An abundance of white fish in Lake Lenore has made for a successful fishing season within the community.

Lake Lenore Wildlife Federation member, Alan Schemenauer, says the number of whitefish caught out of Lake Lenore has grown significantly over the years. He says the amount of fish harvested at the first annual Fish Smoker event in 1988 was 3,146 and this year's total is 27,554. Schemenauer can't determine the exact reason for the gradual increase in the number of fish caught over the years but estimates it could be attributed to the water levels.

Many fishing enthusiasts and fans of fresh smoked fish came to the Lake Lenore Hall on Saturday for the Fish Smoker event hosted by the Lake Lenore Wildlife Federation. The whitefish collected this year had been filleted, seasoned and marinated to perfection by the Federation prior to the event, and was smoked in barrels early in the afternoon on Saturday.

The annual event attracts people from all over the area and is a huge social event. Guests are welcome to try the smoked fish, have some drinks and socialize all day and evening, says federation member, Ron Anderson.

The event's success isn't solely due to the number of fish, however. Michael Vedress from the Federation, says it's the community that makes it possible.

"Everybody pitches in. Without help, we wouldn't be able to put this on".

Along with the bountiful fish feast, the day's events included the Knights of Columbus Quad Raffle and a draw for $1000 courtesy of the Lake Lenore Lions.