Ontario ice fishing events and derbies 2026
Wawa, Algoma District
Events range from serious competitions for avid anglers with generous cash pay outs and prizes to family-friendly tournaments. There are also live-release derbies, where fish are entered at a central location and released back into the lake, as well as traditional derbies, where fish entered are kept by participants.
Some events assign pre-drilled holes within a designated area for a few hours, while other derbies last for several days and are spread over multiple lakes with participants travelling by snowmobile, ATV, skis or snowshoe.
For avid anglers, it’s a great way to test their skills and attempt to translate their luck and skill into cash and prizes. For beginners and families, it’s a fun way to be introduced to ice fishing. All participants enjoy the camaraderie and celebration of the sport and the season.
Northwest Ontario
Lac Seul First Nations Ice Fishing Derby
The annual Lac Seul Ice Fishing Derby is open to the first 250 anglers who pay the $300 entry fee for a chance to compete for a $30,000 top prize for the heaviest fish of any species.
The event runs out of the community of Kejick Bay on giant Lac Seul.
When: February 21, 2026
Where: Lac Seul
Northeastern Ontario
Mattagami Lake First Nations Annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby
Prizes range from $10,000 for the largest, with other cash prizes for subsequent positions caught from Mattagami Lake during this one-day event. An early-bird prize of $500 is available to those who register before December 31. Registration for the Mattagami First Nation Annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby is $130 and includes a free dinner and a beer garden.
When: February 28, 2026
Where: Mattagami Lake
KL Rotary Winter Fish Derby
The Rotary Club of Kirkland Lake $60,000 Winter Fish Derby takes place on Otto Lake near Swastika.
Enjoy a full day of fishing, prizes, and fun on the ice while supporting Rotary community projects.
When: March 7, 2026
Where: Otto Lake, Kirkland Lake
Noelville Rod and Gun Annual Live Release Ice Fishing Derby
Participants spread out across the west arm of Lake and to all the lower French River. This annual live release ice fishing event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with dinner and prize presentations to follow that evening at the club.
Follow the club on Facebook for event dates and details.
When: January 2026
Where: Noelville
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby
Thousands of dollars are in store for anglers catching big pike on the Magpie Reservoir from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby awards $7000 for the largest pike with cash prizes tapering down to $1000 for the fifth largest pike. This annual event is run by the Dubreuilville Magpie Rod and Gun Club.
Follow the derby on Facebook for more details.
When: March 21, 2026
Where: Dubreuilville
Wawa Ice Fishing Derby
This is the 34th year for this multi-day event that regularly attracts over 1,000 participants.
Anglers spread out over the ice of Hawk, Wawa and Manitowik Lakes. The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby awards prizes for the biggest fish, including a $20,000 cash draw and two fly-in fishing trips.
When: March 6–8, 2026
Where: Wawa
Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby
This is the 28th year for the Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby.
The one-day event runs from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Chapleau River and Mulligans Bay and offers a grand prize 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4x4.
When: February 7, 2026
Where: Chapleau
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Muskrat Lake Civitan Ice Fishing Derby
Participants must bring a container with a handle to transport their pike, trout or perch alive to the measuring station.
Species and length determine cash prizes. All fishing is within a designated area on the east side of the lake.
The Cobden Civitan Club runs the annual Muskrat Lake Ice Fishing Derby.
Follow the Cobden Civitan Club on Facebook for more details.
When: February 7, 2026
Where: Cobden
Ottawa Region
Harbour Harvest Ice Fishing Derby
Hosted by the Nepean Sailing Club, Harbour Harvest is a family-friendly event that raises money for three local charities in Ottawa.
Volunteers will be on hand to help drill holes. This event is held during the annual Family Day Fishing Weekend, so no fishing licence is required for Canadian residents.
When: February 15, 2026
Where: Ottawa River
Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, enjoy the excitement, celebration and community during Ontario’s winter ice fishing tournaments and derbies.
Last updated: December 19, 2025