Preeceville’s Gregorio Roguel Jr. caught a 4.4 pound walleye to win the top prize. (Facebook/Montreal Lake 17th Annual Walleye Derby)

By Derek Cornet

luck

Preeceville man wins Montreal Lake Walleye Derby

Mar 24, 2025 | 3:12 PM

The 17th annual Montreal Lake Walleye Derby on Saturday attracted more anglers than ever before.

That’s according to Montreal Lake Cree Nation Coun. Dean Henderson, who explained a record-breaking 2,861 people attended this year’s event. He said every year the derby grows by about 100 to 150 attendees, and over the weekend, there were people there from across Western Canada and even as far away as Arizona.

“Our weather is usually around the same every year,” Henderson said.

“It was cold in the morning. Compared to the last couple of days, the weather was cold that morning. It was -15 C that morning and there was already a line up with at least 100 people by 7 a.m. and the derby doesn’t start until 11 a.m., so there were people out there who didn’t care how cold it was.”

In total, $210,000 was awarded with the top prize of $100,000 going to Preeceville’s Gregorio Roguel Jr. who caught a 4.4 pound walleye. Other winners included Blake Charles ($25,000), Chad Nelson ($10,000), and Darren Nawakayas ($5,000). The three side bets went to Eric Sanderson ($20,000), Darren Tawiyaka ($10,000), and Tonau Manitopyes ($5,000).

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All proceeds from the derby benefits the band’s sports, culture and recreation program. The funds assist in paying for minor hockey and soccer expenses, as well as provides sporting grants to urban Montreal Lake members.

A full list of winners. (Facebook/Montreal Lake 17th Annual Walleye Derby)

In addition, six 50/50 draws are made in which five benefit students at Senator Allen Bird Memorial School for year-end trips. One of the draws also assists senior mens and women hockey teams. The students pulled in $129,000 and the hockey teams collected nearly $15,000.

“A lot of our people look forward to this because it generates a lot of employment,” Henderson noted.

“It puts us on the map. We’re planning on going bigger. We do well enough that we think we can go bigger and still do well.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com