Hook, line and sinker: Walter among 3,000 trout waiting to be caught at the annual Under The Lock Fishing Derby

Anglers young and old are gearing up for the 36th annual Under The Lock Fishing Derby.

Organized and presented by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), this year’s event starts April 26th with the Youth Fishing Derby for kids aged 15 and under, and continues after until May 5th with the All-Ages Fishing Derby, except for May 1st when the inaugural High School Fishing Derby will be held.

While more than $35,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, OFAH program support specialist Annie Layfield says the big catch remains Walter, who will have some company this year.

Layfield is quick to answer when asked her favourite part of the derby.

Layfield says the annual fishing derby is OFAH’s biggest outreach event.

The first stocking of 3,000 trout will take place April 23rd, with a second stocking scheduled for prior to the High School Derby.

To register in advance, visit www.ofah.org/underthelock. There is also onsite registration early on each day of the derby

(Written by: Paul Rellinger)