Rainy River hosts Rick Bourre Memorial Ice Fishing Derby at Winter Carnival

The Rick Bourre Memorial Ice Fishing Derby returned to Rainy River for the first time since 2020 and drew more than 120 participants, with prizes awarded in walleye, northern pike and a kids category.

Holes were carved and rods pulled in fish during Sunday morning's Rick Bourre Memorial Ice Fishing Derby on the ice in Rainy River, Ont. The event honors the late Rick Bourre, who died in 2019, and was held for the first time since 2020. Lindsay Bourre, Rick's daughter and the event coordinator, said the derby attracted more than 120 people. The competition ran until 4 p.m., and winners were announced afterwards at the Rainy River Legion. Event details: - The derby returned after a break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and thin ice in subsequent years. - Event coordinator Lindsay Bourre said more than 120 people took part. - Categories included biggest walleye, biggest northern pike, and a kids section where any fish was accepted. - First-place winners named were Brayden Kreger (biggest walleye, 2.46 lb) and Carter St. Pierre (biggest northern pike, 7.14 lb). - The day featured mild temperatures and light wind, and many families attended. Summary: The derby brought the community together in friendly competition and remembrance. Organizers said they plan to make the event a more consistent annual tradition, weather permitting. Winners were announced at the Rainy River Legion following the competition.