Frozen Fish

The 45th Annual Great Meredith Fishing Derby came to Opechee on February 9th and 10th, 2024. Limited ice on the bigger lakes may have sent some anglers looking for alternative spots to stalk their prey and the north end of Opechee offered an opportunity for several looking to plunge the depths in search of finned food.

Several scouting parties were seen on the lake through the week and bob houses began popping up on Friday. To be entered in the derby, fish must be caught after midnight on Friday and registered at the derby headquarters in Meredith no later than 3:00 PM on Sunday.

Saturday saw temperatures rising into the 50s keeping the fisherman warm but perhaps reducing confidence in the ice. Thicknesses were reported in the 5-8" range.

Most of the folks on the ice Saturday morning were locals from Laconia, Sanbornton, and Holderness. Two distinct approaches were observed: those actively intent on pulling fish from the lake and those who casually watched a few tip-ups while they enjoyed time having fun on the lake with kids, ATVs, dogs, and perhaps an adult beverage or two.