Anglers flock to Smith Lake derby

The 45th annual Lions Club Smith Lake Ice Fishing Derby west of Kalispell on Saturday attracted over 300 anglers.

Anglers — many of them youngsters — landed hundreds of small pike and smaller numbers of perch on jigs tipped with maggots or smelt. The day started out chilly, but the sun shone brightly and provided some welcome warmth for the anglers.

The event is put on by the Sunriser Lions Club as a public service to the community and as a way to make a modest amount of money to donate to family fishing pond programs. Anglers also donated some pike to the Hooked on Fishing program for dissection exercises.

The Lions operated a food stand offering hamburgers, hot dogs, and other items.

“This is a great family event,” said Warren Illi, event organizer for the Sunriser Lions Club. “We had a terrific turnout and good weather.  It was great to see so many kids catching fish.”

Winners included:

•  Largest Pike: 2 lbs., 3 oz. — Gage Crawford (4 years old).
•  Smallest Pike: 113 grams (0.25 lbs) — Matthew Tobiason.
•  Largest Perch: 499 grams (1.1 lbs.) — Cody Tveidt.
•  Smallest Perch: 83 grams (.18 lbs.) — Colter Jensen

The Sportsman & Ski Haus was a major sponsor, donating hundreds of dollars for prizes as well as bait for the event. Walleyes Unlimited donated 75 ice-fishing rods. Flathead Wildlife Inc. provided support, and many of its members helped at the event, which is held annually on the last Saturday in December.

Gage Crawford, age 4, holds his 2-pound, 3-ounce pike that won the largest pike contest at the Smith Lake Lions Club ice fishing derby on Saturday. With Gage is his mother, Crystal, his father, Del, and his friend Jayden. (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks photo)