The blush of dawn cracks like an egg in the eastern sky across Lake Tahoe. From their vessels, fishermen move in eager purpose setting deep-water lines and minnowed tackle towards the water's deep bottom.

In the year-round game of Lake Tahoe angling, sports' enthusiasts pursue freshwater species such as Kokanee Salmon, White Fish, Rainbow and German Brown.

During the 15th Annual Jake's On the Lake Charity Fishing Derby, Sunday, June 1, the Mackinaw, Tahoe's glamour fish, outreach all other local species for bragging rights.

Mackinaws generally swim in deeper waters between 100 and 600 feet. They range between 3 and 8 pounds, but can grow up to 20 pounds or more. The lake record for Mackinaw is 37-pounds, 6-ounces, caught in 1974 by Robert Anderson off Camp Richardson.

"First light is prime bite time when they start feeding," explains fishing enthusiast Mike Kise, organizer of the benefit and one of Jake's restaurant managers. "It's an opportune time for the bigger fish who have the better eyesight to take advantage of smaller fish. One bite means another. Sometimes you can hook several fish at once, but it's a small window. You have to act fast."

As a result, all entries must be caught in Lake Tahoe by boat, tube, the shore, or pier on the day of the tournament between an hour before sunrise and noon. All California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Coast Guard regulations apply. Prize money is awarded based on the weight of the fish.

The largest Mackinaw hooked nets in a $1,000 prize; the largest German Brown $500; the biggest rainbow $250. The weigh-in scale is judged in front of Jake's lower lakeside deck. Last year Rick Remondini pocketed the $1,000 first place purse with a 19 pound one ounce Mackinaw.

"It's fun to see all the big fish coming in towards noon," adds Kise. "Anybody can enter, and you don't have to fish to join the festivities. We put on a big, beautiful brunch at Jake's afterwards for all that have signed up. It's a great community event and a great party for a wonderful cause."

Fishing competitors must register at Jake's or Pete N' Peter's tavern in Tahoe City by 5 p.m., Saturday, May 31. The $50 entry donation includes Derby T-shirt, raffle entry and Jake's buffet brunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Viewers and non-contestants may purchase brunch for $15. Over 100 raffle prizes include lift tickets to local resorts, overnight lodging, retail items and restaurant vouchers. Grand prize is a Squaw Valley midweek season pass. Need not be present to win.

All proceeds go to the Lisa Valenzuela Memorial Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded yearly to North Lake Tahoe High School graduating seniors. During its history the fishing contest has raised more than $60,000 to support these scholarships.

Celebrating its 30th season, Jake's On The Lake is located 780 North Lake Boulevard in the Tahoe City Boatworks Mall. Featuring fresh seafood, steaks and creative cuisine, Jake's serves lakeside dinners nightly and lunches year-round on weekends and daily during summer months. Jake's offers discounted cafe menu and drink specials from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. nightly except Saturdays. Jake's landmark lounge shakes up every Friday and Saturday night with live music beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31 enjoy the piano compositions of Emily Tessmer.

For more fishing derby details, information and reservations please call
(530) 583-0188 or visit www.jakestahoe.com.