A local angler from The Pas, Manitoba, has taken top honours at the 2026 Jimmy Jackfish Derby, landing a massive 32.8-pound Northern Pike during the competition held March 6-7. The event, which drew more than 500 participants, saw Jake T. secure both the Adult category win and the prize for the overall largest fish of the derby at the Rocky Lake East Shore Boat Launch.
The annual gathering, located 50 kilometres north of The Pas, continues a tradition started by the McLauchlan family in the 1980s. According to derby chairperson Johanna McLauchlan, the event serves as a significant fundraiser for community projects, having previously supported a local park, recycling programs, and improvements to the boat launch facility itself. With over $40,000 in total prizes handed out, including a $20,000 top award, the competition remains a major draw for anglers from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
In the youth division, Chloe S. claimed first place with a 26.7-pound Northern Pike, showcasing the quality of fishing available in Rocky Lake. The lake is known to support several species, including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Whitefish, and Tullibee, further cementing the region’s reputation as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The derby plays an important role in the local economy, which, as noted in community profiles, relies heavily on tourism, fishing, forestry, and agriculture.
The success of the 2026 event highlights the resilience of the community tradition, which has continued to thrive for over four decades. The derby’s ability to draw hundreds of visitors to the area reinforces the importance of the event for residents of The Pas, a town of approximately 5,639 people that is widely recognized as the Gateway to the North.
