The second annual Greg Clark Memorial Family Fishing Derby held at Main Beach in Cultus Lake on Saturday 20th June 2009, was a great success according to organizers.

“We can safely assume that well over 1,000 people took in the event and are very pleased with those numbers as we try to educate our community about Cultus Lake and its fish,” said Frank Kwak from the Fraser Valley Salmon Society.

The docks in front of Main Beach were lined with fishermen of all ages on Saturday. A total of 420 adults + 374 children between them caught 473 pikeminnows, which is down from the 700 pikeminnows caught last year.

Derby Organizers had tagged 25 pikeminnows for prizes but none of them were caught so they held a special draw for everyone that caught a fish and 5 lucky people had their names drawn, each winning $100.

While the docks at Main Beach were lined with eager kids and adults dropping lines, a number of people got out on the water as five local fishing guides took some lucky kids out in boats …
>Len’s Sportfishing Adventures
>BlueWater Rockies Sportfish Guide Co.
>Swiftwater Guiding
>Reaction Fly & Tackle, and
>Great River Fishing Adventures

“We were also happy to talk with several beach owners who stopped by to thank us for the great event as well as two Cultus Lake Park Board councillors, which was an encouragement to us,” Frank Kwak said.

At least another 200 other people came by for the BBQ or just to enjoy onshore activities such as beach games, face painting and the display booths.

GREG CLARK MEMORIAL DERBY RESULTS

Largest pikeminnow by a junior
– Tessa MacKay .74 kg who won a Norco Mountain bike + $50 gift certificate

Junior Boys largest pikeminnow
– Ethan Lazar .54 kg who won a Norco Mountain bike + $50 gift certificate

Most pikeminnows caught by a junior boy
– Matthew Fisher = 26

Most pikeminnows caught by a junior girl
– Kelly Holdsworth = 34

Hidden weight by a junior boy
– Jami Weathergill

Hidden weight by a junior girl
– Teagan Jones

Adult Division Largest Pikeminnow
– Scott Manwieller 1.36 kg who won an eight-foot Streamer XL Pontoon Boat ($800 value)

Adult Division Most pike minnows
– Troy Huggins = 29 who won a PVR machine

Hidden weight
– Rob Beckers