Lake Bomoseen ice fishing derby

By Andrew Muse

The 36th annual Lake Bomoseen Ice Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Castleton Lions Club, is back again this upcoming weekend—Feb. 15 and 16—where fishers of all ages will compete for prize money, door prizes, and bragging rights.

“There is 18-plus inches of ice on the majority of Bomoseen,” Event Coordinator Stan Patch said. “It’s really safe ice and forecasted to be beautiful conditions throughout the weekend.”

Aspiring fishermen of all ages, who have picked up their tickets, can set out on Lake Bomoseen as early as 6 a.m. on Saturday morning with hopes of catching one of four different prize winning fish ranging from northern pike and bass to trout and perch.

The top four fish of each species will win prize money with $500 going to the top pike, bass, and trout, along with $400 going to the top perch.

Tickets are $20 for everybody and can be purchased at Tom’s bait and tackle, Harbor View General Store, and from Friday until Sunday at 1 p.m. tickets are available at the derby headquarters at Crystal Beach.

Anyone can purchase a ticket and with that purchase they become eligible for the many door prizes being offered including a Jiffy power augur donated by Tom’s Bait and Tackle and 100 gallons of number two fuel oil donated from Taggart fuels.

There are also various kids (12 and under) only door prizes including an opportunity to win a fishing license for life.

All fish must be weighed in by 3 p.m. Sunday at Crystal Beach and closing ceremonies start right after.

The Lions club of Castleton has vowed to put all the money after expenses back into the community, so come out and support your community and have some fun this weekend on Lake Bomoseen.

For further information, contact Stan Patch at 802-468-5001.