Love Wyoming? Love to fish? Love to win cash or the grand prize of two brand new four-wheelers? Consider a vacation trip to northern Wyoming and the Lake DeSmet Fishing Derby held over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28 in Buffalo, Wyoming. The annual event, sponsored by the local Lion’s Club attracts sports men, women and children from all over. Only persons who have registered for the Derby may claim prizes. Even the wee fisher boys and girls may participate by registering separately from the adults.

Don’t own a boat? Not to worry. Shore fishing is productive with a variety of baits along the south dam. Power bait and worms nearly always bring a catch out of this colorful lake’s depths. A “No Trespassing” sign is posted on the fence, but the owner of the land allows fishing as long as the anglers stay in the dam area along the waters.

Trollers usually catch the most fish. A fishing buff will find the most action along the drop-offs in deep water by pulling cowbells in front of a brightly-colored streamer.

Crappies and rainbow trout abound in these waters. Crappies seem to prefer the shallower bays and respond best to worms and jigs. A resort and marina is located along the route to the earth dam, where parking is available. From Buffalo take I-90 west for five miles to Exit 5. Take the Father DeSmet monument road for one mile. Turn left and take the Lake DeSmet Road. Turn right and drive past the store to the dam and boat access some 2.5 miles away. Boats can be launched along the sloping shoreline when weather conditions the water levels permit. For more information, call the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.