The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Many would agree that spending a few hours out fishing on the lake is a relaxing and fulfilling way to spend a summer day. Yes, it doesn't get much better than that! Then again, having a chance to win $800 with your catchÉ well, come to think of it, I guess things do get just a bit better than 'that'! The Manitoba Mtis Federation (MMF) held their Annual Hidden Length Fish Derby on Snow Lake during the Father's Day Weekend, and 88 people either fished from shore or launched boats to take part in the event. Being a catch and release tournament, the organizers relied on anglers to bring just the length of their fish to the registration point, not the fish itself. With rain threatening all day, then eventually coming through on the threat, many people had their lengths entered early, thus allowing them to leisurely fish until it started sprinkling just prior to the 4 p.m. deadline. Judging by the talk around the entry table, no one was skunked on this day and many caught several fish in multiple species. However the ones that mattered were those pulled at random by organizers. They were: 1st - Herb Erickson who won the main prize of $800; 2nd prize of $400 was picked up by young Justin Francis; 3rd prize of $200 went to Kel Cockerill and 4th of $100 to Romeo Trudeau. The afternoon's 50/50 Winner was the community's new Hydro Man, Cory Lobert, he received a $116 welcome to Snow Lake. The event also featured a number of door prize draws, with some great giveaways all provided by those within the MMF's local membership. As well, a film crew from the outdoor TV program The Hunting Chronicles was in attendance and took part in the tournament. Although they didn't get the big fish they were looking for on this day, with local sportsman Greg Foord as their guide, they weren't likely to leave the community without their desired master angler footage. Claude, Monique, and Crystal Trudeau, Dave and Dawn Roberts, and Dennis Yates all did an admirable job putting on the derby, and everyone who took part is no doubt eagerly anticipating next year's event. On the subject of The Hunting Chronicles, I spoke with the show's host, Chris David, prior to their arrival in Snow Lake as well as down at the MMF Derby entry point on Father's Day. In our conversation prior to his crew's arrival in the community, he spoke with anticipation of the chance to film and fish here. He told me in our latter conversation that even though they hadn't landed any lunkers (yet), he hadn't been disappointed in Snow Lake. "The people are great, the community is beautifulÉ actually, I'd love to buy a house here," said David. In the days following the Fish Derby, the Chronicles crew was slated to take a trip up Tramping Lake with Foord as well as spend a little more time on Snow Lake. As I mentioned to Mr. David, "Hopefully the Master Angler pickerel that our Mayor Garry Zamzow is shown holding on the Town of Snow Lake's website wasn't the only one in the lake!" However, many around us were quick to enter the conversation and relate their own angling exploits on the body of water so near our front doors. One final note, the public hearing on Greyhound's proposed conclusion of their service to Snow Lake will take place in The Elks' Hall at 10:30 a.m. on July 8. From what I am told, they are bound to get an earful on that date. Close to 100 people are slated to speak/present. My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
