By Jay Stephenson
Valley City Times-Record

    Stick a rod in the water this weekend and it might earn you $300.
    Barnes County Wildlife is holding its 25th Annual Lake Ashtabula Fishing Derby this Saturday with $2,400 in cash prizes up for grabs.
    The derby kicks off at noon at Sibley and ends at 3 p.m. No lines are allowed on the water until noon.
    Entry ticket drawings are eligible to receive a cash prize of $300; second-place winners $200; and third-place winners $100.
    Entries are limited to four people per hole at a cost of $10 for each person.
    Also given out will be fish prizes for the largest three walleye, perch, and northern for the same amount of winnings as the ticket drawing.
    “This is a family event for all ages,” says Jill Christensen with Barnes County Wildlife. “We are allowing them to bring their portable ice houses, not everybody will, but we want them to stay warm.”
    Christensen says the size of fish caught can depend on conditions on the lake. In past years, shallow waters and commotions on the lake challenged participants, but Christensen says fish prizes will go to a drawing if no winning is fish caught.
    “It sounds like the weather’s going to be pretty good this weekend,” she  said.
    Participants can register Saturday or pre-register at Bay Shore City Side, Cenex, Kelly’s Crossing, L&H Shoe Shop, Northwestern Industries and Brothers III.