walleye, perch, and other species common to the lake. Anglers fish from boats or shore during a set window of dates, and prizes are awarded for the largest fish in each category and sometimes for the most fish caught.
The derby has run for decades and draws participants from both Vermont and New York. It is organized by local fishing clubs and tourism boards rather than a single state agency, which means the exact dates, entry fees, and prize structure change from year to year. Before you plan to fish, you will need to find the current year's official rules and registration details through the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce or the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website.
Key Takeaways
- The Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby is held during summer months and welcomes both experienced and beginning anglers.
- Entry fees, tournament dates, and prize categories vary each year, so you must check the current year's official announcement before registering.
- You will need a valid Vermont or New York fishing license depending on which state's waters you fish in.
- The derby targets walleye and perch primarily, though other species may be included depending on the year's rules.
- Registration typically happens online or through local tackle shops in the weeks before the tournament begins.
When the derby takes place and how to register
The Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby typically runs for one to two weeks in July or August, though the exact dates shift each year. The tournament is announced in late spring, and registration usually opens a few weeks before the fishing window begins. You can register online through the official derby website or at participating tackle shops in the Lake Champlain region.
Entry fees cover your participation and are usually modest — often in the range of $25 to $75 per angler — though this varies. Some years offer team entry options as well as individual registration. Once you register, you will receive a packet with the official rules, weigh-in locations, and any special instructions for that year's tournament.
What fishing license you need
Lake Champlain straddles the Vermont-New York border, and your license requirement depends on which state's waters you fish in. If you fish on the Vermont side, you need a Vermont fishing license. If you fish on the New York side, you need a New York fishing license. Both states offer short-term licenses (one day, three days, or seven days) if you do not want to purchase an annual license.
You can purchase Vermont licenses online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops. New York licenses are available through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website or at tackle shops near the lake. The derby rules will specify which waters are included in the tournament, so check the official announcement to confirm which license you need.
Fish species and size requirements
The Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby focuses primarily on walleye and perch, the two species most abundant in the lake and most prized by local anglers. Walleye are the larger catch and often command the top prizes. Yellow perch are smaller but plentiful, and catching a limit of perch can be rewarding for newer anglers or families.
Each year's tournament may include different minimum size requirements and catch limits. These rules exist to protect the lake's fish populations and are set by the state fish and wildlife agencies. The official derby rules will list the exact size and limit for each species. Weigh-in stations will measure and verify your catch, so bring your fish whole and in good condition.
Weigh-in locations and how prizes work
The derby operates multiple weigh-in stations around Lake Champlain, usually located at marinas, boat launches, and tackle shops on both the Vermont and New York shores. You must weigh in your fish during the specified hours on the day you catch them — fish cannot be held overnight and weighed the next day. Weigh-in hours are typically in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate anglers fishing throughout the day.
Prizes are usually awarded in categories: largest walleye, largest perch, most fish caught, and sometimes youth or family divisions. Prize money or merchandise is distributed at an awards ceremony held after the tournament closes. The exact prize structure changes each year, so the official rules will show what you can win and how ties are broken.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring your fishing license, your derby registration packet, and your boat or plan your shore fishing spot well before the tournament begins. You will need a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh between fishing and weigh-in. Bring a measuring device (the weigh-in station will have one, but it helps to know your fish size during the day). Wear a personal flotation device if you are fishing from a boat, and check the weather forecast the night before.
If you are new to Lake Champlain, consider fishing a practice day or two before the derby opens. The lake is large — about 120 miles long — and fish location changes with the season and time of day. Local tackle shops can offer advice on where walleye and perch are biting in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Many shops also sell live bait and can point you toward productive fishing grounds.
Community and family participation
The Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby is designed to bring anglers together and celebrate the lake's fishing heritage. Many years include youth divisions or family team categories to encourage younger people to fish. Local restaurants and lodging near the lake often run special promotions during derby week, and the tournament is a social event as much as a competition.
If you have never fished Lake Champlain before, the derby is a good reason to visit. The lake is scenic, the fishing community is welcoming, and the tournament structure gives you a clear goal and timeline. Even if you do not place in the prizes, you will spend a day or two on the water and may catch fish worth keeping for dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fish every day of the derby to win a prize?
No. Most derbies allow you to fish on any day or days during the tournament window and submit your best catch. You can fish one day or all ten days — the prize is based on the size or count of your fish, not on how many days you participate.
Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?
Shore fishing is usually allowed, though some years may have restrictions on which shore locations count toward the tournament. Check the official rules to see if shore fishing is included and which public access points are designated for the derby.
What happens if I catch a fish that is too small or does not meet the rules?
You can keep it for your own dinner if state regulations allow, but it will not count toward the derby. The weigh-in station will measure your fish and tell you whether it qualifies before they record it officially.
How do I find out the exact dates for this year's derby?
Contact the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, or call a local tackle shop in the Lake Champlain region. They will have the current year's announcement with dates, fees, and registration details.
Is there a youth or beginner division?
Many years include youth categories or family team options, but this varies. The official rules will list all divisions and any age or experience requirements. If you are interested in a specific division, confirm it exists in the current year before you register.