Editor’s note: This updated story corrects inaccuracies included in a previous version published last week.
Mineral Lake’s 31st annual fishing derby is scheduled for the weekend of April 27.
Tickets for the derby go on sale the day before it starts, Friday, April 26. The cost is $10, which must be paid for in cash.
Tickets can be purchased at:
The 31st annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby will commence at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. For those not participating in the derby, Mineral Lake is still open to the public.
However, all derby participants — whether they are fishing from a boat or kayak on Mineral Lake or fishing from the shoreline or docks — must purchase a derby ticket before casting their lines in the lake.
Mineral Lake Lions Club board member Starla Mayer said participants fishing in boats and kayaks are required to ensure their water crafts adhere to Washington state aquatic invasive species law.
To do so, anglers must decontaminate water crafts and trailers if they have been in physical contact with waters outside of Washington 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.
The deadline to enter a catch in the derby is 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 28.
Following the deadline, derby winners will be announced at noon for the top five catches at the Lions Den Campground, with up to $5,000 in prizes available. Additional prizes will be raffled off, with raffle tickets on sale for $2 each.
According to the Mineral Lake Fishing Derby’s website, prizes for last year’s derby included kayaks, rods, a filet knife, an outboard trolling boat motor and a guided fishing trip for four.
Aside from the fishing derby, a beer garden will be set up at the Lions Den Campground that weekend along with food trucks, artisan vendors and live music. A free KidsZone Trout Pond will be set up with prizes for young anglers as well.
For more information, contact the Mineral Lake Lions Club Lions Den Campground at 360-492-3152 or email events@minerallakelions.com.
