Despite the mild weather, the Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby will be held this weekend.
Rotary Club of Chapleau acting president Luc Tessier acknowledges concerns stemming from recent weather conditions.
A post from derby organizers does assure, however, that patrols found ice was an average of 12 inches thick on Monday - as boundaries were posted - though there was slush on the ice surface, which could be slippery in places - and organizers emphasize "ice on rivers is dynamic and the thickness can vary due to currents and eddies under the ice", so "be mindful of ice conditions" - there is some promise in the weather forecast, which expects a 60 percent chance of flurries or showers on Saturday, with a high of only -3 Celsius.
They remind participants aren't allowed to fish within the boundaries on the Chapleau River or Mulligan's Bay until the derby begins at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, and note there are still tickets available for the 26th annual derby - registration will be held Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm at the Community Hall.