Went to the Big River Derby on Cowan yesterday, left Saskatoon at 5:00 am since the weather was iffy but the roads were great. The line up started at 8:00 am with the usual crowd in line first, we don't remember each others names but remember where each other is from.
The holes only took an hour to drill, and the weather was a bit cool, -3C not bad for late March, fluries and some wind. The water was very clear for this time of year. Getting on to the ice was fine also, with little snow on the lake.
There seemed to be a little less participants this year compared to other years but still a good turnout. There were 9 jacks caught in total, with the grand prize of 10,000 bucks for a fish around 4 1/2 pounds. The winner was a fellow from Cold Bay who also caught 2 other fish. After 2 fish he gave his lucky hook to his buddy and he still caught another fish with a different hook. Right place, right time and some good skill with luck.
Good turnout at the hall, the drinks were flowing and the 50/50 was over 2800 people. Lots of prizes for everyone, the tourney gets better every year. Here are some pictures, not much but it will give you an idea if you have never been. They may move the derby North next year closer to Popular Point.
Off to the Pas next week for the Bill Bannock derby on Clearwater. I have never been before, it will be different going for lakers, I will post some pics of that one also.
