The Derby Runs Each Summer on Vermont's Largest Lake

The Lake Memphremagog Trolling Derby is an annual fishing tournament held on Lake Memphremagog, Vermont's largest lake, which straddles the Vermont-Quebec border near Newport. The derby typically runs for several weeks in summer — exact dates vary by year, so check with the derby organizers or the Lake Memphremagog Fishing Association before you plan your trip. Anglers fish from boats and compete for prizes in categories based on species and weight, with the biggest fish in each category winning recognition and sometimes cash or merchandise prizes.

The lake itself is deep, cold, and rich with lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass — the three species the derby focuses on. Because Memphremagog is large (about 27 miles long) and the fish are scattered, trolling — pulling a lure or bait behind a moving boat — is the standard method and the reason for the derby's name. You do not need to be a tournament regular to fish the derby; most years it is open to anyone with a valid Vermont fishing license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lake Memphremagog Trolling Derby runs for several weeks each summer, with dates that change year to year, so confirm the current season before you register.
  • You need a valid Vermont fishing license to fish the derby, and you must register your boat or yourself as a participant before the tournament begins.
  • The derby focuses on lake trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass, with separate prize categories for each species based on weight.
  • Most derbies charge a small entry fee per angler or per boat, and prizes are awarded to the heaviest fish in each category during the tournament window.
  • Trolling in deep water requires a boat, sonar to locate fish, and appropriate tackle — this is not a shore-fishing event.

How to Register and What It Costs

Registration for the Lake Memphremagog Trolling Derby usually happens through the Lake Memphremagog Fishing Association or through local bait and tackle shops near Newport. Entry fees vary by year but are typically modest — often in the range of $10 to $25 per angler — though some years may charge per boat instead. You will need your Vermont fishing license number when you register, so have that ready.

Registration usually closes a few days before the derby begins or at a set cutoff date announced by the organizers. Some years allow you to register on the day you fish, but do not count on it; registering early ensures your name is in the system and you receive any updates about rule changes or weather delays. Ask the organizers whether you can register online, by phone, or only in person at a local shop.

What Fish Count and How Prizes Work

The derby recognizes three main species: lake trout (also called mackinaw), landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Each species has its own prize category, and fish are ranked by weight within that category. The angler who catches the heaviest lake trout wins first place in that category; the second-heaviest wins second place, and so on. Prize structures change from year to year — some years offer cash, others offer gift certificates or merchandise from local shops.

Fish must be weighed at an official weigh-in station, usually located at a marina or boat launch near Newport. Weigh-ins typically happen at set times each day (for example, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and continue through the final day of the derby. Bring your fish on ice in a cooler; they must be alive or freshly caught to count. Ask the organizers for the exact weigh-in location and hours when you register, because these can shift from year to year.

Trolling Tactics for Memphremagog

Lake Memphremagog is deep — the main basin reaches over 300 feet — and the fish you are after live at different depths depending on the season and time of day. In early summer, lake trout and salmon may be shallower (30 to 60 feet), while in mid to late summer they drop deeper to find cooler water. Smallmouth bass stay shallower, usually between 15 and 40 feet, especially near rocky points and drop-offs.

A fish finder (sonar) is nearly essential on Memphremagog because the lake is large and fish are not evenly distributed. Look for suspended fish on your screen, and troll slowly — 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour — over structure like underwater humps, ledges, and rocky areas. Use spoons (metal lures that mimic small fish) in silver or gold for lake trout and salmon, and smaller spoons or crankbaits for bass. Trolling depth is controlled by your line weight, lure type, and how much line you let out; heavier lines and larger lures go deeper, while lighter lines and smaller lures stay shallower.

Early morning and late evening are usually most productive, though lake trout can bite throughout the day if you find them at the right depth. Bring multiple rods rigged with different lures and depths so you can experiment without constantly stopping to retie.

Boat and Equipment You Will Need

You must have a boat to fish the derby — kayaks and canoes are not practical for trolling on a lake this size, and shore fishing is not competitive here. A center-console or open boat 18 feet or longer gives you room to work and enough power to troll effectively across the lake. Your boat must be registered and insured, and you should carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.

Essential tackle includes medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rods (6 to 7 feet long), a fish finder with a transducer, a net for landing fish, a cooler with ice, and a scale accurate to at least the nearest ounce for weighing fish before the official weigh-in. Bring extra spoons, crankbaits, and line in case you break off on a snag or a large fish. A GPS unit or smartphone with a mapping app helps you return to productive spots and navigate the large lake safely.

Lake Conditions and Safety

Lake Memphremagog can be rough, especially in afternoon wind. The lake is deep and cold year-round — even in summer, water temperature rarely exceeds 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you fall in, hypothermia is a real risk. Always wear your life jacket, tell someone on shore where you are going and when you expect to return, and check the weather forecast before you leave the dock.

The lake is shared with Quebec, so be aware that you are fishing in U.S. waters only — do not cross into Canadian waters without proper documentation. Stick to the Vermont side, which is clearly marked on maps and GPS units. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, consider hiring a local guide for your first outing; guides know the structure, the fish movements, and the safe routes across the water.

When the Derby Happens and How to Prepare

The Lake Memphremagog Trolling Derby typically runs in July or August, though the exact window shifts from year to year. Some years it runs for two weeks, others for three or four. Contact the Lake Memphremagog Fishing Association or check with local tackle shops in Newport a few weeks before summer to learn the current year's dates and any rule changes.

Prepare by getting your Vermont fishing license well in advance — you can purchase it online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department or at any licensed bait and tackle shop. Practice trolling on the lake before the derby if you are new to it; a day or two of scouting helps you learn where fish hold and how your boat and tackle perform. Stock your cooler with ice, fill your fuel tank, and make sure your fish finder is working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the derby?

Yes, the derby is a trolling tournament, and trolling requires a boat. If you do not own one, you can rent a boat from a local marina near Newport, or you can hire a charter captain who will take you out and help you fish. Some charter captains specialize in derby fishing and know the lake well.

What if I catch a fish but cannot make it to the weigh-in on time?

Keep your fish on ice and get it to the weigh-in station as soon as possible. Most derbies allow weigh-ins during a set window each day (for example, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), so plan your fishing to finish before that window closes. Ask the organizers about their exact weigh-in hours and whether they allow late arrivals.

Can I fish the derby if I have never trolled before?

Yes, the derby is open to anglers of all skill levels. If you are new to trolling, consider hiring a guide for a day or two before the derby to learn the technique and the lake. Local tackle shops can recommend guides and may offer tips on what lures and depths work best that season.

What is the Vermont fishing license cost?

Vermont fishing license fees vary by license type and duration. A short-term license (three consecutive days) costs less than a full-season license. Check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website for current prices, or ask at a local tackle shop near Newport.

Is there a minimum or maximum fish size for the derby?

Most derbies do not have a minimum size requirement — any legal-sized fish counts. However, confirm the rules with the organizers when you register, because rules can vary from year to year. Legal sizes for lake trout, salmon, and bass in Vermont are set by the state and are listed on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.