WILLOW CREEK — The 47th annual Willow Creek Bass and Pike Tournament landed its biggest catch yet: a record 120 registered anglers from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, tournament organizers announced Saturday.
The one-day catch-and-release event on Homan’s Pond saw participants launch from Farr Family Farm’s newly improved boat access, which Henry Farr graded and graveled this spring after the town contributed materials.
“It’s the first time we’ve had to close registration early,” said tournament director Julia Chen of Northwoods Outfitters, which has organized the event since 2019. “We had 82 entrants last year. The jump to 120 tells me word is getting out about what we have here.”
The winning catch — a 6.2-pound largemouth bass — was landed by Mike LaChance of Bangor, who said he had been eyeing the tournament for three years. “I’ve fished all over the state. Homan’s Pond is underrated,” LaChance said. “The water’s healthy, the access is decent now, and the community support is real.”
Deputy Sheriff Patricia LaFleur reported no incidents beyond a minor canoe collision that produced no injuries. “Safest tournament we’ve had,” LaFleur said.
The tournament generated an estimated $18,000 in direct spending across Willow Creek businesses, according to preliminary figures collected by the town office.
Next year’s tournament is already scheduled for the last Saturday of September 2025.