EVENTS: 6th annual China Lake ice fishing derby slated for February 16, 2025

Local angler enjoys setting up ice fishing traps at the China Lake Ice Fishing Derby. This year’s derby will be held on February 14 on China Lake benefiting the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department. (photo courtesy of Sandy Isaac)

by Sandy Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department are co-hosting the the 6th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

Building on the success of previous years, the weekend will feature the town-wide “China Ice Days” activities beginning Friday evening. Highlights include a “Bean Suppah” at the China Village Mason’s Lodge followed by a guided snowmobile ride, weather permitting. Additional Friday events include a Silent Disco, at the Middle School, and an Owl Prowl, at Thurston Park.

Saturday’s lineup offers something for everyone: a Pancake Breakfast, at the Dirigo Mason’s Lodge, in Weeks Mills, a Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Central Maine Power Sports, sledding, at Thurston Park (snow dependent), and snowshoeing, at the School Forest. The China Lake Association will sponsor ice skating at the China Rink by the Town Office, complete with s’mores and a warming fire pit.

Sunday remains dedicated to the main event – the ice fishing derby, with all fishing restricted to China Lake. The derby will conclude with an awards ceremony followed by a spectacular fireworks display by Central Maine Pyrotechnics. All weekend activities are open to the public.

“There is no lack of ice this year,” said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “We just need a little more snow to enhance some of the other activities. We encourage everyone to check our website and the Ice Derby’s Facebook page for updates.”

Reservations are required for the Silent Disco and Cornhole Tournament, both of which have participation fees. The “Bean Suppah” and Pancake Breakfast also have associated costs: $10 for the suppah and $8 for breakfast.

Rumpf added, “The China Ice Days and Annual Fishing Derby offer individuals and families a fantastic opportunity to embrace the outdoors while participating in a cherished local tradition. Each year, we build on the fun and enthusiasm. This year’s event coincides with Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend, which is an added bonus. We will follow all State of Maine ice fishing laws and regulations.”

Fishing derby weigh-ins will take place at 4 p.m., on Sunday. All entries must be in line at the Fire Station, on Causeway Road, by 4 p.m. to qualify for prizes. Awards will be presented in the following fish categories: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, and pickerel. In the children’s category, prizes will be awarded to the top five participants who catch the most perch. The derby’s top honor sponsored by Diesel Dan, the “lunker of the day,” will go to the angler with the largest fish overall.

The first 100 children to visit the China Village Fire Station will receive complimentary ice fishing bait buckets filled with goodies, courtesy of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, The Maine Audubon Society, and other generous donors. The buckets will be available, starting at 5 a.m., on derby day. Additionally, Central Church will be set up on the ice near the Fire Station to assist children new to fishing, and Traps for Kids of Maine will provide free traps to children, while supplies last.

“We’ll also be giving away over 50 door prizes,” Rumpf noted. “These include a double portable Nordic Legend Aurora Ice Shack from Central Maine Camper Rentals, a StrikeMaster Electric Ice Auger from Wings Tree Service, 100 gallons of heating fuel from Augusta Fuel Company, pumping services from B&B Septic, an Amphibious Cooler from Hannaford Supermarket, $500 cash from Vacationland Rentals, and Lakeview Lumber donated five separate prizes for the raffle. Many other fantastic prizes and gift certificates have been donated by local businesses. Our door prizes have really created quiet a following of their own.”

Tickets prices have not changed; $5 each or three for $10 and are available at local retailers, including China Variety & Redemption, Greg’s Restaurant, Harvest Time Bait, Lakeview Lumber, and the China Town Office. Members of the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department also have tickets available for purchase.

For more information on door prizes, sponsors, and ticket details, visit the China Lake Ice Fishing Derby’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or the official website at www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.