January 4, 2022 10:40 a.m.
The 31st Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby is set for February 1st through the 4th.
It is a series of events that benefits fish restoration, enhancement and education projects in the Umpqua Basin. The schedule of events includes:
*Wednesday February 1st is Student Day. Local high school students will spend a day in the Rock Creek watershed learning about stream habitat and restoration projects, fish species and life histories, forestry and forest management, law enforcement and career opportunities in the natural resources field.
*Thursday February 2nd is Kid’s Day. At 10:00 a.m. 80 fifth-grade students from Eastwood Elementary School in Roseburg head to Cooper Creek Reservoir for a morning of fishing with the Derby’s professional fishing guides followed by a jet boat ride on the lake. Students are presented with a life jacket donated by North River Boats to take home. Participants are recognized for their outdoor learning program and their fish-rearing facility on Deer Creek at the school, which enhances the steelhead fishery in the Umpqua basin.
*Friday February 3rd the popular catch-and-release steelhead derby begins with approximately 40 teams with over 80 anglers in drift boats, enjoying two days fishing the North, South and Mainstem of the Umpqua River, trying hook the most fish in the catch-and-release tournament.
*Friday evening February 3rd, the Derby dinner and auction takes place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It draws about 700 people every year. Auction items include a Willie Boat, guided fishing trips, four-wheeler guns, day trips, and many other items. Funds raised go towards projects benefiting the Umpqua Basin. Tickets are $75 per person.
A release said the Derby has contributed more than $1.9 million towards fishery enhancement, watershed restoration and outdoor education projects in the 30 years of the event. All money raised from the event stays in Douglas County and provides matching funds for several projects annually.
The Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians is the presenting sponsor for this year’s Fishery Enhancement Derby.
For more information or to purchase dinner and auction tickets, call 672-0757.