Fishing News - 9/28/01
Excellent Fishing Expected for 6th Annual Salmon Derby
Tri-Cities Salmon Derby draws anglers from all over the NW
An event to remember
If you love to fish for salmon, want to enjoy some of the best salmon fishing on one of the most scenic rivers in the Pacific Northwest, and maybe feel a little lucky, head to Tri-Cities for the Knights of Columbus/Tri-Cities Prep 6th Annual Salmon Derby October 6-7, 2001.
This annual charity tournament, which attracted about 250 people last year, begins at 5 AM on October 6.
There is an excellent, record run of upriver bright fall chinook salmon expected this year. "One lucky angler could win a $25,000 boat, motor and trailer for catching a specially tagged fall chinook salmon" said tournament coordinator Don McBride.
The tournament also offers seven other prizes including a top prize of $1,000 cash for the biggest fish. Best of all, there’s another prize pool and a discounted entry fee for kids 12 and under so it’s an event for the whole family.
Fishing is open from McNary Dam to Priest Rapids Dam. The prime area for most anglers will be the Hanford Reach, a 45 mile stretch of free flowing river upstream from Richland, where tens of thousands of "upriver brights" are expected to return to spawn this year. This area was designated to be a National Monument last year.
Large numbers of fish are pouring over McNary Dam right now, and the fish are moving upstream quickly. "We expect to see a really good catch this year because the fish numbers are up and the timing for the derby is just about perfect", said McBride.
All proceeds from the derby go to Tri-Cities Prep, a new Catholic high school that opened in 1998 in Pasco, WA. Entries for the derby cost $25 for the two day event ($30 after October 4) and are available at sporting goods stores and boat marinas in the Tri-Cities and Desert Aire. Entry for kids 12 and under is only $10. Anglers can sign up until 8 AM October 6. Men, women, children of all ages welcome.
Even if you don't fish, you might just want to stop by one of the three official weigh-in sites on October 7 and see some of the largest, most magnificent salmon in the world. It will be a sight to behold a sight to remember.
Anglers can also click on the tournaments web site for an entry form and map http://www.rc.net/knights/kc3307/derby.htm. For information call Don McBride at (509) 943-0723.
