“Big Tex” TROUT DERBY
The Metepenagiag “Big Tex” Trout Derby is an annual fishing event held in the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, located in New Brunswick, Canada. The event is organized by the Trout Derby Committee, and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels.
The trout derby takes place on the Miramichi River, which is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Participants can compete in a variety of categories, including largest trout caught, and most trout caught.
The Metepenagiag “Big Tex” Trout Derby is a beloved community event that celebrates both the natural beauty of the region and the rich cultural heritage of the Mi’kmaq people. It provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to connect with the land and each other, and to enjoy a day of fishing, fun, and fellowship.
REGISTRATION Details
Address
Thursday, May 15th: 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Friday, May 16th: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday, May 17th: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday, May 18th: 7:00AM – 12:00PM
Additional Info
- One ballot per entry and for each trout caught
- Trout licence not required to win, only if you want to fish
- Pleasure craft licence required if driving a boat
Bix Tex Map (click to enlarge)
RULES & REGULATIONS
- You can only win once in your division. If your name is drawn more than once, another name will be drawn.
- Fishery Guardians will be on patrol to weigh & measure your live catch.
- Trout will only be judged by Metepenagiag Fishery Guardians.
- Entrants must supply own fishing gear including a live trap to keep fish alive. (Catch & Release)
- Entrants with boats must abide by Provincial Boat Safety Regulations: Must have Small Pleasure License to operate a boat during the Derby, including lifejackets, bail buckets, etc.
- To qualify for prizes, each entrant must be registered & Must use a rod. If you take a fish from a non-registered fisherperson you will be disqualified. DO NOT fish with gill nets or trawl lines.
- Trout must be judged alive & registered on the same day caught then released.
- Entrants must fish within the boundary lines. If you fish outside the boundary lines, you will be disqualified from the derby. No refund.
- Non-Native participants are required to follow the bag & possession limit under the NB Trout Fishing License in their possession. Metepenagiag Will NOT be liable for participants who remove any other amount beyond the variation order.
- Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and Trout Derby Committee waiver all liability for Loss OR Damage to equipment.
Trophies & Prizes
DIVISION “A” PRICES
1st: 2025 Ford F-150 XLT
2nd: 2025 Kawasaki Mule MX
3rd: 14’ x 36” Jon Boat with Yamaha F20SMHB
DIVISION “B” PRIZES
1st: 2025 Kawasaki Brute Force 750
2nd: Cub Cadet XT1 Ride-On Mower
3rd: Canoe
DIVISION “C” PRIZES
1st: Xbox Package
2nd: Tech Package
3rd: E-Bike
2026 – 5th Annual Mini Music Festival
City Natives & DJ IV on Friday, Don Burnstick & The Relatives on Saturday, “Matchstick Mike and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys” on Sunday
City Natives
May 16th
10pm – 10:30pm
DJ IV
Friday, May 15th
10:00pm – 2:00am
Don burnstick
May 17th
9pm – 10pm
Saturday, May 16th
10pm – 2am
Sunday, May 17th
12pm – 1pm
Our Amazing Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors ($10,000+)
Moncton Truck Stop – $10,000
$5000 PLATINUM SPONSOR
Treaty Tobacco – $5000
Rezzin Cannabis – $5000
$1000 Gold Sponsors
Cloud Convenience – $3000
James Weeks Construction – $2,000
North Shore Construction – $2,000
JR Mahoney – $1,800
G&G Brothers – $1,500
Ronnie Ward – $1100
Gaudet Garbage Inc. (Trash Away) – $1,000
Teed Saunders and Doyle & Co – $1,000
S. Daigle Construction – $1,000
Casey Tire – $1,000
Chiefs – $1,000
Bernards Construction – $1,000
EG Organics – $1,000
High Rollers (Elsipogtog) – $1,000
Braden Stewart – $1,000
$500 – $999 Silver Sponsors
MacCallum Building Supplies – $550
Northumberland Funeral Home – $500
LJ Pattersons – $500
Millstream Environmental Ltd – $500
Joseph Sock – $500
Komfort King Fuels – $500
Rae’s Trailer & Sports – $500
Renaud’s Brandsource – $500
KNE Construction – $500
Lefty’s – $500
Elsipogtog Sports Bar – $500
Fresh and Wild – $500
Metepenagiag Health Centre – $500
Child and Family – $500
NDS Electrical – $500
Lucky Leaf – $500
Cooke’s Insurance – $500
$100 – $499 Bronze Sponsors
Miramichi Meat – $400
Clearsight Auto Glass – $350
GTL (Goodfellow’s Trucking) – $300
Donnie’s Collision – $250
Eastern Tile & Carpet – $250
Carstar Miramichi – $250
Symes Financials (Sunlife) – $250
Bayview – $250
Terry & Sons – $250
Miramichi Hardware – $250
Humphrey’s Group – $250
Metepenagiag Youth – $232.15
Jardine Funeral Home – $200
Nor-Tuss Ltd – $200
Furniture & Carpet Man Ltd. – $200
White Lightening – $200
River Signs – $100
Eddy Out Depot – $100