Catch a good time

While there have been a number of annual events that have been cancelled or postponed due to ongoing health orders, one event that will still take place is the Annual Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby as it enters its 38th consecutive year.

Started in 1983 by then Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Chuck Box, the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby was one of the first of its kind in Wyoming. Since then, the event has drawn anglers from near and far to spend their weekend on the ice covered Saratoga Lake. Over the years, the event has continually evolved to keep it fresh and exciting for longtime attendees and to attract new ones.

This year, the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce has three Trophy Trout worth $35,000 that must be caught during the weekend. These trout, marked by a colored and dated tag, pay out anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 with a special tag indicating the payout amount. Along with the prize Trophy Trout, there will also be three bounty fish swimming under the ice.

These fish, marked with a pink tag, will pay out $500 for the first one brought to the Derby Headquarters Tent. The second bounty fish will pay out $250 and the third bounty fish will pay out $50. Additionally, at the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby, size does matter. The largest fish of the weekend, based on length and girth, will pay out $2,000. The second largest will pay out $1,000 and the third largest will pay out $500.

Not to leave the pint sized piscators out of the derby, the angler under 14 years of age who brings in the largest game fish of the weekend will win $200.

It’s not just the trout that will pay out over the weekend, though. If you’re a sucker for suckers, then the Sucker Skirmish might just be for you. Sponsored by the Silver Spur Ranches, the person who catches the Biggest Sucker will win $250 and a day of ice fishing at Silver Spur. Additionally, the most suckers caught on Saturday will pay out $150 and the most suckers caught on Sunday will pay out $100.

While, last year, nobody caught either the Trophy Trout or the bounty fish, Robert Medina of Laramie took 1st place with a 38 inch trout. Ron Mears of Walden, Colorado took 2nd place with a 37.25 inch trout and won best fish story. Joseph New of Loveland, Colorado caught the biggest sucker at a whopping 32.75 inches and small fry winner Brody Wagner of Cheyenne caught a 27.5 inch trouth.

According to Leanna Jones, Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO, returning fishermen are thrilled that the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby is still taking place. According to Jones, the size of Saratoga Lake makes it the perfect social distancing event.

“We are encouraging masks inside the headquarters tent,” said Jones. “If there is crowding while fishermen are waiting to have their fish measured, some may be asked to wait their turn outside.”

Participants can register online at http://www.saratoga-chamber.info/play/fishingderby, register at the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce until 8 p.m. on January 15 or register at Saratoga Lake on the day of the event. Fishing permits are required and are available at Koyoty Sports, Shively’s Hardware, Hack’s Tackle and the Country Store.

For more information, call the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce at 307-326-8855.