Harbour Harvest
February 18, 2024 - Ottawa River
7th Annual Harbour Harvest
Join us on February 18th
UPDATES:
- Online registrations are closed. We will take walk-ins and we have lots of equipment. You can register at the door for $20 per person (add $5 if you need a tip-up rod)
- For the Pancake breakfast, come early and you will likely get lucky - online sales have closed but they still have room!
- This is plenty thick; the event is a GO! We drilled several holes on February 16th. The ice is a whopping 14 to 17 inches thick everywhere except the boundary line (which is perfectly marked by the green buoys) is 12 inches. Please stay within the boundary lines at all times.
- We have over $2000 in prizes and cash up for grabs!
- Minnows are available on-site and we will rely on donations to help recover the cost.
- No vehicles allowed on ice.
- Follow the pre-event and event day updates in our Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/x3FZMtMB5
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The Harbour Harvest is a family friendly ice fishing derby to raise money for 3 local charities.
Come for the entire day, or just drop in for a bite or two! This year we will have two rounds of trophies and cash prizes – at 11:30am and 3:30pm.
Event Highlights:
The 2024 charities:
- Online registrations are closed. We will take walk-ins and we have lots of equipment. You can register at the door for $20 per person (add $5 if you need a tip-up rod)
- For the Pancake breakfast, come early and you will likely get lucky - online sales have closed but they still have room!
- This is plenty thick; the event is a GO! We drilled several holes on February 16th. The ice is a whopping 14 to 17 inches thick everywhere except the boundary line (which is perfectly marked by the green buoys) is 12 inches. Please stay within the boundary lines at all times.
- We have over $2000 in prizes and cash up for grabs!
- Minnows are available on-site and we will rely on donations to help recover the cost.
- No vehicles allowed on ice.
- Follow the pre-event and event day updates in our Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/x3FZMtMB5
--------------
The Harbour Harvest is a family friendly ice fishing derby to raise money for 3 local charities.
Come for the entire day, or just drop in for a bite or two! This year we will have two rounds of trophies and cash prizes – at 11:30am and 3:30pm.
Event Highlights:
- The Galley restaurant "Harbour Harvest Pancake Breakfast" (new for 2024)
- No experience or fishing license is required (Family Day weekend).
- Holes drilled by volunteers if needed. Donations appreciated!
- Equipment (tip-ups) available (see add-ons in tickets).
- Cash, trophies, and prizes all up for grabs!
- Ice safety & live ice rescue demonstrations! (see below for details)
The 2024 charities:
- Ottawa Riverkeeper: ORK, a charitable organization, is a champion and collective voice for the Ottawa River watershed, providing leadership and inspiration to protect, promote and improve its ecological health and future.
- Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization: OCISO is a local agency serving newcomers (immigrants/refugees)
- Ottawa Community Housing: OCH provides approximately 15,000 homes to about 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa
Location
Nepean Sailing Club
3259 Carling Ave, Nepean, Ottawa, ON K2H 1A6, Canada
3259 Carling Ave, Nepean, Ottawa, ON K2H 1A6, Canada
Date & Time
February 18, 2024, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Pancake Breakfast @ the Galley - Onsite sales only
Just upstairs from the on-ice action, the Galley restaurant is organizing a special Harbour Harvest Pancake Breakfast from 10am to 2pm. Pre-purchase in advance!
NSC Pancake Breakfast includes: 2 large pancakes with a topping bar of chocolate chips, whipped cream, blueberries, cherry pie filling and syrup.
Complimentary Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate available as well
NSC Pancake Breakfast includes: 2 large pancakes with a topping bar of chocolate chips, whipped cream, blueberries, cherry pie filling and syrup.
Complimentary Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate available as well
How the derby works:
Registration options:
Register online for the event. You can choose to join us all day, or for a half day.
There will be a prize for the morning round and another for the afternoon! It is possible to win both if you are registered for both groups (all day).
If you need gear, you will see options to rent rods (tip-ups) for $5 each when you register. Buckets, ice scoops, and pliers will be available to borrow on site.
Check In & Set up:
Check in opens at 8:00am (you can arrive anytime between 8am and 3pm) at the main entrance of the Nepean Sailing Club. No fishing before 8:00am
If you don't have your own auger (hole driller), don't worry, there will be pre-drilled holes at the event. Organizers/volunteers can drill you a hole if you cannot locate one that has already been pre-drilled and not in use.
Limited supply of minnows or worms or various lure options will be available on the ice - entrance (limited quantities available - please bring cash). You are welcome to bring your own gear/bait and drill your own holes if you have the equipment.
Experts will be roaming to help with set up and share advice (and creature handling if you wish).
Rules:
Species that qualify include Pike, Walleye, Perch, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish (Ontario Fishing Regulations).
Only fish caught in the Harbour of the Nepean Sailing Club between 8:00am and 3:30pm will qualify.
The legal limit is two lines/holes per angler (person). Online one line per hole!
We/you must abide by the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
Prizes/Cash:
This year we will have a morning division and afternoon division. You can join one division, or both. Yes - it is possible to win both.
There is a $250 prize and trophy for the biggest fish by caught between 8:00am and 11:30am.
There is another $250 prize for the biggest fish caught before 3:30pm. Any fish caught in the morning qualifies for the afternoon division.
There will be a new ANNUAL Trophy that will be kept on display at the Nepean Sailing Club which will feature the angler who caught the biggest fish of the day!
*Biggest =Longest live fish. Must be measured by tournament official.
A special $200 prize will be awarded to the person with most species caught by 3:30pm:
- If there is a tie, the total length of fish will be used as a tie breaker.
- Fish must be alive and only one of each species can be used- ie. you can't count two pikes).
- Must have at least two species to qualify.
- You cannot share or pass on your fish to help another person win; the fish must be your own catch.
Every registered/paid participant will receive a ticket for door prizes. You will need to be present to win.
Prizes will be randomly associated to tickets. There will be two draws. One at 11:30am and another round of draws at 3:30pm.
The number of draws will depend on the amount of door prizes we can gather.
Those registering all day will receive two entries (one for morning and one for afternoon).
A separate Raffle draw will take place at the end of the event, winners of the raffle do not need to be present to win.
Species that qualify include Pike, Walleye, Perch, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish (Ontario Fishing Regulations).
Only fish caught in the Harbour of the Nepean Sailing Club between 8:00am and 3:30pm will qualify.
The legal limit is two lines/holes per angler (person). Online one line per hole!
We/you must abide by the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
Prizes/Cash:
This year we will have a morning division and afternoon division. You can join one division, or both. Yes - it is possible to win both.
There is a $250 prize and trophy for the biggest fish by caught between 8:00am and 11:30am.
There is another $250 prize for the biggest fish caught before 3:30pm. Any fish caught in the morning qualifies for the afternoon division.
There will be a new ANNUAL Trophy that will be kept on display at the Nepean Sailing Club which will feature the angler who caught the biggest fish of the day!
*Biggest =Longest live fish. Must be measured by tournament official.
A special $200 prize will be awarded to the person with most species caught by 3:30pm:
- If there is a tie, the total length of fish will be used as a tie breaker.
- Fish must be alive and only one of each species can be used- ie. you can't count two pikes).
- Must have at least two species to qualify.
- You cannot share or pass on your fish to help another person win; the fish must be your own catch.
Every registered/paid participant will receive a ticket for door prizes. You will need to be present to win.
Prizes will be randomly associated to tickets. There will be two draws. One at 11:30am and another round of draws at 3:30pm.
The number of draws will depend on the amount of door prizes we can gather.
Those registering all day will receive two entries (one for morning and one for afternoon).
A separate Raffle draw will take place at the end of the event, winners of the raffle do not need to be present to win.
SPecial demonstrations
Aside from entertaining yourself with catching fish, making snow forts and snow creatures, we will have some engagement activities from our partners and sponsors. Scouts will be serving up some hot drinks and running some games, and for the first time we have Danny and his team at Boreal River Rescue to help us all learn more about ice safety.
Live on ice demonstrations
10am and 2pm
Boreal River Rescue runs Ice Safety and Rescue training courses across Canada. They teach a wide array of people who travel on ice, including outdoor enthusiasts, field personnel in the natural resource sector, and first responders.
They will be conducting two workshops throughout the day, focusing on ice assessment, self-rescue, and partner rescue techniques. The 20-minute sessions will include demonstrations and opportunities for a few participants to try self-rescue firsthand (wearing a flotation device!).
Visit their booth at the event and they will be available all day to answer your questions.
They will be conducting two workshops throughout the day, focusing on ice assessment, self-rescue, and partner rescue techniques. The 20-minute sessions will include demonstrations and opportunities for a few participants to try self-rescue firsthand (wearing a flotation device!).
Visit their booth at the event and they will be available all day to answer your questions.
Danny Peled
Director of Boreal River & Curriculum Director for Boreal River Rescue; Whitewater Rescue & Wilderness Medical Instructor; Expedition Guide
Sponsors & Partners
- Diamond: Crystal Beach Dental
- Gold: Simfront
- Gold: Theresa Kavanagh, Councillor for Bay Ward 7
- Silver: Arkitek Design Group
- Silver: Stantec Consulting
*2 more silver spots remaining - Request a sponsorship package - contact us
Prizes provided by:
- $130 Gift card from the Brew Table
- $50 gift card Ralph & Sons Diner
- $50 gift card Staples
- Movie passes and poster package Mayfair Theatre
- ACC Crappie stick (anonymous sponsor)
- Yeti Cooler, and more!
- Cash and Prizes valued over $1000!
- To donate and be recognized at the event and on this website, please contact us as soon as possible.
FAQs
I've never been ice fishing before. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! We'll get you set up and show you how it's done!
If I want to go ice fishing with a friend, do we each need to buy a ticket?
No, if you would like to share a fishing hole and equipment you only need to purchase one individual angler ticket. However, only registered participants are eligible for prizes. We recommend each person registers no matter their age, and everyone has their own rod - its more fun that way.
What do I bring?
Where can I park for the event?
There is free parking available on-site at the Nepean Sailing Club.
Can I get there by Bus?
Yes, try OC Transpo route 58 from Bayshore Station
Will food and drinks be available for purchase?
Yes. There is a special pancake breakfast (10am to 2pm) see link above to make a reservation!
The restaurant opens at 12pm for regular fare. It is half price wings on Sunday!
$5 will get you bracelet that gives you access to unlimited coffee and hot chocolate from 8:00am until 3:00pm.
Can I hang out in the Galley restaurant all day?
Not really, please avoid staying indoors - get outside and jig, jig, jig. Of course, you can go in and out as you please to warm up as needed.
What time does it start?
We will start on site registrations at 8:00am. You can arrive any time and stay for as long as you like - some people choose to come for short visit, while most people stay all day.
Will we catch fish?
If you always caught fish, they would not have called it fishing, it would have been called "catching". Ideally, we all get some action :)
Fun Fact: Our 14-year-old champ from 2016 made it to the from page of the Ottawa West Metro Newspaper with his 24" pike. Our champ in 2019 had a 28" pike and over 50 fish were measured and registered on the leader board. In 2023 our champion Pike was 31" long!
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
No
Is the site accessible (wheelchairs)?
Yes. The restaurant has an elevator and this year you can fish from the docks, or use the ramp to get on the ice. Depending on snowfall, the ice surface is not guaranteed to be accessible by wheelchair.
Can I be a SPONSOR, donate a prize?
Yes! Contact us and we can find a package that works for you and your goals! Let's talk SOON! [email protected]
What's the refund policy?
If the event does not happen (possibly due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors) ticket sales will be refunded if requested. Since the event does take on expenses regardless (insurance, registration page fees, etc), we appreciate any support.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No
Absolutely! We'll get you set up and show you how it's done!
If I want to go ice fishing with a friend, do we each need to buy a ticket?
No, if you would like to share a fishing hole and equipment you only need to purchase one individual angler ticket. However, only registered participants are eligible for prizes. We recommend each person registers no matter their age, and everyone has their own rod - its more fun that way.
What do I bring?
- Waterproof warm boots! Please remember to dress warm and feel free to bring lawn chairs.
- Outdoor friendly snacks. The Galley is a restaurant and for health code reasons no outside food or drinks will be allowed inside.
- Bring your own ice fishing gear (rod, lure, bait etc) if you got it, otherwise reserve it ASAP in the "add-ons in tickets.
- Bring CASH for 50/50 draw, $5 for unlimited hot chocolate (per person), and extra bait station donations!
Where can I park for the event?
There is free parking available on-site at the Nepean Sailing Club.
Can I get there by Bus?
Yes, try OC Transpo route 58 from Bayshore Station
Will food and drinks be available for purchase?
Yes. There is a special pancake breakfast (10am to 2pm) see link above to make a reservation!
The restaurant opens at 12pm for regular fare. It is half price wings on Sunday!
$5 will get you bracelet that gives you access to unlimited coffee and hot chocolate from 8:00am until 3:00pm.
Can I hang out in the Galley restaurant all day?
Not really, please avoid staying indoors - get outside and jig, jig, jig. Of course, you can go in and out as you please to warm up as needed.
What time does it start?
We will start on site registrations at 8:00am. You can arrive any time and stay for as long as you like - some people choose to come for short visit, while most people stay all day.
Will we catch fish?
If you always caught fish, they would not have called it fishing, it would have been called "catching". Ideally, we all get some action :)
Fun Fact: Our 14-year-old champ from 2016 made it to the from page of the Ottawa West Metro Newspaper with his 24" pike. Our champ in 2019 had a 28" pike and over 50 fish were measured and registered on the leader board. In 2023 our champion Pike was 31" long!
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
No
Is the site accessible (wheelchairs)?
Yes. The restaurant has an elevator and this year you can fish from the docks, or use the ramp to get on the ice. Depending on snowfall, the ice surface is not guaranteed to be accessible by wheelchair.
Can I be a SPONSOR, donate a prize?
Yes! Contact us and we can find a package that works for you and your goals! Let's talk SOON! [email protected]
What's the refund policy?
If the event does not happen (possibly due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors) ticket sales will be refunded if requested. Since the event does take on expenses regardless (insurance, registration page fees, etc), we appreciate any support.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No
