A lucky cold snap helped ensure the Fishing Highway 24 Tourist Association's Ice Fishing Derby on Sheridan Lake went ahead last weekend.
Irene Meili, president of the association, said that the insurance that covers the event requires them to have at least 12 inches of ice. Leading up to the event she was worried as they only had nine inches for several weeks. However, two days before the event a cold snap helped increase the ice allowing them to go ahead.
"It went really well. It got cold and two days before the event we had 12 inches and it was really beautiful and solid ice. I don't think we've had that in prior years," Meili remarked. "It was beautiful clear, solid, ice. No slush in between."
Meili noted this was the first time since 2023 that they were able to hold the derby as last year's warm weather led to its cancellation. Once it was confirmed they would be able to go ahead Meili said a large number of people bought tickets in the last few days leading up to the derby, reasoning people were holding off until they knew it was guaranteed.
Temperatures were cold on Saturday, Jan. 25 as the derby began. Despite this Meili said 214 people took to the ice to try their luck at catching the biggest fish. While this was slightly below their 2023 numbers, Meili believes it was in part due to -18C temperatures.
"People wake up and go 'aww should we do it? Should we take out the family and sit on that lake for hours, or is it too cold?' I think the ones who waited for the last moment might have held off because it was too cold," Meili remarked. "It was beautiful but cold."
Meili noted the people who attended despite the weather seemed happy to participate in the first derby of the winter. She noted this derby tends to be an indication of the ice fishing season to come and she believes it will be a good one this year.
Following several hours of fishing, around 20 fish were weighed in by fishermen and fisherwomen young and old. Meili noted more than 20 fish were caught with some participants choosing not to enter if their fish weighed under the leader. Prizes were given out for the heaviest six fish and to all children who participated.
The winning fish was a trout weighing in at 10 pounds and 11 ounces, which Meili described as huge and beautiful, caught by Hailey Myttenar winning her an ice fishing auger. Second place was claimed by John Christmas with a six-pound and 14-ounce fish, followed by Bill Louie with a five-pound eight-ounce fish. The remaining top six fishes weighed in at four pounds 14 ounces, four pounds 11 ounces and four pounds 10 ounces caught by Arjun Shajimon, Everett Christmas and Rob Tait respectively.
Everett was originally competing in the children category but Meili said they bumped him up because of how big his fish was. In the children's category, Henley Dehmel caught a one-pound 14-ounce fish while Wyatt Langford brought in a seven-ounce catch.
During the derby, Meili said they also ran a 50/50 draw and raised $377 for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC's local stocking program.
"It was a success. It's not just the derby being something for the locals, but it also attracts visitors. It brings business to the resorts that are open," Meili said. "That's really important because winter business when it comes to resorts and fishing accommodations is a tough one. You have to heat your cabin and it is expensive to run a resort in the winter."
Meili said she would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the derby this year, noting that it only happens thanks to volunteers and local businesses donating prizes. She's already looking forward to organizing it again next year.
The Fishing Highway 24 Tourist Association's next major event is the annual Outhouse Races at the Iron Horse Pub on Sunday, Feb. 16. Races begin at 11 a.m. with the entire community invited to come and watch.