What the Lake Memphremagog Derby is and when it runs

The Lake Memphremagog Derby is an annual spring fishing tournament held on the Vermont side of Lake Memphremagog, a 27-mile lake that straddles the Vermont-Quebec border. The derby focuses on walleye and pike, the lake's primary game fish, and draws both local anglers and visitors from across New England. The tournament typically runs in May, though the exact dates shift year to year based on water conditions and ice-out timing.

The derby is organized by local fishing clubs and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, with support from tackle shops and bait-and-tackle businesses around Newport, the main Vermont town on the lake. Entry fees are modest — usually between $25 and $50 per angler — and the tournament operates on a catch-and-release basis for most species, meaning fish are weighed and returned to the water alive.

The lake itself is known for consistent walleye populations and a healthy pike fishery, making it a reliable destination for spring tournament fishing. Water temperatures in May typically range from the low 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, which is prime feeding time for both species after the long winter.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lake Memphremagog Derby runs each May and targets walleye and pike in a catch-and-release format.
  • Entry fees typically range from $25 to $50, and the tournament is organized by local fishing clubs in partnership with Vermont Fish and Wildlife.
  • The lake's walleye and pike populations are most active in May when water temperatures are in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit.
  • Most weigh-ins happen at public boat launches in Newport, and results are posted within hours of the tournament close.
  • Anglers should check current regulations for Lake Memphremagog before the derby, as rules for non-residents and seasonal restrictions can change.

How to enter and what to bring

Registration for the Lake Memphremagog Derby opens in late March or early April, usually through the Newport area fishing clubs or at local tackle shops like those on Main Street in Newport. You can also contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Northeast Region office in Guildhall for current registration details and exact tournament dates. Registration typically closes one week before the tournament begins, though some years allow day-of entry if spots remain.

Bring a valid Vermont fishing license (or a non-resident license if you live out of state) and your boat or arrange to fish from a charter or guide service. You'll need a cooler with ice to keep fish alive during the tournament — most derbies require fish to be weighed within a few hours of catch, so a livewell or aerated cooler is essential. Bring your own tackle, though local shops stock walleye and pike gear year-round, including jigs, crankbaits, and live bait.

The tournament runs from dawn until a set weigh-in time, usually mid-afternoon. Weigh-ins happen at the public boat launch in Newport or at a designated location announced at registration. Bring your catch in a cooler or livewell, and have your license and entry receipt ready.

What fish species count and size rules

Walleye and pike are the primary species in the Lake Memphremagog Derby, and most tournaments award prizes for the heaviest fish in each category. Some years include a third category for perch or other panfish, though this varies. Check the specific tournament rules when you register, as prize categories can shift.

Minimum size limits follow Vermont state regulations: walleye must be at least 15 inches, and pike must be at least 24 inches. Fish below these sizes are not weighed and must be released immediately. There is no maximum size limit, so a trophy pike or walleye counts fully toward your weight.

Most derbies allow anglers to weigh up to five fish per species, though some years cap it at three. The total weight of your catch determines placement. Read the rules sheet at registration carefully, as these details change year to year based on how the organizing clubs structure the event.

Fishing techniques for walleye and pike in May

Walleye on Lake Memphremagog in May respond well to live bait presentations, particularly shiners or chubs fished on jigs in 15 to 30 feet of water. Early morning and late afternoon are peak times, as walleye are light-sensitive and feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Work the deeper drop-offs and structure — rocky points, weed edges, and submerged timber — where walleye hold during the day.

Pike are more aggressive in May and will chase crankbaits and spinnerbaits in shallower water, especially around weed beds and near the shoreline. Larger lures — 4 to 6 inches — tend to attract bigger pike and filter out smaller fish. Pike also respond to live bait, particularly larger shiners or small perch.

Water clarity on Lake Memphremagog varies by location and season. The northern basin tends to be clearer, while the southern end near Newport can be more stained. Adjust your lure color and size accordingly: brighter colors and larger profiles in stained water, more natural colors in clear water. Bring a depth finder if your boat has one — it will save you hours of searching for structure.

Boat access and where to launch

The primary public boat launch for the Lake Memphremagog Derby is at the Newport City Beach and Marina, located on the waterfront in downtown Newport. This launch has ample parking, a paved ramp, and facilities including restrooms and a small tackle shop nearby. A second launch is at the Prouty Beach area, also in Newport, which is less crowded but slightly smaller.

Both launches charge a small daily fee — typically $5 to $10 — and are open from dawn until dusk during the tournament. Arrive early on tournament day, as parking fills quickly. If you don't have your own boat, several charter captains and guide services operate out of Newport and can take you on the lake for the day. These services typically cost $300 to $500 for a full day, split among anglers.

The lake is large and can develop rough conditions quickly in spring wind. Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament. If conditions are unsafe, the tournament may be postponed or cancelled — organizers will announce this by phone or email to registered participants.

What happens at weigh-in and how winners are determined

Weigh-in typically begins in the early afternoon — often 2 or 3 p.m. — and continues for one to two hours. You bring your cooler or livewell to the designated weigh-in location, usually at the Newport City Beach Marina or a nearby facility. Tournament officials will remove each fish, verify it meets the minimum size, and weigh it on a certified scale. The fish is then photographed and returned to the water or a holding tank until all fish are weighed, at which point all are released.

Winners are determined by total weight in each category. If two anglers tie, the tiebreaker is usually the single heaviest fish in that category. Prize money or gift certificates are awarded to the top three finishers in each species category, though the exact payout depends on the number of entries and how the organizing clubs structure the purse.

Results are posted within an hour or two of weigh-in closing, either at the weigh-in site or online through the organizing club's website or social media. Most derbies also hold a brief awards ceremony with food and drinks, making it a social event as much as a competition.

Planning your trip to Newport and the lake

Newport is a small town of about 4,500 people on the northern shore of Lake Memphremagog, roughly 90 minutes from Burlington and 45 minutes from the Canadian border. The town has several motels, a few bed-and-breakfasts, and a handful of restaurants, though options are limited compared to larger Vermont towns. Book lodging in advance if the derby falls on a weekend, as rooms fill quickly during tournament season.

The area around Newport offers other outdoor activities beyond fishing: hiking trails in the Northeast Kingdom, the Memphremagog Visual Arts Center, and access to the Lake Memphremagog Trail, a multi-use path along the waterfront. If you're bringing family members who don't fish, there's enough to keep them occupied for a day or weekend.

Tackle shops in Newport stock walleye and pike gear, live bait, and ice. The main shops are on Main Street and near the waterfront. Gas stations and a small grocery store are also downtown. Bring cash or a card, as not all small shops accept both.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Vermont residents need a resident license, and non-residents need a non-resident license. You can purchase a license online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website, at tackle shops in Newport, or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day non-resident license costs less than a week-long license if you're only fishing the derby.

Can I fish the derby from shore instead of a boat?

Most years, the Lake Memphremagog Derby requires boat access because the best walleye and pike habitat is in deeper water away from shore. Check the specific tournament rules when you register — some years may allow shore fishing, but it's not typical. If you don't have a boat, hire a charter captain or guide service based in Newport.

What if the weather is bad on tournament day?

The tournament may be postponed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. Organizers will notify registered anglers by phone or email the morning of the event. If the tournament is postponed, it usually runs the following weekend. If it's cancelled, entry fees are typically refunded or credited toward the following year's derby.

How do I find out the exact dates for this year's derby?

Contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Northeast Region office in Guildhall or call the Newport City Parks and Recreation Department. Local tackle shops in Newport also post derby dates and registration information in late March. The derby is typically held in May, but the exact weekend varies based on water conditions and ice-out timing.

Are there youth or beginner categories in the derby?

Some years the derby includes a youth division or a beginner category, though this varies by year and depends on how the organizing clubs structure the event. Ask about youth or beginner divisions when you register — if they're not offered, the clubs may be able to pair you with an experienced angler or suggest a guide service that works with new fishers.