Due to weather conditions, the Sebago Lake Rotary Club has canceled the Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby slated for this weekend but is still going ahead with the Cumberland County Ice Fishing Derby, which allows fishing on any lake in the county.
Besides fishing, the Maine Children’s Cancer Program’s Polar Dip will take place at noon on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Raymond Beach.
At a meeting Tuesday night with the Maine Warden Service, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and other safety personnel, derby organizers determined that the unusually warm temperatures and forecasted rains has created unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions to hold the Sebago Lake portion of the derby.
Since all water bodies in the area have less-than-normal ice conditions, event organizers urge all entrants to check ice depth before heading out on even smaller lakes this weekend, and to check it often as warm temperatures and sunshine can deteriorate conditions quickly.
Organizers are also removing the $150,000 prize for a state record togue from the prize pool. Togue from other Cumberland County waters will be accepted for prizes. Other fish pool prizes will be awarded, including a 2016 Polaris ATV. Awards and prizes will be handed out at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Windham Weaponry’s Conference Hall at 999 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.
Check www.icefishingderby.com and the event’s Facebook page for the latest information.
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