NH Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Winnipesaukee

16 Dec NH Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Winnipesaukee

It’s time to line your tip-ups and practice your jigging technique, ice fishing season is almost upon us! Each year in mid-February, the Meredith Rotary Club hosts one of the largest winter events in the state of New Hampshire, the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. Many participants of the fishing derby set up right on Lake Winnipesaukee for the convenience of the derby headquarters being located at Meredith Bay, however the tournament is open throughout New Hampshire in all public bodies of fresh water.  

Derby weekend is an exciting time for fishermen and women from all over to attempt to catch the largest, award-winning fish, pulling it up from under the several inches of ice covering the freshwater bodies in the state. There are seven species of fish that can qualify for the winner’s board: Black Crappie, Cusk, Lake Trout, Pickerel, Rainbow Trout, White Perch and Yellow Perch. The largest fish of each category is qualified to win the three top prizes which include cash winnings of $3,000, $5,000 and the grand prize of $15,000! There are more ways to win prizes throughout the weekend (even if you are not fishing in the derby) with 46 derby ticket stub drawings for $100 each and a $5,000 drawing on Saturday and Sunday! 

There is plenty to do at and around the Big Lake during the derby weekend. The event is family friendly and offers a kid’s ice fishing clinic geared towards children but is available to anyone who is eager to learn about the sport. This is an exciting educational opportunity where you can get hands on learning about ice fishing. If you get hungry or want a warm (or cold) drink throughout the tournament weekend, there are food and drink vendors as well as exclusive derby merchandise for sale along the lake. Be sure to really take in the experience by observing the beautiful winter scenery and unique bob-houses or enjoying a ride across the frozen lake on a snowmobile or utility terrain vehicle.

The Center Harbor Inn is the perfect lodging option for the New Hampshire Ice Fishing Derby. With direct access to ice top fishing right from the private beach and a short, ten-minute drive from the derby headquarters located at Hesky Park, the Inn provides everything you need for a relaxing fishing weekend getaway. After an exciting day on the ice, take time to relax and warm up in the outdoor four season hot tub overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee and after a night of some much needed rest and relaxation, enjoy an all you can eat continental breakfast with delicious offerings including locally sourced bagels, scrambled eggs, sausage, assorted hot and cold cereals, yogurt and more! If you plan to make the fishing derby a weekend getaway trip, be sure to check out our Ice Fishing Derby promotional package which includes a discount of 15% off your accommodations.

To make the most of the tournament weekend, take a look below at our list of tips and must knows:

• NH State Fishing License is required for all individuals over the age of sixteen
• Always test the ice for safety before fishing! View these safety tips prior to your fishing weekend
• On Lake Winnipesaukee, each participant is allowed 2 tip-ups where on other fresh water locations in the state, each person may have up to 6 ice traps
• Try multiple styles of bait and jigging techniques to attract eligible fish
• It is important to note that all unclaimed fish from the derby is donated to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to feed the animals whom are taken in due to an injury or inability to survive in the wild. The animals are ambassadors who educate the general public about nature in New Hampshire