Hundreds of anglers will once again line the shores of Cultus Lake to kickoff Father's Day weekend.
The Fraser Valley Lions Club is hosting the 17th annual Cultus Lake Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 15, and following a successful running in 2023, members are expecting an even better turnout this year.
The derby takes place at the Cultus Lake Main Beach and aids in the recovery of the Cultus Lake sockeye salmon population by reducing the native pikeminnow and invasive smallmouth bass predation on the young sockeye fish. The day also provides information to lake residents and visitors about the area’s ecosystem and informs them of the best practices to help protect the sockeye salmon and ultimately ensure the long-term viability of the lake environment.
Last year’s derby saw more than 300 adults and children register as anglers for the event, with 578 pikeminnow and 239 smallmouth bass being caught and removed from the lake throughout the day.
Many non-anglers also stopped in to partake in the festivities with educational displays set up and kids able to enjoy free, wooden fish painting.
The event kicks off in the early hours of the day, running from 5 a.m. to noon, with registration open that day until 11 a.m. Tickets are $3 for kids and $7 for adults, and are available at Fred’s Custom Tackle, or the Main Beach Concession.
A final weigh-in for all participating anglers will take place from noon until 2 p.m., with a chance to win $2,500 in cash prizes. All registered participants are also eligible for door prizes.
