Ty Couture, 5, of South Royalton, center, yells as he skids down a shoveled line of ice while taking a break from ice fishing as John Moore, 11, of Topsham, watches, and Tyson Allen, 6, of Windsor, slides on his back during the 13th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby on Dewey's Pond in Quechee, Vt., on Jan. 25, 2014. The group of boys took to taking turns sliding on the ice when there was a lull in the fishing action. Valley News - Sarah Priestap
Ty Couture, 5, of South Royalton, center, yells as he skids down a shoveled line of ice while taking a break from ice fishing as John Moore, 11, of Topsham, watches, and Tyson Allen, 6, of Windsor, slides on his back during the 13th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby on Dewey's Pond in Quechee, Vt., on Jan. 25, 2014. The group of boys took to taking turns sliding on the ice when there was a lull in the fishing action. Valley News - Sarah Priestap Credit: Valley News — Sarah Priestap

Quechee — In the years that Jay McDonough has been to the annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby, the Hartford Parks and Recreation program director began to notice that more people wanted how to ice fish.

“They’d never been ice fishing before in their lives,” McDonough said.

It’s something that McDonough is addressing this year with the addition of an ice fishing clinic, which will take place at Dewey’s Pond in Quechee this Saturday, around the same time as the derby. McDonough became a certified instructor with Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program in order to teach the course.

“I thought it would be the perfect fit for our event,” McDonough said. The free clinic begins at 8 a.m. and topics will include ice safety, hole drilling, equipment, techniques and regulations. Participants will also have the chance to try out their new skills. Registration is required and it’s open to people of all ages.

The ice fishing derby — for youth under age 14 — is one of the recreation department’s longest-running and is in its 17th. While registration is encouraged, it is not required. The derby begins at 7 a.m. and ends at noon.

“My favorite part is being outside and enjoying the outdoors this time of year,” McDonough said. “When you’re out on the ice and it’s a nice day, it’s really enjoyable. Catching fish is always a bonus.”

Editor’s note: Volunteers are also needed to staff the welcome tent, help with refreshments, assist with the clinic and measure fish, among other tasks. To sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/17thicefishingderby. In the case of poor ice conditions, the make-up date for both events is Feb. 3. Register for the clinic and the fishing derby at hartfordvt.myrec.com. Call 802-295-5036 with questions. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.