|
August 29, 2012
CHARLESTON, Ore. – The angler catching the largest fish of the weekend wins $500 during the 13th Annual Coos Basin Salmon Derby held Sept. 8-9 in Coos Bay from the Empire Boat Ramp to the head of tidewater. The derby begins at 5 a.m. Saturday and ends at 3 p.m. Sunday. The awards ceremony is 4 p.m. at the Mill Casino in North Bend.
A Salmon Derby Kick-off Barbeque and Silent Auction is planned for Friday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. at the North Bend Community Center. This event is free to derby ticket holders and $5 for all others. Weekend derby tickets are $20 and can be purchased at marinas and tackle shops in the Bay area.
The derby is held the same weekend as the Coquille Indian Tribal Salmon Celebration at the Mill Casino in North Bend. At the celebration, there is a salmon derby check station and displays and information about salmon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife aquarium will have adult fall chinook caught out of Coos Bay.
Proceeds from the derby support operation and maintenance at many Salmon Trout Enhancement Program facilities in Coos County. These facilities raise hatchery fish for anglers. The Coos Basin fall chinook hatchery program is the largest in Oregon outside of the Columbia River.
The derby is sponsored by ODFW, South Coast Anglers STEP, and Eel/Tenmile STEP Association. Title sponsors are Douglas Timber Operators, Roseburg Forest Products, and the Coquille Indian Tribe. |
