Come fish in one of the largest ice fishing tournaments in New York state!

Each year, on the first Saturday in February, anglers from far and wide travel to Tupper Lake for the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby. This northern pike contest populates Simon Pond with over a thousand fishermen and women who compete for over $40,000 in cash and prizes. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, this Adirondack ice fishing event is a “must-see” event to add to your winter calendar.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Time: The tournament begins promptly at 7 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m.

Location: Simon Pond, Tupper Lake, NY (Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club, 116 Lake Simond Road)

Participant Fee: $35

Online registration will open in November. In-person registration takes place on Friday, February 6th, from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday, February 7th from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club.

Prizes:

The 2026 Prizes list is still under development, but here is a list of what was given away in 2025.

• A total of over $35,000 in cash and prizes.
• $800 is given away every hour for the largest fish.
• Over $6,500 in miscellaneous door prizes -- including, but not limited to: power augers, ice fishing shelters, underwater cameras, fish finders, a Go Pro camera system, tip-ups, gift certificates, and more. 
• Two 4-wheelers will also be given away as door prizes.
• A “Lunker Pool” (where half of what is taken in goes to the person with the largest pike) 
• Plus Five 50/50 raffles
• Lucky Fish Drawing - 1 drawing every hour for 8 hours. The winner takes home $50 just for entering a fish.

The “catch and release” Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby is hosted by the Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club.

Additional Information:

• Registration Fee: $35 (For an additional $10 you can enter into the Lunker Pool)
• 2025 Rules & Regulations
• Event Day Registration: Registration begins at 4 a.m.
• Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club: 116 Lake Simond Road
• Questions? Contact Scott at (518) 359-2482
• In case of no ice, all door prizes, 2 ATV’s, all 50/50 raffles will be given away at 12 p.m. The Lunker pool will turn into a 50/50 drawing. Hourly fish payout will be based on the number of entries. All drawings will be awarded at the prize truck. You must be present to win.