The 16th Annual Island Lake Ice Fishing Derby is returning to Orangeville, Ontario, from February 7 to February 16, 2026. The 10-day event invites anglers of all ages — youth (12 and under) and adults (13+) — to compete for prizes while raising funds for conservation projects at the Island Lake Conservation Area.
The derby is organized by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) in partnership with the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and the Friends of Island Lake (FOIL). The competition focuses on Northern Pike, Black Crappie and Yellow Perch. Registration proceeds support FOIL initiatives administered through the CVC Foundation and are used for park improvements such as bridge repairs and fish habitat enhancement.
Safety is a top priority: fishing activities only open when there is a consistent minimum of five inches of clear ice (the event follows a 5-inch ice-thickness rule and CVC staff perform regular thickness checks). To protect the lake from invasive species, participants may not bring outside live bait — live bait must be purchased on-site at the Island Lake rental shop.
Ontario Family Fishing Weekend runs Feb. 14–16, 2026, coinciding with the final three days of the derby. During that weekend Canadian residents may fish without an Ontario fishing licence, making the derby especially accessible to families and novice anglers.
“We’re excited to bring the derby back to Island Lake… Ice fishing is a big draw this time of year and we expect a great turnout,” said Yasmine Slater, Superintendent, Conservation Parks, Credit Valley Conservation. Organizers expect families and anglers to turn out in large numbers to enjoy the outdoors while supporting the long-term health of the park.
Adult categories (age 13+) include cash prizes (e.g., Northern Pike first prize $1,000; additional cash prizes for Black Crappie and Yellow Perch), while youth winners (12 and under) receive plaques and gift bags.
