Annual Togue Fishing Derby nearing on Sebago Lake

The Sebago Lake Anglers’ Association is getting ready for its Fall Fishing Classic called the Annual Togue Fishing Derby on Sebago Lake.

Bruce Elliot won the prize for catching the largest togue,
weighing in at 13.67 pounds, at last year's Annual Togue
Fishing derby on Sebago Lake sponsored by the Sebago
Lake Anglers' Association. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The derby will be conducted from the Port Sebago Resort’s Main Marina area on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 7 and Sept. 8, the week after Labor Day.

Fishing activity begins at 6 a.m. on both days with the official weigh-in station at the marina area closing at 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.n. Sunday. An awards ceremony will be held shortly thereafter.

Organizers says that this is a community-based derby focused on families and children but experienced fishermen and guides with clients are welcome to participate. 

Cash prizes will be paid to the top three places by weight in the event, as well as a prize for the biggest fish caught on Saturday, three prizes for any Togue submitted in the Togue lottery, and one prize for the smallest Togue, caught by hook and line.

All Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife rules for Sebago Lake apply. Only fish caught during the derby’s legal fishing hours will count toward prizes.

You do not have to fish both days, and you do not have to be present to win as long as your fish is legally entered and checked by staff within the time limits. Prizes for those not present can be picked up at Naples Bait and Tackle2 Shop on Route 35 in Naples for 30 days after the derby.

Fish that derby participants don’t want to take home can be donated to a church fish fry or a food pantry. Receptacles will be available to do that, and a fish-cleaning station will be provided.

Anyone interested in registering for the derby can do so by picking up a registration card at the following locations: Naples Bait and Tackle2, Route 35, Naples; Hilltop Mini Mart on Route 302 in Raymond; Jordan’s Store, Route 114 Sebago; or Dag’s Bait and Tackle on Minot Road in Auburn.

The cost to participate is $35 for adults and $15 for kids under the age of 16. All persons on board a boat in the derby must be registered.

Proceeds from the derby are used to pay out the prize money and buy Youth Lifetime Fishing Licenses for Maine children.

Questions about the derby can be answered by SLAA President Kevin Ronan at 207-838-4855 or 207-714-9075. <