Dexter man wins Moosehead derby with 6.6-pound togue

Anglers flocked to the state’s largest lake over the weekend for the 7th annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby, and a Dexter fisherman took home $1,500 for catching the largest lake trout during the three-day event.

Tim Obrey, regional fisheries biologist for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, reported that the weather didn’t always cooperate, but that didn’t seem to bother derby participants.

Warren Fitzgerald of Dexter shows off the winning fish in the 7th annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby, flanked by fisheries biologist Tim Obrey (left) and former NASCAR driver Ricky Craven. Fitzgerald's lake trout measured 28 1/4 inches and weighed 6.60 pounds. (Photo courtesy of Tim Obrey)

Warren Fitzgerald of Dexter shows off the winning fish in the 7th annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby, flanked by fisheries biologist Tim Obrey (left) and former NASCAR driver Ricky Craven. Fitzgerald’s lake trout measured 28 1/4 inches and weighed 6.60 pounds. (Photo courtesy of Tim Obrey)

“Cold temps and a stiff wind challenged anglers as they vied for top billing on the leader board,” Obrey reported via email. “Anglers reported having some good catches on Friday and Saturday, but the action slowed on Sunday as the wind switched to the northwest.”

Warren Fitzgerald of Dexter took home the top prize after catching a 28 1/4-inch fish that weighed 6.60 pounds. Chris Young of Greenville took second and earned $500 with a 3.47-pounder, while Sandra Cooper of St. Albans placed third and took home $250 for her 3.37-pound lake trout.

Obrey reported that John McLellan of Lily Bay won the grand door prize, an ice fishing package donated by Indian Hill Trading Post. The package included an ice auger, pack basket, fishing traps, and a camouflage Jet Sled with a hitch and cover.

Obrey said 251 derby tickets — individual and family — were sold. A year ago, 215 tickets were sold.

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.