ALBANY — The Lake Winnetka/Sugar River Improvement Association Inc. will hold its annual Carp Fishing Contest on Labor Day weekend starting Aug. 31 through Labor Day, Sept. 3 in Albany. The event will be held rain or shine.

The group hopes to lessen the carp in the Sugar River because they are robbing it of natural game fish. 

There will be two categories of prizes for the most carp caught regardless of size. The first category will be for bow fishermen only. The second category for the most carp caught will be for all other types of fishing including Hook and Line, Spear and Hand fishing. Seine netting is not allowed. 

Prizes awarded in both categories will be first place: $50; second place: $25; third place: $15; fourth place: $10 and fifth place: $5. There will be one bonus $50 prize for the largest carp caught in any manor determined by weight. 

The person who wins for most carp in their category and also has the largest carp could win $100. There will also be two fishing gear prizes for contestants ages 10 and under. No registration is required to compete in the contest, but all must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license.

Qualifying carp must be caught from the Sugar River in Albany or on the millpond (Lake Winnetka) upstream of the Albany dam. The shallow muddy areas of the lake are where many carp hide out. The goal of the contest is to provide a fun way to help game fish proliferate more abundantly by removing as many carp as possible. 

Those who wish to join can begin fishing anytime Aug. 31 and continue throughout the weekend. The contest will end at 1 p.m. on Labor Day, Sept. 3. Prizes, rain or shine, will be given at the park by the Albany boat ramp. 

For more information call 608-862 1698 or 773-418-7123 or email lwsria@aol.com. Find the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-WinnetkaSugar-River-Improvement-Association-Inc/374367135943433.