A little COVID-19 won’t be enough to shut down the annual Flin Flon Trout Festival Fishing Derby. The derby is now underway, with only minor changes in place due to the pandemic.
Entrants will be able to take part in the derby on any lake near Flin Flon, including Lake Athapapuskow, Trout Lake, Kississing Lake and others.
Every competition package will include a list of rules, a guide on how to handle fish, a measuring tape and more to keep the competition level. Despite the derby’s name, only walleye catches will be considered for entry. All fish caught must be released and all entries must include a clear photo of the fish in question on top of the supplied measuring tape.
Up for grabs are hundreds of dollars in prizes, including $750 for third place, $1,000 for second and a cool $1,500 for the first place prize. Other prizes, including for junior fishers, will also be included. Ties will be broken by going with the earliest submitted entry.
In addition to the typical derby rules, all fishers must comply with COVID-19 health orders, meaning social distancing whenever possible. Use of non-medical face masks is not required, but is recommended for fishers in a group.
Submissions will be allowed until midnight June 28. Prize winners will be announced online July 1.
Entry packages to this year’s derby can be purchased at Gateway Tempo, Petro Canada, Lloydy’s Convenience Store and Rubi’s Outdoors and cost $30 apiece. All participants will need to have a valid Manitoba fishing license to claim any prizes.
Photos of any catch landed by certified entrants can be entered at www.flinflontroutfestival.com.
The derby is one of three events currently confirmed for this year’s shortened Trout Festival. The annual Canada Day parade will be held, using social distancing and following all existing health guidelines, along with a one night series of performances June 27 at the Blueberry Jam festival stage site for small numbers of fans.
