Embedded Files
Information for Current Year's (2026) Derby:
1/12/26
UPDATE:
An email has been sent out to those who have participated in the past for our ice fishing derby event! Anglers have already started to sign up so register early before all 150 slots are gone!
Registration: can be found at the following link, or via the link/QR code on the above flyer: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20864_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=59&SINGLESTORE=true
We have communicated with local IDFG fish biologists, and they suggest the fishing will likely be good! The ice will solidify with a few more cold weeks, while still being fresh enough that the fish don't become too inactive! We hope you consider joining us at Chesterfield on the 31st!
Additional Details:
-Directions to Chesterfield Reservoir Boat Ramp can be found here. This is where our check in booth will be, as well as where we measure fish and announce fish and raffle winners!
-Please read over the attached copy of ALL derby rules: 2026 Rules
-We will have a release of liability waivers for all participants to sign at the registration table; please note you MUST sign a waiver before participating. We will facilitate this at the boat launch in the morning prior to the 8am start. This form is attached below if you'd like to read it now and be ready to sign it at our table. You may also print it out and sign it and give it to us then as well!
-Any prize winners must fill out a W-9 to receive the prize.
Safety:
While the ice will be safe by the 31st, it will likely not be as thick as last year. That being said, use extreme caution when using motorized vehicles or heavy equipment and monitor ice thickness as we approach the 31st.
As we get closer to the day of the derby, we'll send out reminders and keep you posted on any important updates. Until then, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions about logistics, rules, etc. Wishing you all the best and a happy new year! Hope to see you all out on the ice!
Fish on!
Portneuf Student Unit American Fisheries Society
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12/23/25
UPDATE:
Wanted to provide a quick update for this year's derby (2026). We are still in the process of having Idaho State University updating our registration website with this year's derby details. The current webpage is still set up for 2025. Once that has been completed, we will post it here, email it to those on our list, and post it to our social media page for all to start registering. We are also keeping an eye on the current conditions of the Chesterfield Reservoir.
Until then, hope everyone enjoys their holidays!
Fish on!
Portneuf Student Unit American Fisheries Society
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10/31/2025
UPDATE: Mark your calendars! The 2026 Ice Fishing Derby will tentatively(awaiting permit approval) be held on Saturday, January 31st, 8am to 4pm at Chesterfield Reservoir! Entry fee is $40. Contestants must be in line no later than 3pm to check in fish, with maximum 2 fish measured per contestant. Placement is determined by longest fish length, rainbow trout only. Please no drilling holes until 8am. For the full ruleset, see the 2026 Rules. Questions? Email portneuf.afs@gmail.com.
There will once again be a raffle, to be drawn immediately following the last fish measured (this may be as early as 3:05pm!). Each participant who enters the derby gets a complimentary ticket, and addition tickets can be purchased $5 for 1 ticket, and $20 for 5! Raffle prizes will include ice fishing gear, outdoor supplies, and donations from the community. You must be present at the raffle drawing to receive your prize. If you have a business that would like to sponsor a raffle prize, please email portneuf.afs@gmail.com.
Registration will be up and running by December.
Looking forward to getting out on the ice!
Tight lines,
Portneuf Student Unit American Fisheries Society
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Information for Last Year's (2025) Derby:
1/2/2025
QUICK UPDATE: An email has been sent out to those who have participated in the past for our ice fishing derby event! If you did not receive this email, please email portneuf.afs@gmail.com and we will forward the message along. Anglers have already started to sign up so register early before all 150 slots are gone!
We are also selling T-shirts for $20.00 with a neat design. These can be seen and purchased on the same website where you register for the event. Proceeds made will go back to the local non-profit (New Day) that are printing the designs for us and anything leftover will be provided for future community events, travel grants for students to present their scientific work at conferences and more!
To Register:
As we get closer to January 25, 2025, we will post again with any updates or reminders for all those who register! Looking forward to getting out on the ice!
Tight lines,
Portneuf Student Unit American Fisheries Society
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12/4/2024
UPDATE: The 2025 Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, January 25th, 8am to 4pm at Chesterfield Reservoir! Entry fee is $40. Contestants must be in line no later than 3pm to check in fish, with maximum 2 fish measured per contestant. Placement is determined by longest fish length. Please no drilling holes until 8am. For the full ruleset and waiver, see the 2025 Rules. Questions? Email portneuf.afs@gmail.com.
There will once again be a raffle, to be drawn following concluding the fish measuring. Each participant who enters the derby gets a complimentary ticket, and addition tickets can be purchased at a rate of $5 per 1 ticket, and $20 for 5! Raffle prizes will include ice fishing gear, outdoor supplies, and donations from the community. You must be present at the raffle drawing to receive your prize.
Use caution on the ice, and be respectful to other's gear and space. Personal vehicles (cars, trucks) are not allowed on the ice for derby participants.
Directions to Chesterfield Reservoir Boat Ramp can be found here.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the ice, and for lots of big trout to be caught!
Tight lines,
Portneuf Student Unit American Fisheries Society
The 2024 Derby was a great outing! Lots of good fish and times on the ice. A 21.7 inch beauty took home the prize for first place this year.
Information From Prior Year's (2024) Derby:
UPDATED DERBY DETAILS: Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at Chesterfield Reservoir. Start time is 8 AM and all fish must be checked in (or in line for check in) by 3 PM. Limit of 2 registered fish per contestant. For the full ruleset: Derby Rules. Questions? Email portneuf.afs@gmail.com or contact Tyler at 570-394-4976
1/22/24
Hello Ice Fishers!
Thanks for registering for our derby this year! We have 98 registration spots left, so if your friends are on the fence about signing up, let them know that they still can! If there are still spots open the day of the tournament, folks will be able to register there with cash or check.
Please read over the Derby Rules. We will also provide a copy of these to each group at check in. We will also have risk assessment forms for all participants to sign at the check in table. Everyone MUST sign a risk assessment form before the start of the derby.
No holes may be drilled before 8:00 AM and the derby is over at 3:00 PM. If you want your fish to count, you must be IN LINE at the fish check-in station at 3:00PM. Each contestant may register 2 fish. No contestant will be eligible for more than one competition prize.
Winners will be announced at 3:30 followed by the raffle. We plan to have a bunch of awesome raffle prizes! They will include various ice fishing equipment and gear. All participants are given one raffle ticket for their entry into the derby. More raffle tickets can be purchased - $5 for 1 or $20 for 5. You must be present at the raffle to win.
Directions to Chesterfield Reservoir Boat Ramp can be found here.
Be safe on the ice and be courteous to everyone participating in the derby. Personal vehicles (cars, trucks) are not allowed on the ice for derby participants.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the derby! Good luck, and keep those lines tight!
- Portneuf Student Unit American Fisheries Society
Locations From the Past Derbies:
2025: Chesterfield Reservoir
2024: Chesterfield Reservoir
2023: Chesterfield Reservoir
2022: Sportman's Park, American Falls Reservoir
2020: Sportman's Park, American Falls Reservoir
2019: Sportman's Park, American Falls Reservoir
2018 : KPVI news 6
2017: Photos
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