Corrected 3:25 p.m. Jan. 12 to include weigh station locations

LOUISVILLE -- Close to 1,000 anglers are expected to compete in the St. Lawrence River Walleye Association’s Northern Pike Challenge, which will return to Louisville on Feb. 21.

Anglers will ice fish all day to see who can pull the largest pike out of the river.

“They come from all over New York state, Vermont, neighboring states … a few from Canada,” said Mike Gagner of the SLRWA.

Fishing will start at 7 a.m. with check-in at fire station #2 in Louisville. Anglers will be restricted to fishing at Fobare’s Pond from the train trestle to state Route 37, Coles Creek Marina and Bay, Wilson Hill and Brandy Brook in Waddington. Each location will include a weigh station.

The catch-and-release event will give out $1,100 in prizes every hour on the hour. The biggest fish will get $500, second-biggest $300, third $200 and fourth $100.

Anglers must turn in fish hourly at the scales at their respective fishing area, and the fishes’ heads must be submerged in water to be considered. Gagner said once turned in, SLRWA officials take the fish, weigh them, put them in on-site live wells to be recuperated and release them.

“Most of the fish recuperate,” Gagner said.

In addition to the hourly prizes, the biggest fish of the day will garner an extra $100 plus free mounting by Three Rivers Taxidermy. Also, the largest walleye will earn an extra $100. The youth and adult division also features an extra $50 for the craziest hat.

There will also be five $1,000 “Ice Cold Cash” door prizes.

Those interested in signing up in advance can do so at the American Legion, 79 E. Orvis St., Massena; Chapman’s Sport Shop, 2420 County Rte. 6, Black Lake; Uppstrom’s Bait and Tackle, 130 Rooky Road, Madrid; North Woods Outfitters, 1890 Morley-Potsdam Road, Potsdam; Green Machine Bait and Tackle, 150 Irish Settlement Road, Waddington.

Registration through Feb. 13 is $30. Sign-ups from Feb. 14 to 21 are $35.

Participants can also sign up the day of the event at the fire station.

Printable rules: www.saintlawrenceriverwalleyeassociation.com

More info: Gagner, 384-3450