Rotary fishing derby set to take over Swan Lake Park

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Local fishing enthusiasts are invited to compete for supremacy at the Rotary Club of Dawson Creek’s annual ice fishing derby.

Scheduled for Sunday, March 8th, the 12th edition will involve participants converging on Swan Lake Park just south of Dawson Creek.

Funds raised for the event benefit community programs sponsored by the rotary club within Dawson Creek.

The park’s namesake is a body of water encompassing 1,424 acres or 5.8 square kilometres, and is home to many species of fish, including northern pike, walleye and yellow perch, according to fishing website Angler’s Atlas.

However, ice fishing – involving catching fish with just lines and a drilling hole in a frozen body of water – is what presents the challenge, says Alex Reschny.

Reschny is the rotary club’s membership chair of the event, who said designated fishing holes will be drilled before the derby starts.

“Ice fishing is quite popular,” said Reschny. “People like to go out on the ice, set up their tent or hut and go fishing.”

Competitors will test their mettle in a morning and an afternoon heat, with up to $600 in prizes per heat and awards going out for first catch, most fish caught and largest catch.

There will also be designated holes for children under 16 to learn about the sport, and hot chocolate and hot dogs will be on site for attendees.

The entry fee is $50 per hole per heat, and participants must have a valid fishing licence in order to enter the derby. However, children under 16 can take part free of charge.

Licensing and registration will take place on site at Swan Lake Park, says Reschny. 

The Rotary Club of Dawson Creek’s fishing derby will take place on Sunday, March 8th with the first heat being staged from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second heat beginning at 1 p.m. and lasting until 3 p.m.
For more details, email organizers at fishing@dcrotary.ca.