What the Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby Is

The Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby is an annual event held on Missisquoi Bay in northwestern Vermont, where anglers compete to catch the largest carp during a set weekend in spring. The derby draws both local and visiting fishers who target common carp in the bay's shallow, weedy waters — a fishery that has grown steadily as more anglers discover how hard carp fight and how well they eat when prepared right. The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and it runs for a single weekend, usually in May, though the exact dates shift year to year.

Missisquoi Bay itself is the largest bay on Lake Champlain's Vermont shore, spanning about 20 square miles with depths ranging from a few feet near the shoreline to 40 feet in the center. The bay's shallow northern end, fed by the Missisquoi River, holds dense beds of aquatic vegetation and attracts large numbers of carp, especially in spring when they move into shallow water to spawn. This combination of abundant carp and accessible shallow water makes the bay one of Vermont's best carp fisheries.

Key Takeaways

  • The Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby runs for one weekend each May and is open to anglers of all skill levels, with entry fees typically ranging from $20 to $50 depending on the year.
  • Carp in Missisquoi Bay average 10 to 20 pounds, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly; the largest fish wins the derby, not the total weight.
  • You will need a Vermont fishing license and must fish from a boat or wade in designated areas, as the bay's shallow northern end is where most derby carp are caught.
  • Carp respond best to corn, dough balls, and pack bait fished on the bottom near weed beds; rod and reel is standard, though some anglers use bowfishing.
  • The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department posts derby dates and rules on their website each spring, and local bait shops in Swanton and Highgate Springs carry tackle and current information about where fish are biting.

When the Derby Runs and How to Enter

The Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby takes place over a single weekend in May each year. The exact dates change annually, so you will need to check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or call the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge office in Swanton to confirm the current year's schedule. Registration typically opens a few weeks before the event and closes the day before or the morning of the first day of fishing.

Entry fees are modest — usually between $20 and $50 per angler — and you pay when you register. Most years you can register in person at a local bait shop or online through the organizing club's website. Bring your Vermont fishing license (required for anyone 16 and older) and a valid photo ID. The derby is open to anglers of all ages and experience levels, and many families fish it together.

Where Carp Live in Missisquoi Bay

Carp in Missisquoi Bay concentrate in the northern shallows, especially in the area where the Missisquoi River enters the bay and in the weed beds that stretch along the eastern and western shores. Water depths here range from 2 to 8 feet, and the bottom is soft mud and silt — ideal carp habitat. In May, when the derby runs, carp are moving into these shallow areas to feed and spawn, making them more active and easier to locate than they are later in summer.

The southern and central portions of the bay are deeper and clearer, with less vegetation, and hold fewer carp. Most successful derby anglers fish the northern third of the bay, either from a boat anchored in 4 to 6 feet of water or by wading in the shallows. If you are new to the bay, ask at local bait shops — they know which specific weed beds are holding fish that year and can point you toward productive water.

What Tackle and Bait Work Best

Carp in Missisquoi Bay respond reliably to simple, bottom-fished baits. Corn — fresh or canned — is the most popular choice and works year-round. Dough balls made from flour, water, and a bit of salt or vanilla extract are equally effective and easier to cast long distances. Pack bait, a commercial product that smells strongly of fish and grain, also catches plenty of carp. Some anglers mix corn with pack bait or add a small amount of anise oil to increase scent.

Use a basic rod and reel setup: a medium-power spinning rod, 20- to 30-pound monofilament line, and a simple three-way rig with a sinker on the bottom and your hook tied 12 to 18 inches above it. Cast near weed beds and let the bait sit on the bottom. Carp will mouth the bait before taking it, so set the hook firmly when you feel steady pressure. A few anglers use bowfishing equipment, which is legal during the derby, but rod and reel accounts for most of the catch.

How the Derby Scoring Works

The Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby awards prizes based on the single largest carp caught during the event, not the total weight of all fish. This means you can fish all weekend and catch dozens of carp, but only your biggest fish counts toward the final standings. Carp in the bay average 10 to 20 pounds, and fish over 30 pounds are caught most years, so the winning fish is typically in that range.

When you catch a fish you think might place, bring it to the official weigh-in station — usually located at a boat launch or community center near the bay — where staff will record the weight and take a photo. You keep the fish after weighing (or release it if you prefer). Prizes are usually awarded for first, second, and third place, with amounts varying by year. Some years there are also categories for youth anglers or for the most fish caught.

Preparing Carp to Eat After the Derby

If you plan to keep your catch and cook it, handle the fish carefully from the moment it comes out of the water. Carp meat is firm and mild when the fish is fresh, but quality drops quickly if the fish sits in the sun or in a warm boat. Keep your catch on ice in a cooler, or better yet, kill and bleed the fish immediately after landing it, then ice it whole. This preserves the meat and makes cleaning easier later.

At home, fillet the carp by cutting behind the gills and along the backbone, then skin the fillets by laying them skin-side down and sliding a sharp knife between the skin and meat. Carp fillets work well pan-fried with butter and lemon, baked with herbs, or smoked. The flesh is lean and takes on flavors readily, so it suits bold seasonings — garlic, paprika, and fresh dill are traditional pairings. Many anglers who fish the derby keep a few smaller carp for the table and release the largest ones.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your Vermont fishing license, a valid photo ID, and your entry fee to register. On the water, pack a cooler with ice, sunscreen, and drinking water — May weather on Lake Champlain can shift quickly from warm to cold and windy. Wear layers so you can adjust as the day warms. Bring your rod and reel, tackle box with hooks and sinkers, and plenty of bait — you will go through more than you expect if the carp are biting.

If you are fishing from a boat, make sure it is registered and that you have a personal flotation device for each person aboard. If you are wading, wear waders and water shoes with good grip, as the bottom is soft and slippery. Bring a net to land larger fish safely, and a stringer or cooler to keep your catch fresh. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you plan to fish early morning or evening, when carp feed most actively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby?

No. You can fish from shore in some areas, and wading is allowed in the shallow northern end of the bay where most carp are caught. A boat gives you access to more water and lets you position yourself near weed beds more precisely, but many successful derby anglers fish on foot.

What is the minimum size for carp in Vermont?

Vermont has no minimum size limit for carp. You can keep carp of any size, though the derby focuses on the largest fish, so most anglers target bigger individuals. Smaller carp are good eating and make excellent bait for other species.

Can I fish the derby if I have never caught a carp before?

Yes. Carp are forgiving fish that bite consistently when bait is in the water, making them ideal for beginners. Ask at a local bait shop for advice on where to fish and what bait is working that week — most shop staff are happy to help newcomers.

What happens if I catch a carp larger than the current leader?

Bring it to the official weigh-in station as soon as you can. Staff will record the weight and take a photo. If it is larger than the previous leader, you move into first place. The derby runs continuously through the weekend, so the leader can change multiple times.

Is bowfishing allowed during the derby?

Yes, bowfishing is legal during the Missisquoi Bay Carp Fishing Derby, though it is less common than rod and reel. Check the current year's rules when you register, as regulations can change.