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WILTON — Wilton Fish and Game is hosting the third annual Michael J. Rowe Memorial Ice Fishing Derby from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, on Wilson Lake. Registration opens at 6 a.m., closes at 2 p.m. There is a $5 fee.
This is the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Free Family Fishing Day. This means that you are not required to have a fishing license. This year the association is adding a $1,000 tagged fish for the event. The money will only be awarded to the registered angler if the fish is caught between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. the day of the derby. Ticket required.
The heaviest fish overall is the grand prize winner of a 10-inch Eskimo ice auger donated by Max-traps. Prizes will be announced for the adult and youth categories at a later date. The heaviest fish of the youth species will receive a commemorative box of Max-traps donated by Max-traps in memory of Michael J. Rowe who was killed in a tragic woods accident.
The smallest fish caught by a youth will also receive a special prize donated by Max-traps. Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine has donated a free youth lifetime fishing license (15 and under). All door prizes will be drawn at the end of the derby at 4 p.m. Immediately following will be the prizes for the heaviest fish categories.
Grab bags will be given to the first 50 registered youth who come to the shack on derby day. First come, first served. Youth must be present with ticket.
A free family fishing clinic will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilson Lake boat launch. No experience required, bait and equipment provided. A snowshoe race for all ages will start at 1 p.m., weather permitting.
There will be three classes for cash prizes: adult, youth (12 to 17) and under 12.
Tickets are available at Shelley’s Hometown Market, Wilton Hardware and Spruce Mountain Bait and Tackle. Call Alan Hart at 778-2450.
