Trophy trout take to the waters for Monster Trout Derby

By SANDY LONG

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Anglers interested in landing an eight-pound rainbow trout—and winning one of 30 prizes—should begin scouting now for a place to plunk their lines along the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers when trout season opens in Pennsylvania on April 14.

In preparation for the upcoming Monster Trout Derby, which kicks off on opening day, 30 giant rainbow trout weighing approximately eight pounds each and averaging 23 inches in length, were released into the Lackawaxen River at several locations between Rowland, PA, and the village of Lackawaxen, PA on April 5.

The stocking is in addition to that done by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and was supervised by Tony Winters, Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Each fish bears a tag behind its dorsal fin, which corresponds to a prize donated by area businesses. Lucky anglers will claim prizes such as gift certificates and dinners by turning in their tagged catch at The Anglers Roost sporting goods store at Two River Junction in Lackawaxen for weigh-in, certification and a photograph.

Dimitri Zaimes, owner of The Anglers Roost, described rainbow trout as “good fighters” displaying great acrobatics. And although anglers may want to have their fish mounted for display, Charlie Conklin of Big Brown Fish Hatchery, which supplied the fish, said that the hatchery trout are routinely tested for contaminants and provide for “good eating.”

The first-time contest is sponsored by the business owners of Lackawaxen Township, who plan to make it an annual event. The group hopes the contest will promote both fishing and tourism for the region. Approximately $1,500 in prizes is being offered and the contest will continue until the last fish is caught, even if that occurs several years from now.

For more information contact Zaimes at 570/685-2010.