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


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. - 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 Sunfish of the day (includes Crappie, Pumpkinseed, and Bluegill)
* $100 biggest Walleye of the day (although they are rare at this derby during the day, they are around)

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. You will need to be present to win.

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.

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.  
• 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, and extra bait station donations!

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.

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?
No. if you have paid and the waiver has been signed, you do not need to go sign in. Simply get on the ice and start fishing as per the timing rules of the event. However, ensure that the names of who you registered match who is actually fishing. Winners may be asked to show ID.

How do Door Prizes work for the 2025 event?
We are changing it up this year and we are working out the details. Please stay tuned