Broome County’s Most Unexpected Valentine’s Day Date Is On The Ice

Valentine’s Day usually comes with candles, chocolate, and maybe a nice dinner out. But here in the Southern Tier, love can also mean bundling up, grabbing your gear, and heading out onto the ice. This year, the Whitney Point Sportsmens Club is giving couples, families, and anyone who just really loves fishing a pretty unforgettable way to spend February 14.

Valentine’s Day Goes Ice Fishing

The Crappie Derby 2026 is set for Saturday, February 14, at Dorchester Park in Whitney Point, and current ice conditions are looking good for the event to move forward. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the derby officially begins at 8 a.m. Just a heads-up: you do need to be registered to be eligible for prizes, so this is not the day to sleep in.

Free Fishing Weekend Sweetens the Deal

Here is a nice little bonus. New York State is offering a Free Fishing Weekend on both Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15 for Presidents’ Day weekend. That means if you are 16 or older, you can fish during the derby without a fishing license. All regular freshwater fishing rules still apply, but this makes it a perfect chance for anyone who has ever said, “I’ve always wanted to try ice fishing.”

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Fish with the Family, Dine with Your Date

The timing actually works out pretty perfectly. You can take the kids out fishing in the morning, make some memories, maybe even win a prize, and still have plenty of time to clean up and head out for a Valentine’s dinner later. It is kind of the best of both worlds.

Winter Fun and Community Spirit on Ice

This event is not about being fancy or formal. It is about getting outside, laughing a little, and enjoying one of those very Upstate New York moments that somehow mix winter, community, and a whole lot of heart.

So whether you show up with your sweetheart, your kids, your friends, or just your favorite fishing buddy, the Crappie Derby is shaping up to be a pretty great way to spend Valentine’s Day on the ice.