2026 Winter Bash Derby Rules

 

Adult tickets (anyone 18 years of age or older)

$25 includes (1) entry into the derby and (1) entry into the general raffle.

Youth tickets (anyone 17 years of age or younger)

$10 grants access for youth to fish the derby.

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The event will be held on Lake Bemidji’s South end, out of the Nymore Access, on February 21, 2026

All anglers must have a valid MN Fishing license and abide by all local, state, and federal regulations.

 

Gates will open at 9:00 AM, and the Derby will start at 11:00 AM sharp, following the playing of our National Anthem.

 

No lines will be allowed in the water until the horn sounds. The derby will conclude at 2:00 sharp. All anglers with fish MUST be within the marked out staging line in front of the weigh station or verified caught by 2:00 by a tournament official.

 

Prizes will be awarded in order of total weight of each fish caught 1-35. In the event of a tied weight, the earlier caught fish will trump the second. If fewer than 35 fish are registered, the remaining prizes will be randomly drawn at the awards ceremony for participants who attended and fished the event ONLY.

 

The Awards Ceremony will start at 4:00 PM under the tent!

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Anglers may purchase more than 1 entry/raffle ticket, but each angler is only allowed to fish 1 line during the tournament. Participants must enter the contest area through the marked designated inspection point. All bags, buckets, bait, containers, and similar items must be inspected before entering the contest area. Contest officials have the right to inspect all items brought through the inspection point, including outerwear.

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No Shelters allowed; no augers allowed. All holes will be pre-drilled prior to the tournament. Electronics and Live bait are allowed. Anglers must fish within derby boundaries, which will be marked out. No outside beverages will be allowed to enter.

 

There will be beverages available for purchase at the event. Participants shall be aware that all anglers are participating in a physical activity in the sport of fishing on ice, which may be dangerous and can cause injury, especially if the participant is consuming alcoholic beverages.

 

Participants understand and acknowledge that alcohol impairs a person’s ability to walk on all surfaces, including those that are especially slippery, such as ice. Consuming alcohol and walking on ice subjects the participant to certain risks, including, but not limited to, death, serious neck and spinal injuries resulting in complete or partial paralysis, brain damage, and/or serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, muscles, and internal organs, and property damage not only to themselves but potentially to others. Although rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce the risks associated with participating in the event, the risk of serious injury does still exist and cannot be completely eliminated.

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Anglers can reach the contest area by parking in the Bemidji Sanford Center Parking lot and walking to the Nymore Beach access or the Nymore Boat Ramp access adjacent to the Green Mill. There will be no parking on the lake for entrants of this event except some limited spots for Handicap Parking. Handicap Permit must be visible in these instances. Accommodations will be made for anglers with disabilities who may still need to park in the Sanford Parking lot due to limited space.

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Fishing licenses are not sold on the lake. By purchasing a ticket and participating in the event, all participants acknowledge and agree that they have reviewed, understand, and will abide by the rules. Entrants also acknowledge that by purchasing a ticket and participating in the event, they cannot hold The Bash or any of its affiliates responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property or any injuries or fatalities that could occur during their participation. Participants willingly agree to comply with the rules for participation in the event. Participants less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or adult with written parental permission. (Written parental permission must be provided to event staff prior to the start of the event.) Participants under the age of 18 years may not fish alone in the event.

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Any participant attempting to manipulate the outcome of the event or defraud the Winter Bash will be disqualified and may be subject to prosecution. Interpretation and enforcement of the rules shall be left to the sole and exclusive discretion of the Event Director and/or his/her designee at the event. In the event a participant violates any rule set forth by the discretion of the Event Director, the Event Director may impose a penalty and/or sanction on the participant (including but not limited to disqualification from the event and future events and/or forfeiture of event winnings and/or prizes).

 

Contestants are responsible for their own safety, actions, and property at all times. Participants understand and are aware that the weather in Minnesota can be severe. Participants are aware that participating in the event may expose them to extremely cold conditions, which can be dangerous and cause injury if they are not properly prepared. Similarly, the weather may be warmer and cause extraordinarily slippery conditions on the ice.

 

Although rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce the risks associated with participating in the Event, the risk of serious injury does exist and cannot be eliminated. In the event of significant weather conditions during competition, the Event Director will advise regarding any change, delay, suspension, and/or cancellation of one or more hours or day(s). Rules are subject to change prior to the event.