The Lake Trout season on Lake Superior will close at midnight on September 30th, 2009. It will remain closed until December 1st, 2009. The Salmon and Kamloop Rainbow species will remain open for angling. I have had some folks asking me if the law or rule was changed for the Minnesota water to allow the taking of Lake Trout through October 4th. Apparently as in past years, this same question arises and one which could get anglers confused and in trouble with enforcement. I have not seem anything officially change the closing date so as far as I know, the Lake Trout season closes on September 30th and reopens on December 1st, 2009.

Every year the call for volunteers goes out to assemble, prepare and put on what seems like an almost impossible event called the JAWS Derby and every year the task gets accomplished. What would we do without members like Warren Soule, Jim Vanlandschoot, Roger Nephew and Jan Koneczny in assembling our contest prizes and awards. Members Barry Leblanc, Al Laurvick, Steve Clarke, John Ketola and again Warren Soule, Jim Vanlandschoot and Roger Nephew in getting the tents assembled and situated, trailer and derby shed moved and positioned. Jan Koneczny has one hard working group for the kitchen crew in Nancy Clarke, Gail Soule and the always present and most always over worked grille person, her important right hand man, John Ketola. John also stores the prize and office trailer at his home in Esko. Brenda Koneczny worked the beer sales and Tyce Mickolajak sold derby tickets and raffle chances.

This year we had 301 JAWS Derby entries of which 28 of the participants were kids. This was down by 32 entries in 2008. Some folks were effected by job losses from the economy especially from the metro area, members passing away and by military service or the call to active duty.

The lousy weather and winds contributed to very poor conditions and the JAWS Derby goes into the books as a slightly better then a break even event. “Thanks to all for your very best efforts”