Lake Topaz was buzzing with the anglers catching their limits for the “paid for fishing derby” annual event on opening day. The derby starts off the fishing season at Topaz which on the first day of January and ends Saturday, April 17 with a drawing for prizes. Dave Rossman manager of the Topaz General Store reports 189-2lb fished weighed-in and 5 tagged fish. The 2lb fish weighed-in ran from 2lb-10oz to 3lb-11oz to the delight of the anglers. All tagged fish caught and weinged-in collected $100 and free slot play and drawings for the final day of the tournament.

Kerri Capps won $50 for the biggest weekly trout weighing 5lb-10oz with 2nd place going to an angler who wished to remain anonymous with a fish at 5lb-10oz and $25 slot play at the casino.

Anglers using a variety ofPower Bait or night crawlers did very well off banks while trollers faired well pulling Rapalas.

It’s been several years since opening day has been so productive much to the delight of the anglers. Launching boats in the last few years has been difficult with the low water levels this year has seen an improvement much to the delight of the boating anglers. Hopefully with the improved weather in the form of rain and snow fishing conditions will improve as time goes on. In the mean time go out and have a great time outdoors.