PINEDALE — Get ready for some frigid fun on the frozen lake - the annual Big Fish Winter Derby is back in Pinedale. Anglers from across the region will gather at Fremont Lake on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, braving the icy conditions in hopes of reeling in the biggest catch.

Hosted by the Pinedale Lions Club and operated under a special use permit granted by the U.S. Forest Service Pinedale Ranger District, this tournament brings in ice-fishing enthusiasts who will compete for serious bragging rights and high-dollar prizes. With thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs, anglers will be drilling holes and dropping lines all day in search of the elusive “Big Fish” that will earn them a coveted spot on top of the leaderboard.

There were 198 adults and 24 youth participants in the 2023 Big Fish Winter Derby, with anglers traveling from all over, including Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Star Valley, Wyo., Lander, Rock Springs, Jackson and Casper.

More than $6,000 in cash and prizes is at stake this year in the Big Fish Division, with a $1,000 grand prize awarded each day. A $200 prize is on the line for the largest rainbow and brown trout caught each day. The angler who catches and enters the biggest fish each hour will win a $100 prize. Entry into the Big Fish Division is $40 per person. Payouts to the top four placers will be made each day.

While young anglers are welcome to compete with adults in the Big Fish Division, there is a separate category of competition designated just for youth. Entry into the Youth Division is free for participants under 14. A $100 grand prize will be awarded each day and additional prizes are up for grabs. Payouts to the top three placers will be made each day.

As of Feb. 22, there was 6-8 inches of ice around the lower portion of Fremont Lake.

Registration opened in late January but there’s still time to sign up. In-person registration will be available on Friday, March 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Mallard’s at the Rendezvous Meadow Golf Course and at Lakeside Lodge beginning at 6 a.m. on March 2 and 7 a.m. on March 3.

Even folks who don’t want to drop a line in are encouraged to attend the Big Fish Winter Derby. Hourly and daily weigh-ins of the biggest fish are sure to delight spectators.

Participants are reminded to properly dispose of unwanted bait, fish parts and packing in the trash, to clean plants from nets, lines and gear and to never introduce live fish or other organisms into a body of water.