Reel Success: 2026 Molson Ice Fishing Derby Wrap Up

What an incredible day on the lake! The 2026 Molson Ice Fishing Derby was truly one for the books, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather, better people, or a better community showing. With 200+ registered participants, including 33 youth anglers (12 and under), the lake was buzzing with excitement from early morning to the final weigh-in.

Anglers traveled from all across Washington — from the coast and the Seattle area clear to Spokane — and even made the trip from Portland, Oregon, to be part of this special day. It was amazing to see families, friends, and generations of fishermen come together to celebrate this long-standing Molson tradition.

A Huge Thank You

This event simply would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners.

A special thank you to Scott Septic and Rentals for the generous donation of the porta potties, and to Cody Tibbs, who comes out every year to help set everything up — we truly appreciate you!Thank you as well to Clay Warnstaff and crew for serving as our judges year after year, and to all the volunteers who stepped up to help make this event run so smoothly.

And of course — thank you to every single participant who braved the ice and made this such a fun, memorable day!

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors & Donors

We would like to give a sincere thank you to all the sponsors and donors who supported the 2026 Molson Ice Fishing Derby. Your generosity makes this event possible year after year.

Prizes & Raffle Donations

We are incredibly grateful to our prize and raffle donors, who provided amazing raffle prizes from across Oroville, Tonasket, and Omak. From gift baskets and gift cards to fishing gear, memberships, and clothing, the generosity was overwhelming.

(See the full list of donors & prize and raffle donors proudly recognized — thank you all!)

Derby Winners & Highlights

Despite fish not biting quite as well as last year (20 fish caught compared to 64 in 2025 — maybe an early shrimp hatch?), the competition was still fierce and exciting!

Adult Grand Prize – Longest Fish

🏆 Kaydi Colter (Manson) – 22½” | 4.4 lbs $500 cash + $500 Country Store gift certificate

Adult 2nd Place

🥈 Alberto Granados (Chelan) – 22¼” | 3.15 lbs – $300 cash

Adult 3rd Place

🥉 Chuck Omit (Kettle Falls) – 20¾” | 3.9 lbs – $200 cash

Adult 2nd Category – Total Weight (up to 5 fish)

🎣 Alberto Granados (Chelan) – 7.15 lbs

Youth Division Winners

🏆 Joshua Willis (Idaho) – 16½” | 1.15 lbs – $300 North 40 GC + tackle

🥈 Mateo Sanchez – 16¼” | 1.13 lbs – $200 North 40 GC

🥉 Emily Fiedler (Oroville) – 14¾” | 15 oz – $100 North 40 GC

Youth 4th–8th place all received tackle boxes and tackle.

Other Fun Awards

• Youngest Fisherman: Ryler Rauen (1 year old) — priceless moment!

• Oldest Fisherman: Jim Cockle

• Smallest Fish: Michael Bauman – 7 oz

• Traveled Furthest: Portland, Oregon

• Best Shanty: Andy Gasho — Hawaiian-themed and unforgettable

Community, Food & Fun

The Molson Grange once again delivered their world-famous Molson Breakfast — 173 breakfasts sold and 33 dozen eggs used!Sitzmark Ski Hill kept everyone warm with a delicious lunch featuring chili, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

We also welcomed 12 vendor booths, all local (with one visiting from Seattle), adding even more energy to the day.

Supporting Our Lakes

The Kevin Myrick & Jerry Nelson Boat Raffle drawing was held during the Derby at the Grange. With 74 tickets sold and additional donations, a total of $4,734 was raised to support aerators for Sidley and Molson Lakes — critical for maintaining lake health. Congratulations to Dick Larson, the raffle winner!

Looking Ahead

Most of all, this derby showcased what makes our community so special — people showing up, pitching in, and having fun together.

📸 Photos from the event will be posted soon, so keep an eye out and be sure to tag and share when you see yourself!

From all of us at the Oroville Chamber, thank you for making the 2026 Molson Ice Fishing Derby such a success. We can’t wait to see you back on the ice next year! 🎣❄️