The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is back this Saturday, bringing families and fishing enthusiasts together for a fun-filled competition, while supporting local community groups.
The weather is looking promising for a day of fishing, excitement, and of course, prizes.
General Manager and Treasurer Darlene Lamoureux says they are eager to host the 17th annual derby, and shares what attendees can expect.
“This Saturday, if you show up, you'll check in at the check-in booth if you have your tickets already. Registration will be at the Lakeview if you need tickets. Registration opens at 8 AM. Once you check in, you'll come down and line up and get ready to get on to the ice.”
An ice fishing rod will be handed out to the first 225 youth that come through, as well as handwarmers to the first 400 adults that attend.
“That was from an anonymous donation that was given to us. She wanted to do something for the youth.”
Lamoureux says that the derby is for anyone, and they are adding spectator tickets this year. She explains that she talked to Ian from the Falcon Lake Derby who recommended they try it out.
“I have 27 spectator tickets sold so far. Just people who want to come down on the ice and join in on the fun.”
Along with a fun day of fishing comes lots of prizes.
“So first of all, you can win $15,000 cash and we have five cash prizes. So you have to catch a fish to win one of the cash prizes. We have 25 youth prizes that are just by the random draw of your ticket, as well as about 42 adult prizes that are done just by the random draw of your ticket. You don't even have to catch a fish to win those prizes, and we put them together yesterday and they range anywhere from $250 to about $1,500.”
Even if you leave empty-handed in the fishing department, you could still take home the ‘skunked prize’, which is a $500 gift certificate to Watertown, plus a bag of goodies.
The prize for the longest fish is a two-night getaway for two at Eagles Nest Lodge, while the last fish caught will earn a $1,000 gift certificate to Lake Life Power Sports in Lac du Bonnet. Additionally, two used augers will be raffled off, and tickets will be sold for a $3,000 raffle.
There are many exciting moments throughout the day, but for Lamoureux, a highlight is when the horn goes off, the gates open, and everybody runs on to the ice to get to their hole.
“It is quite a scene to see. Most of them are running and they're running like mad to get to the perfect hole. Some of them are just walking, but it's neat to see. And it's neat to see how everybody sets up and gets in on the fun.”
The action heats up at 11:15 AM when the fish measuring team gets to work.
“We have this fish measuring team of 40 volunteers, so 20 teams of two. You don't have to run your fish anywhere, as soon as you catch your fish, you just yell fish. All your neighbors are going to start yelling and screaming and a fish measuring team will come and measure your fish and write down the length of it and then the time, and then you verify it, and they'll take down the person's name and phone number.”
Beyond the competition, the event has a huge impact on the community. Last year, 165 volunteers helped out, earning $18 an hour for an organization of their choice. The committee also hires local groups like the Pinawa Panthers high school hockey team and the Beausejour cadets to drill holes.
“Last year they drilled 2180 holes in 50 minutes. They're out there bright and early and it's a quick way to make some fundraising cash as opposed to selling chocolates or tickets.”
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, the derby distributed over $12,000 to volunteer organizations, granted $10,000 to various community initiatives, and awarded two $1,000 bursaries to graduating students.
Visit ldbice.ca for tickets and details on the event.
WIth files from Corny Rempel
