WESTON – Woodward’s Country Store is holding its annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, Feb 1.
Weston’s only retail store is located at 42 E. Depot St. in Weston. The town is a short 31 mile drive from downtown Logan.
The Bridge is out on the Bear River from Fairview to Weston so fishermen must go to Preston to Dayton and on to Weston or come from Lewiston.
This is their 13th annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, Feb. 1, and it starts anytime in the morning until 4 p.m. when the prizes are given out. The tournament attracts people from across Cache Valley.
“Everyone who signs up will get a prize of some kind,” said Van Woodward, owner of Woodward’s Country Store. “Coca Cola has donated a $400 Monster Truck; we have all kinds of prizes.”
Sportsmen can fish Devils Creek, Weston, Deep Creek, Twin Lakes Reservoirs, and this year Woodward said they can fish any or all of them.
“They can move around to any of the lakes, just bring me the longest fish,” he said. “Generally, we have close to 200 people enter the tournament.”
There is a $10 entry fee and there are door prizes.
For a town with a population of less than 500, when they can get 200 people in town it’s a big deal.
“I only use the lakes around me,” he said. “They can move from lake to lake but can only fish in the designated reservoirs.”
The longest trout wins first prize, a cash prize and a trophy. Cash prizes will also go to the second, third, fourth, and fifth longest trout.
“We have five places for trout and three for non-trout,” Woodward said. “If someone has a bad day and only catches a tiny one with a hook, I give them $50.”
The tournament has over 15 sponsors that donate prizes to the tournament. Woodward buys fishing poles and other tackle with some of the entry fees, and he gets businesses to donate money and merchandise.
Participants must be present to win prizes. They start giving away prizes at 4:15 p.m.
February is a great time for a tournament because it’s a boring month for outdoorsmen, he said.
“All of the hunting is over, and unless you’re a trapper, there is not much to do,” Woodward added. “This has been a fun event for our town.”
A nonresident Idaho fishing license is required for out of state fishermen. It cost $22.75 for the first day and $7.00 for each consecutive day. The license can be purchased online or at the store.