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, there will be a tip up or rod available on site for you. We will have 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

NEW for 2025 - If you have pre-registered, you don't need to check in at the front doors. You can head directly to the ice and start fishing after 8am. However, you may need to come to the check-in to get your door prize ticket.
- Anyone with live fish (other than bait) or a line in the water before the event starts will be disqualified.
- Anyone fishing must be registered. If you are fishing with someone who actively fishing who is not registered, you may be disqualified.

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.

Each registration gets you access to a tip-up with 2 bait options (minnows or worm) or various lure options. This will be available on the ice entrance (limited quantities available). You are encouraged to bring your own gear/bait and drill your own holes if you have the equipment.

Experienced anglers 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). Only one line per hole!

We/you must abide by the Ontario Fishing Regulations: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary

Read more about our Derby rules

Prizes/Cash: $2000 
If you believe your fish will qualify, it must be live when measured by a tournament official. There will be two registration areas identified with checkered flags. Go to the one that is closest to you with your fish to be measured. There will be some buckets with water available on site, or you can bring your own device. This is a catch and release tournament, please take the steps to care for the life of the fish. 

Biggest fish: 🏆 
* There is a $600 prize and trophy for the biggest fish by caught between 8:00am and 11:30am.
* There is another $600 prize for the biggest fish caught before 3:30pm. Any fish caught in the morning qualifies for the afternoon division.

* $500 total length of each top qualifying species. We are calling this the GRAND SLAM 🏆 
- 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.

NEW categories:
* $100 biggest Perch of the day 🏆
* $100 biggest Panfish of the day (includes Crappie, Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Bluegill) 🏆
* $100 biggest Walleye (aka Pickerel) of the day 🏆

Winners will get their name on the annual trophy on display at the Nepean Sailing Club
*Biggest =Longest live fish. Must be measured by tournament official.

Every registered/paid participant will receive a ticket for door prizes (one for half day registrants, and two for full day). You will need to be present to win. See FAQ section below for more details.

Species Targeting TIPS: Check out this Blog post on Sail.ca : https://www.sail.ca/blog/ice-fishing-species-overview-perch-pike-walleye/
More ice fishing tips will be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages leading up to the event.

Liability Disclaimer: All efforts will be made to make this a safe and fun event. The ice will be checked and confirmed safe leading up to the event. Although injuries of any kind are rare with ice fishing, the most common way to get hurt would be slipping on the ice. Please use caution and wear appropriate footwear (winter boots) for the weather. Although not always needed, it is good to have ice cleats under your boots. We will not be held responsible for any injuries.

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?
Technically to be eligible for any prize/award or have a chance at making it onto the leaderboard, you need to be registered. We need the full name of each angler on on roster sheet. We recommend each person registers no matter their age, and everyone has their own rod and hole - its more fun that way.

What do I bring?

• Waterproof warm boots! Please remember to dress for the weather - maybe even bring spare mitts.  
• You can plan to sit on the docs, but lawn chairs may be more comfy and adjustable. 
• A thermos or your own mug for hot drink refills (helps reduce waste of paper cups) 
• 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.  If not, we will be lending out the gear as needed when you arrive in the ice. 
• Bring CASH for 50/50 draw, Raffle(s), and bait station donations!
• Bringing your own bait is a good recommended strategy, but not necessary. We will only hand out one minnow or a couple worms at a time. Coming back to the bait station if you lose or need a replacement of bait can get annoying, or your bait can last all day.  It depends on the kind of action you get, and how well it was hooked on your hook.  See our Facebook event page for tips. 

Where can I park for the event?
There is free parking available on-site at the Nepean Sailing Club.
Note that vehicles are not welcome on the ice. Everything is walking distance and we will have paths on docks for increased accessibility.

Can I get there by Bus?
Yes, there may be some walking involved, but try OC Transpo route 58 from Bayshore Station (verify with OC Transpo Travel Planner)

Will food and drinks be available for purchase?
Yes. There is a special pancake breakfast (10am to 2pm) see link above to secure a spot
The restaurant opens at 12pm for regular fare. It is half price wings on Sunday!

Can I hang out in the Galley restaurant all day?
Not really recommended, 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. All lines need to be out of the water if not monitored within 20 yards.

Will there be a kids craft zone again this year?
We are planning to have a kids craft table in the Nepean Sailing Club (Likely to be set up in the restaurant upstairs, or on the first floor). Note that this is not an area to drop off kids and leave. This zone may have a volunteer to facilitate, but they (we) are not responsible for your children.

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.

Can I use a hut (shelter)?
Yes, as long as the only people in the hut are registered participants in the event.

Can I bring my dog?
I love fishing with my dog. If you do bring your four legged fishing buddy, please have them tied up. We have had close calls with tangles and other mishaps when dogs are loose. There will also be a section of the ice the size of a small vehicle cut open for the Boreal River Rescue demos.

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! There are bigger ones here I have the proof :)

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, however, we have a great team who will make all efforts to ensure it is accessible as possible.

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?
Not necessary.

Do I need to check in at the front doors if I am fully paid?
NEW UPDATE: YES. To be in the draws, you will need to pick up your door prize tickets and place them in the container of your choice. There is an AM and PM container.  
Draws will be at 11:45am for AM, and around 3:45pm for the PM draw. You will be given 2 tickets if you registered for ALL DAY, or 1 ticket if you registered for a half day. If you registered for the morning, it is recommended you put your ticket in the AM container so you do not need to return for the PM draw. 
For Door Prizes, you must be present to win! However, for the AM draw, we will post the winning ticket numbers on a poster next to the table and on of Facebook event page.  It will be up until the end of the afternoon draw.  Morning prizes that remain unclaimed at that time will be considered forfeited and moved to the afternoon draws.  Prizes will be drawn until all are gone.  Only one prize per registrant.  There are over 15 prizes, each valued from $50 to $400
Note that you should ensure that the names you registered online, match the names of the people at the event. If you have changes, inform the Registration table when you check-in.

How do Prizes work for the 2025 event?
For Door Prizes, see note above about checking in.
For the Raffle(s) and 50/50, you do not need to be present to win as long as you put your name and contact info on the ticket!