The 44th annual Lions Club Smith Lake Ice Fishing Derby held west of Kalispell on Saturday, December 27 attracted over 400 anglers. Youngsters composed the biggest part of the crowd. Anglers landed hundreds of small pike and fewer numbers of perch on jigs tipped with maggots or smelt.
The event is put on by the Sunriser Lions Club as a public service to the community and as a way to make a modest amount of money to donate to family fishing pond programs. Anglers also donated some pike to the Hooked on Fishing program for dissection exercises. The Lions operated a food stand offering hamburgers, chili, and other items.
“This is a great family event,” said Warren Illi of the Sunriser Lions Club. “We had a terrific turnout and decent weather. It was great to see so many kids catching fish.” Illi said that a popular part of the event is the contest for the smallest perch and pike. Illi manned the weigh-in table set up for anglers to check in their catch in hopes of winning a prize.
Winners included:
(via Montana FWP)
York’s Islands Fishing Access Site reopens
By Moosetrack Megan
Invasive mussels found in aquarium moss balls sold in Montana
By angelamontana
Littering at Tiber
New Montana State Record Brown Trout caught Wednesday night
Brett French presents: BLM proposes purchase of 11,000 acres along Musselshell River
Wild Turkey Dumplings Recipe
GRIZZLY GABBLE!!!
By Montana Grant
LICENSED TO KILL!!!
Did You Know MORS Offers Ski Reports?
Central to Eastern MT Fishing Report 3.3.21
Bighorn River Fishing Report by Fins and Feathers 3.1.21
Advance reservations available in March for Yellowstone National Park visitors at additional campgrounds
Forest Service, Vital Ground team up on land and water conservation outside Glacier National Park
How to prepare venison testicles for a snack [VIDEO]
Kevin Costner shares some history and inspiration on Montana
MONTANA HUNTER HARVEST SURVEYS ARE UNDERWAY
Duck vs. Frog [VIDEO]
Do you prefer traditional taxidermy or would you hang this?
The Captain, Downrigger and Brett French take on Fort Peck
Roads in Yellowstone to close for 2021 spring plowing
GVLT 2021 Trail Partner Award to Gallatin County
Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Report 3.1.21
FWP seeks information about vandalism at Nilan Reservoir
FWP REMINDS RECREATIONISTS TO STAY VIGILANT FOR AVALANCHE DANGER