Rotary Club Father's Day Fishing Derby set for Sunday

Havre's Rotary Club continues a famous tradition this weekend, hosting a Father's Day fishing event.

The event will be held on Father's Day, Sunday, June 18, with registration from noon to 1 p.m. and fishing to follow, lasting until about 4 p.m.

The derby has been held for 64 years. It is the longest-running annual Rotary event in the U.S. However, in 2021 the event was canceled due to COVID-19.

Rotarian Brian Lilletvedt talked about a favorite memory of his during a past event.

"A funny story I have is of a young girl, 3 to 4 years old, who reeled in her fish. They tried to pick it up when it was on the ground. The fish was flopping around and it was slippery when she tried to grab it," Lilletvedt said, "She eventually caught it and brought it over to me to weigh. She was smiling and very proud of her catch."

The derby has boys and girls divisions, with the ages 10 years old and younger. The other divisions are for age groups 11 to 15 years old.

Prizes are awarded to the winners in the girls and boys divisions for most trout and biggest trout caught during the derby. There will also be a prize for the biggest sucker fish caught.

The boys and girls overall winner will receive a champion's hat. The children participating in the derby will receive a free sack lunch and soft drink. Lunch of hotdogs, burgers and sodas also will be available for purchase.

The Fish, Wildlife and Park stocks the pond with fish prior to the derby. Parents can help with baiting the hooks, but are encouraged to teach their kids how to cast. To qualify, the children are required to reel in the fish themselves.

Statewide, FWP allows license-free fishing for everyone both Saturday and Sunday.