Big fish bring big prizes at the Fort Liard Ice Fishing Derby

The first weekend of Fort Liard’s annual ice fishing derby was one of the best-attended over the past few years, said organizer Janna Deneron.

She’s hoping to see just as many people out on Fisherman’s Lake again during the event’s second weekend, which runs from April 3 to 5.

The swell of participation in the derby’s first weekend, she said, was due in part to a winter road that crosses the Petitot River and Liard River, giving access to the lake.

The road hasn’t been open for several years, Deneron said.

The heaviest jackfish caught during the first weekend of the derby weighed in at 25.3 lbs, while the biggest pickerel weighed 4.3 lbs.

At the Fort Liard derby, Deneron said, big fish win big prizes.

“This year was kind of kind-of special, because the people that were out there – like the companies – they sponsored big time with the derbies here,” said Deneron.

Due to the sponsorships, Deneron said prizes such as chainsaws, snowshoes and fishing shelters have been available, as well as camping supplies such as sleeping bags, tents and solar lights.

She said she also received donations of sewing from the community that she was able to raffle off for the event.

Prizes are available specifically for children in the Dehcho hamlet, who are skilled fishers, Deneron said.

The derby resumes on Friday on Fisherman’s Lake. Those interested in participating can get in touch with Deneron at the Liard Valley General Store.

It’s not the only derby in action across the NWT this weekend.

For example, Yellowknife’s NWT Arctic Anglers Fishing Derby also runs across Easter on Prelude Lake.

This year, all proceeds from the event support youth services non-profit Home Base Yellowknife.