Hundreds of young people are aiming to catch the hard-to-find Walter rainbow trout during the 35th yearly Under the Lock Fishing Derby in Peterborough, Ontario, later this month.
The special fish, weighing six to eight pounds, is the main attraction of the yearly fishing contest happening on Saturday, April 27 at the Peterborough Lift Lock. Put on by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the daylong derby attracts anglers aged 15 and below who fish the canal, which is filled with 3,000 rainbow trout.
There are 500 marked fish for immediate prizes, four major prizes, 20 early bird draws, and sponsored marked fish for cash prizes for anglers of all ages.
The angler who catches Walter will receive a $1,000 cash grand prize. The previous three winners were Travis Parker, Justin Desbarbieux, and Benjamin Bumstead last year, and they caught Walter in record time during the first hour of the competition. Some years Walter has not been caught.
Second and third-place grand prizes of $200 will be given for catching Rose and Berty. The prizes also include a free registration to OFAH day camp.
A fourth grand prize, for catching a marked fish named Kayak, is a sit-on kayak and paddle.
Last year’s fishing contest had over 1,200 participants.
“By popular demand, there will be early-bird registration prizes, goody bags, a hotdog lunch for the kids, and sponsored marked fish with cash prizes for anglers of all ages to win,” said David Ryrie, OFAH youth education manager.
Registering costs $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in the same family. This also allows them to participate in the all-ages contest.
Tickets can be bought online or at Canadian Tire stores on Lansdowne Street West and Chemong Road in Peterborough.
On-site registration on the day of the contest opens at 8 a.m.
The contest will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All-ages contest
The nine-day all-ages contest begins on Sunday, April 28 and continues until Sunday, May 5. For the third year, the contest will include marked fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.
“We still have fish in need of a local sponsor that will both challenge anglers and offset the cost of the stocked trout for the youth contest,” Ryrie said.
Registering costs $25 for adults and $15 for a child, $10 for siblings. Registration will start at 9 a.m. on April 28 and end on May 5 at 4 p.m.
For more details, go to the OFAH’s website.
