What To Know About Montana's Ice Fishing Tournaments This Winter

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has released its list of approved ice fishing contests for the '26 winter season, clearing the way for dozens of derbies and tournaments across the state once ice conditions allow.

The approved events span January through early March and are spread across all seven FWP regions, from northwest Montana lakes near Kalispell and Libby to Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry Reservoir and waters in eastern Montana.

The contests range from small, community-based derbies to large, multi-day tournaments expected to draw hundreds of anglers. FWP approval is required for organized fishing contests to ensure they comply with state fishing regulations, protect fish populations and minimize impacts on local waters. Each event is reviewed for factors such as target species, timing, location and projected participation before being authorized.

According to the list released by the agency, many of the events will focus on popular ice fishing species such as yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, trout and burbot. Several contests are tied to local civic groups, fire departments, search and rescue organizations, conservation groups and chambers of commerce, with proceeds often supporting community projects or charitable causes.

Some of the larger tournaments are expected to attract several hundred anglers, particularly on well-known waters like Fort Peck Reservoir, Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Hebgen Lake and Lake Mary Ronan. Entry fees vary depending on the event.

FWP's List Of Approved Ice Tournaments

Region	Contest Name	Primary Date(s)	Hours	Waterbody	Target Species	City	Entry Fee	Projected Anglers
R1	Lodge at McGregor Lake Fishing Derby	Feb 21, 2026	6 a.m.–5 p.m.	McGregor Lake	Rainbow, Lake Trout	Marion	$20 per angler	500
R1	Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Derby	Feb 14–15, 2026	6 a.m.–5 p.m.	Thompson Lakes, Crystal, Loon	Perch, Salmon, Trout, Pike	Libby	$20 per angler	500
R1	Bull Lake Ice Fishing Derby	Feb 7–8, 2026	6 a.m.–5 p.m.	Bull Lake	Northern Pike	Troy	$25 per angler	200
R1	Ryan Wagner Memorial Derby	Feb 7, 2026	8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.	Murphy Lake	Perch, Bass, Trout, Pike	Trego	$5 adult / $2.50 youth	300
R1	Smith Lake Perch Assault	Dec 20, 2025	8 a.m.–2 p.m.	Smith Lake	Yellow Perch, Pike	Kalispell	$150 per team	100
R1	Upper Thompson Lake Perch Assault	Jan 31, 2026	8 a.m.–2 p.m.	Upper Thompson Lake	Yellow Perch, Pike	Kalispell	$150 per team	100
R1	Lake Mary Ronan Perch Assault	Mar 7–8, 2026	7 a.m.–2 p.m.	Lake Mary Ronan	Yellow Perch	Kalispell	$250 per team	100
R1	Sunriser Lions Family Derby	Jan 3, 2026	7 a.m.–1 p.m.	Smith Lake	Perch, Pike, Suckers	Kalispell	$6 adult / $3 kids	400
R1	Canyon Kids Christmas Derby	Feb 28, 2026	10 a.m.–2 p.m.	Lion Lake	Trout, Perch	Hungry Horse	Free	120
R1	Hope for Ice Tournament	Jan 17–18, 2026	7 a.m.–3 p.m.	Noxon Rapids Reservoir	Pike, Perch	Trout Creek	$25 per angler	75
R2	Breanna Arae Rome Kids Derby	Jan 25, 2026	8 a.m.–1 p.m.	Racetrack Pond	Trout	Deer Lodge	$20 per angler	50
R3	Hebgen Lake Ice Tournament	Jan 17, 2026	6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.	Hebgen Lake	Trout	West Yellowstone	$150 per angler	150
R3	Stan Shafer Memorial Derby	Jan 18, 2026	7 a.m.–4 p.m.	Clark Canyon Reservoir	Trout, Ling	Dillon	$10 per angler	200
R4	Broadwater County Lions Derby	Feb 7–8, 2026	7 a.m.–2 p.m.	Canyon Ferry Reservoir	Perch, Walleye	Townsend	$20 adult	300
R4	Central Montana Perch Derby	Jan 17–18, 2026	8 a.m.–2 p.m.	East Fork Reservoir	Perch	Lewistown	$80 per team	150
R4	Ackley Lake Woodsy Cup	Jan 31, 2026	8 a.m.–4 p.m.	Ackley Lake	Muskie, Trout	Hobson	$20 per angler	60
R4	Montana Ducks Unlimited Ice Tournament	Feb 21, 2026	7 a.m.–4 p.m.	Canyon Ferry Reservoir	Walleye, Perch, Burbot	Billings	$40 per angler	600
R6	Ice Classic in Memory of Digger	Jan 24, 2026	8 a.m.–6 p.m.	Nelson Reservoir	Pike, Perch, Walleye	Malta	$50 per angler	200
R6	Fresno Ice Fishing Tournament	Jan 24, 2026	8 a.m.–3 p.m.	Fresno Reservoir	Pike, Walleye, Perch	Havre	$30 per angler	80
R7	Spotted Eagle Ice Derby	Jan 17, 2026	11 a.m.–3 p.m.	Spotted Eagle Lake	Multiple Species	Miles City	$50 per angler	100