Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby

10/09/2026

!!IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING THE 2027 LONG LAKE ICE FISHING DERBY!!

Dear Long Lake Derby Family:

We have an important update for 2027 that we want to share now with all of you. More details will be available and shared over the next couple of weeks and months, but we felt it is important for all of you to know this information now well in advance of the derby to be held Jan 30-31, 2027.

As many know, derbies in the state of Maine are permitted by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W)

For 22 years our Derby has partnered with IF&W in determining the date, lakes, fish categories and prize amounts to help make the Long Lake Derby the best and biggest in Maine. With our permit, the IF&W always has the right to make conditions. These are made in the best interest of the sport and to ensure we continue to enjoy a healthy fisheries program here in Northern Maine.

This year our derby will continue to have all the same fish categories as we have in the past. Our cash purse will be the same as last year, $26,500. The condition this year is in our Togue category. While we will have the same Togue category and prize amounts, IF&W has restricted registered fish in the Derby to all lakes except Eagle Lake. In other words, we can not except any Togue caught in Eagle Lake to be registered in the Derby this year.

We support IF&Ws condition and know this decision is based on strict monitoring and scientific analysis by our fishery biologists. We ask all of you to support this decision as well.

Our Derby has become renowned as a fun, family event for all ages and we believe this decision will not hamper the experience and expectations that all of you have come to know.

Our Derby leadership will be meeting with IF&W biologists within the month to better understand this decision and the information we learn from them will be shared publicly with all of you on our page.

Thank you all for your understanding and continued support of the Derby to raise funds for cancer patients and their families here in Northern Maine.

-Derby Committee

09/30/2026

Hi All, a question from one of our Derby participants if anyone knows please post in the comments!

Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I need a little local knowledge.

I’ve lived in Aroostook County all but 12 unfortunate years of my life. “Not prison, just Levant” 😂, and I’ve used the Cross Lake boat launch plenty of times for winter parking. From there, I’ve always portaged across the bunny trail from Cross to Square with no problem.

This year we’ve got no less than 7 trucks and trailers heading up for the Long Lake Derby, and we’re planning to fish Square Lake. My concern is whether we’ll all be able to fit in the Cross Lake parking lot.

So, Plan B: How and where is the winter portage from Eagle Lake over to Cross Lake? I’ve never made that run before. Where do you pick up the trail, how easy is it to follow, and is it a decent option pulling sleds and gear?

Any information from someone who has actually made the run would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

05/01/2026

Great photo…great committee…great cause.

Drum Roll Please!! The long awaited announcement and why we hold this event every year. Today members of the Derby Committee presented our annual contribution to the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund!! We are pleased to announce that today’s contribution is the second highest single amount we have donated to the fund in one year. $15,000!! This brings our total fundraising for the fund to over $165,000 since inception and in addition we have donated another $60,000 to NMMC for their capital campaign in support of oncology patients. That brings the total support to $225,000 raised by all of you to support cancer patients in the St John Valley! We thank each and everyone of you that donate money, register to compete, purchase raffle tickets and buy clothing. Every dollar raised is to help our friends and neighbors and we couldn’t do this without you.

Pictured in the photo L-R:

Don Raymond, Vice Chairman; Paul Bernier, Chairman; Travis Guy, Edgar Paradis Fund/NMMC; Jake Bernier, Chairman in Waiting 😂; Dottie Bernier, Our Future; Jake St Peter, Director.

05/01/2026

Drum Roll Please!! The long awaited announcement and why we hold this event every year. Today members of the Derby Committee presented our annual contribution to the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund!! We are pleased to announce that today’s contribution is the second highest single amount we have donated to the fund in one year. $15,000!! This brings our total fundraising for the fund to over $165,000 since inception and in addition we have donated another $60,000 to NMMC for their capital campaign in support of oncology patients. That brings the total support to $225,000 raised by all of you to support cancer patients in the St John Valley! We thank each and everyone of you that donate money, register to compete, purchase raffle tickets and buy clothing. Every dollar raised is to help our friends and neighbors and we couldn’t do this without you.

Pictured in the photo L-R:

Don Raymond, Vice Chairman; Paul Bernier, Chairman; Travis Guy, Edgar Paradis Fund/NMMC; Jake Bernier, Chairman in Waiting 😂; Dottie Bernier, Our Future; Jake St Peter, Director.

02/02/2026

People are asking for 2027 dates. We are applying for January 30 & 31 , 2027.

02/02/2026

Derby winning checks were put in the mail Saturday and these boxes are going out today. You should be getting your merchandise within the next two weeks so if you won something.

01/27/2026

To see all winner weights:

01/26/2026

Mason Sirois picked up his 28 inch pack basket from Loring Outdoors with a set of jack traps!

01/26/2026

Congrats to Ben Henderson the winner of the Side by Side. The Henderson family drove up today to claim their prize. Pictured are the Henderson’s and a picture of them with Craig Caron representing FK Powersports!

01/26/2026

Closing Ceremony Prize list.
Thanks to all.