Port Elgin man leading the Chantry Chinook derby with 16.72-pound salmon

Gregory Contois of Port Elgin is leading the 34th annual Chantry Chinook Classic Salmon Derby after reeling in a 16.72-pound Chinook on opening day, Saturday morning, and weighing in at the Saugeen Shores weigh station.

In second place, is Henry Vander Hyden of Monkton, with a 13.94-pound Chinook.

Mike Weber of Waterloo has the largest trout, with a 20.27-pound lake trout caught Saturday afternoon. In second place, is Derek Griffiths of Kincardine, with an 18-pound lake trout.

Lake Huron's Largest Fishing Derby continues through to Aug. 13, with the largest salmon netting the winner a $15,000 prize, followed by $4,000 for second and $2,000 for third. The largest trout nets the winner a $7,500 prize, followed by $1,500 for second, and $750 for third.

There are also many other special prizes, and sponsor prize boards to be won.

Ladies' Days are July 30 and Aug. 6; Seniors' Days are Aug. 2 and Aug. 9; and Kids' Day is Aug. 5 from 1-3 p.m.

There are four weigh stations: Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Wiarton and Pike Bay. The first three are open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, and 7-10 p.m. daily, except Aug. 13 when they will be open at 10 a.m. and close promptly at Noon. The Pike Bay weight station will be open from Noon to 2 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. daily, except Aug. 13 when it will open at 10 a.m. and close promptly at Noon.

Closing ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Tiverton Community Centre. The hall opens at Noon, with lunch available.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Upper Great Lakes Management Unit, Lake Huron office, was at the Kincardine weigh station, Saturday, checking the fish being weighed in there.

Steve Gile said the fish are weighed and measured, with samples taken of the scales, fin, jaw bone and uttoliths (ear bone) to determine the age of the fish. The stomach contents are also being examined.

The ministry personnel will be at the Kincardine weigh station for the first 10 days of the derby, and then at the Wiarton weigh station.

For complete details about the derby and to check the leader board, visit the website at www.chantrychinook.com/