Trout & Salmon Fish Derby May 20-21
Koocanusa Resort and Marina – Application Deadline May 17
May 17, 2006
Koocanusa Resort and Marina will be hosting their 4th Annual Trout & Salmon fishing Derby on Saturday & Sunday, May 20-21 on Lake Koocanusa. For anyone who is just hearing about this derby and wants to enter, be aware that the application deadline is Wednesday, May 17th. (See the end of this article for more on contact info.)
"We expect over 300 people this year," said owner Randy Burch. Last year there were 274 registered entrants in the derby with 101 boats cruising Lake Koocanusa for the big fish.
Burch reports that the fishing has been great so far this year with a lot of nice rainbows being brought in from the lake. "It’s going to take a pretty nice fish to win the derby this year," he said. "We’re seeing a lot of big, healthy rainbows come in this year, a lot in the 12-14 pound range."
The derby record is 12.2 pounds for rainbow. "This year it will take one in the 13-14 pound range to win," Burch said.
Fishermen must be licensed and follow all the rules according to the 2006 Montana State Fishing Guide for the western region. All trout must be 16 inches or longer in length to be entered in the derby. There are categories for Heaviest Single Weighing Trout (1st-6th places) and Heaviest Combined Weight of Salmon for the two days.
Check-in must be done in person all day on Friday or on Saturday morning at Koocanusa Resort and Marina. All contestants must check in. Fishermen can launch from any boat launch ramp that has access to Lake Koocanusa. Entry fee is $20 per contestant. The derby has a 100% payback.
Koocanusa Resort will be offering breakfast, lunch and dinner during the two-day derby. There will be a BBQ on Sunday. Meals cost extra, but will be very reasonably priced.
As for fishing conditions, Burch said the forecast is for great weather over the weekend. The reservoir water level is rising, so the edges are a bit muddy, but the middle is clear. "Black ants are hatching, bringing the fishing up near the top," he said. "They are catching a lot of big rainbows on the top 20 inches of water," he added.
For anyone who is reading this on Wednesday and wants to fax in their application, fax to 406-293-4754. For more information, call Koocanusa Marina at 406-293-7474. Visit them online at www.koocanusaresort.com. Click on the links below for the printable rules and application form.
Related Links:
Koocanusa Resort and Marina
Derby Rules & Regulations
Derby Application Form (Deadline May 17, 2006)
2005 Trout & Salmon Derby
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