The blush of dawn cracks like an egg in the Eastern sky across Lake Tahoe. From their vessels, fishermen move in eager purpose setting deep-water lines and minnowed tackle towards the water’s deep bottom.

In the year-round game of Lake Tahoe angling, sports enthusiasts pursue freshwater species such as Kokanee Salmon, White Fish, Rainbow and German Brown.

During Jake’s 17th Annual Charity Fishing Derby, Sunday, June 6th, the Mackinaw, Tahoe’s glamour fish, outreach all other local species for bragging rights.

Mackinaws generally swim in deeper waters between 100 and 600 feet. They range between 3 and 8 pounds, but can grow up to 20 pounds or more. The lake record for Mackinaw is 37-punds, 6 ounces, caught in 1974 by Robert Anderson off Camp Richardson.

“First light is prim bite time when they start feeding”, explains Mike Kise, one of Jake’s restaurant managers. “It’s an opportune time for the bigger fish who have the better eyesight to take advantage of smaller fish. One bite means another. Sometimes you can hook several fish at once, but it’s a small window. You have to act fast.”

As a result, all entries must be caught in Lake Tahoe by boat, pier, inner tube, or from the shore on the day of the tournament between an hour before sunrise and noon. Prize money is awarded based on the weight of the fish.  The largest Mackinaw hooked nets in a $1,000 prize; the largest German Brown $500; the biggest rainbow $250. Weigh-in is judged in front of Jake’s lakeside deck.

“It’s fun to see all the big fish coming in towards noon,” adds Kise. “Anybody can enter, and you don’t have to fish to join the festivities. We put on a big, beautiful brunch at Jake’s from 11:30am-1pm. It’s a great community event and a great party for a wonderful cause.”

All proceeds go to North Tahoe Booster Club. During its history the derby has raised over $50,000 to support scholarships and other local non-profit organizations. 
Signups need to register at Jake’s On The Lake or Pete N’ Peter’s tavern in Tahoe City by 5pm, Saturday, June 5th. The $50 entry donation includes Derby T-shirt, raffle entry and Jake’s buffet brunch. Raffle prizes include an Alpine/Homewood Season Ski Pass, an El Dorado Casino room/show package, overnight lodging, retail items, restaurant vouchers and more.

Celebrating its 32nd season, Jake’s On The Lake is located at 780 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City’s Boatworks Mall. Featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and creative cuisine, Jake’s serves lakeside dinners nightly and lunches daily during summer months. Jake’s offers discounted café fare and drink specials from 4:30 to 6:30pm nightly except Saturdays mid-September through mid-June. Jake’s landmark lounge shakes up every Friday night with live acoustic music beginning at 8pm. June 4th enjoy an evening with blues/rock influenced Rak Kandy.

For more Fishing Derby details, information and reservations please call (530) 583-0188 or visit www.jakestahoe.com