With the 32nd annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby still scheduled for Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, event organizers say they are requiring anglers who plan on setting out on the lake on a boat or kayak to abide by Washington state aquatic invasive species laws and pre-register their vessels, according to a Mineral Lake Lions Club news release.
To do so, anglers must decontaminate water crafts and trailers if they have been in physical contact with waters outside of the state within the last 30 days.
Anglers must also complete an aquatic invasive species decontamination report or sign an aquatic invasive species decontamination attestation statement stating their equipment hasn’t been in physical contact with waters outside of Washington before setting off on Mineral Lake.
To access the needed forms, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/contests/rules. For decontamination methods and tips, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/invasive/prevention.
For more information on aquatic invasive species laws and compliance, email the Mineral Lake Fishing Derby Committee at info@minerallakefishingderby.com or visit the derby’s website at https://minerallakefishingderby.com/.
Additionally, all derby participants — whether fishing from the shore or on a boat — must purchase derby tickets prior to casting their lines, the release added.
Tickets for the derby go on sale the day before it starts, Friday, April 25. The cost is $10, which must be paid for in cash. Tickets can be purchased at:
• The Lions/Legion Community Building, located at 108 Front St. E. in Mineral Lake
• The Mineral Lake Lions Club Lions Den Campground, located at 113 Front St. E. in Mineral Lake
• The Mineral Lake State Boat Launch, located just north of the intersection of Lyday and Mineral Hill roads
The 32nd annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby coincides with the inaugural Mineral School Sportsman Show over the same weekend, located at the nearby Mineral Schoolhouse & Event Center.
To learn more about the fishing derby and sportsman show, read The Chronicle’s preview of the events at https://tinyurl.com/3rk8jv3a.
