2026 RULES

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2026 TOURNAMENT RULES

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Please ensure you bring an ice chisel or axe to reopen holes if necessary (cold weather may cause holes to freeze over by 1–2 inches).

  1. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST HAVE A CONTAINER (PREFERABLY A COOLER) LARGE ENOUGH TO TRANSPORT A FISH TO THE WEIGH STATION. DEFINITION OF A COOLER: a container capable of holding one fish and that can be carried by the participant to the weigh station.  Sharing coolers is NOT recommended. (Refer to rule #14)
  1. ELIGIBLE SPECIES: Species permitted are listed in the “Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary 2026” issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
  1. All tournament ice fishing holes will be arranged in rows approximately 30 feet apart.
  1. Official tournament registration applications will be accepted until February 9th, 2026. To be eligible for the Early Bird Draw, registration forms must be received or postmarked by January 5th, 2026, along with payment by cheque, money order (no cash by mail), or credit card payable to the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association. Post-dated cheques are not valid until the indicated date.
  1. All participants must comply with Ontario Fishing Regulations. A fishing license is not required due to the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend February 17–19, 2026.
  1. If you leave your fishing hole unattended beyond 60 ft (approximately two holes), your line must be removed (no exceptions).
  1. Any participant violating tournament rules or Ontario laws will be disqualified without refund.
  1. Participants using fraudulent methods to obtain prizes may be disqualified and prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada.
  1. There is no minimum age; however, participants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
  1. BAIT: Bait sourced outside Simcoe County is NOT ALLOWED.  Minnows will be available for purchase onsite.
  1. The tournament is scheduled for February 17, 2026 from 11am to 2pm  (UPDATED TIME) at Lake Simcoe, Barrie (Kempenfelt Bay), South Shore Community Centre. In case of extreme cold, the event may be shortened by one hour, ending at 1:00pm, with prize distribution adjusted accordingly.
  1. Winners are determined by the heaviest fish and registration time. In case of a tie, the earliest registered fish wins. For example, if three 4-pound Northern Pike are entered, the first registered takes 1st place, followed by 2nd and 3rd. If still tied, the earliest tournament registrant wins. Fish are ranked from heaviest to lightest within each category.
  1. Each participant may fish a maximum of two holes. Multiple fish may be registered, but only the heaviest fish per hole qualifies for prizes.
  1. Only participants registering two holes are eligible for two prizes.
  1. To reserve a hole (or two), attach a strap beside the hole and another to your cooler. A hole marked with a strap is reserved—DO NOT TOUCH. Participants may only manage their own holes. Reserving for others is not permitted.
  1. Holes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once selected, secure your strap to the marker to claim your hole.
  1. Reserving more than two holes will result in disqualification for both the offender and the associated registration number.
  1. Participants are not permitted to drill their own holes; all holes will be pre-drilled.
  1. Sharing fish among participants, as determined by officials, may lead to disqualification.
  1. All fish must be brought immediately to the judges’ station on foot, alive, and in containers (see rule 1). Dead or frozen fish are not eligible. Judges may verify legality of catches; their decisions are final. Fish must be presented by the rightful owner with matching straps (exceptions for handicapped participants). Bring a container partially filled with water for transport. This is a catch-and-release event; use of coolers and small sleds is encouraged.
  1. Participants must remain within the designated fishing area and keep straps visible at all times. Inspections will occur prior to entry.
  1. Entry to the fishing area must be through inspection gates, with straps clearly visible.
  1. Participants are fully responsible for their safety and actions before, during, and after the event.
  1. Only a clear plastic sheet (6ft by 10ft) secured by posts is allowed as shelter and must be removed afterward. Shelter may cover only two sides of the hole or as approved. Participants must remain visible at all times. Fish huts are prohibited.
  1. Sleeping bags, blankets, coolers, heaters, chairs, depth finders, and underwater cameras are permitted. Weighted lines without hooks may be used to measure depth before 10:45am.
  1. Participants may switch to an unmarked hole within the contest area. Multiple rods are allowed, but only one rod per hole may be used at any time.
  1. Cans and bottles are not permitted; thermoses are allowed. Please dispose of waste properly. Garbage bins will be available—use them to help preserve the environment.
  1. No motorized vehicles are permitted in the tournament area except for officials, authorized personnel, and accessibility needs. Vehicles within 100 yards of the perimeter may lead to disqualification.
  1. The departure format on February 17, 2026 will be:

– Entries 1–250 (Group 1): access at 8am

– Entries 251–500 (Group 2): access at 9am

– Entries 501–750 (Group 3): access at 10am

– Entries 751–1,000 (Group 4/5): access at 10:30am

Register early for better selection of fishing spots.

  1. All participants must sign a PARTICIPANT WAIVER upon registration.
  1. All rules are subject to interpretation by the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association Ice Fishing Tournament Executive Committee.
  1. By entering, participants confirm they understand and agree to all rules.
  1. Send entries to the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association Ice Fishing Tournament, P.O. Box 305 Barrie, ON L4M 4T5, or register online via the website. NO PAYPAL ACCOUNT REQUIRED FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION!
  2. NO PHONE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ONLINE OR MAIL ONLY.
  1. After Feb. 1, 2026, ONLY VISA/MasterCard payments will be accepted. On registration day, cash, VISA, or MasterCard only.
  1. Prizes will be awarded once results are finalized. Retail values are based on donor estimates. To claim a prize, you must present your strap and weigh receipt.
  1. Participants must park in designated areas and follow posted signage. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.
  1. For accessibility inquiries, contact: [email protected]
  1. To qualify, fish must be registered or out of the water before the final siren. Participants in line will still be counted.
  1. If cancelled due to weather or ice conditions, prize draws will take place at the South Shore Community Centre on February 17th, 2026 at 11:15am. Attendance is not required, but prizes must be claimed within 48 hours of notification.
  1. Participation confirms full acceptance of these rules.
  1. Entry also grants permission for photos to be taken and used for promotional purposes.
  1. The $1,000 cash prize winner must be present at the time of the draw, or another winner will be selected.
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