“See you this weekend!” Peggy Ivimey said.

Fish culturists from the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Adirondack Fish Hatchery in Lake Clear were stocking fish for the 42nd annual Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby this weekend, March 7 and 8.

Hatchery Assistant Manager Doug Peck said they stocked around 40 fish — 18 of which were tagged.

Derby co-organizer Rocky Nogales said these tagged fish are worth between $100 and $500 each if caught during the derby.

Lake Clear Hatchery Assistant Manager Doug Peck stocks a brown trout in Lake Colby on Tuesday. The Colby Classic fishing derby is this weekend. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Marbone)

There are cash prizes for first, second and third place in trout, salmon and perch categories in both adult and youth age categories. These categories will be done by weight, instead of length. Northern Pike caught in the surrounding waters will still be measured by length.

There are $200, $150 and $100 prizes for the three largest adult catches; $100, $75 and $50 prizes for the three largest kids catches and a grand prize of a fishing charter with Irish Raider Outfitters.

Adult entry is $30. Youth ages 15 and younger have had their entry fees sponsored for free in memory of Joey Boyle, an avid angler who died unexpectedly last year at age 32.

Derby rules can be found at tinyurl.com/5f3exuxh

To pre-register, go to Woods and Waters or the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club. Day-of registration will be at the Lake Colby Beach House.

Fish Culturist Riannan Weekes stocks a splake in Lake Colby on Tuesday. The Colby Classic fishing derby is this weekend. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Marbone)

Questions about registration can be made by reaching the SLFGC at 518-637-4662 or events@slfgc.com.

With the temperature expected to hit the 50s over the weekend, Nogales is hoping a predicted storm will miss the region and rain will be avoided.

He said that, 42 years ago, Sam Grimone and Sue Dyer were at a SLFGC meeting trying to think up an event to bring people into town in the slow month of March – after the excitement of Winter Carnival and before the weather starts bringing in tourists. They agreed on a fishing derby, and the Colby Classic has been held ever since.

Paul Smith's College’s Timothy James, left, slightly leads teammate Brock Boissey as they approach the Frigus 15K snowshoe race finish on Feb. 28. (Provided photo)

Kristen and Gary Cooper smile with Trucker the pomchi at the 11th Annual Tupper Lake BrewSki on Saturday. “He’s on an outing with the grandparents,” Gary said. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Marbone)