Couple rescued during Watch Lake-Green Lake Fishing Derby

The organizers of the Watch Lake-Green Lake Fishing Derby are hailing a participant as a hero after he helped rescue some fellow anglers.

Scott Gordon, who is a long-time participant in the fishing derby, rescued a couple from a boating accident that had occurred during the derby on Saturday, June 7. Gordon said he found out about the predicament after he was ready to go fishing himself. 

"We kind of looked into the lake and saw a boat with no one in it - and they were hanging onto the side, a gentleman and his wife, and I guess they both leaned over the boat at the same time, and they both fell out," Gordon recalled.

Gordon and his friend went to the rescue, driving their boat to the scene and lifting both to safety.

"We got her settled, and then we got the gentleman in basically the same way. Just grabbed his belt loop and hauled him into the boat," Gordon said. 

Gordon has become a sort of informal boat rescue specialist for the Watch Lake-Green Lake Fishing Derby. Last year, he rescued three 20-year-olds in a boat.

"They're flying along, and we heard a big bang, and then we looked out there, and they were screaming. The boat was upside down, lost its motor, and it was cold. We hauled them all in because their boat sank. Their boat was underwater." Gordon recalled - having taken in the people to get warm alongside his sister, who lives in Watch Lake.

Brad Scott, who is the co-chair of the Watch Lake Community Association and helped to organize the Watch Lake-Green Lake Fishing Derby, called Gordon and the people who had helped Gordon rescue the capsized people heroes.

"Thank you so much, guys. It was great that you were alert and out there and willing to help." Scott said.

As for the derby itself, Gordon says he has been taking part for several years, having come up with his family to enjoy the fishing as well as the good people and fun times. He has largely been fishing for fun throughout his time, and called the people of Watch Lake great.

Scott, meanwhile, said this year's event was very successful, noting over 100 people attend every year. 

"It shut down for a couple of years during COVID, and then I moved up here and got involved with Robin and some other folks, and it's a great event. Lots of fun," Scott stated. He added this year, the event had only gotten bigger.

"We've grown a lot this year, because the weather is so fantastic. Last year, it was cold and rainy and we had a good crowd. But this year it's bigger," Scott explained. Usually, he explained, Watch Lake had a lot of rainbow trout, with Green Lake also having some kokanee. 

The fishing derby also had a 50/50, a dinner, as well as numerous raffle prizes involving tons of giveaway prizes and a silent auction.

"We've got a few things. We've got a six-foot gate and a post pounder. We've got an air fryer, some gift baskets, a home security system, some ATV helmets and visors and gear tents - all kinds of things," Scott added.

Scott credits the success of the derby each year to the strength of the local community. 

"It's a tight-knit, small community, a friendly community with lots of people who know each other and get together for a few different events every year - and this is one of them," Scott remarked. "It is a small community and not a lot of people around, and anything we can do to improve the facilities that are here for the community, that have been built by some pioneers from many, many years ago, and keep it going and kind of live their vision and just carry on their legacy."