Anglers hit the ice for Moosehead Lake Togue Derby

GREENVILLE — Spencer Thompson of Harrington gets the bragging rights for the 10th annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby with Ricky Craven that wrapped up on Sunday afternoon. Thompson landed a 7.16-pound togue on Saturday, Jan. 28 and held on to take home the $1,500 prize money.
Nicholas Ramsdell of Hartland took second place with a 5.63-pound togue and Brian Ellis of Winslow finished third with a 4.53-pound fish.
The wind was harsh on Friday but the fish were cooperating. We saw a number of fish come into the weigh station on Friday afternoon that were in great shape, but, in the end, none were big enough to win prize money. The wind continued on Saturday and even though the fishing was a little slower, some prize winners were iced. On Sunday, the wind gave way to calm conditions and scattered snow squalls, but the fish seemed to be taking the day off.
Weather and ice conditions always play a deciding role in ticket sales. We had very good ice and snow cover on the lake and despite the 15 mph northwest wind, the Natural Resource Education Center at Moosehead (NREC) set a new record for participation with 724 tickets sold to this year’s event.
There were 185 names in the derby’s youth raffle this year. Nick Lemelin won the first prize which was a lifetime fishing license, however, his grandparents had already purchased both lifetime licenses for him, so NREC handed him a check for $250.
Brooklyn Morse from Mt. Vernon won the new Trek bike donated by Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville and Abbie Jacobson won a beautiful new bat, which she can get personally engraved, donated by Dove Tail Bats in Shirley.
Abe Hatch of Damariscotta won the grand prize and opted to take the $1,500 check. NREC also drew names for two firearms, an ice fishing package donated by Indian Hill Trading Post and a $250 check. Over 60 ticket holders won door prizes at the Wild and Tame dinner held Saturday night and all winners are listed on www.NRECmoosehead.org.
Thanks to all the folks at NREC, the sponsors, the donors and participants in the derby. The derby has been a great success as a fisheries management tool for Moosehead Lake, as well as a fundraiser and community event. We’ll see you all again next year.

Photo courtesy of NREC Moosehead
CATCH OF THE WEEKEND — Spencer Thompson of Harrington had the largest over the weekend during the 10th annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby with Ricky Craven. On Saturday Thompson hauled in this 7.16-pound togue.