Robin Gloss, of Saratoga, won the entry for “Best Fishing Hut” in the 2012 Saratoga Fishing Derby.
Steve Shaw, of Billings, prepares to release a fish caught during the 29th annual Fishing Derby.
Mark your calendars for the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 30th annual Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby. Angler’s will have an opportunity to compete for the $2,000 first prize for catching the largest fish during the two-day derby, Jan. 19 and 20.
While competing for over $7,000 in cash prizes, fishing skills will be on display.
Hourly cash awards of $100 will be awarded for the largest fish measured that hour.
An all-new Womens’ Division has been added this year with its own $100 per hour cash prizes.
The big prize money is $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.
Small fry (under age 14) can enter the contest for a chance to win the grand prize of $100 and a merchandise package, as well as hourly awards of $20.
Door prizes, donated by local businesses, will also be given each hour.
Fishermen need to keep their eyes open for the bounty fish, a fish with a pink tag behind the dorsal fin. The first bounty fish to be caught during the derby is worth $500.
The derby will honor “Kings and Queens of the Derby” as a nod to the earlier years’ festivities. Fishermen are encouraged to share stories of past derbies on Saturday evening and check out the “Hole of Fame” - to see if their name will be on the list. Commemorative t-shirts will be printed and can be purchased at the chamber office and the official derby tent.
Back by popular demand, a “Best Hut” contest for the most creative, eye-catching and legal hut will win braggin’ rights for a year.Anglers are encouraged to stop at the derby tent to share their “Best Fishing Story”. Whether it’s about the one that got away, or a close call with death, the winning story will be added to our website.
Derby hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Registration is $30 for adult anglers and $10 for small fry. Food and beverage concessions are available all weekend at the lake from the American Legion Auxiliary.
Participants can register at the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber office at 210 West Elm Street in Saratoga during office hours and on Friday night, Jan. 20, until 8 p.m., or at the lake Saturday morning starting at 6 a.m. They can also register at local retail stores in Saratoga and Riverside that sell fishing licenses.
For more information, please call 307-326-8855 or go to http://www.saratogachamber.info.
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