ESTEVAN - May 5 was the day that anglers have been waiting for in southeast Saskatchewan, as it marked the start of fishing season. The following day, the Estevan Wildlife Federation provided another reason to be excited to be on the water.
The EWF held its annual Walleye Classic on Boundary Dam. Thirty-four teams entered the catch-and-release competition.
Shane Tratch and Brian Rakochy of Pilot Butte took top spot in the event, as they weighed in the maximum of six fish that weighed a total of 17.46 pounds. Their largest fish was 3.34 pounds.
Top prize for the tournament was $1,200.
Rounding out the top six were: Lonnie Barber and Chad Froese in second place with a weight of 15.78 pounds; Lynn Hrywkiw and Dale Kozak, third place, 14.46 pounds; Dion and Devin Draper, fourth, 14 pounds; Dallas and Aaron Toles, fifth, 13.82 pounds; and Dave Clark and Jesse Bourassa, sixth, 13.20 pounds.
Each of the top six teams weighed in the maximum of six fish.
The Toles had the largest fish of the day at 5.02 pounds, and won the $500 associated prize.
Proceeds from the classic will be used for improvements at the Boundary Dam Recreation Stie.
Fishing season starts on May 5 each year in Saskatchewan. The EWF holds the classic the weekend after May 5.
