The Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby runs each winter in the towns around Craftsbury and Greensboro, with dates and locations that change year to year
The Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby is a winter event held across multiple lakes in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region — the area that includes Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia counties. The derby typically takes place in January or February, though the exact dates shift depending on ice conditions and the year. Different lakes host the event on different weekends, so you will need to check the current year's schedule before you plan to fish.
The derby is run by local fishing clubs and community organizations rather than a single state agency, which means the details — entry fees, prize categories, which lakes are open, and registration deadlines — vary from year to year and sometimes between lakes. This is not a formal state tournament with a central office; it is a regional tradition that brings together local anglers and visitors who want to fish for perch, pickerel, and other species through the ice.
Key Takeaways
- The Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby happens in January or February on different lakes each year, so you must check the current schedule before you go.
- Entry is usually a modest fee paid on the day you fish or in advance through a local tackle shop or fishing club.
- You fish from sunrise to sunset or a set time announced by the organizers, and you keep what you catch within the state's daily limits.
- Prizes are typically awarded for the largest fish in each species category, and some derbies also award prizes for the most fish caught.
- Vermont's standard ice fishing regulations apply — you need a fishing license, and you must follow the state's catch limits and gear rules.
How to Find This Year's Derby Schedule and Location
The Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby does not have a single website or phone number. Instead, information is usually posted by the fishing clubs and towns that organize it. Start by calling the town clerk's office in Craftsbury or Greensboro — they often know the dates and can point you to whoever is running the event that year. You can also contact local tackle shops in the Northeast Kingdom, such as shops in Hardwick or Craftsbury, which usually have flyers or know the schedule by early December.
Another reliable source is the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's website, which sometimes lists upcoming fishing derbies and tournaments under their events section. If you are already planning a winter trip to the Northeast Kingdom, you can also ask at your lodging — innkeepers and camp owners in the area are usually familiar with the derby and can tell you whether it is happening that winter and where.
What You Need to Bring and What the Rules Are
You will need a valid Vermont fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department or at any authorized vendor. A license is required even for a derby event. Bring ice fishing gear appropriate for the lake — an ice auger or chisel to cut holes, a rod and reel or tip-up, and tackle suited to the species in that lake. Most Northeast Kingdom lakes hold yellow perch and chain pickerel, so small jigs, shiners, or live minnows are standard.
Dress warmly and bring layers, a headlamp or flashlight, and a way to measure your fish — many derbies require you to measure on the spot or have a weigh-in station. Bring your catch in a cooler or bucket to keep it fresh. Vermont's daily catch limits apply during the derby: for yellow perch, the limit is typically 50 fish per day, and for chain pickerel, it is usually 5 fish per day, though these can change. Check the current Vermont fishing regulations before you go.
Most derbies run from sunrise to a set time in the afternoon — often 2 or 3 p.m. — so plan to arrive early and fish the whole window. Some events allow you to fish multiple days if the derby runs over a weekend, and some are single-day events. The organizers will tell you the exact hours and rules when you register or pay your entry fee.
Entry Fees and Prize Categories
Entry fees for the Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby are usually modest — often between $10 and $25 per person, though this varies. Some events charge per rod or per hole instead of per person. You typically pay when you arrive at the lake, though some years the organizers accept advance registration through a local tackle shop or fishing club. Ask when you call to confirm the schedule.
Prizes are usually awarded for the largest fish in each species category — the biggest perch, the biggest pickerel, and so on. Some derbies also award prizes for the most fish caught or the heaviest total catch. Prize money or gift certificates are common, and some events award tackle or other fishing gear. The exact prize structure is announced with the derby details each year.
Ice Safety and Conditions
Ice thickness and safety change throughout the winter. The Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby only happens when ice is thick enough to fish safely — typically 4 inches or more for walking and fishing. The organizers will not hold the event if conditions are unsafe, so if you see the derby is scheduled, the ice should be solid. Still, check the ice yourself when you arrive: drill a test hole at the shore and measure the thickness before you venture out.
Bring a life jacket or flotation device, especially if you are fishing alone. Wear bright clothing so others can see you. Never fish alone on unfamiliar ice, and always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If you are new to ice fishing, fish near the shore or near other anglers, and do not venture onto thin or unclear ice.
What Species You Will Fish For
The Northeast Kingdom lakes that host the derby — including Caspian Lake, Craftsbury Lake, and Greensboro Pond — hold yellow perch and chain pickerel as the main species. Yellow perch are small, schooling fish that bite readily through the ice and are good eating. Chain pickerel are larger predators that require heavier tackle and live bait. Some lakes also hold lake trout or other species depending on the water body.
Perch are caught on small jigs tipped with maggots, waxworms, or small shiners fished near the bottom. Pickerel respond to larger shiners or small live minnows fished under a tip-up or jigged slowly. The bite can be slow or fast depending on the day and the weather — cold, clear days often produce better fishing than warm, cloudy ones. Bring patience and a thermos of hot coffee.
Getting There and Planning Your Day
The Northeast Kingdom is in the far northeast corner of Vermont, roughly two to three hours from Burlington or Montpelier depending on which lake is hosting the derby. Craftsbury and Greensboro are small towns with limited services, so plan ahead: fill your gas tank before you arrive, bring food and water, and know where the nearest restaurant or store is. Winter roads in the Northeast Kingdom can be icy, so drive carefully and allow extra time.
Parking is usually available at the lake or nearby, and the organizers will direct you when you arrive. If the derby is on a weekend, arrive early — popular events can draw a crowd, and parking may fill up. If you are traveling from out of state, consider staying overnight in the area; there are small inns and lodges in Craftsbury and Greensboro, though rooms book up during popular winter weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Vermont fishing license for the derby?
Yes. Vermont requires a fishing license for all anglers, including those fishing in a derby or tournament. You can purchase a license online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at any authorized vendor. A one-day license is available if you do not want a full-season license.
What if the ice is not thick enough this winter?
The derby will be postponed or cancelled if ice conditions are unsafe. The organizers will announce this through the same channels where they posted the original schedule — local tackle shops, town offices, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Check before you drive out.
Can I fish the derby if I have never ice fished before?
Yes. The derby is open to all anglers, and many participants are beginners. Arrive early, fish near other people, and ask questions — most ice anglers are friendly and willing to offer tips. Rent or borrow gear if you do not own it; local tackle shops sometimes rent ice fishing equipment.
What happens if I catch more fish than the daily limit?
You must follow Vermont's daily catch limits even during the derby. If you reach the limit for a species, stop fishing for that species. The derby organizers will explain the limits when you register, and they expect all participants to follow state law.
Are there other ice fishing events in Vermont besides the Northeast Kingdom Derby?
Yes. Other towns and fishing clubs across Vermont hold ice fishing derbies and tournaments throughout the winter. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website lists upcoming events, and local tackle shops usually know what is happening in their region.