WILTON — The three heaviest fish caught during the annual Ice Fishing Derby on Wilson Lake this Sunday will bring prizes for fishermen in two divisions, adult and ages 15 and under.

The weather and the fact that Sunday is Valentine’s Day could affect the annual event, this year being organized by the Wilton Fish & Game Association, said Jeff Rowe, secretary/treasurer for the organization. But, he’s not worried. The derby, planned from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on the lake, draws a good crowd with “some people drilling holes before light,” and Sunday is supposed to be sunny, he said.

Salmon, trout and sometimes pickerel are drawn from the lake, he said.

“You can catch anything you want,” he added. It just needs to be hefty to ensure one of three prizes in each division, either the $100, the $75 or the $50 prize in each division.

“It just has to be caught Sunday, no frozen fish caught on Saturday,” Rowe said. “All state of Maine fishing laws apply.”

Those choosing not to fish Sunday can have a chance at three grand prizes simply by buying an entry ticket. The $5 preregistered entry fee puts the ticket holder into a drawing for the three prizes, 100 gallons of heating oil, a portable pop-up ice fishing shack or a three-part prize that includes a set of five ice fishing traps, a pull-behind equipment sled and ice fishing equipment valued at $50.

All fish are weighed at the Wilton Fish and Game Clubhouse on Route 2 West, heading toward East Dixfield. Hot foods will also be sold there, he said.

The group usually has been involved with the derby with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce but sickness caused a slow start on planning the event, so the association is mostly organizing the event this year, Rowe said. Any funds earned, after expenses, will help the association get a new roof this spring or pay bills like insurance, heat and electricity, he said.

A private, nonprofit group active since the 1940s, the association, with about 160 members, has seen more active participation this past year than in several years, he said.

“Predominantly a members and guests-only shooting club, we’re trying to get back to fishing and to become more family-oriented and include some younger members,” he said.

Rowe, who said he was brought up around guns, hunting rabbits and his father’s membership in the association, feels that “years ago there were only so many things to do. Now technology and computers are needed but I’d rather have kids outside enjoying the outdoors and knowing what it’s all about,” he said.

Some members have an interest in starting a youth shooting group, he said.

The group made improvements in its shooting range last year, ones that include safety measures and attempts to be better neighbors to those around the Route 2 building. Along with the winter fishing derby, the group holds a spring raffle at the sportsmen’s show in Wilton and participates at the Farmington Fair. Those interested are welcome to attend a meeting at 6:30 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Wilton Fish and Game building to find out more about the group.

Tickets for the fishing derby will be sold at the boat landing on Wilson Lake on Sunday for $7.50. The preregistered tickets for $5 are available at several local stores or by contacting Rowe at 645-7079. Stores include Wilton Hardware, Jack’s Trading Post and Bradley’s in Fairbanks, the White Elephant and Beal’s in Strong, and My Wife’s Place in New Vineyard. Rowe also has tickets.

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There wasn’t a flag, not even a nibble Tuesday as Vern McDonald of Wilton checked his five ice fishing lines on Wilson Lake in Wilton. The Wilton Fish and Game Association will hold an Ice Fishing Derby on the lake from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with prizes awarded for the three heaviest fish caught in two divisions.

There wasn’t a flag, not even a nibble Tuesday as Vern McDonald of
Wilton checked his five ice fishing lines on Wilson Lake in Wilton. The
Wilton Fish and Game Association will hold an Ice Fishing Derby on the
lake from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with prizes awarded for the three
heaviest fish caught in two divisions.

There wasn’t a flag, not even a nibble Tuesday as Vern McDonald of
Wilton checked his five ice fishing lines on Wilson Lake in Wilton. The
Wilton Fish and Game Association will hold an Ice Fishing Derby on the
lake from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with prizes awarded for the three
heaviest fish caught in two divisions.

There wasn’t a flag, not even a nibble Tuesday as Vern McDonald of
Wilton checked his five ice fishing lines on Wilson Lake in Wilton. The
Wilton Fish and Game Association will hold an Ice Fishing Derby on the
lake from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with prizes awarded for the three
heaviest fish caught in two divisions.