OAC Ice Fishing Derby
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Over $300 in prizes!
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Transportation is provided from the Outdoor Adventure Center for students who would like a ride to Round Pond. Van shuttle will leave the OAC every hour on the hour from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
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A valid Maine fishing license is required, but is available to be purchased the day of the derby at the registration desk at the public boat launch on Round Pond. WCCC Student Senate has agreed to pay for the license fee for participants who wish to participate but do not have a license.
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This is a FREE event – no entry fee required.
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All Maine fishing laws prevail.
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Frequently Asked Questions…
Is this open to the public?
Only WCCC students and employees and their family may participate in the derby. However, anyone is welcome to fish Round Pond, as it is a public resource.
Do I need to register?
Only of you want to be eligible to win prizes. You can register on Saturday morning at the registration table starting at 10 am at the Public Boat Launch at Round Pond.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes – in order to register you will need to provide your Maine fishing license number. If you are a student and don’t have a license, student senate will pay for your 1-day license. You can obtain your license at the derby Saturday morning at the registration table. If you already have your license, be sure to bring it as you will need your license number in order to register.
What if I want to fish but don’t know how or have any equipment?
There will be lots of people there who are willing to show you how. We will also have bait and equipment available for you to borrow.
Do I have to fish?
No – please feel free to come out and enjoy really good food and a great community on a beautiful day.
What else is there to do?
Your Outdoor Adventure Center will be there with the gear trailer so you can sign out cross-country skis, snowshoes, and fat-tire bikes to try out for free!
Will there be food?
Yes! There will be lots of food available. WCCC Student Life will be providing hot dogs and hamburgers, and staff and faculty are bringing hot soups and chili available for free. Feel free to bring a dish if you like, but it is not required. Note that this is a substance-free event.
Are there prizes?
There are 3 prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd heaviest fish caught between 10am and 2pm at Round Pond by students. Whoever catches the heaviest fish gets their pick of the prizes, followed by whoever catches the 2nd heaviest fish, and so on. Note that only students are eligible to win these prizes as funding for prizes is provided by WCCC student senate.
What are the prizes?
- Eskimo Quickfish 2 portable popup ice fishing shelter
- Beginner ice fishing setup – including bait bucket/tackle box, tip-ups, ice scoop
- Jet sled
Can I keep the fish I catch?
That depends. All Maine fishing laws apply. A copy of the rulebook is here. According to the Maine Stocking Report, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocked Round Pond with 525 Brown Trout in 2024. The pond also holds a respectable population of smallmouth bass.
Where is Round Pond?
Round Pond is about 15 miles from the WCCC campus. Directions from WCCC are available here. There is a van shuttle from the OAC (room 12 in the lower dorms) to Round Pond every hour on the hour from 10 am to 2 pm. Parking is limited, so using the shuttle is encouraged. If you need to drive, you can park at the boat launch or carefully along the road.
Are there bathrooms?
There will be access to a porta potty in the parking lot.
Will it be cold?
The weather forecast for Round Pond on Saturday is here. Dress like an onion – in layers. A winter hat, mittens or gloves, and warm boots are key to helping keep warm and comfortable in winter. There will be a warming fire near the registration area and winter boots available to sign out for the day at the OAC gear trailer on Saturday if you need them.
What is the Outdoor Adventure Center?
The OAC is a resource for students and the community that provides equipment and programming with the goal of connecting people with the outdoors. More information on the OAC is available on the OAC website.
Where can I find more information?
Please email the OAC with other questions.