• The Chantry

    There is an angling tradition about to kick off along the shores of Lake Huron. The 29th annual Chantry Chinook Classic begins on July 28th and runs until August 12th. This annual event has been attracting thousands of anglers to the Saugeen Shores area for nearly three decades, and it continues to be a hit among salmon and trout anglers throughout Southern Ontario. Broadcasting stations 98 the Beach, CFPS, and Bayshore Broadcasting are once again on board as the title sponsors. The Chantry event is sure to draw attention as it boasts a prize package in excess of $60,000. Proceeds from the derby go to the host organization, the Lake Huron Fishing Club. As the LHFC operates two hatcheries and raises Chinook salmon, rainbow and brown trout bound for Lake Huron, this setup ensures that your entry money gets put straight back into the fishery.


    Jason Holyome of Owen Sound with proof that salmon can still grow big in Huron.
    He boated this 16lb Chinook off Southampton late last month.

    As always, the big draw to the event is the grand prize for salmon, which will bring one lucky angler $14,000. The top three salmon win cash-based prizes while 4th to 25th receive package prizes. The largest overall trout in the derby wins $6000, top three trout win cash and the 4th and 5th largest trout receive prize packages. In addition, special event days over the course of the derby include: Kids Day (Aug 4th), Ladies Day (July 29th), Seniors Day (Aug 1st), and an All you can eat Fish Fry (Aug 11th).

    This year the Chantry has added a new prize category for the largest overall rainbow trout (steelhead) to be entered. The overwhelming success of the LHFC/Ontario Steelheaders rainbow trout stocking program on the Saugeen river has provided enhanced opportunities for these acrobatic brawlers in the offshore fishery. Top rainbow trout in the derby will score a Walker Downrigger prize package worth $3200; second place rainbow will receive an Islander centerpin reel and custom float rod combo.


    Barrow Bay District Angling Association member Chris Mawdsley of Miller Lake enjoyed the
    Chantry Chinook Media day last week as he shows off a nice steelhead taken offshore from the BNPD.

    Waters open to angling in the event include: Lake Huron from Nine Mile River to the south, to Lyle Island Lighthouse to the north, west to the international boarder. Along the east side of the Peninsula, open waters include Dundas Point to the south to Cabot Head in the north. This extra portion of water within Georgian Bay provides derby anglers with sheltered water during strong west winds which can produce rough seas on Huron.

    Derby tickets cost $30 per single or $60 per family entry. Tickets can be purchased locally at Hi-way Variety and Home Hardware in Kincardine, Ferndale Food Mart in Lions Head, Murdock McKenzie Sea Doo in Oliphant, Watson’s Tackle in Owen Sound, By the Bay Resort in Pike Bay, Eby Barber Shop and J&S Tackle in Port Elgin, Sauble River Marina in Sauble Beach, Fletchers Sports in Shallow Lake, Martins Home Hardware in Southampton and Lake Huron Rod and Gun in Underwood. Tickets can also be purchased via Pay-Pal online at www.chantrychinook.com.

    The LHFC held their Chantry Media Day last week, playing host to numerous sponsors, politicians and media personnel in the hopes of showing guests just what is so special about the Chantry derby. Those participating were greeted with flat calm waters and ample trout and salmon to catch. Experienced captains from Kincardine and Saugeen Shores volunteered their boats and know-how, while guests had the opportunity to battle some beautiful fish. I spent the morning on the water with LHFC Vice-President Mike Hahn and Barrow Bay District Angling Association member Chris Mawdsley. We fished out from Bruce Power in depths of 100 to 150 feet of water. We took a steady pick of salmon and steelhead, boating five fish in a few hours. Of special note, the numbers of steelhead dimpling for bugs on the surface over deep water was astounding! Media Day provided great opportunity to meet the Derby Committee and get a better understanding of the hard work that goes into organizing the Chantry Derby.

    Grey/Bruce Bass Club results

    The Grey Bruce Bass Club has now completed 2 events with 7 tournaments remaining on the 2012 schedule. Below are the top 3 teams from the latest events.

    Lake Eugenia results-June 30/2012

    1. Rod Freiburger/Doug McEwen, 5 bass, total weight 14.10lbs

    2. Adam Smyth/Chris Barfoot, 5 bass, total weight 13.09lbs

    3. Sandy Beier/Steve Gibbons, 5 bass, total weight 13.05lbs

    Arran Lake results-July 4/2012

    1. Chris Barfoot/Steve Gibbons, 5 bass, total weight 19.01lbs

    2. Josh Choronzey/Dan Gravel, 5 bass, total weight 18.07lbs

    3. Adam Smyth/Matt Smyth, 5 bass, total weight 17.06lbs

    Remaining events for the Grey/Bruce Bass Club include: Sparrow Lake, July 21; Kashe Lake, July 22; Chesley Lake, August 1; Owen Sound Bay, August 15; Six Mile Lake, August 25; and Glouchester Pool, August 26. Teams who fish 4 events qualify for the Classic Tournament on September 8th or 9th. On August 26 the location of the Classic will be drawn at random from the lakes listed above. For more info contact Watson’s Tackle in Owen Sound at 519-371-0090 or Rod Freiburger at rod.freiburger@freiburgercommunications.com.
  • Recent Articles