Northwoods Y held its Ninth Annual Rainy River Sturgeon Derby on May 3, where, despite the cold temperatures, several anglers started at noon and stayed on Rainy Lake until the event ended at 4 p.m.
The competition was pretty impressive, with less thanan inch separating the first and second place sturgeons.
First place went to Elroy Jesmy, who landed a 62.5 inch sturgeon.
Jesmy’s was just a quarter inch larger than the 61.25 inch caught by Madison Foss, who had to reel in the large fish on her own to comply with contest rules.
Her father, Rick Foss, has fished in area tournaments for several years and was said to be pretty proud of his daughter’s accomplishment. She reportedly used her winnings to purchase a new iPod.
Roger Hanks captured third place with his 58 inch sturgeon.
It was cold on the river that day but there was reportedly a good turnout. Anglers had a chance to warm up at Northwoods Y, where later in the day the band Bad Influence performed.
Meanwhile, the late snow meant that Northwoods Y had to postpone its original April 26 derby, an annual event sponsored by Indus Recreation Association. Some traveling anglers were said to have come for the initial date, but were unable to make a return trip a week later.Rick Foss with his daughter Madison on Rainy Lake May 3 for the Northwoods Y Sturgeon Derby. Madison Foss landed a 61.25 inch sturgeon to take second place.