The Lake Metigoshe Ice Fishing Derby happens each winter in Bottineau County

The Lake Metigoshe Ice Fishing Derby is an annual winter event held on Lake Metigoshe, a 1,425-acre lake in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau. The derby draws anglers who fish through holes in the ice for northern pike, walleye, and perch. The event typically runs for a weekend in late January or early February, though the exact dates shift year to year based on ice conditions and organizer scheduling.

The derby is managed by the Bottineau Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with local fishing clubs and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Entry fees are modest — usually in the $15 to $25 range per angler — and the event offers prize categories for the heaviest fish in each species, plus drawings for participants. The atmosphere is community-focused: you'll see families, experienced ice anglers, and people trying ice fishing for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Metigoshe Ice Fishing Derby runs one weekend each winter, typically in late January or early February, with exact dates announced by Bottineau Parks and Recreation.
  • Entry fees are usually $15 to $25 per person, and you can fish for northern pike, walleye, and perch during the event hours.
  • You will need a valid North Dakota fishing license and an ice fishing shelter or auger to cut holes; the lake provides no equipment.
  • Prize categories reward the heaviest fish by species, and all participants enter a drawing for additional prizes.
  • The lake sits in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau, about 90 minutes north of Minot and accessible by car year-round.

When the derby runs and how to enter

The derby is held over one weekend each winter, with the event running from early morning (usually around 8 a.m.) through early afternoon (typically 2 or 3 p.m.). The exact dates vary because organizers wait for safe ice thickness — usually at least 4 to 6 inches — before confirming the schedule. Bottineau Parks and Recreation announces the date each year, typically by mid-January.

To enter, you show up on derby day with your entry fee in cash or check. Registration happens at a booth near the lake access area, and you receive a ticket or number to identify your catch. There is no pre-registration requirement, though calling ahead to confirm the date and current conditions is wise. The Bottineau Parks and Recreation office can be reached through the City of Bottineau website, or you can ask locally — the event is well-known in the region.

What you need to bring and what the lake offers

Lake Metigoshe does not provide fishing equipment, shelters, or augers. You are responsible for bringing everything you need to fish safely and comfortably. This means an ice auger (hand-crank or powered) to cut holes, a fishing rod and reel suited to ice fishing, line, hooks or lures, and a bucket or net to land fish. Many anglers bring a portable ice shelter — a small tent-like structure that sits over the hole and blocks wind — though it is not required.

You will also need a valid North Dakota fishing license. Licenses are sold at sporting goods stores in Bottineau and online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is the practical choice if you are visiting only for the derby. Bring warm clothing in layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat; ice fishing means standing still in cold air for hours. A thermos of hot coffee or soup makes a real difference.

Fish species and what to expect

Lake Metigoshe holds northern pike, walleye, and perch. Pike are the largest fish in the lake and often the most exciting to catch through the ice — they can reach 20 pounds or more, though most caught during the derby run 3 to 8 pounds. Walleye are also present and prize-worthy; they tend to bite better in low light, so early morning and late afternoon are productive times. Perch are abundant and smaller, usually 8 to 12 inches, but they bite steadily and are good eating.

The derby awards prizes for the heaviest fish in each species category, so your strategy depends on what you want to target. Pike anglers often use larger lures or live bait and fish deeper holes. Walleye anglers focus on structure — drop-offs and weed edges — and use smaller jigs or live minnows. Perch fishing is straightforward: small jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms work well, and you can catch many in a single hole. All participants also enter a drawing for additional prizes, so even a small perch gives you a chance to win.

Lake access and parking

Lake Metigoshe State Park surrounds the lake and provides public access via a boat launch area and parking lot. During the derby, organizers direct traffic and set up registration near the main access point. The parking area can fill up on a busy derby day, especially if the weather is mild and the ice is in good condition. Arriving early — an hour or more before the official start time — gives you a better parking spot and time to set up your fishing hole before the event begins.

The lake is located in the Turtle Mountains, about 90 minutes north of Minot and roughly 45 minutes from Bottineau town. Highway access is straightforward: take US-52 north from Minot toward Bottineau, then follow local signs to Lake Metigoshe State Park. The roads are maintained year-round, though winter driving requires caution. Check road conditions through the North Dakota Department of Transportation before you leave if snow or ice is forecast.

Safety on the ice

Ice safety is serious. Before the derby, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and local organizers monitor ice thickness. The event will not proceed unless ice is thick enough to support anglers safely — typically 4 to 6 inches minimum for foot traffic. Even so, ice is never uniformly thick: springs, current, and shallow areas can create thin spots. Stay aware of where you are drilling and moving, and never venture far from the main fishing area without checking ice thickness yourself.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or ice rescue suit if you are uncomfortable on ice or fishing alone. Carry a whistle and a small ice chisel or spud bar to test ice as you walk. Fish with a partner when possible, and let someone on shore know where you are. If you fall through, the PFD keeps you afloat while you work toward solid ice or call for help. Hypothermia sets in fast in cold water, so prevention — staying dry and warm — is the only real defense.

Preparing your catch to eat

If you catch fish worth keeping, you have several options for getting them home and on the table. The simplest is to keep them alive in a bucket of lake water or snow until you leave, then clean them at home. Pike and walleye are best filleted: lay the fish on a cutting board, cut behind the gills down to the backbone, then angle your knife along the ribs to separate the fillet from the bones. Perch are small enough to pan-fry whole after gutting and scaling, or you can fillet them if you prefer.

Pike has a strong flavor that some anglers love and others avoid; soaking fillets in milk for an hour before cooking mellows it. Walleye is mild and flakes easily when cooked — it is excellent pan-fried in butter or baked. Perch is delicate and sweet; frying in a light breading is traditional. All three freeze well if you catch more than you can eat fresh. Wrap fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, label with the species and date, and they will keep for two to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license for the derby?

Yes, you must have a valid North Dakota fishing license. A one-day license is the most practical option if you are visiting only for the event. You can buy one online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department or at sporting goods stores in Bottineau before derby day.

What if the ice is not thick enough and the derby is postponed?

Organizers monitor ice conditions closely and will announce a postponement through the Bottineau Parks and Recreation office and local media if conditions are unsafe. Check the City of Bottineau website or call the Parks and Recreation Department a few days before the scheduled date to confirm the event is going forward.

Can I bring my kids to fish in the derby?

Yes, children are welcome. Many families participate together. Kids under a certain age (usually under 16) may fish free or at a reduced rate — ask at registration. Make sure they wear warm clothing and stay close to you on the ice.

What is the best bait or lure for Lake Metigoshe ice fishing?

Live minnows and jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms work well for walleye and perch. Pike respond to larger lures and live bait. Local bait shops in Bottineau can tell you what is working that week and sell you what you need.

Can I fish if I have never ice fished before?

Absolutely. The derby welcomes beginners. Arrive early, watch what experienced anglers are doing, and do not hesitate to ask questions. Many people at the event are happy to share tips, and perch fishing is forgiving — you will likely catch something even on your first try.