ARA’s Winter Fishing Derby is back for 2024!

Come one, come all! The ARA in partnership with the Inland Fisheries division of the N.S. Dept. of Fisheries & Aquaculture is hosting a free winter fishing derby at Gillis Lake in Pinevale, Antigonish County on Saturday, February 17th, 2024. Free registration opens at 10am, there will be a free BBQ and hot chocolate, participation prizes for youth under 14 and free entry into either a youth or adult raffle draw near the end of the derby at 2pm.

We will have pre-drilled holes in the ice marked for participants and some spare jigging rods on hand for anyone who was to give ice fishing a try, but doesn’t want to purchase the gear. We ask that you please dress for the weather, bring something cozy to sit on and extra blankets and clothes never hurt! If you have your own jigging rod or regular rod, please bring it as our spares are limited and we would like to give people a chance to try out ice fishing who don’t have the gear.

This derby is a family-friendly event and a way for the ARA to engage with the community and to encourage all age groups to participate in sportfishing and outdoor recreation.

We will see you at Gillis Lake on February 17th!