Ice Fishing Tournaments & Derbies

Ice fishing season is among the greatest methods to expertise Ontario’s winter, providing every thing from aggressive tournaments to family-friendly fishing weekends throughout the province.

With 1000’s of lakes throughout Ontario, ice fishing is among the province’s hottest winter out of doors experiences. From aggressive ice fishing tournaments to family-friendly ice fishing weekends, Ontario presents numerous methods to benefit from the hardwater season — whether or not you’re a seasoned angler or attempting ice fishing for the primary time.

This information highlights Ontario ice fishing derbies, tournaments, and occasions, together with recommendations on the place to ice fish, resorts that provide ice fishing getaways, and important ice security ideas that can assist you plan a secure and memorable winter journey.

Ontario Ice Fishing Tournaments & Occasions (2025)

Ontario hosts dozens of ice fishing tournaments every winter, a lot of them family-friendly and beginner-accessible. Dates and ice circumstances can range 12 months to 12 months, so all the time verify occasion particulars earlier than heading out.

January & February Ice Fishing Occasions

Ontario’s Household Ice Fishing Weekend

February 14 – 16, 2026

Ontario Household Fishing Weekends make it straightforward to strive ice fishing with no licence. Throughout these designated days, Canadian residents can fish licence-free in any Ontario waters the place fishing is generally permitted. It’s top-of-the-line weekends of the 12 months for households and first-time anglers.

Standard Ice Fishing Derbies in Ontario

• Annual Alexandria Ice Fishing Derby – (January 17, 2026)

• Manitoulin Ice Showdown – Wikwemikong, ON (TBA 2026)

• Muskrat Lake Ice Fishing Derby –  Muskrat Lake, Cobden (February 7, 2026)

• Merland Park Annual Ice Fishing Derby – Picton (TBA 2026)

• Rotary Membership of Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby – Chapleau (February 7, 2026)

• Island Lake Fishing Derby – Orangeville (February 7 – 16, 2026)

• Elliot Lake Ice Fishing Derby – (February 14, 2026)

• WCFGC Fishing Derby – Constance Bay (February 14, 2026)

• Crowe Lake Pike Catch ’n Hold Derby – Marmora (TBA 2026)

• Petrie Island Ice-Fishermen’s Affiliation Derby – Orleans (TBA 2026)

• Lake Simcoe Championship Ice Fishing Derby (TBA 2026)

• Atikokan Household Day Fishing Occasion – (February 14, 2026)

• 78th Annual Winterama – Penetanguishene (February 14, 2026)

• ninth Annual Harbourfest – Nepean (February 15, 2026)

Household & Youth Ice Fishing Occasions

These occasions are excellent for youths and newcomers seeking to be taught the fundamentals:

Late Season Ice Fishing

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

📅 March 6 – 8, 2026

One in all Northern Ontario’s hottest late-season ice fishing occasions, usually drawing anglers from throughout the province.

Greatest Locations to Go Ice Fishing in Ontario

Ontario presents unbelievable ice fishing alternatives throughout a number of areas:

• Lake Simcoe and Orillia & Lake Nation –  Identified for perch, lake trout, and whitefish

• Georgian Bay – Wonderful for whitefish and burbot

• Muskoka Lakes – Standard for lake trout and walleye

• Ottawa Valley – Rolling hills and frozen contemporary lakes amid untouched pure magnificence

• Manitoulin Island – Distant lakes with sturdy pike populations

• Northern Ontario – Trophy-size fish and fewer crowded ice

Many conservation areas, group lakes, and provincial parks additionally host organized ice fishing days and derbies, making them nice choices for newcomers.

Keep at an Ontario Resort That Presents Ice Fishing

One of many best methods to take pleasure in ice fishing in Ontario is by staying at a winter-friendly fishing resort. Many Ontario resorts provide:

• Ice fishing huts or shelters

• Guided ice fishing experiences

• Gear leases

• On-site lakes or close by fishing entry

• Heat lodging, eating, and saunas

Reserving an Ontario ice fishing getaway permits you to give attention to the expertise whereas having fun with comfy lodging — excellent for {couples}, households, or group journeys.

Ice Fishing Security Suggestions in Ontario

Earlier than heading out onto the ice, security ought to all the time come first:

• Examine ice thickness — no less than 10 cm (4 inches) for foot visitors

• Put on a flotation go well with or life jacket

• Carry ice picks and a throw rope

• By no means fish alone

• Examine climate circumstances earlier than heading out

• Keep away from transferring water, strain cracks, and slushy areas

• Observe native advisories and match tips

Ice circumstances can change rapidly, particularly throughout late winter and early spring.

Plan Your Ontario Ice Fishing Journey

From aggressive ice fishing tournaments to family-friendly ice fishing weekends, Ontario is a high vacation spot for winter anglers. Whether or not you’re fishing Lake Simcoe, Northern Ontario, or staying at a comfy fishing resort, there’s no scarcity of how to benefit from the ice fishing season.

👉 Go to ToDoOntario.com for up to date occasion listings, winter getaways, and extra out of doors adventures throughout the province.