Event - McCook Optimist Club Fishing Derby & Casting Contest

DATE: Sat, Jun 14 - 7:00 am - Sun, Jun 15 - 12:00 pm

VENUE: Hugh Butler Lake

ADDRESS: McCook, NE  69001

The McCook Optimist Club is excited to hold the 48th Larry Samway Memorial Fishing Derby and Casting Contest, Father’s Day Weekend, June 14th and 15th at Hugh Butler Lake. Just 10 miles north of McCook, contestants will compete for cash and prizes while sharpening their fishing skills. 

Originally organized by McCook Optimist founding member Larry Samway in 1970’s, the event is a great way for youth and their families to get outside and have a great time.

According to Darrin Samway, Larry’s son and longtime McCook Optimist member; “The Optimists love having this Fishing Derby, seeing Kids out having a great time with huge smiles as they check-in their fish. We have great sponsors and supporters. Fishing, Casting Contest, and Camping, I can’t think of anything better to do over Father’s Day Weekend. The lake looks great, and the fish are Hungry!!”

The Fishing Derby starts Saturday morning at 7:00 and lasts till 12:00 on Sunday. The Casting Contest will begin at 1:00 Saturday afternoon. Registration at the North Boat Dock is required before fishing and starts Friday evening at 6:00, or anytime during the derby. Entry is $10 per Adult, and Kids are FREE (courteous of Grant Strunk Memorial). Adult and children divisions. Prizes for largest fish caught for each species (courteous of Jay Wood Memorial).

McCook Optimist Club prides itself as “Friend of Youth” and encourages all to keep kids active and involved in all the activities around the McCook area.