WILTON — Wilton Fish and Game Association enjoyed a nearly perfect day for its annual Ice Fishing Derby on beautiful Wilson Lake. The Fish and Game club partnered with Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to present a program “Hooked on Fishing.”

Families have been registering for the big day of the derby and the day couldn’t have been any nicer. Many of the early birds were set up and ready to go before daybreak. There was activity all over the lake.

At 9 a.m., families were greeted by Emily and Kris McCabe from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and members from the Wilton Fish and Game Club. Children looked on and participated with Emily in learning how to drill holes, bait hooks and set traps. Many also learned how to jig for fish. Adults as well as kids participitated in the program. Emily discussed with the crowd how to identify the fish you catch, especially the difference between brookies and togue. She had cards with identification of species that were available for reference.

Families enjoyed visiting with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Chandler Woodcock on the lake.

A hut was available with hot coffee and hot chocolate donated by Wilton Dunkin’ Donuts. Old-fashioned molasses cookies, bars and chocolate chip cookies were included. Families were coming from all over the lake to enjoy the special treats. Chatter has already started that next year there will be hot dogs and fried onions, which are an ice fishing tradition for many families.

The day ended at 4 p.m. with the fish weigh-in at the Club house on Route 2. Winners were as follows:

Youth heaviest fish: 1. Katelyn Daggett, 2. Dylan Cousins, 3. Corey Ridley.

Adult heaviest fish: 1. Chet Coolidge, 2. Moe Castonguay, 3. Ritchie Mitchell.

Jason Macomber won the door prize for a cord of wood. Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife hats were won by Jackson Hardy and Chris Bubier. Melanie Blanchet was the winner of the Lifetime Fishing License, presented to her by Emily McCabe.

For membership to the Wilton Fish and Game Association, please call Phil at 491-7489. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the club house in Wilton on Route 2.