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Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby | March 7-8, 2026

Saturday, March 7, 2026 6:00 AM
Sunday, March 8, 2026 4:00 PM

Schroon Lake, NY, 12870 United States (map)

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Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club Ice Fishing Derby 2026

A classic Adirondack ice fishing weekend returns.

Each March, when winter still grips the Adirondacks and the lakes lock up in thick, glittering ice, anglers from across the region gather for one of the most anticipated winter sporting events in the Adirondacks: the 34th Annual Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby, hosted by the Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club.

Held the first full weekend of March, this long-running derby transforms Schroon Lake into a lively community of tip-ups, shanties, snowmobiles, and serious anglers ready to test their hard water skills.

From seasoned ice fishermen to families introducing kids to their first derby, this Adirondack tradition welcomes all who are eager to drill a hole and drop a line.

Fishing hours and eligible species.

The derby kicks off at daylight on Saturday and runs straight through Sunday at 4 pm, giving participants a full weekend to chase some of the region’s most sought-after cold-water species.

Anglers compete for:

Man ice fishing for perch in the Adirondacks. — Perch are one of the eligible species in the Derby.

Lake Trout
Perch
Pickerel
Salmon
Northern Pike

Schroon Lake has long earned a reputation for producing quality fish, and the variety of eligible species keeps the competition exciting. Whether someone targets trophy lake trout in deeper water or sets tip-ups for aggressive northern pike closer to shore, strategy plays a key role.

This event appeals to anglers searching for competitive ice fishing in the Adirondacks, as well as those simply looking for a fun winter weekend on the ice.

Registration details and where to get tickets.

Registration costs $25 per person, and that includes children fishing with tip-ups. The affordable entry fee makes this one of the most accessible winter fishing events in the Adirondack region.

Participants can purchase tickets at several convenient locations:

Crossroads in Chestertown
Flanagans Pub & Grill in Schroon Lake
Timberwolf Pub in Schroon Lake
Fish307 in Lake George
FMB Bait & Tackle in Port Henry
Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club House, 25 Game Club Road

Anglers looking for additional information can visit the event’s Facebook page or call 518-532-7953.

Early registration helps streamline derby weekend and allows more time for what matters most: getting lines in the water.

Saturday night fish fry at the club.

The derby experience extends beyond the ice. On Saturday evening from 5–7 pm, the Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club hosts its popular Fishing Derby Fish Fry at the clubhouse.

Flyer promoting the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club 2026 Ice Fishing Derby.

For $20 per person, guests can enjoy a hearty meal either dine-in or take-out style. The fish fry brings anglers, families, and spectators together to swap stories about the day’s biggest catches and near-misses. It adds a warm, social component to an otherwise brisk weekend outdoors.

Guests who plan to attend should call 518-532-7572 after 6 am. Saturday to preorder.

A winter sporting event worth traveling for.

The Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby ranks among the best winter sporting events in the Adirondacks. Visitors searching for ice fishing derbies near Lake George, Schroon Lake winter events, or Adirondack ice fishing competitions will find this weekend delivers both serious competition and small-town camaraderie.

Local businesses benefit from the influx of anglers, and the event reinforces the Adirondacks’ reputation as a four-season outdoor destination. Participants often pair the derby with a stay at nearby lodging, dining at local pubs, or exploring other winter recreation in the region.

For up-to-date details, official rules, and event updates, anglers should visit the Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club Facebook page or contact the club directly.

As winter begins its slow turn toward spring, Schroon Lake offers one more chance to celebrate the season the Adirondack way: on the ice, surrounded by mountains, with a tip-up flag snapping in the cold March air.