Frozen Memories: Ice Fishing Adventures on Lake Winnipesaukee

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Frozen Memories: Ice Fishing Adventures on Lake Winnipesaukee

By Malcolm Pannell

CJ Richards/Yellow Perch

The sun crests the horizon, casting a pale golden light across the endless sheet of ice covering Lake Winnipesaukee. The world seems frozen in time, the silence only broken by the distant hum of an auger piercing through the surface. For CJ Richards, this isn’t just a winter pastime—it’s a family tradition, a ritual deeply tied to the crisp New Hampshire winters and the enduring bonds of his loved ones.

Every February, thousands of anglers flock to the lake for the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, a competition that has become a cornerstone of CJ’s life. “The derby has been going on for 46 years now, and my family has entered almost every year that I can remember,” CJ says. While he’s shared countless days on the ice with his brothers and dad, there’s one memory that rises above the rest.

A Bond Forged in Ice

CJ vividly recalls a trip from his childhood, a day that etched itself into his mind like frost on a winter window.

“I was 10 years old, and it was just my dad and me that year,” he says. The two rose before dawn, the world outside still cloaked in darkness. With thermoses of coffee and hot cocoa in hand, they loaded up their gear and made their way to a friend’s cabin on the lake.

The morning chill nipped at their faces as they trudged across the ice, setting up their tip-ups and drilling holes into the thick surface. “It was freezing, but I didn’t care,” CJ recalls. “We were catching fish left and right—pickerel, bass, perch, sunnies. We even got some salmon and trout. I’d never seen so many different kinds of fish in one day.”

The hours flew by in a blur of laughter, excitement, and the rhythmic motions of reeling in their catches. For CJ, it wasn’t just the thrill of the competition—it was the chance to spend an entire day with his dad, away from the distractions of everyday life. “That trip showed me what fishing is really about. It’s not just about the fish—it’s about the time spent together.”

The Subtle Art of Ice Fishing

Chain Pickerel

Ice fishing is as much a craft as it is a sport. CJ breaks down the two main techniques he swears by: the tip-up and jigging.

“The tip-up is pretty ingenious,” he says. “It’s a trap with a reel and a flag, so when the fish takes the bait, the flag pops up. It’s like seeing fireworks go off—it’s that exciting.”

Jigging, on the other hand, requires more finesse. “You take a small rod and gently move the lure up and down, or make small circles to attract the fish. It’s a bit more hands-on, but it’s incredibly satisfying when you get a bite.” While CJ has seen some creative approaches over the years, these tried-and-true methods have never let him down.

Lake Winnipesaukee: A Winter Wonderland

At nearly 72 square miles, Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake and the crown jewel of the state’s fishing scene. Its spring-fed waters remain pristine, their clarity revealing the rich aquatic life below. Surrounded by the White Mountains, the lake offers a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks and icy blue skies.

“The lake is just incredible,” CJ says, his voice tinged with reverence. “The water is so clear, and on a good day, you can see straight down to the bottom. And the views—everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by beauty. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and appreciate life.”

One of the lake’s most striking features is its depth. At its deepest point, Lake Winnipesaukee plunges to 200 feet, a fact that adds to its allure. “It’s kind of humbling,” CJ admits. “You’re out there, standing on this frozen surface, and below you is this massive, mysterious world.”

Tradition and Togetherness

Burgers Anyone?

For CJ and his family, the derby is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to reconnect. “We’ve been doing this for so long, it feels like part of who we are,” he says. Over the years, the annual trip has become a time to swap stories, share laughs, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As the day wears on, the camaraderie among the anglers grows. Portable shelters dot the lake like miniature outposts, each one housing a group of friends or family huddled together against the cold. “There’s something special about the atmosphere out here,” CJ says. “It’s not just about the derby—it’s about the people, the tradition, the sense of community.”

Largemouth Bass

Yellow Perch

A Frozen Legacy

The sun begins to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as the day winds down. CJ looks back on his years at Lake Winnipesaukee with a sense of gratitude. “This lake has given me so much—memories, lessons, even a few trophies here and there,” he says with a laugh.

As the last light fades and the ice begins to glow softly under the moon, CJ gathers his gear and prepares to head home. Another derby, another set of memories to carry forward. And while each year brings new experiences, one thing remains constant: the timeless beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee and the enduring bond of family.

Lake Winnipesaukee

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