Local fishing guide Dean Werk with a small northern pikeminnow at Cultus Lake (Photo: Rodney Hsu).

Catching the largest fish, winning a prize and enjoying a great day at Cultus Lake are what hundreds of kids will be able to do on Saturday June 20th. The Fraser Valley Salmon Society will once again be hosting its annual Greg Clark Memorial Cultus Lake Pikeminnow Derby during 2009's BC Family Fishing Weekend.

Participants in different age groups who catch the largest northern pikeminnow will be rewarded. In addition, cash prizes will be given to those who catch a tagged northern pikeminnow.

The Cultus Lake Fishing Derby provides a fun day for families, it also serves another important purpose, which is to reduce the northern pikeminnow population in Cultus Lake. Northern pikeminnow is a native fish species in BC that feed on juvenile salmon and small fish. Cultus Lake sockeye salmon population has been alarmingly low for many years. To increase this fragile population, biologists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada have decided to reduce the northern pikeminnow population.

Derby entry is $2.00 for participants under the age of 16 and $5.00 for participants over the age of 16. A fishing license is not required due to the BC Family Fishing Weekend. Tickets can be purchased at Chilliwack Dart & Tackle and Fred's Custom Tackle by Friday afternoon (June 19th).

Tickets can also be purchased at event site, the main beach at Cultus Lake, on event day. Participants must bring their fish back to the event site for weigh-in before 2:00pm, which is followed by awards and draw prizes.

Over 200 prizes will be given away at the derby, including many draw prizes and hidden weight prizes. The boy and girl with the largest pikeminnow will each win a bicycle and a $50 certificate for upgrades. Prizes for adults include a pontoon boat valued at $800 and PVR, digital cable box from Shaw Cable. In addition, cash prizes will be rewarded to participants who catch a derby tagged fish.

Local fishing guides will be donating their day to take families out on the boats during the derby. A stand that sells food and beverage will also be available at the derby. There will be various educational displays where you can find out more about fishing in the Fraser Valley. Other exciting activities include face painting, games, a live band concert.

Please note that only northern pikeminnows will be weighed in at the derby. It is important for you to release other species with care so please identify your fish first. To find out what other fish species are found in Cultus Lake, please download this Cultus Lake fish identification guide.

Each northern pikeminnow caught during the derby will be measured and recorded by the Cultus Lake sockeye salmon recovery team (Photo: Rodney Hsu).

The Fraser Valley Salmon Society is an active sportfishing group that are involved in numerous projects that enhance your fishing experience in the Fraser Valley. It is the channel of your voice as a recreational fisherman to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ministry of Environment and other stake holders in our fishery resource. Annual membership is $10 and it can be purchased at the derby.

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