06/18/2026
For Darrin Samway, the Larry Samway Memorial Fishing Derby has never been just another weekend at the lake.
As a child, he fished alongside his father, Larry Samway, who helped start the event through the McCook Jaycees nearly five decades ago. Later, Darin brought his own daughters to the derby. Today, he spends Father’s Day weekend helping his grandchildren bait hooks and reel in fish.
That tradition is part of what has kept the event going for 49 years.
“It’s fun to see the generations,” Samway said. “People who came as kids are now bringing their own children and grandchildren.”
The 49th Annual Larry Samway Memorial Fishing Derby and Casting Contest, hosted by the McCook Optimist Club, will take place June 20-21 at Red Willow Reservoir.
The fishing derby begins at 7 a.m. Saturday and continues through noon Sunday. Anglers may fish from shore or boat, with a point system that allows every legal species to count toward the competition.
“You don’t have to be a professional bass fisherman,” Samway said. “Every species has a point system attached to it, so everybody has a chance.”
A casting contest will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the North Boat Dock registration area. Adult, youth and parent-assisted divisions will be offered, allowing even the youngest participants to join in the fun.
The event typically draws between 65 and 100 participants each year, including families who have made the derby part of their Father’s Day tradition for generations.
One of those traditions is that children participate free of charge thanks to a donation established years ago by the late Grant Strunk. Entry is $10 for adults or $15 for an entire family.
“We want families out camping, fishing and spending time together,” Samway said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
In addition to bragging rights, participants compete for cash prizes, trophies and gift certificates. Additional cash prizes sponsored in memory of Jay Wood are awarded for the largest fish in each species category.
Registration will be available from 6 p.m. until sundown Friday and beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday at the North Boat Dock near the marina.
The McCook Optimist Club has organized the event since 2001, continuing the tradition Larry Samway started years earlier. The club also supports youth programs throughout Southwest Nebraska and is known locally for projects such as the American flags displayed along Norris Avenue and its annual fireworks stand.
As organizers look ahead to the derby’s 50th anniversary next year, Samway hopes another successful Father’s Day weekend will help continue a tradition that has connected families for generations.
🎣 Sponsors for this year’s event include Black Hills Energy, MNB Bank, Michaelis Chiropractic, Hauxwell Motors, Samway Floor Covering & Furniture, Walmart, First Central Bank, High Street Insurance, Garrisons/McCook Lettering, Wilcox Financial, Lighthouse Marina, Deveny Motors, Grant Strunk, Ace Hardware, Armadillo Arms, Kenai Construction, Ruggles Trailer Sales, T-Rex Arms, Republican Valley K-Lawn, Stak N Store and Primetime Painting.
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