LAKE LENORE — A 9.21-pound northern pike was the lucky winner at this year’s Lake Lenore Lions Ice Fishing Derby.
As a result of the catch, Steve Taylor took home around $5,828 on Jan. 18.
“[I] got pretty lucky today to catch the winning fish at Lake Lenore with 25 minutes to go, but I’ll take it,” Taylor was quoted as saying on the Lake Lenore Lions Ice Fishing Derby’s Facebook page.
In second place was Laura Ewert, whose 8.78-pounder won her $2,912, in third was Kerry O’Brien’s 7.93-pounder won her $1,747, and in fourth was Lee Whitford, whose 7.36 pounder earned him $1,165.
Chris Bauer, the vice president of the Lake Lenore Lions, said there were 470 entries out on Lenore Lake.
“Fishing was slower than normal,” he said. “We caught 44 fish, which is a little less than usual, but it overall it was not too bad.”
The money raised from the derby will goes toward causes like the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, improve quality of life for those with diabetes, the blind curlers and blind golf associations, STARS Air Ambulance and the children’s hospital.
“This is one of our only fundraising events. The majority of the funds that we would raise throughout the year comes from this derby,” Bauer said. “Every year we raise between $15,000 and $20,000. Over the eleven years of existence, we've raised about $130,000 in total.”
Bauer said the volunteer effort of the community and donations from local businesses was key in ensuring the derby goes forward each year.
“We can't do it without them. Our Lions Club is pretty small.”
