Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Close to 300 participants spread across the frozen Ottawa River for the annual Ice Fishing Derby

at the Aylmer Marina on March 2.

“It was sold out for the first time,” said Aydelu Centre president Guy Rochon.

The event has been hosted by the Knights of Columbus for the past 12 years, but the Aydelu

Centre took over the organization of the event in 2023.

The mild conditions brought in 260 registered fishers, along with their families, friends, and

furry companions for a fun-filled day out on the river.

By the end of the derby, a total of 76 fish were caught and registered. Brian Marion reeled in the

catch of the day with a 7.1-pound pike.

The day wrapped up at the Aydelu Centre for a warm dinner. An assortment of gifts and prizes,

from bicycles to kayaks, were awarded to lucky participants.

The $13,000 raised was divided among Aylmer Meals on Wheels and L’Autre Chez-Soi, the

area’s women’s shelter, for a hefty donation of $6,500 each.

Along with the committee that brought the event to fruition, Rochon thanked the 73 sponsors

who contributed to the event.

“Without their generosity, the event wouldn’t have been such a success.”

Although an official date had yet to be selected for next year’s derby, Rochon said Aydelu hoped

to organize it earlier in the year around February to get a head start on the warming temperatures.

Photo caption: Aydelu Centre’s Ice Fishing Derby on March 2 raised $13,000 for Aylmer Meals

on Wheels and L’Autre Chez-Soi.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Aydelu Centre