The Lakes Region Inland Fishing Association
 

Announces

The 29th Annual Winni Derby scheduled for May 14-16, 2010

Cancelled Due to Salmon Conditions

Executive Director’s Comments

 Executive Director, Rick Davis, announces that the 29th annual Winni Derby on Lake Winnipesaukee scheduled for May 14-16, 2010 is being cancelled for this year. After much discussion with the NH Fish and Game biologists, and actual visual confirmation, the Winni Derby Committee has come to the difficult decision that this year's Winni Derby has the potential to further damage the salmon fishery.

First and foremost, the Derby is dedicated to preservation of this wonderful resource and has been instrumental in protecting it for the use and enjoyment of future generations. There are several problems facing Lake Winnipesaukee and the salmon population. Without fingering any one thing, we will try to show how many things come together to affect the fishery.

The Winni Derby kills, on average, about 225 salmon annually.  In 2009 total kill was 125 fish. No records are kept to show how many fish were caught and released or how they were released.  We do know that the derby does not kill as many fish as any busy weekend right after ice out.

We also understand that the amount of fishing pressure is way up, and stays that way all season long. No one seems to know how many charter boats are fishing the lake and, in some cases, have multiple charters per day. Reports of 20 to 40 fish a day being caught are not uncommon.

New lures and flies introduced in the past few years have proven to be lethal. The right size, right action and colors will produce lots of fish. Modern day electronics are “state-of-the-art” and can locate and pinpoint the depth of fish. With the proper use of downriggers it is easy to go to the depth of the  fish. This method is very effective when the water warms and the fish move over deeper and colder water. From early summer to the end of the season it's useful and can be compared to fishing in a bowl. Another factor is "culling" or keeping fish in a live well until a bigger one is caught and throwing back the smaller one so as not to exceed the legal limit.

Last November derby personnel met with biologists at one of their netting sites to observe the fish being netted and weighed. At this net site there is normally 400-500 salmon, and at that time we counted just over 70. There was one fish that weighed over three pounds - all the rest were under. By actual count there was 30% hook wounded. According to the biologists, the same conditions were noted at other net sites on the lake. The early fall survey of the forage base showed that the lake is in great shape with ample amounts of smelt and food for the salmon.

There will be changes coming which, most likely, will not be favorable with some. If you have suggestions please send them to the NH Fish & Game Dept, c/o Inland Fisheries Division, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

Even if the damage is minimal during the Derby, it is damage at a time when the resource needs to be protected. For all these reasons, it is felt we need to take a stand to again support the fishery. Join us with your support and we'll see you at the next Winni Derby! 

Rick Davis

Executive Director

Email: mail@winniderby.com

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Grand and Major Prizes             _________________________________________________________________________________________ Grand Prize - Largest Salmon A 2009 Starcraft 1700 Starfire D.C, 2009 Mercury 75 HP EFI motor,2009 EZ Loader custom boat trailer. Boat is complete with Bimini enclosure pak, bow cover, battery & battery box & safety equipment. Also a Lowrance Depth & Fish Finder, downriggers, rods & reels

Major Prize - Largest Lake Trout    2009 Starcraft SF1420 DLX S/C. 2009 Mercury 25 HP EFI motor, a 2009 EZ Loader galvanized trailer, battery and a Lowrance Depth & Fish Finder .

Largest Salmon Junior Division     A 2009 Starcraft SF 1420 Split Seat, 2009 Mercury 9.9 HP EFI Motor, 2009 EZ Loader galvanized trailer, a Lowrance Depth & Fish Finder, rods, reels, tackle box and safety equipment. All subject to change! Trolling motor not included.

2008 Derby Pictures New 2008 Video (Courtesy of Joe Pych / Hooked-IN     Previous Winners

2008 Grand Prize				George Lodge Jr Franklin, NH Salmon: 4.28 lbs., 22.75"
2008 First Major Prize				Alexander White Meredith, NH 4.28 lbs., 22.25"
2008 First Place Lake Trout				Mark Thyng Farmington, NH 11.720 lbs., 30.625"
2008 First Place Junior				Sean Bready Northwood, NH 4.02 lbs., 24.125"