ESTEVAN - The Estevan Wildlife Federation kicked off the 2022 fishing season by hosting its annual Walleye Classic on Saturday at Boundary Dam.
A total of 42 teams entered the catch-and-release competition. Each team could weigh in up to six fish.
The team of Ryan Englot and Dean Schenk finished in top spot, as their six fish weighed a total of 17 pounds. They also the largest catch of the day at 7.6 pounds.
Dave Clark and Jesse Bourassa were second at 16 pounds. Delvin and Linda Kushriryk took third at 14.42 pounds, Brad Frater and Sheldon McManus were fourth at 13.44 pounds, and Craig Schmidt and Dave Kaytor were fifth at 13.36 pounds.
Most of the teams entered weighed in six fish.
The weather was sunny but windy to start the day. A thunderstorm that rolled through the Estevan early in the afternoon put the tournament on hold, but anglers were eventually able to return to the water.
Awards were handed out at the EWF’s clubhouse after the event.
This marked the first time since 2019 that the EWF has been able to have a normal fishing derby to open the season.
Fishing season begins on May 5 in southern Saskatchewan each year. The walleye classic takes place on the Saturday after the start of the season.
