Cranberry Portage anglers faced a mixed weather bag over the weekend as they cast their lines looking to earn bragging rights and prizes in the annual Cranberry Portage Trout Challenge.
First prize went to Ted Smith and Paul Wiens in boat 57 with a total of 231.75 inches. Second were Leigh Johnston and Brady Fidierchuk, with third going to Randy Boycyhuk and Blaine Hyska.
The John Moodie Memorial Trophy was awarded to Barry Anderson and Gord Fidierchuk for the best result for a team from Cranberry Portage. The boat’s total catch was 211 inches. It is the 10th year the trophy, donated by Moodie’s daughter, Jaquie Koomar, was awarded.
Donna McCullum won the 7th annual Candace Danielson Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the woman that brings in the largest trout.
Youngest angler for the day was 6-year-old Ashton Danielson, and the youth angler award, for anglers under 16, went to Jayden Ouellette.
The Leslie Smith Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the youngest angler catching the largest fish, went to Ethan Johnston for his 26.5-inch catch.
Most mature angler was James Murray at 81 years old.
Nicky and Glen Whitbread had the best comeback, bringing in 106 inches on Sunday after a 25.25-inch tally on Saturday.
Saturday’s largest fish was caught by Leigh Johnston at 37.5 inches. Sunday’s went to Clint Bickel with 39.5 inches. Johnston and Bickel also both earned Master Angler Awards, along with Paul Weins for his 36.5-inch catch, and Ray Lavis for his 35-inch catch.
The Trout Challenge is in its 27th year, and awarded prizes for 27th place after day one to James and Darrell Murray. After day two, the award went to Donna McCullum and Richard Danielson.
On Sunday, a Hidden Inches Award for the team closest to 54 inches total was won by Boat 40, Greg Foord and Shawn Abromivich.
The team closest to 150 inches total was also a winner, with the award going to Boat 24, Doug McKenzie and William McKenzie.
