HARTLAND — The Hartland Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its third annual Ice Fishing Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 18 and Sunday, Feb. 19.

About 100 people attended the ice fishing derby last year, said First Assistant Chief Paul Moulton. All proceeds benefit the department, and “it’s a good way to have fun with your family.”

It’s a free fishing weekend across the state, so people don’t need fishing licenses to compete, he said. The derby is on Great Moose Lake and Morrill Pond in Hartland as well as Big and Little Indian ponds in St. Albans.

Moulton said he will place 10 tagged trout in Great Moose Lake and another 10 tagged trout in Big Indian Pond. Anyone who catches the tagged fish will win $200.

It’s a challenge to catch them, he said. Last year only one person was successful.

People who buy $2 tickets will be entered into a drawing that includes $350 cash, a large jet sled for carrying supplies and gift certificates.

Tickets are available each day of the event 6-8 a.m. at the Great Moose Lake boat landing off Great Moose Drive in Hartland and the Big Indian Pond boat landing off Corinna Road in St. Albans.

Tickets are also available earlier at Wright’s General Store, Moose Lake Market or Kippy’s Korner Store, all in Hartland, or Indian Lake Market in St. Albans.

The weigh-in will be 4-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Hartland Fire Station at 43 Canaan Road. Drawings and prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Ice conditions have improved in recent weeks, Moulton said, but people should always use caution.

Erin Rhoda — 612-2368

erhoda@centralmaine.com