The Joe’s Valley Fishing Derby was held on Jan.27-28.
There were 85 registered contestants. The event ran from midnight on Friday night until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Chet Allred of Huntington organized the event.
James Byars of the town of Emery caught the winning fish, which was a 1 lb. 4 oz.,18-in splake. His prize was a Weatherby rifle.
Justin Jenkins of Elmo caught a 1 lb. 3 oz. splake, which was the second place fish. His prize was a Camp Chef.
Kurt Defa of Cleveland took third place by catching a splake that was slightly less than 1 lb. 3 oz. He won a barbeque set.
The best bait was a jig tipped with a dead minnow or chub meat. Ice thickness ranged from 4-11 inches with some dangerous ice at Seely Creek Bay.
Randall Stilson took the derby photos.
Joe’s Valley fishing derby winners
"James Byars of the town of Emery caught the winning fish, which was a 1 lb. 4 oz.,18-in splake. His prize was a Weatherby rifle."