Anglers to vie for $1,700 in prize money in Panguitch Lake’s 9th annual fishing derby

Anglers on the ice at Panguitch Lake, Utah, date not specified. | Photo courtesy of Panguitch City, St. George News / Cedar City News

PANGUITCH — Anglers are gearing up for Panguitch Lake’s ninth annual Ice Fishing Derby, scheduled for Jan. 2.

Steven Lee, events manager for Panguitch City, said the event, which includes $1,700 in cash prizes, is expected to attract ice fishing enthusiasts from around the Southwest.

The ice fishing derby will feature an individual competition for both youth under 18 and adults, with separate cash prizes awarded in each age category, as follows.

  • Adult individual competition: $20 entry fee per angler.
    • $500 grand prize for heaviest fish.
    • $500 grand prize for longest fish.
  • Youth individual competition: $10 entry fee per angler.
    • $100 grand prize for heaviest fish.
    • $100 grand prize for longest fish.

Additionally, for the first time, the ice fishing derby will also feature a team competition. Teams, which can consist of up to five adults or children, will compete for a grand prize of $500 for the heaviest combined catch (maximum of four rainbow trout per angler). Rainbow trout is the only type of fish that will count in the derby.

The four-per-person daily catch limit will be strictly observed, along with all other state fishing regulations, Lee noted. Each angler must have a valid Utah fishing license to participate. Attendees are also asked to observe COVID-19 safety protocols by wearing masks and practicing social distancing throughout the event’s duration. To register, click here.

The competition will run from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a weigh-in. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Another new event this year will be a hockey slap shot competition, where contestants will pay $5 for a chance to hit a shot past former Southern Utah Independent high school goalkeeper Alyssa Fain.

“On the off chance that you can sneak a puck past our champ, you win half of the pot,” Lee wrote in a Facebook post, adding, “Just don’t get your hopes up!”

Lee, who said he enjoys researching the history of Panguitch Lake, said the lake been a popular fishing spot for at least a century and a half.

“The mass migration of thrill-seekers and recreationists to this secluded frozen wonderland is hardly a new phenomenon,” Lee wrote, adding, “The mystical hold of the lake over its enamored visitors has been the topic of conversation among visitors for at least 150 years now, and the abundance of mountain trout contained within its crystal clear waters have become the stuff of legends.”

Lee also shared the following quote from a newspaper correspondent, which was printed in the Deseret News back in 1876: “To sum up the advantages of a trip to Lake Panguitch, they are briefly, sailing on one of the handsomest lakes in Utah, fresh trout in abundance, picturesque scenery, pure mountain air, and retirement from the haunts of men. It is a grand hermitage.”

For more information, visit Panguitch City’s Facebook page or website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

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