Salmon derby raises funds for STEP hatchery

GOLD BEACH, Ore. – The Second Annual Lower Rogue River Salmon Derby will raise funds for the Indian Creek Hatchery. The derby will be held in Gold Beach Sept. 6-10.

This blind bogie tournament includes daily “Big Fish” winners in addition to the top three major prizes presented at an awards ceremony at the old Mail Boat facility on Saturday, Sept. 10. Entrants can fish for up to five days, registering all salmon caught for the blind bogie drawing – all for an entry fee of just $25. First place nets $1,000 in cash and prizes.

“Great fall chinook and coho salmon fishing and gorgeous weather makes this tournament fun for the family,” says derby chairman Jim Carey. “A few years ago, this fall chinook run gave us the state record salmon at 71.5 pounds. And coho always give good reel action, fighting to stay out of the boat.”

Derby entry tickets are sold at Rogue Outdoor Store, Lex’s Landing, Jot’s Resort and the Gold Beach Visitor’s Center. For information on food, lodging and attractions, call 800-525-2334 or check www.goldbeach.org.

The derby is put on by the Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF), a Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) group that runs Indian Creek Hatchery. An ODFW program, STEP provides a way for volunteers to help restore native salmon, steelhead and trout. The CAF have been operating Indian Creek Hatchery since 1988. To volunteer at Indian Creek Hatchery, call the ODFW Gold Beach office at 541-247-7605.