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Wyoming => Ice Fishing Wyoming => Topic started by: El_Stu on Nov 15, 2018, 09:14 AM

Title: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: El_Stu on Nov 15, 2018, 09:14 AM
Just heard yesterday that the Pinedale Lions Club is taking over for the now defunct Boat Club and will be running the Derby this year.  They are planning it for the traditional first weekend of March (March 2nd).  That's all I have for now but will post more when I know it.  I know there were a few of us that missed having it last year, thought I would get the word out.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: massNtrash on Nov 15, 2018, 09:53 AM
That is good news! I spoke with the former chair this summer about the club and I actually considered taking it over myself but the lack of support people kept me from doing it. It is just a ton of work for one person to take on which is ultimately why it ended to begin with.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Ouzel on Nov 15, 2018, 09:07 PM
That is great news.
My schedule will actually let me fish it again, providing the do it the first weekend in March.

Keep us updated.


Ouzel.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: kdawg on Nov 18, 2018, 08:07 PM
That is great news.  I had heard that might be happening. 
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: El_Stu on Dec 31, 2018, 09:13 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/0bbjT21x/Notice-Of-Event-2019-Copy-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0bbjT21x)

Here are the details from the Lions Club, will post more when I get more information
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: 307fish on Jan 02, 2019, 08:53 AM
Excellent news !  looks like Fremont is starting to cap already too!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Lets fish on Jan 02, 2019, 09:05 AM
It would be better if catch and release. Sad to see big fish killed!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: SnowPlane22 on Jan 02, 2019, 03:52 PM
This makes me happy!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: 307fish on Jan 02, 2019, 07:17 PM
Lets Fish- -  we totally agree. Even though not many big fish are caught they are a fragile species and take forever to get that big.   Nevin an I are doing the derby but if we are lucky enough to catch another big one we have already decided we are releasing it!  Nevin's already kept his share of big old fish from that derby. With that said we can't wait to get out there with everyone !!!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Jan 02, 2019, 08:33 PM
It looked like the lake was pretty well froze
Over today. There were People out there paraskiing.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Jan 03, 2019, 09:17 AM
It would be better if catch and release. Sad to see big fish killed!

We should all approach the Lions Club and request that they go
to A Catch and Release Tourney. They do it elsewhere.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Jan 03, 2019, 09:18 AM
Myself and “307fish” chatted about the derby last night. While killing those big, old fish does pull at the heart strings, I honestly don’t think this derby puts the slightest dent in the resource. How many fish over 10 lbs get caught at the derby every year? 4?? 7 or 8 MAYBE. This body of water receives such little angling pressure throughout the year, and they’re so temperamental in this lake that I don’t think the 4 sizable fish that are harvested is that noticeable of a hit to the population.

With all that said, if the derby officials wanted to make it a length contest with their own ruler given out, I’d be all for that too!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: massNtrash on Jan 03, 2019, 09:50 AM
I completely agree Trent. This lake can be frustrating for most and even those of us who do know the lake can get humbled pretty regularly. There are just a handful of big fish caught out there each year during the derby so it probably doesn't affect it that much. There are a LOT of fish in there over 10 pounds too. I would have a hard time killing a 30+ but if I did it would probably be going on the wall anyways. If you guys are coming up I may join you if that is ok, I more than likely will fish it but not be entered in the derby.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Lets fish on Jan 03, 2019, 06:56 PM
All very true can be tough. A ruler might be a thought for next year.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: MackMan23 on Jan 03, 2019, 11:11 PM
I've volunteered in the past to help sell tickets for the Derby and approached the club on the catch and release issue also...the problem as I understand it was in order to enter a fish in a contest it has to be in your possession or in laments terms keeping it...I am not sure if that was a state or a federal stipulation
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Jan 04, 2019, 07:58 AM
It seems to me that they do a catch and release at one of the gorge derby’s. Similar to the old IS Derby, a card issued at check in the day of derby, a approved tape measure and a photo.
I agree that the few Fish caught at the derby doesn’t really impact
The fishery much, but I also think that if you ever want a 40-50lber, you have to let the 20-30’s go!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Jan 04, 2019, 09:00 AM
I've volunteered in the past to help sell tickets for the Derby and approached the club on the catch and release issue also...the problem as I understand it was in order to enter a fish in a contest it has to be in your possession or in laments terms keeping it...I am not sure if that was a state or a federal stipulation

It must be a state thing because I’ve been a part of the Flaming Gorge Fishing Derby out of Manila, UT where the catch and release derby takes place. Considering they do it in Utah but on a body of water that shares both states, I bet we could get this changed if we wanted to.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Jan 04, 2019, 12:08 PM
Part of G & F issues was bringing the fish in to weigh and then releasing it, caused too much stress on the fish. A quick photo and then release is something we do all the time, well try and do all the time!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: massNtrash on Jan 04, 2019, 12:29 PM
Good points. It would require changing the derby from a weight to a length tournament which I like better anyways. I think the Wyoming law just states that once you keep a fish you can't release it meaning no culling is allowed.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: wyohunter on Jan 04, 2019, 12:50 PM
While I agree with catch and release on big lakers, in a Tourney it would not be practical, ethical, and very problematic. First the G&F rules says that any fish caught and not kept shall be released immediately back to the water. Now how would it take to hold a big laker down and measure it, take pics and be released without frozen eyes and still have a chance to survive? I have been told that putting a fish on a mat would save it from frozen eyes, would that require everyone in the tourney to have a mat? I know many of the trophy laker fishermen have perfected the release of big fish but has everyone? How many would be pulled up only to be put back in the hole five minutes later with little chance to survive? 
 The reason the Fremont tourney works to quote massNtrash is that there are not that many big fish caught. Now down at the Gorge would it be possible to have 7,8 or more 30lb fish turned in? On the right day yes and it would be a sad day.
 Now to get off my soap box, Do I fish tourneys? Yes I do, I like meeting others and having a good time on the ice. Have I kept some big fish? Yes I have. Would I have released them if it wasn't a tourney? most yes. Is there a good answer to this question? No, not if you want to fish tourneys.

 
 
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: MackMan23 on Jan 05, 2019, 12:32 AM
Thankful to live in a place where sportsman are still stewards of our precious resources...c.n.r seems to be more prevelant now than it ever used to be especially with our big Lakers... maybe somewhere down the road there could be a tourney similar to I.S. but for a long weekend on Fremont, Gorge, ect. that could be based on a release and length premise...maybe do a friendly one for Feb and March...great thoughts and ideas everyone...tight lines...Dru
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Jan 05, 2019, 01:47 PM
Everyone’s brought up good points here. I’ve been fishing the Fremont Derby for over 30 yrs and am just glad to see it making a comeback. A BIG THANK YOU to the Lions Club for their effort, the Lakeside Lodge for hosting, G&F, Forest Service, Sponsors. There are so many things that have to come together to make an event like this happen. See you on the ice!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: prospector on Jan 07, 2019, 04:25 PM
Good luck to you guys this year. I never realized how well Nevin did! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer family and a great young man! :clap:
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Special on Jan 07, 2019, 07:59 PM
Is Nevin, the kid that keeps on catching the big Lakers every year. He is like a Mack whisper. He finds a Moby every tourney. Love the pics. Hope he finds another one.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Dorado on Jan 16, 2019, 11:16 AM
The problem is the logistics of weighing fish on a 12 mile long frozen lake.  What was happening, was people would catch a fish to weigh in, then carry it back to the lodge on their snowmobile for miles, weigh them in, then going back down to the lake to release the fish.  This happened frequently.
Obviously, those fish are not likely going to survive.  But the anglers continued to fish as if they had no fish in their possession.  The current regulations for the derby and the state, mean that you can only submit (kill) one fish over 24" per day, which does keep the carnage down on the big fish.

That being said, I am sure if they came up with some other format that would use tape measure, photos etc. that would make it difficult to cheat, it could work.  It is a sad thing, but the prize money makes people cheat in a lot of these derbies!!!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: 307fish on Feb 08, 2019, 08:31 PM
Thanks Special !   yes Nevin will be back at it this year....  I never do very good, pretty much there just to help him land his hogs and be the photographer !! 
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: waterlike on Feb 09, 2019, 10:43 AM
i forget if you can get cell service on fremont. if you can and they dont want to switch much, maybe someone updating the results live online where it is easy to check. then fisherman can check to see the top fish before deciding to drive back to the check in and kill the fish.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 09, 2019, 05:54 PM
i forget if you can get cell service on fremont. if you can and they dont want to switch much, maybe someone updating the results live online where it is easy to check. then fisherman can check to see the top fish before deciding to drive back to the check in and kill the fish.

Well. Except you have hourly prizes. So that throws a whole nother wrench into things. I mean the hourly prizes are great! And like I said before, the amount of big fish caught and killed per year basically make no dent in the population in my opinion.

However, kill a 30 year old fish to win the day??? You’re derby fishing after all.

Kill a 30 year old fish to win the hour and $100??? Tough to say.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Feb 09, 2019, 08:48 PM
Usually you can get cell service on the lower end of the lake, upper end it’s spotty. Sometimes you could call someone and get a report but it wasn’t consistent. It Would be nice if they would have live updates thru the day.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 19, 2019, 04:01 PM
So back to more derby talk. Who from here is going!?

I will be there along with my dad and a handful of buddies!

Also, I saw derby flyers around when fishing viva naughton and should’ve taken a picture, but didn’t. Can somebody post the flyer for all to see??? The one on pinedale lions club’s Facebook is pretty vague.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: SnowPlane22 on Feb 19, 2019, 05:32 PM
I am definitely planning on heading down, how many buddies I'll bring along we all haven't decided yet.

After dealing with the slush up here this weekend, I'd almost like to go down and just 'prep' (spin the sled out in the slush and get the snow, water and slush all mixed together) the spots I'd like to fish so they freeze up good and hard for derby weekend!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 19, 2019, 05:52 PM
I am definitely planning on heading down, how many buddies I'll bring along we all haven't decided yet.

After dealing with the slush up here this weekend, I'd almost like to go down and just 'prep' (spin the sled out in the slush and get the snow, water and slush all mixed together) the spots I'd like to fish so they freeze up good and hard for derby weekend!

Hit a few for me too while you’re at it! Hahaha!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: swampdonkeyice on Feb 20, 2019, 08:03 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/ZC4Ln6LL/received-2229810980620229.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZC4Ln6LL)
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: swampdonkeyice on Feb 20, 2019, 08:05 AM
It would be nice if the officials had a radio, pick a channel for derby info.  A guy could ask what is leading the hour, that way we dont have to unnecessarily kill a fish to bring in if theres already a bigger one for that hour entered.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: kdawg on Feb 20, 2019, 07:06 PM
We will be there with 6 of us.  Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 21, 2019, 07:46 AM
Thanks for the flyer pic swamp donkey!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 25, 2019, 05:45 PM
Anybody check out the lake, or hear any good rumors of the slush firming up???

-20 for 3 days in a row last week!!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Dorado on Feb 26, 2019, 09:58 AM
Anybody check out the lake, or hear any good rumors of the slush firming up???

-20 for 3 days in a row last week!!

Certainly been cold enough, there have been more below zero days in Pinedale than I can remember!  Problem is all the snow insulates the slush underneath, unless someone packed or mixed up the slush and snow with their snowmobile.  I was out on Sunday, there was still slush under the snow in spots.  And it was snowing hard, probably going to be another foot or more of fresh snow on top of the ice, more in the upper end of the lake. 

I could be wrong, but I don't think the lake is really going to set up solid until we start getting some warm day temps to consolidate the top layers.....
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 26, 2019, 10:20 AM
Yea I saw the forecast for more snow as well. Was hoping it wouldn’t be a lot. Regardless, as long as travel was “okay” then I’m not too worried.

Catch any fish Dorado!?
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: massNtrash on Feb 26, 2019, 12:09 PM
For what it is worth I had another 3" at the house in town yesterday so it wouldn't surprise me if the upper end got another 6" or so yesterday. With more snow forecasted every day the rest of the week it is going to see more by derby time. I agree with Dave that much snow on top of the slush insulates it pretty well if it does anything it will get a small crust on top of the slush layer but I doubt even that will happen. Those packed and refrozen snow machine tracks can be bumpy when you hit them going fairly quick on a sled. I've caught air off of them more than once. Be careful and enjoy yourself!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Dorado on Feb 26, 2019, 02:50 PM

Catch any fish Dorado!?

A couple pups.  My auger has some issues.  The throttle cable somehow got water inside, so it is frozen wide open!  Makes for some interesting drilling🤣 Then the spark plug wire, which has been hanging by a few strands, finally broke and I was limited to 3 holes, in the wrong spot!  So I didn't fish very long....
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 26, 2019, 03:33 PM
A couple pups.  My auger has some issues.  The throttle cable somehow got water inside, so it is frozen wide open!  Makes for some interesting drilling🤣 Then the spark plug wire, which has been hanging by a few strands, finally broke and I was limited to 3 holes, in the wrong spot!  So I didn't fish very long....

I understand that. I’ve been limping my auger along all year.

To make a long story short- broken metal piece where the blades connect to the bit.

Zipper on auger bag broke so first time going across the ice without it, caused snow build up, which finally broke the engine cover that had been hanging by a thread. That then resulted in me firing up and having my throttle lever not want to work. Then my dad tried it, snapped the lever off and the auger was then wide open.

Last week in -10 I tried to pull the cord and it was all froze up. Luckily guys were out there with an auger close by.

Needless to say I think I’m making the switch to electric next year!!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: muskyon46 on Feb 26, 2019, 07:33 PM
Holy cow trent. That trip Sunday did not go well with your auger. Damn!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 26, 2019, 07:42 PM
Holy cow trent. That trip Sunday did not go well with your auger. Damn!

It did thaw out but man! It’s a new problem every time out!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Feb 27, 2019, 08:24 AM
These last couple days have been pretty warm, snow at my house is pretty “Crusty” this morning. Calling for more snow and fairly wam temps the next few days. Could be a rough ride across the lake. Going up Friday to set my tent. Usual spot, stop by. See you all there.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: 307fish on Feb 27, 2019, 09:31 PM
Forecast is showing sunny Saturday and Sunday....hopefully temps drop a bit as well.   
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Dorado on Feb 28, 2019, 03:06 PM
Forecast is showing sunny Saturday and Sunday....hopefully temps drop a bit as well.

Looks much colder, lows below 0, highs near 20.  It has been dumping snow here most of the day, I imagine more up on the lake....
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Feb 28, 2019, 10:15 PM
You boys just go drive around a bunch on Friday evening will you!? Haha!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: SnowPlane22 on Mar 01, 2019, 01:06 AM
You boys just go drive around a bunch on Friday evening will you!? Haha!

I might be interested if you tell me where you want me to pack down for you, but I may pack down some spots next door for myself because I haven't fished Fremont nearly enough recently to know where I need to be at for good fishing!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Mar 01, 2019, 08:02 AM
I might be interested if you tell me where you want me to pack down for you, but I may pack down some spots next door for myself because I haven't fished Fremont nearly enough recently to know where I need to be at for good fishing!

Wow that would be great!! We plan on fishing the west side, from higgins point north! Not much of a plan other than that. Only fishing over there to try and stay away from the pressure on the east side. Quite frankly if there's a bunch of packed down snow, I'll be fishing right there hahahaha.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Mar 01, 2019, 06:34 PM
I had friends get stuck in the overflow at Higgens Point today. They got their stuff out and said they wouldn’t go back over there. We set up on the east side. Theres definatly overflow, they say it’s bad up the lake.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Mar 01, 2019, 06:35 PM
PS. Parking is a mess!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Mar 01, 2019, 08:18 PM
I had friends get stuck in the overflow at Higgens Point today. They got their stuff out and said they wouldn’t go back over there. We set up on the east side. Theres definatly overflow, they say it’s bad up the lake.

Well crap.... this is going to be fun! Hahaha!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Mar 01, 2019, 08:35 PM
Just remember, when in doubt, GAS IT!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Mar 02, 2019, 07:45 PM
Sounds like The Dead Sea lived up to it’s name today! I caught 4 but nothing to enter. Talked to several people that got skunked. How’d everyone else do?
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: MackMan23 on Mar 02, 2019, 09:32 PM
One 10" fish at 2 pm...

But Matt on the other hand...way to go buddy
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: POk3s on Mar 02, 2019, 10:55 PM
Atta boy Matt!!!!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Mar 03, 2019, 08:10 PM
A big Thank You to the Pinedale Lions Club for putting on a great
derby. Too bad no one told the fish to show up! 😜
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: MackMan23 on Mar 03, 2019, 08:42 PM
You missed out on money Joe...and yes agreed a big thank you to the Lions club for a great Derby
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: SnowPlane22 on Mar 03, 2019, 10:19 PM
A big Thank You to the Pinedale Lions Club for putting on a great
derby. Too bad no one told the fish to show up! 😜

Agreed on both statements! Had fish on the camera all day Saturday but couldn't seem to match the hatch, then absolutely nothing today.

Also, does anybody know the story behind what looks like pickup tracks about 1/2 way up the lake by the upper boat launch? Noticed those Friday and wondered how long it took to get that out of there!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Lets fish on Mar 05, 2019, 07:23 AM
A big Thank You to the Pinedale Lions Club for putting on a great
derby. Too bad no one told the fish to show up! 😜
Tough fishing thanks Lions club!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: swampdonkeyice on Mar 05, 2019, 07:58 AM


Also, does anybody know the story behind what looks like pickup tracks about 1/2 way up the lake by the upper boat launch? Noticed those Friday and wondered how long it took to get that out of there!
[/quote]

That was us with our tracked units.  We packed a trail north, and made it way up lake after the trail froze up.  It was an absolute epic adventure.  We were definatley stuck a few times, but slow and steady made it up there.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: 307fish on Mar 06, 2019, 10:44 AM
Regardless of not many fish caught we had a great weekend and came back with a good sun burn!    Nevin and I fished our usual spot - -Saturday we iced about a dozen but nothing over 20" .... Sunday we got about 6-  Nevin had a good one he could have brought in Sunday but it came off at the hole.  Big Congrats Matt !  And Thank You Lion's club.... great job!
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Ouzel on Mar 18, 2019, 01:53 AM
I got sidetracked and was unable to attend.
What ended up winning any money?



Ouzel
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: er-e-is on Mar 21, 2019, 10:13 AM
A pair of 20lb’ers 2oz difference. Not a lot of fishcaught.
Title: Re: Fremont Lake Derby
Post by: Dorado on Mar 21, 2019, 10:34 AM
21.6 and 21.8 pounds.  I did not fish it (the backcountry skiing has been too good), but here is the report:

http://www.pinedaleonline.com/#bigfishderby

Funny, one guy turned in a 2.4 pound rainbow, and won biggest rainbow, hourly big fish and 3rd place overall, for a total of $500!!