The Multi-Lakes Hardwater Classic is all about good sportsmanship, fair competition, and enjoying a great day on the ice.
Please review the official derby rules before participating. These guidelines promote responsible ice fishing, fair competition, and an enjoyable experience for anglers of all ages and experience levels.
EVENT DATE
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Backup: Saturday, February 6, 2027
OFFICIAL HOURS
Fishing: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Check-in opens: 6:30 AM
Final weigh-in closes: 1:30 PM
DIVISIONS
Adult & Youth Divisions
All anglers must register individually. Ages 12 and under register free.
PANFISH SPECIES
Yellow Perch · Bluegill/Sunfish · Crappie
MAIN COMPETITION
Adult: Combined length up to 5 eligible fish
Youth: Combined length up to 3 eligible fish
Plus individual largest-species awards
LAKE ACCESS
Walk-on only. No vehicles, ATVs, or snowmobiles permitted on the ice.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are catch-and-immediate-release only during the derby.
Bass may not be kept, transported to the weigh-in station, or entered in any derby competition.
All anglers must follow applicable Michigan DNR fishing regulations.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
The Multi-Lakes Hardwater Classic is open to the public. Multi-Lakes Conservation Association membership is not required.
Anglers compete individually in Adult and Youth divisions. Families and friends are welcome to fish together.
YOUTH DIVISION
The Youth Division is open to anglers ages 15 and under.
Children ages 12 and under participate free. All anglers must register individually, including those participating for free.
Youth anglers are also eligible for Adult Division awards without registering twice. If a youth angler wins an Adult Division award, the corresponding Youth Division award passes to the next qualifying youth angler.
REGISTRATION & WAIVERS
Registration opens November 2, 2026.
Every participant must complete registration and the required event waiver before fishing. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for participants under 18.
All anglers must check in at the MLCA clubhouse before heading onto Reed Lake. Check-in opens at 6:30 AM.
FISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Anglers ages 17 and older must carry a valid Michigan fishing license.
All participants must follow applicable Michigan DNR fishing regulations and official derby rules.
WHERE & WHEN TO FISH
All qualifying fish must be caught by the registered angler on Reed Lake during official derby hours, 7:30 AM–1:00 PM.
Fish caught before or after official fishing hours are not eligible.
PERMITTED FISHING METHODS
Hook-and-line fishing only. All anglers must follow applicable Michigan DNR regulations, including fishing line and possession limits.
Only fish personally caught by the registered angler may be entered.
ELIGIBLE PANFISH
The derby features three eligible panfish categories:
Yellow Perch
Bluegill / Sunfish — All legally caught sunfish species
Crappie — Black or white
There is no minimum fish length for derby eligibility. All fish must comply with applicable Michigan DNR fishing regulations.
Only eligible panfish count toward championship totals and individual species awards.
FISH CONDITION & SUBMISSION
Fish must be caught on derby day and brought to weigh-in fresh. Frozen, partially frozen, or previously caught fish are not eligible for measurement. Fish do not need to be alive.
For championship and largest-species awards, each angler may select up to five eligible panfish.
Hourly contest entries are separate from the five-fish championship limit. A fish entered in an hourly contest may also be included among an angler's five selected championship fish, provided it meets all eligibility requirements.
Photographs entered in the Best Fish Photo contest do not require the fish to be brought to the weigh-in station.
FISH SUBMISSIONS & MEASUREMENT
Anglers may submit eligible panfish for official measurement throughout the derby. There is no limit on the number of different fish an angler may submit. Anglers do not need to bring their fish in together or wait until the end of the derby.
Each fish will be measured to the nearest ¼ inch, rounded down. Officials will record the species, measured length, registration number, and official submission time.
Fish will be returned to the angler immediately after measurement. Once a fish has been officially measured and recorded, it cannot be submitted again as a new entry.
CHAMPIONSHIP SCORING
Adult Panfish Champion: The greatest combined length of an angler's five longest eligible fish recorded during the derby.
Youth Panfish Champion: The greatest combined length of an angler's three longest eligible fish recorded during the derby.
Anglers may submit additional fish throughout the competition to improve their standings. The scoring system automatically uses each angler's highest qualifying measurements.
Anglers with fewer than five fish may still qualify for awards. Their totals are calculated using the fish they have submitted.
Youth anglers also qualify for Adult Division awards under our established crossover rules.
LARGEST FISH AWARDS
Separate Adult and Youth awards will recognize the largest Yellow Perch, Bluegill/Sunfish, and Crappie.
Any eligible, officially recorded fish may qualify for a largest-species award, even if it is not among the angler's current championship fish.
HOURLY CONTESTS
Hourly contests remain separate from championship scoring.
An eligible fish entered during its designated hourly contest window may also count toward championship and largest-species awards. The fish does not need to be measured a second time.
Each hourly contest's individual entry requirements and deadlines remain in effect.
TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES
Championship Awards: Ties will be broken by comparing each angler's longest qualifying fish, then second-longest, and so on. If all qualifying lengths are identical, official submission times will determine the winner.
Largest Species Awards: In the event of identical measurements, the fish submitted earliest will win.
All measurements, submissions, and tie-breaking decisions are subject to final verification by derby officials.
FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Fishing ends at 1:00 PM, and all final fish submissions must be completed by 1:30 PM.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
There's more than one way to win at the Hardwater Classic! Five hourly contests give Adult and Youth anglers additional opportunities to take home prizes throughout derby day.
Separate Adult and Youth winners will be recognized for each contest.
GENERAL HOURLY CONTEST RULES
Each registered angler may enter each hourly contest once.
Hourly contest entries are separate from championship scoring and do not count against the five-fish championship submission limit.
Fish entered in hourly contests may also qualify for championship scoring.
All fish must be caught by the registered angler on Reed Lake during official fishing hours and comply with Michigan DNR regulations.
Entries must meet the requirements and deadlines for their respective contests.
9:00 AM — FIRST FISH ON THE ICE
Catch and officially submit an eligible panfish between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM to enter the early-catch drawing.
One entry per registered angler. Separate Adult and Youth winners will be selected randomly from qualifying entries.
10:00 AM — DINK OF THE HOUR
Sometimes the smallest fish brings the biggest smile!
The angler who submits the smallest eligible panfish between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM wins.
Fish will be measured using the official derby measurement standard.
In the event of a tie, the fish with the earliest officially recorded submission time wins.
11:00 AM — LUCKY 7
Can you catch the perfect seven?
The eligible panfish measuring closest to exactly 7 inches wins.
Entries are accepted between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Fish measuring above or below 7 inches are eligible. In the event of an equal difference from 7 inches, the earliest officially recorded submission wins.
NOON — BEST FISH PHOTO
Show us your favorite catch of the day!
Anglers may submit one photograph of an eligible panfish they personally caught during the derby.
Photos must be taken during official fishing hours by 11:59 AM and emailed by 12:00 PM.
Email your photograph to thehardwaterclassic@gmail.com, including your registered angler number in the subject line.
Separate Adult and Youth winners will be chosen by event judges based on the fish's appearance, creativity, and overall photo presentation.
Fish do not need to be retained or brought to the weigh-in station for this contest. Judges' decisions are final.
1:00 PM — PANFISH HAT TRICK
Three species. One winning combination!
To qualify, an angler must catch one eligible fish from each of the following categories:
Yellow Perch
Bluegill / Sunfish
Crappie
All three fish must be caught during official derby hours, 7:30 AM–1:00 PM.
The winner is determined by the greatest combined length of the three qualifying fish.
Hat Trick entries must be officially recorded by the 1:30 PM final weigh-in deadline. Winners will be announced at the 2:00 PM awards ceremony.
Ties will be broken by comparing the longest fish, followed by the next-longest fish. If still tied, the earliest officially recorded submission wins.
Hat Trick fish are separate from the championship submission limit but may also be selected for championship scoring.
The Hardwater Classic isn't just about catching fish! Join us for some friendly competition, creative setups, and fun activities throughout derby day.
BEST SHANTY
Show off your ice-fishing headquarters!
Judges will select the most impressive shanty setup based on creativity, originality, appearance, and overall presentation.
One overall winner will be selected, regardless of age.
BEST VINTAGE SETUP
Celebrate the old-school traditions of ice fishing!
Judges will recognize the most interesting vintage ice-fishing setup, considering the age, authenticity, condition, and presentation of the equipment.
One overall winner will be selected, regardless of age.
CHUCK-A-PUCK CHALLENGE
Slide your way to victory!
Participants receive three attempts to slide a hockey puck down a cleared ice lane toward a shallow target hole drilled partially into the ice.
Each successful shot earns one point. The participant with the most successful shots wins. If nobody scores, the closest attempt wins. Ties are settled by a sudden-death shootout.
Separate Adult and Youth divisions will compete from designated starting lines.
The target hole will not penetrate through the ice. All attempts must take place under volunteer supervision.
ICE SCOOP TOSS
Think you've got a good throwing arm?
Participants receive three attempts to toss an event-provided ice-fishing scoop toward a marked target.
The participant whose scoop lands closest to the target wins. Only the closest of each participant's three attempts counts.
Ties are settled by a one-toss shootout, repeated as necessary.
Separate Adult and Youth divisions will compete from designated throwing lines.
All attempts must take place within the designated activity area under volunteer supervision.
GENERAL ACTIVITY RULES
All games and competitions are subject to event staff instructions and safety requirements.
Judges' decisions are final. Winners will be announced during the 2:00 PM awards ceremony.
COMPETITION AWARDS
Official Panfish Championship, largest-species, hourly contest, and fun activity winners will be determined by derby officials.
Winners are encouraged to attend the 2:00 PM awards ceremony at the MLCA clubhouse.
Competition winners who cannot attend the ceremony may arrange prize pickup with derby organizers.
RAFFLES & DOOR PRIZES
Raffle and door-prize winners must be present to win.
Winners must be present when their names or ticket numbers are called. If a winner is not present, another winner will be drawn.
OFFICIAL DECISIONS
All awards are subject to verification of registration, entry eligibility, and compliance with derby rules.
Derby officials reserve the right to disqualify participants or entries that violate event rules.
Judges' decisions regarding measurements, contest results, and award eligibility are final.
NO ICE IS SAFE ICE
Ice conditions are unpredictable, and no ice should ever be considered completely safe. Every participant is responsible for evaluating conditions, using appropriate safety equipment, and exercising good judgment while on the ice.
Carrying ice picks is strongly recommended. Anglers should also dress appropriately, use ice traction, and consider bringing a spud bar to check conditions.
ICE CONDITIONS & EVENT STATUS
Derby organizers will monitor ice conditions and conduct measurements before the event.
The official go/no-go announcement is scheduled for January 21, 2027, and will be posted on the Ice Updates page.
If conditions prevent the January 23 derby from proceeding, the event will move to the backup date of February 6, 2027.
Conditions may change at any time. Event officials reserve the right to delay, suspend, or cancel fishing and require participants to leave the ice.
LAKE ACCESS & RESTRICTED AREAS
All anglers must enter and exit Reed Lake through the designated event access point.
Reed Lake's shoreline is primarily private property. Participants must respect neighboring properties and remain within authorized access areas.
The derby is walk-on only. Cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other motor vehicles are not permitted on the ice.
Stay clear of marked hazards and restricted areas. Follow all instructions from event officials.
EMERGENCIES
In an emergency, call 911 immediately and alert event volunteers.
Do not enter open water or venture onto unsafe ice to attempt a rescue. Follow the instructions of emergency responders and event safety personnel.
SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT
Treat fellow anglers, volunteers, event officials, and neighboring property owners with respect.
Keep the lake and surrounding property clean. All participants must remove their equipment, bait containers, fishing line, and trash.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe behavior, or violations of derby rules may result in disqualification without a refund.
All participants must comply with instructions from event officials. Judges' decisions regarding competition results are final.
Every angler must register individually and complete the required waiver before fishing. By participating, anglers agree to follow official derby rules and event staff instructions.