Yourth says the recently caught smelt will be served at the annual Golden Lake fish fry at Red Pine Camp on May 18.
The day will feature live music by local band Casey & Co, door prizes, a free kids fishing derby, a beer tent and a silent auction. The menu features smelt, walleye, coleslaw and fries.
The event is raising money to support the Walleye Rehabilitation Program, which is working on a five-year plan to bring back the walleye population in Golden Lake to where it’s been in past decades.
Yourth explained why getting the smelt out of the lake is so important:
“The walleye fishing has gone downhill because of the excess amount of smelt that are in Golden Lake and that’s part of the reason we’re trying to promote that as many people as possible should go smelt fishing in the spring, the more we get out of the lake the better”
Yourth described why smelt threatens the walleye population:
“A smelt that’s three inches long will eat a walleye that’s three inches long, they’re very voracious and they have sharp teeth, so they are a predator to any walleye fry.”
Yourth said because this year’s fish fry will also be serving walleye, it’s best if people order their tickets by May 12.
“I need to order the walleye on May 13” said Yourth, “So we’re really encouraging people to buy their tickets in advance”
Advance tickets are on sale at Golden Lake Variety and The Eganville Leader or by emailing [email protected]
Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day. Kids tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day.
Food will be served from 12-4 p.m.