26th Annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby - March 3-5, 2017
This event is limited to 1,400 participants and features a massive prize lot of cash and high end retail products. It is a marquee derby of the year regardless of the season. There is no less than $140,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a $30,000 registration prize draw (must be registered by Jan. 15, 2017). The event takes place on Wawa Lake, Hawk Lake and Manitowik Lake. There are six prizes for the largest fish by weight of any species (pike, lake trout, whitefish, ling, etc) caught on each lake for a total of 18 prizes, which include ATVs, snowmobiles, boat, motor and trailer packages, chainsaws, power augers and pop up ice huts. There are also early bird draws, random drawn prizes and free registration for 2018. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.wawaicefishingderby.com
The event had humble beginnings, but has expanded to the point where it makes a difference in the community year round thanks to the money raised. Money goes towards things such as the local snowmobile clubs for trails, Lady Dunn Hospital projects, firefighters, community centres and high school scholarships. The derby, for Wawa and all northern Ontario towns, acts as a major economic and social stimulator.
“This event has just grown and grown over the years,” Wawa Ice Fishing Derby treasurer Anne Owen said. “It started a lot smaller and I believe the first prize ever was a microwave oven. It has come a long way. It just got bigger and bigger. People like it and keep coming back and new people keep coming. This event started as a way to help local businesses through a tough time of the year. It still does that, and now so much more. Money raised stays in our town and helps a lot of people.”
Elliot Lake Ice Fishing Derby - Feb. 18, 2017
The event, the 10th annual, was cancelled last season due to bad ice conditions. Organizers have all the hope and confidence that this winter’s event will go off without trouble. This event runs slightly different from most derbies. Anglers pay $100 per hole. This year, organizers will allocate time slots for participants, depending on when they purchased their hole or holes. For example, people buying holes from one to 100 will have the opportunity to go onto the lake at 9 am and pick their spots. People buying holes 101 to 200, go onto the ice at 9:30. This goes on every half hour until 11 am, when all remaining participants enter the lake area. This derby only runs for three hours, from noon to 3 pm, and features a huge windfall for the person who lands the longest fish from Horne Lake, regardless of species. The winner takes 50 percent of the fees, which can result in a big pay days. A few years ago, a woman won $35,000 for the longest fish out of 700+ anglers. Second place receives an ATV. There are prizes for the Top 10. Tickets can be bought over the phone by calling the Elliot Lake Welcome Centre, or in person.
“It’s a nice town and a nice atmosphere at the lake with all the anglers on the ice,” City of Elliot Lake Events Co-ordinator Darla Hennessey said.
For more information and to register, go to: http://www.tourismelliotlake.com/en/enjoy/icefishingderby.asp