Reeling For Recovery anglers net success on ice

CHAZY LAKE | Some big fish came out from under Chazy and Chateaugay lake ice during the 8th Annual Reeling for Recovery ice fishing derby. Saturday was busy on Chazy, while Chateaugay had the big run on Sunday. Final tallies were still in the works as The Sun went to print, but event founder Jerry Haley noted a big lake trout caught on Chazy Lake by Brian Aubin that came in just under 13 pounds. "Where are all those big toothy critters I've been seeing over the past weeks? It's not where you start the race, it's where you finish, as I like to say," Haley shared. Leaderboards showed a 17.9-pound Northern Pike caught by Larry Pellerin and a 13.9-pound Northern Pike caught by Jesse Matte. Ice had grown over a foot thick on lakes that looked like tundra. Windswept snow resembled dunes along lakes shores. Temperatures dropped past 20 below at times, especially in the early morning hours. Some 215 anglers, many with kids, spent time fishing to help raise awareness and funds for addiction recovery programs. Meals and live music were hosted by the American Legion Sorrell-Woodward Post 1623 in Lyon Mountain. Derby winners in R4R 2026 events will be announced via Reeling for Recovery social media. After the event, Assemblyman Michael Cashman said, "I want to thank Jeremiah Haley, founder of Reeling For Recovery, for creating something truly special. "Being there on the final day, I saw firsthand the strength of this community and the impact of showing up for one another. I'm deeply grateful to the volunteers, participants, and especially the kids who made the weekend unforgettable. Congratulations to all the winners—well deserved. Events like this remind us why supporting recovery efforts and critical services matters so much for individuals and families moving forward. Turning time on the ice into something meaningful like this is what community is all about."

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Reeling For Recovery anglers net success on ice

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