READY? SET. FISH!

Get ready for a day of ice fishing, friendly competition, exciting prizes, and community fun at the 2027 Multi-Lakes Hardwater Classic!

Whether you're an experienced angler or introducing your kids to ice fishing, there's something for everyone at this family-friendly event on Reed Lake.

Registration opens November 2, 2026!

Take advantage of special early-bird pricing throughout November. Kids ages 12 and under participate FREE, but all anglers must register individually.

REGISTRATION PRICING

Affordable fun for the whole family! Register early to save on your entry fee.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION — NOVEMBER ONLY!

November 2–30, 2026

Adults (16+): $15

Youth (13–15): $10

Kids (12 & Under): FREE

REGULAR REGISTRATION

December 1, 2026 – January 22, 2027

Adults (16+): $20

Youth (13–15): $10

Kids (12 & Under): FREE

DERBY-DAY WALK-UP REGISTRATION

January 23, 2027 | 6:30–7:15 AM

Adults (16+): $30

Youth (13–15): $20

Kids (12 & Under): FREE

Walk-up registration is available at the MLCA clubhouse until 7:15 AM, subject to event capacity.

IMPORTANT: All anglers must register individually, including children participating for free. A parent or legal guardian must complete the required waiver for participants under 18.

HOW TO REGISTER

Getting signed up for the Hardwater Classic is easy!

STEP 1 — CHOOSE YOUR REGISTRATION

Beginning November 2, 2026, use our online registration form to select the appropriate entry for each participating angler.

Remember, kids 12 and under fish FREE, but still need to be registered!

STEP 2 — COMPLETE YOUR INFORMATION

Provide the required participant information and complete the registration acknowledgment and waiver. A parent or legal guardian must sign for participants under 18.

STEP 3 — YOU'RE READY FOR THE CLASSIC!

After completing registration, you'll receive a confirmation with important event information.

On derby morning, stop by the registration area at the MLCA clubhouse to check in and receive your participant number.

PREFER TO REGISTER IN PERSON?

Walk-up registration will be available at the clubhouse on derby morning from 6:30–7:15 AM at the day-of registration rates listed above.

REGISTRATION BEGINS NOV 2

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

EVENT DATE & LOCATION

Saturday, January 23, 2027

Reed Lake at Multi-Lakes Conservation Association

3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township, Michigan

Backup event date: February 6, 2027

CHECK-IN & FISHING HOURS

Check-in begins at 6:30 AM at the MLCA clubhouse.

Derby-day walk-up registration closes promptly at 7:15 AM.

Fishing begins at 7:30 AM and ends at 1:00 PM. Final fish submissions must be completed by 1:30 PM.

AGE DIVISIONS & YOUTH PARTICIPATION

Youth Division: Ages 15 and under.

Adult Division: Ages 16 and older.

A parent or legal guardian must sign the required waiver for participants under 18.

Youth anglers may also qualify for Adult Division awards under the Official Derby Rules.

FISHING LICENSE & EQUIPMENT

Michigan anglers age 17 and older must have a valid fishing license as required by Michigan law.

Participants must provide their own fishing equipment unless otherwise specified.

The derby is walk-on only. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the ice.

ICE CONDITIONS & EVENT SAFETY

All participation is subject to ice and weather conditions.

NO ICE IS SAFE ICE. Each participant is responsible for exercising appropriate caution and following event officials' instructions.

PLEASE REVIEW THE OFFICIAL DERBY RULES BEFORE REGISTERING

VIEW OFFICIAL DERBY RULES

EVENT POSTPONEMENT & REFUND POLICY

YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST

The Multi-Lakes Hardwater Classic is scheduled for Saturday, January 23, 2027, with a backup date of Saturday, February 6, 2027.

If ice or weather conditions prevent the derby from taking place on January 23, all registrations will automatically transfer to the February 6 backup date at no additional charge.

If conditions prevent the derby from taking place on both scheduled dates, the event will be canceled.

ALL REGISTRATION FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.

The Hardwater Classic is a fundraising event supporting Multi-Lakes Conservation Association, a nonprofit conservation organization. Registration fees are nonrefundable, including in the event of postponement, cancellation due to unsafe conditions, or inability to attend the backup date.

If the event cannot take place, registration proceeds will remain with MLCA to support its conservation and community programs.

Participant safety will always take priority over holding the event.

Official event-status announcements will be published on our Ice Updates page.

VIEW ICE UPDATES

READY TO HIT THE ICE?

Join us January 23, 2027, for fishing, prizes, and family fun at Reed Lake!

Early bird adult registration is just $15 throughout November. Kids 12 and under participate FREE!

REGISTRATION OPENS NOV 2

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse

READY? SET. FISH!

REGISTRATION PRICING

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION — NOVEMBER ONLY!

REGULAR REGISTRATION

DERBY-DAY WALK-UP REGISTRATION

HOW TO REGISTER

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

EVENT POSTPONEMENT & REFUND POLICY

READY TO HIT THE ICE?

MULTI-LAKES HARDWATER CLASSIC