Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
This year’s Detroit Lake Fishing Derby promises to “keep kid’s fishing.”
More than 1,000 adults and children are expected to attend this popular event, sponsored by the Detroit Lake Recreation Area Business Association. Other sponsors include Siegmund Excavation & Construction, Allied Rock, Pautzke Bait Co. and Davidson’s Masonry.
The first 700 registrants will receive a free fishing derby hat, so register now for the Derby held May 17-19 at the Detroit City Park.
Sign-ups are at the two-bay fire station in the Detroit Community Center. The entry fee for adults 14 and older is $25 and children 13 and under, $20, with an online registration fee for both. No early check-ins will be allowed. One entry fee covers all three days.
Each punch card receives one entry ticket for the grand prize adult and kid’s drawing, held between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Additional entries may be purchased.
“You don’t need to be present to win, but it’s more fun if you’re there,” organizers agreed.
The adult grand prize is a Smoker Craft 15-foot Alaska TF boat with motor and trailer. Winners of the children’s drawing will walk away with a brand-new bicycle and safety helmet.
Ways to win include a 14 and over adult prize category and a 13 and under child prize category for the largest fish caught over the weekend, as well as a prize for the largest fish caught each day. Sunday prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for the weekend.
Rod and reel combos go to those catching the biggest fish by weight. Ten tagged fish have been planted in the lake, with nine worth $50 each and one worth $100. Tagged fish must be taken to the Detroit City Park stations by noon on Sunday.
Anyone can take part in the Detroit Lake Foundation drawing, with lots of goodies to be given away, including inflatables, outdoor grills, coolers, fishing equipment and water fun toys.
Prior to the Derby, Detroit Lake Foundation drawing tickets can be bought online at the Eventbrite site until 11:30 p.m. May 15. Pre-sale ticket prices are $20 for five tickets and $40 for 10 tickets. At the Derby, tickets will be on sale for $5 each at the registration area in the park until 5 p.m. Saturday.
Winners will be posted on Sunday at the registration area and online at the Detroit Lake Foundation site.
Prizes must be claimed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Both Marinas sponsor catch and release. A legally caught fish is defined as: rainbow trout or kokanee that is 8 inches or longer. The limit is five fish, per person, per day. For more details, visit the Detroit Lake Foundation website.
Baked and Loaded Potatoes (AKA the Spud Bus), Taco Truck and Oregon Beverage Service will be at the event. In town, food and drinks can be purchased at Korner Burger & More, Mountain High Grocery and Idanha Grill.
There will be plenty of family fun, including yard games, vendors, entertainers and more. The Severin Sisters will perform prior to the awards ceremony from noon to 2 p.m. at the Detroit City Park stage.
This event is the Detroit/Idanha fundraiser for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration, Fireworks at the Lake, to be held this year on Saturday, July 6.
To become a sponsor or for more information about the Detroit Lake Fishing Derby, visit www.detroitlakefoundation.org or the organization’s Facebook page.
