Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to take a closer look at some truly impressive catches from this year’s Mineral Lake Fishing Derby.
Each year, anglers from across Washington come together in Mineral for a weekend of fishing, fun, and community—and 2026 did not disappoint.
2026 Mineral Lake Fishing Derby
Winners
If you’d like to save a copy of your photo, click on it to enlarge and right click on the image to save it.
🥇 1st Place – Bo Vandersnick (Buckley, WA)
6.90 lbs • 25.5 inches
Bo landed the winning fish of the derby and took home a brand-new Blackstone griddle.
🥈 2nd Place – Dave Richardson (Puyallup, WA)
6.74 lbs • 25.5 inches
Dave secured second place and won an electric bicycle.
🥉 3rd Place – Rylee Wymer (Vancouver, WA)
6.56 lbs • 25.5 inches
At just four years old, Rylee delivered one of the most memorable moments of the weekend. She earned third place and took home a Columbia River guided fishing trip, courtesy of Browning’s Sportfishing.
4th Place – Brian Troxell (Puyallup, WA)
6.43 lbs • 26 inches
Brian’s impressive catch earned him a Lifetime kayak.
5th Place – Nancy Ekberg (Auburn, WA)
6.43 lbs • 25.25 inches
Nancy’s fish tied Brian’s in weight, with placement determined by length—just ¾ of an inch difference. She took home a Traeger wood-pellet grill.
A Weekend to Remember
This is what the Mineral Lake Fishing Derby is all about—
big catches, big prizes, and even bigger memories.
From seasoned anglers to first-time participants, the derby continues to bring people together and create moments that last far beyond the weekend.
Thank You to Our Major Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to the businesses and organizations whose generous support makes this event possible:
Walmart • Tacoma Public Utilities • Puyallup Tribe of Indians • Lewis County Commissioners / Lewis County Lodging Tax Funds • Bob’s Sporting Goods • Stansport • Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Your support helps keep this tradition alive and thriving in Mineral.
🎟️ Last Chance Bucket Winner
Congratulations to Pete Amundsen of Rainier, WA, our Last Chance Bucket winner!
Share Your Photos
Were you at the derby? We’d love to see your photos and favorite moments from the weekend.
Tag us or use #MLFD2026 to share your experience.
Mineral Lake Fishing Derby
Rooted in tradition. Powered by community. 🎣
More Photos
