The Derby Happens Every Winter on Ocean Lake
The Ocean Lake Ice Fishing Derby takes place on Ocean Lake near Shoshoni, Wyoming, typically in late January or early February when the ice is thick enough to fish safely. The event draws anglers from across the state and beyond—some come for the competition, others for the community and the chance to catch fish through the ice.
The derby is organized by local volunteers and the Fremont County area, and it operates as a low-key winter tradition rather than a high-stakes tournament. You fish from holes you cut in the ice, compete in categories like largest fish and most fish caught, and the event runs for a set number of hours on a single day. Entry fees are modest, and prizes go to winners in each category.
The lake itself sits at elevation and can be windy, so weather conditions change fast. Ice thickness varies year to year, and the derby organizers monitor conditions before the event to make sure it is safe to proceed. If conditions are unsafe, the event is postponed or cancelled—this has happened in years when ice did not reach safe thickness.
Key Takeaways
- Ocean Lake Ice Fishing Derby runs one day in late January or early February, with entry fees that cover your spot and access to prize categories.
- You need a Wyoming fishing license, a hole-cutting tool (auger or chisel), and basic ice fishing gear—rod, reel, line, and bait or lures suitable for the fish species in the lake.
- The event is cancelled or postponed if ice thickness does not meet safety standards, so confirm the date with organizers before you travel.
- Anglers compete in categories like largest single fish and most fish caught during the derby hours, with prizes awarded to top finishers in each.
- Bring warm clothing, a shelter or windbreak if you have one, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
What Fish Species You Will Find
Ocean Lake holds cutthroat trout, lake trout, and whitefish. Cutthroat trout are the most popular target for ice anglers here because they are active in winter and respond well to small jigs and live bait. Lake trout (also called mackinaw) live deeper and require more patience, but they grow larger and can be the prize catch if you fish the deeper holes.
Whitefish are abundant and bite readily, making them a good choice if you want steady action and a chance to catch numbers. They are also excellent eating—mild, flaky, and versatile in the kitchen. Many anglers at the derby focus on whitefish early in the day to build a count, then switch tactics if they want to hunt for a larger cutthroat or lake trout.
Gear and Tackle for Ice Fishing Ocean Lake
You will need a Wyoming fishing license before you fish, available online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at sporting goods stores in the area. A license is required even if you are fishing in a derby.
For cutting holes, bring an ice auger (hand-crank or powered) or a chisel and mallet. An auger is faster and less tiring, especially if you plan to fish multiple holes. Holes should be at least 4 to 6 inches in diameter so you can land fish without breaking the line.
Your rod and reel can be short and light—ice fishing rods are often 24 to 36 inches long and paired with small reels. Line should be 4- to 8-pound test for cutthroat and whitefish, heavier if you are targeting lake trout. Bring small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), spoons, and live bait such as minnows or waxworms. Jigging is the most common technique on Ocean Lake—you lower the lure, twitch it to create movement, and watch for a bite.
A tip-up (a device that holds your line and signals a bite) is optional but useful if you want to fish passively while you jig in another hole. Bring a net or gaff to land fish safely, and a bucket or cooler to keep your catch fresh.
Staying Safe on the Ice
Ice thickness is the first safety rule. The derby organizers will announce whether conditions are safe before the event date. Safe ice for walking and fishing is generally 4 inches or thicker; 5 to 7 inches is more comfortable if you are moving around and drilling multiple holes. Never assume ice is safe just because other people are on it—thickness varies across the lake, and thin spots can hide under snow.
Wear layers and bring a change of socks and gloves. Wind on the lake can be fierce, and wet clothing loses heat fast. A windbreak—a small shelter, a cardboard box, or even a jacket propped up—makes a huge difference in comfort and safety. Bring a thermos of hot drink and snacks with calories.
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Bring a charged cell phone in a waterproof pocket. If you fall through, get out immediately, move to shelter, change into dry clothes, and seek warmth. Hypothermia can set in fast in winter conditions.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration details change year to year, so contact the Fremont County Recreation District or check local sporting goods stores in Shoshoni or Lander for current information. Some years registration happens the morning of the event; other years it opens in advance. Entry fees are typically under $25 per person, though this varies.
When you register, you will receive a number or identifier, information about the derby hours, and details about prize categories. Most derbies run for 4 to 6 hours—organizers will tell you the start and end time. Fish caught outside those hours do not count toward prizes.
Bring cash if you are registering on-site, though some organizers accept cards. Ask whether the fee includes a fish cleaning station or if you need to clean your catch at home.
Preparing Your Catch for Cooking
Cutthroat and lake trout are both excellent eating, and whitefish is underrated—many anglers overlook it, but it is delicate and flavorful when handled well. The key is keeping fish cold and fresh from the moment you land them.
Pack your catch in a cooler with ice or snow, and keep it out of direct sun. If you are fishing for hours, change the ice or snow halfway through the day. At home, clean fish as soon as you can—the sooner you remove the guts and gills, the longer the meat stays fresh.
For cutthroat and lake trout, a simple pan-sear with butter and lemon is hard to beat. The flesh is firm enough to hold up to high heat, and the mild flavor shines without heavy sauce. Whitefish is more delicate—poach it gently or bake it whole. All three freeze well if you catch more than you can eat fresh.
Getting There and When to Arrive
Ocean Lake is about 30 miles north of Shoshoni on Wyoming Highway 287, then west on local roads. The drive from Lander is roughly 45 minutes; from Casper, about 90 minutes. Roads to the lake can be snowy or icy in late January and February, so check conditions before you leave and bring chains or a four-wheel-drive vehicle if possible.
Arrive early on derby day—parking fills up, and you want time to find a good spot on the ice and set up before the event starts. Bring a headlamp or flashlight; winter days are short, and you may be packing up in dim light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Wyoming fishing license to fish the derby?
Yes. A license is required for all fishing in Wyoming, including derbies. You can buy a one-day license online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or at sporting goods stores in Shoshoni or Lander. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license.
What if the ice is not thick enough and the derby is cancelled?
Organizers will announce a cancellation or postponement as soon as conditions are clear. Check with the Fremont County Recreation District or local sporting goods stores for updates. If the event is postponed, a new date is usually set within a few weeks. Entry fees are typically refunded or carried over to the new date.
Can I fish with more than one rod at a time?
Wyoming allows two lines per person for ice fishing, so you can fish with two rods or use one rod and one tip-up. Check current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations before the derby to confirm limits have not changed.
What should I do if I catch a fish I do not want to keep?
Handle it gently and release it quickly. Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its protective slime coating. Most fish caught through the ice survive release if you work fast. Some anglers keep only the largest fish or the species they prefer to eat, and release the rest.
Is there food or shelter at the lake during the derby?
Facilities vary by year. Some years vendors set up warming tents or food stands; other years there are none. Bring your own food, hot drinks, and shelter to be safe. A small pop-up tent or windbreak is invaluable, and a thermos of coffee or soup keeps you warm and fueled through the day.