Hillside Sports Club Hosts Annual Ice Fishing Derby on February 28

The Hillside Sports Club is set to hold its 9th annual ice fishing derby on February 28, 2026, at Long Pond in Livermore. This popular winter event will take place from 07:00 to 15:00, with registration starting promptly at 07:00 on the ice in front of the property owned by Katy and Louis Quirrion, adjacent to the Long Pond boat launch. The entry fee for participants is $10, and the proceeds will benefit the Spruce Mountain Ski Slope.

Participants will have the opportunity to compete for various cash prizes. A major highlight includes a $250 award for the largest game fish by length, specifically limited to brook or brown trout. Additionally, there will be a $100 cash prize for the longest overall fish, while a $150 prize will be awarded to the longest fish caught by a youth aged 15 and under.

In addition to the fishing prizes, attendees can also win a $100 door prize generously donated by Robin’s Bait Shop. Raffle prizes further enhance the excitement of the day and include an 8-inch Ion Auger Alpha Plus Gen 3, a Lakewood Fishing Ice Pak, a Garvee insulated pop-up tent, and five Max-Traps, among other items. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or $20 for five tickets, and they can be purchased in advance at the Hillside Sports Club and Robin’s Bait Shop, or on the ice until the afternoon of the derby. A 50/50 raffle will also take place during the event.

The organizing team, led by Ashley Langlin-Hebert and Mike Chretien, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, encourages community members to join in for a day filled with fishing, food, and fun on the ice. The derby is open to the public, making it an ideal occasion for families and fishing enthusiasts alike.

The event enjoys the support of various local sponsors, including Hillside Sports Club, Robin’s Bait Shop, Livermore Concrete, and several others. These partnerships help ensure a successful event that fosters community spirit and enjoyment in the winter months.

For those looking to partake in a unique winter experience, the Hillside Fishing Derby promises to deliver an engaging day on the ice, with plenty of opportunities to win prizes and enjoy the great outdoors.