The Washington Outdoor Report week of December 25

BONAPARTE LAKE ICE DERBY - Bonaparte Lake Resort will be putting on their 1st annual ice fishing derby on January 28. The cost to enter for adults is an affordable $10 and the youth entry fee is only $5. There are prizes for the biggest trout caught as well as the heaviest bag of multi-species fish (where you must weigh in three of the five fish species found in the lake).

The first-place prize for the biggest trout is an Eskimo ice auger and 50% of the prize money for this category. The angler weighing in the heaviest multi-species bag will also take-home 50% of the prize money for this category along with a Jett sled with a cover.

As for the kid with the biggest trout? He or she will get an ice fishing pole, a tackle box and 50% of the youth entry fees. If you get cold out on the ice you can warm up at the resort’s restaurant which will be serving both hot drinks and food. Sign-ups take place at the resort between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Official weigh-ins begin at 3 p.m. and the awards ceremony takes place at 4:30 p.m.

Eric Cruz, posting about this on the resort’s Facebook page, is asking for sponsors to help out with what looks to be a very fun event. Sponsors will be named on the official flier, advertisements and sweatshirts. If you are interested in supporting this derby call Eric at 509-322-1878 and do so before December 29.

WENATCHEE VALLEY SPORTSMEN SHOW CANCELLED – After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen Show was going to take place at the Town Toyota Center from January 6 - 8, 2023, a new date for the show that would have made this the first sportsmen’s show of the year in the Pacific Northwest.

Unfortunately, the show has been cancelled. In a statement sent out to exhibitors, event organizer Amy Gustin stated, “The last couple of years has definitely impacted the landscape of trade shows. We have found that many vendors are no longer in business, had to change their business model to survive a world without events to sell their products, or have chosen to only do the larger shows. With that being said, we are going to work hard through next year to see if we can get the show back up and going for January 5-7, 2024.”

NEW YEAR’S DAY EVENTS AT WASHINGTON STATE PARKS - January 1 is a fee free day at Washington State Parks and there are a number of events taking place to kick off the new year in nature. One such event is a Polar Plunge at Maryhill State Park in the Columbia River Gorge. This will take place at 9:15 a.m. at the swimming area along the Columbia River in the park. Plungers can find out if they have what it takes for a short winter (5 minutes max) dip in the mighty Columbia. A $15 donation is recommended. If you go to Lake Wenatchee State Park on New Year’s Day you can strap on your snowshoes and join park staff and volunteers for a brisk snowshoe hike around a frosty, snow-covered, winter wonderland. This event takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limited space is available for the hike, so please call ahead to reserve your spot.

This is a fantastic opportunity for first-timers in snowshoes or adults with children. The easy hike follows a 1.3-mile-long trail with varying views, plenty of opportunities for snowball fights and memorable photos! A limited number of snowshoes are available to rent for no charge, please call ahead to reserve a pair 509-763-3101. Following the hike, hot cocoa, and light snacks will be available for participants outside the North Reservation Booth. Additional guided First Day Hikes are taking place on Whidbey Island at South Whidbey, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks. Find out more details at www.parks.wa.gov/calendar.aspx

John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com