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Pikeminnow Fishing Derby a community celebration at Cultus Lake

The derby starts at dawn on June 15 with pikeminnow weigh-ins starting at 11 a.m. and going to 2 p.m.

The annual Pikeminnow Fishing Derby at Cultus Lake is more than a derby, it's a lakeside community celebration.

The derby starts at dawn on June 15 with fish weigh-ins starting at 11 a.m. and going to 2 p.m.

Organization of popular event is now being undertaken by the members of Cultus Lake Stewards, said CLASS member Dave Clyne.

"This is the first year that Cultus Stewards are organizing the Derby as we wanted to continue this tradition that has been previously run by the Fraser Valley Salmon Society."

Part of the purpose of the derby is  'Caring for Cultus Lake,' which was the same theme emblazoned on buttons by CLASS last year.

"The emphasis is on conservation, which is the caring part, as well as sportsmanship and fun," said Clyne.

The derby provides the added benefit of removing the predatorial Northern Pikeminnow species from the lake, which is known to prey on endangered Cultus Lake sockeye.

Everyone is invited to grab their fish tackle and head for the Cultus Lake Pikeminnow Derby on June 15. It's family fun with $2,000 in prizes, and merchandise to be won.

The boat launches will be open, or fishing can be from the shore. Parking is free for those who arrive before 9 a.m.

No fishing licence is required to catch pikeminnow for this one day only.

The event will be hosted by the Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy (CLASS) team, with support from the Fraser River Salmon Table and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Proceeds go to support activities of the Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy (CLASS) in caring for Cultus Lake.

Derby tickets are $5 for adults and $2 under 16.

Tickets can be purchased at Cultus Lake on Derby day or at the Park Board office, Cultus Lake Golf pro shop, Fred's Custom Tackle or Chilliwack Dart and Tackle.

More at http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/Cultus_Lake_Pikeminnow_Derby.html

 

 



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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