Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby | Tupper Lake | February 7, 2026

Saturday, February 7, 2026
4:00 AM 2:00 PM

Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club on Simon Pond 116 Lake Simond Road Tupper Lake, NY, 12986 United States (map)

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Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby Returns to Tupper Lake on February 7, 2026

Judge weighing pike at the Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby near Tupper Lake — Weighing in at the Northern Challenge. Photos courtesy TupperLake.com (ROOST).

When winter settles firmly over the Adirondacks, Tupper Lake answers with one of the most exciting cold-weather competitions in New York State.

The Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby returns on Saturday, February 7, 2026, transforming Lake Simond into a bustling village of ice shanties, sleds, augers, and adrenaline-fueled anglers.

Pike caught in the Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby — Proud fisherwoman.

Held annually on the first Saturday in February, the Northern Challenge has earned its reputation as one of the largest and most lucrative ice fishing derbies in the region. With nearly $40,000 in cash and prizes on the line—and more than a thousand fishermen and women competing—it’s not just a tournament. It’s a winter spectacle.

A northern pike showdown worth traveling for.

The Northern Challenge focuses on northern pike, a species prized for both its size and fight. Anglers travel from across the Adirondacks and beyond to test their skill, strategy, and patience on the ice at Simon Pond. Even spectators find plenty to enjoy, from watching the weigh-ins to soaking up the camaraderie that defines Adirondack outdoor culture.

This is the kind of event that reminds visitors why winter belongs in the ADKs.

Big prizes, big stakes, and serious bragging rights.

The prize list alone draws crowds. This year’s derby includes:

Two brand-new Polaris 450 four-wheelers with power steering (new for 2026)
$6,800 in cash payouts
Thousands of dollars in door prizes
Five separate 50/50 raffle drawings

For anglers chasing the biggest catch of the day, the optional Lunker Pool adds even more incentive.

Man leaning over hole through the ice at the Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby. — Go fish.

New for 2026: gear, grub, and good beer.

The 2026 Northern Challenge adds several crowd-pleasing upgrades. Merchandise will be available for purchase onsite.

Food service begins Friday and starts bright and early on Derby Day at 5 am, offering breakfast and lunch options to fuel long hours on the ice.

Craft beer from Raquette River Brewing — Raquette River Brewing is a proud sponsor.

There’s also a new local sponsor to toast. Raquette River Brewing joins the event this year and will provide legal-age anglers with a ticket for one free beer, redeemable on Friday, February 6, or Saturday, February 7. Tickets will be available at the clothing booth inside the registration building.

Event details at a glance.

What: Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Simon Pond
Base: Tupper Lake Sportsmen’s Club, 116 Lake Simond Road
Entry Fee: $40 | Lunker Pool: $50

Registration information.

Online registration: Open now through February 4, 2026
In-person registration:
- Friday, February 6 | 8 am – 8 pm
- Saturday, February 7 | 4 am – 12 pm.
- Location: Tupper Lake Sportsmen’s Club

Participants should visit the event’s official website or Facebook page for full rules, eligibility details, updates, and registration links.

Why it belongs on your winter calendar.

Whether you’re drilling your first hole or returning to defend bragging rights, the Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby delivers classic Adirondack winter energy—competitive, community-driven, and proudly outdoors. For anglers searching for the best ice fishing events in the Adirondacks, this one stands tall.