Young anglers line Lift Lock canal for Under The Lock Fishing Derby

Hundreds of young people cast their lines into the Lift Lock canal on Saturday in hopes of catching a prized trout during the annual Under The Lock Fishing Derby. The youth derby began on April 27 at 9 a.m., for children 15 and under, and included 500 tagged trout for instant prizes, and a chance to win one of the four grand prizes.

Three thousand trout were released into the Peterborough Lift Lock canal on Wednesday in preparation for the 35th annual Under The Lock Fishing Derby.

Among those swimming the canal is “Walter,” a six to eight-pound rainbow trout. If caught, the angler will receive the big fish grand prize of $1,000. During the last three years, Walter has been caught by Travis Parker, Justin Desbarbieux and, in record time last year, by Benjamin Bumstead.

Three other large fish were also released into the canal on April 24 in preparation for the derby.

The second and third place grand prize fish, “Rosie” and “Berty,” are each worth $200 cash, plus a free registration to an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) day camp. The fourth grand prize fish, aptly named “Kayak,” will take home a sit-on kayak and paddle.

“The OFAH is thrilled to continue the tradition of this showcase community event, which provides a great outdoors experience for children to participate in alongside their family and friends,” said Angelo Lombardo, executive director of the OFAH, in a release. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this fishing derby again and can’t wait to see kids win hundreds of prizes and a lucky angler catch Walter.”

The derby is organized by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

David Ryrie, supervisor of outreach programs, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, kisses a rainbow trout hooked by Bentley Simmons, 7.

CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT PHOTOS PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of anglers flocked to the canal below the Peterborough Lift Lock to net the elusive Walter, a six to eight-pound rainbow trout, in Peterborough on Saturday. If caught, the lucky angler will receive the big fish grand prize of $1,000.

Carson Evans, 7, and Stella Burrell, 8, play inside a giant fishing net next to the canal below the Peterborough Lift Lock.