Cast your line at the Island Lake Bass Derby
You don’t have to be a ‘reel’ expert to get out and enjoy fishing at the eighth annual Island Lake Bass Derby, running July 9 and July 10 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The event is hosted in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) and the Friends of Island Lake (FOIL) as an annual fundraiser for Island Lake Conservation Area projects.
“This is a fun event that is open to everyone,” said Steve Murphy, event coordinator for the Island Lake Bass Derby and member of FOIL. “We see first-time and experienced anglers come out each year to enjoy time at the lake. We also have special kids’ categories to help encourage fishing at all ages. This is a catch and release tournament and our goal is to promote fishing at Island Lake and raise money for projects around the park.”
The event sees up to 300 participants throughout the weekend. This year participants have a chance to win more than $5,000 in prizes. Categories include big catch prizes for the top 10 bass, as well as special categories for the top pike, perch and crappie. There are separate kids categories for youth ages 11 and under, and daily ceremonies will be held to award trophies in all kids categories. All children receive a participation ribbon.
Registration for the derby includes daily admission to the park and boat launch access. This event takes place during Ontario Family Fishing weekend and a fishing license is not required. Electric boat rentals, live bait and a barbeque are also available at additional cost.
Camping is open at Island Lake Conservation Area during the annual derby. Campsites are available on July 8 and 9. Reservations are required and space is limited to 10 camper/ RV sites and 25 tenting sites. Sites are available at a flat fee of $25 for both nights. Reservations are open to the general public, not just derby participants.
For more details about the Island Lake Bass Derby and camping, registration and prize information, please visit www.islandlakederby.ca
Photo:
CVC staff, Phil Bird, with bass caught during annual Island Lake Bass Derby
Conservation authorities are a provincial/municipal partnership. For more than 60 years, Credit Valley Conservation has worked with its partners to build a thriving environment that protects, connects and sustains us. Credit Valley Conservation gratefully acknowledges financial support from our member municipalities for facilities, programs and services: the Regions of Peel and Halton; the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton; the Towns of Caledon, Erin, Halton Hills, Mono, Oakville and Orangeville; and the Townships of Amaranth and East Garafraxa. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
