Ice fishing derby raises $7,700 for emergency response
Kory Peltier of Libby holds the pike he caught during the Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Winter Ice Fishing Derby at Lower Thompson Chain of Lakes last weekend. (Courtesy photo)
Ella Thylin of Kalispell holds the pike she caught during the Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Winter Ice Fishing Derby at Lower Thompson Chain of Lakes last weekend. (Courtesy photos)
Anglers young and old from all around Lincoln County and farther once again gathered Jan. 27-28 at the Thompson Chain of Lakes to see who could haul in the biggest fish.
The Lower Thompson Chain of Lakes Fisher River Valley Fire/Rescue Winter Ice Fishing Derby had 75 fewer adult entrants but 15 more junior anglers than last year. With 128 event sponsors, the fundraiser also garnered the support of 48 more sponsors than last year, according to Carol Swimley, Fisher River Fire/Rescue Auxiliary treasurer.
Children who competed received fishing poles and items contributed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, she said. Children with the biggest fish in each category — perch, pike, rainbow and salmon — received ice fishing sleds, tackle boxes with lures, and buckets and scoops.
Adults were awarded cash payouts for first, second and third in each category.
Support for the event raffle came from Libby, Troy, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls businesses and vendors, Swimley said. Raffle, auction and door prizes totaled in excess of $13,000.
The event raised just over $7,700 toward providing emergency rescue and fire response for the local area, Swimley said.
Ice Fishing Derby standings
Adult Perch
Jim Aiken 13 1/8 in, 1 lb 4.4 oz
Tracy Vernon 13 in, 1 lb, 3.6 oz
Steve Schenk 12 3/4 in, 1 lb 2.2 oz
Adult Pike
Brian Kair 33 5/8 in, 11 lb 12.11 oz
Jonny Siefke 32 1/4 in, 10 lb, 7 oz
Bart McCully 30 5/8 in, 9 lb 0.2 oz
Adult Rainbow
Dave Lindholm 20 1/4 in, 3 lb 7.6 oz
Kyle Hannah 21 1/4 in, 3 lb 3.9 oz
Brendon Limpo 18 1/2 in, 2 lb 15.6 oz
Adult Salmon
Dale Shepard 13 1/2 in, 11.7 oz
Karen Bache 13 1/8 in, 10.9 oz
Tracy Vernon 13 3/8 9.8 oz
Kids Perch
Benjamin Repine 13 1/4 in, 1 lb 4.8 oz
TIE Harlyn Rummel and Kory Peltier 12 in, 14.7 oz
Kids Pike
Ella Schwartz 29 1/2 in, 7 lb 4.8 oz
Ian Thom 28 in, 4 lb 12.1 oz
Trent Tennison 23 1/4 in, 3 lb 8.8 oz
Kids Rainbow
Trighton Dugan 17 1/2 in, 1 lb 9.3 oz
Gracie Gronley 15 in, 1 lb 2.8 oz
Coltan Dugan 13 1/4 in, 14.9 oz
Kids Salmon
Hudson Hannah 12 3/4 in, 9.6 oz
Tyssen Bothman 12 1/4 in, 7.6 oz
Tristan Dugan 11 in, 7.4 oz