The weather for this year’s derby is expected to be a little milder than last year. But wind and cold last year didn’t keep Martin Hyatt off the ice.
The biggest and best ice fishing derby the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club has ever organized is expected to take place Feb. 28.
That expectation is set by Dave Peterson.
“I really believe that,” Peterson said Thursday. “It’s shaping up to be probably the best derby we’ll ever have.”
He should know. Not only does he serve as chairman of the club’s derby committee and is a long-time board member, he said he’s attended every one of the 29 previous derbies.
“We’ve got perfect conditions: A nice main prize, fairly stable weather predicted and the ice is awesome,” Peterson said. “And it’s fun.”
The Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club’s 30th annual Family Ice Fishing Derby and Raffle is set to run from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 28 on Rainy Lake’s Sand Bay. Access by vehicle should be made at Rainy Lake Marine.
The draw of the derby may be stronger this year than in others, Peterson said.
“People are tired of being inside because it’s so cold — that might help push people to get out fishing,” he said.
Peterson reminded anglers they must abide by the Rainy Lake walleye slot that calls for all fish 17-28 inches to be immediately released.
This year’s derby will offer designated fire pits where marshmallows may be roasted. As in the past, every kid gets a ticket for a free hot dog and this year will receive a special something when they register a fish.
Fish prizes, which have been donated by area businesses, will be awarded by a random draw of the fish entered. The prizes are not awarded based on size, as in the past.
The club’s Senior Fish House will serve as derby headquarters, with the Lion’s Club Food Wagon, fire pits and portable toilets located nearby.
Peterson encouraged folks to drill a hole for their neighbor if they need, and he said a club member at the HQ will also drill holes for people who need them.
Ticket holders need not be present to win a derby raffle prize, he added.
Fishing on Sand Bay has been pretty good, Peterson said, noting he heard of a 17-inch crappie recently caught.
Peterson, an avid angler, suggested trying a plain hook with minnow on one line and jigging with an eighth-ounce glowing red or white jig.
Meanwhile, the derby serves as the club’s biggest fundraiser and helps to provide money for habitat projects, including the successful Rat Root River walleye spawning project, he said.
“That will add to our fish count coming up when the walleye spawn,” he said of the Rat Root project.
While grants were provided for some of the work for that project, the club was required to provide a percentage of the cost.
Derby proceeds also help to make improvements at the Rod Smith Memorial Kids’ Fishing Pond off County Road 93. The pond, which features covered picnic tables and two fishing piers, now offers young anglers a chance to catch largemouth bass and blue gill, in addition to the trout stocked there.
The pond is intended to give kids a chance to fish when their parents can’t or there is no lake access for them, the ability to catch fish when it may be difficult on the bigger lakes, and a place to hone their angling skills, Peterson said.
Illustration commemorates the 40th anniversary of the creation of Voyageurs National Park.
A new poster and postcard that highlights Voyageurs National Park’s 40th anniversary is now available for purchase.
Rays of sunshine illuminate a secluded campsite, tucked away in Voyageurs National Park. This 12-inch by 18-inch Works Progress Administration -style print is ready for framing.
This illustration commemorates the 40th birthday Voyageurs National Park and the 50th anniversary of Voyageurs National Park Association. Its creation involved many great park partners, including the artist, Tyler Nordgren; Voyageurs National Park Association assisted with the design; and Jefferson National Park’s Association printed the product.
Chief of Interpretation Tawnya Schoewe said the poster celebrates the anniversaries and park’s partnership.
“Tyler’s art really captures the Voyageurs National Park experience,” she said in a news release.
The poster is now available at the Jefferson National Park Association bookstores in all three park visitor centers. The poster is also available online at www.jnpa.com.
Voyageurs National Park Association helped to establish the national park in 1975 and today is dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enhancing Voyageurs for generations to come, said the news release. Learn more at www.voyageurs.org.
birthday of Voyageurs National Park and the 50th
The weather for this year’s derby is expected to be a little milder than last year. But wind and cold last year didn’t keep Martin Hyatt off the ice.
