The Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club in New York State is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby, March 2-3 on Lake Colby and surrounding waters.
Organizers are marking the 40th anniversary with exciting prizes and contests. Rocky Nogales, tournament coordinator, shared his excitement for the milestone year. “This year, being the 40th anniversary, we decided to do a few things differently regarding sponsorships and the value of prizes offered,” he said.
The derby is open to adults and children, with prizes in each category. The event typically draws between 200-250 participants each year, with approximately 80 young people taking part as they fish for trout, salmon and perch on Lake Colby, along with pike in surrounding waters.
The event kicks off with its annual tradition of the DEC’s special delivery of 5-year-old specially-tagged fish from its salmon and rainbow trout ponds. Historically, if caught, those fish represent a cash prize of $100 to each angler lucky enough to land one.
Some local hotels are also celebrating this milestone year, offering special rates for tournament participants.
Proceeds from the fishing derby benefit the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club’s conservation projects and training, its Father’s Day fishing derby, hunter education and safety training programs along with archery classes for community members.
Visit the Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby Facebook page for the latest updates and information.
