Winter Carnival Ice Fishing Derby

The Ice Fishing Derby is the Memorial Unions First ever educational fishing competition. Participants may participate as experienced anglers OR can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens (Sign Up separately). These lessons will be run every hour on the hour so sighn up! Participants in the lessons will be provide all necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Anglers who catch fish worthy of our awards will be presented with a coupon for a free rental with Outdoor UW. Participants must be students.  

Awards given for the following: 

First Fish 

Last Fish 

Biggest Fish 

Smallest Fish 

Biggest Perch 

Biggest Bluegill 

Biggest Crappie 

Biggest Walleye 

Biggest Northern 

Most Species Caught 

Best Fishing Photo 

Participant rules and Instructions: 

1. Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations 

2. Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota. 

3. Fish should be measured in a photo and sent to the event facebook page during event hours for award eligibility. Photo’s may be used on the Wisconsin Union’s Social Media.

4. Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first time anglers in the lessons. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.  

5. Event will take place outside so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots.