How an Ice Fishing derby day unfolds
This walkthrough follows the modes named on the Google Play card for Ice Fishing Derby 2, checked 30 September 2026. It is not a substitute for the in-game tutorials.
Free Fishing
Keep equipment between trips, pick a lake, and fish without a weigh-in timer. Catches feed gems and unlock free-fishing gear over time, according to the listing.
Open Derbies
Everyone starts a five-day event with limited shop credit and basic gear. The pressure is how fast early catches turn into better rods, augers, electronics, and bait before the derby closes.
Pro Derbies
The store text describes more lakes, more species, higher starting credit, and snowmobile exploration once Pro is unlocked. Spot choice becomes manual rather than a fixed rotation.
On the ice
- Buy what matters for the day in Kate’s bait shop — rods, augers, electronics, cocoa.
- Drill holes, set a shanty, jig without spooking the school.
- Use sonar or an underwater camera when you can afford them.
- Move when the bite dies; watch body heat warnings.