Greenwing derby marks 30th anniversary milestone

The annual Greenwing fishing derby is set to make a big splash this month as it marks its 30th anniversary.

Ducks Unlimited Canada will hold the Peterborough Greenwing Fishing Derby once again at the Trent-Severn Waterway just below the Peterborough Lift Lock.

“The weather’s looking good and it’s going to be an exciting day,” said event co-chairman Gordon Bowley.

Children 15 years and younger will have the chance to fish for prizes on April 29 and adult fishing starts April 30.

About 5,000 fish will be released into the canal prior to the event, Bowley said.

Many of the released fish will be tagged for prizes including: fishing rods, reels, tackle boxes, camping equipment and mountain bikes.

Joanne Barbazza, head of outreach and communications for Ducks Unlimited, said the event is “a way to get children to learn the sport of fishing and hopefully start them on the road to making it a lifelong passion.”

Volunteers will educate participants of the derby about waterfowl, wildlife and wetland conservations along with helping to organize the event, Barbazza said.

Children who register for the derby are included in Ducks Unlimited’s Greenwing membership and “become important members of our conservation community,” she said.

The big fish prize will go to whoever catches the elusive Walter, a rainbow trout that will be between 12 and 15 pounds.

NOTE: Registration is required for participation. Registration is $15 for the first child and $5 for each additional child per family. Fees from children’s registration go toward the Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Greenwing programs involved in conservation awareness. You can register on site the day of the event or at the local Canadian Tire stores, Bridgenorth Sports and Marine on Garthorne Ave. and Peterborough Bait and Tackle. Adult fishing costs $15 per person. The costs include instant prizes and a lunch of hot dog, drink, cake and ice cream.