Fishing derby a family event

By Kris Hill • March 20, 2009 9:25 pm
Brian Anderson and his daughter Emily fish with the help of volunteer Phil Pierson in the holding pond during last year's fishing derby off of the Lake Wilderness dock where they are guaranteed a fish.
Brian Anderson and his daughter Emily fish with the help of volunteer Phil Pierson in the holding pond during last year's fishing derby off of the Lake Wilderness dock where they are guaranteed a fish.

Last year’s Maple Valley Fishing Derby went so well that organizers have decided they’ve finally found the perfect formula for the popular annual event.

The derby is slated for April 25 at Lake Wilderness Park and it celebrates the opening day of lake fishing season in the state.

Now in its seventh year, the derby is coordinated by the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce and supported by the city of Maple Valley and Maple Valley Rotary.

Chamber Executive Director Sue VanRuff said that some of the changes they implemented in 2008 worked so well they’re keeping them.

“The Get It Now prizes have expedited the whole process,” VanRuff said. “They get their fish weighed, get their prize, and leave instead of waiting around for an awards ceremony.”

There are three ways to win a prize for your catch, VanRuff said, in addition to the biggest fish which is worth $300. Anglers can pick up an item from the Get It Now prize table and anyone going that route can also submit their tickets to the “It’s Not Over” drawing for 20 prizes for anyone whose fish does not weigh into the top 100.

There will be a wide range of prizes to choose from for fishermen of all ages.

VanRuff wanted to remind anyone planning to come out for the event that all state fishing and boating rules and regulations will apply.

In 2007 the weigh masters weighed and measured nearly 500 fish. Last year, VanRuff said, they weighed more than 650 fish.

Another special piece of the event is that it’s the only time city officials allow camping at Lake Wilderness which is becoming increasingly popular since you can begin fishing at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and go until noon.

“I think there was almost 300 tents in the park (last year),” VanRuff said.

She credits all the help the chamber gets organizing and putting on the event for its growth and success.

“We’ve got a great group of volunteers,” VanRuff said. “The fishing derby committee is spectacular. The city … they’re excellent partners.”

And the Maple Valley Rotary makes some of the best food in town that weekend as it serves up dinner at 5 p.m. Friday and breakfast starting at 5 a.m. Saturday.

There will also be a fish pen stocked with 500 trout for children 12 and under in addition to the fish in Lake Wilderness, which is stocked by the state, for everyone over 12.

VanRuff said the fish derby is a great event even for those watching their budgets.

“When you look at the economic downturn this is a great event,” she said. “It’s $2 for a derby ticket, free camping in the park, and a full breakfast for $3. How great is that? It’s a family event. It’s a great community event.”