Alumni Fishing Derby

The Lake Was Angry My Friends!

Yes, you read it right…the lake was most certainly angry on the weekend of the Alumni Fishing Derby 2019. I can honestly say in 30 plus years of fishing that it was the worst weather I have ever seen on a lake! We had torrential rain, howling wind, hail, an appearance from the sun (to give us hope) and it would cycle through all over again. If battling the elements wasn’t enough, how about a barometric pressure that bounced around like a yo yo, a lake that experienced a summer kill and winter kill, and an exodus of fish out of the lake during high water as if following Moses to the promised land. At the end of the day the score was FISH 1 ANGLERS 0 …that’s why they call it fishing and not catching as it was the first time in the Alumni Fishing Derby’s history that no fish were weighed in. However, that most certainly did not spoil the mood of all those that participated as there is nothing a good laugh, nice scotch, and warm campfire can’t solve. We spoke with the managers of Salmon Lake and unfortunately we and all the guests this year experienced poor fishing. They assured us that it was an anomaly and things should be in prime shape for next year with the current stocking and management program in place (15,000 fry every year!). I can’t wait for next year to redeem myself and I know all those who participated are looking forward to some solid fishing. Semper Fidelis and see you all next June!

All the best,

Rob Kozikowski (VC‘94)

2016

10th Annual VC Alumni Fishing Derby

When the dust settled and the rods came off the water from those who braved the weather the Vancouver College Alumni Fishing Derby had a clean sweep of VC graduates as its winners.

The winning fish, a beauty 4lb. trout, was caught at 10:00 am just before the heavy wind and rain rolled in. The winning fish was hooked by Rob Kozikowski (VC ‘94) in 19ft of water on a chronominid pattern.

Ryan Lynch (VC ‘76) had a tremendous amount of success trolling around a pumpkin head pattern on a full sinking line and managed second place with a beauty of a fish that was just shy of 4 pounds and broke one off that could have been the derby winner.

Third place went to Mike Cockcroft (VC ’14) who was ecstatic with his catch of the day and enjoyed his fish that night for dinner.

Henry Budai (VC ‘77) is still waiting for his white whale that will put his name on the Frank Kearney Memorial Trophy but feels that next year will be the one!

We are looking to change the date for next year’s derby moving it to early May. We will keep you posted. Thank you to all those who came out and again looking forward to fishing Salmon Lake again next year with alumni, friends and family.

All the best,
Rob Kozikowski (VC ‘94)

2017

And the winner is!!!!!

With no gale force winds or scorching heat to contend with, the 2017 Alumni Fishing Derby was on and everybody was ready to go at Salmon Lake Resort on the beautiful Douglas Lake Ranch. Although not necessarily a perfect day for fishing, the weather and overall conditions were good enough for quite a few nice fish to be had for those patient enough to wait for the action. Most participants hooked fish in the 1 ½ to 2 pound range on primarily a deer’s hair gomphus dragonfly nymph trolled around the lake. Third place went to Al Peterson with a trout just over 2 pounds, however rumour has it the fish was gill netted earlier in the day as Al was looking to regain his position on top. Unfortunately, for Henry Budai (VC’77) the netted fish bumped him off of the podium as he continued to seek his white whale that will get Henry’s name on the coveted Kearney Memorial Trophy. Second place, for the 2nd year in a row went to Ryan Lynch (VC’76) who weighed in a fish just shy of 2 ½ pounds that fell victim to his “secret” fly pattern trolled around the lake. However, Ryan would tell you what was sweeter than anything else was being in a boat with the ability to cast and hook some fish. Finally, the winner of the 2017 Vancouver College Alumni fishing derby was…Rob Kozikowksi (VC’94) with a trout that weighed in at 4 pounds 7 ounces eclipsing the mark set by Jeff Seymour (VC'83) at 4 pounds 5 ounces for the largest fish weighed in at the derby. The trout fell victim to a reverse chronominid, fished of a strike indicator in about 20 feet of water.

Everyone who participated had a wonderful time and it was one of our largest groups with grads from the 50’s 70’s, 80’s 90’s and a large contingent of graduates (12 in total) from 2014 and 2015. What was awesome to see was the father and son duos of Rob Zadra (VC’88) and his son Vinny, who will be an alumnus not too far down the road and Bob Estey (VC'76) with his son Thomas fishing together. Perhaps what was most impressive during the event was the giving up of knowledge and techniques from one angler to another. Dan Seymour, Al Petterson and Rob Kozikowski all opened up their fly boxes to help everyone get into fishing; even some fly casting lessons happened by the campfire. If you are thinking of coming up but lack the experience or expertise, don’t worry about it! We all help each other out!

Next years’ date and location are set. We are once again returning to Salmon Lake on June 9, 2018. If you have any questions about the event please don’t hesitate to contact myself (rkozikowski@mail.vc.bc.ca) or Bob Estey (bestey@ledmac.com).

Until next year tight lines and long tales!

2018

12th Annual VC Alumni Fishing Derby

Finnegan and the Fish

Although the weather was less than ideal, it did not dampen the spirits of those who came out for the 12th Annual Alumni Fishing Derby held at Salmon Lake Resort just outside of Merritt. As usual, fly fishing with chironomid patterns was the name of the game. Henry Budai (VC’77) and his wife Ula were on fire catching fish after fish and all smiles with what they thought was the winning fish at just over 2 ½ pounds. Unfortunately, a future force to be reckoned with in the fishing community, Alexzander Kozikowski hooked his first ever trout at 3 pounds to capture the title and lay claim to “master fisherman” for the day. Alexz is the son of the four-time tournament winner Rob Kozikowski (VC’94) and looks forward to being part of the alumni community upon his graduation from VC…...12 years from now.

The winning fish was caught at approximately 10:00 am in about 17ft of water on a secret chironomid pattern tied by Rob Kozikowski, father of fishing prodigy and future VC alumnus Alexz Kozikowski.

Henry Budai (VC’77) is starting to feel a lot like the Canucks….close but no cigar or in this case, no winning fish. Next year will be the year that Henry puts his name on the Frank Kearney Memorial Trophy…...guaranteed! Rumour has it he will be spending more time scouting the lake and gathering intel on what flies are working.

The dynamic trio of Ryan Lynch (VC’76), Bob Estey (VC’76), and Byron Estey (VC'12) failed to place but enjoyed the Scotch and beer tasting aspect of the event. Praises go out to Dan Seymour (VC’54) who managed to make his way down again to be the oldest alumnus to come out and youngest alumnus honours goes to Byron Estey (VC'12). Thank you to Salmon Lake Resort on Douglas Lake Ranch who has accommodated us the past few years and we look forward to returning in 2019. If you are an alumnus, friend of an alumnus, parent of a future alumnus and like to fish or want to learn more about fishing, this event is for you as many of us are passionate about fishing and eager to share our expertise. Next year’s derby will once again happen on the 2nd week of June (June 8th to be exact), cabins are available at the lake but book up quickly, and feel free to click HERE and scroll down to check them out. Camping is also available at the lake on a first come, first serve basis. See you next year!

All the best,

Rob Kozikowski (VC‘94)