January 27, 2023 3:30 a.m.
The Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby is next week, with tickets still available to the Derby dinner and auction on Friday night, February 3rd.
The 31st annual series of events are designed to benefit fish restoration, enhancement and education projects in the Umpqua Basin.
The Derby dinner and auction begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. It usually draws around 700 people each year. Auction items will include a Willie Boat, guided fishing trips, four-wheeler, guns, day trips and many other items. Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase tickets call 672-0757 or go to: https://ufed.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2022UmpquaFisheryEnhancementDerby
Other events include:
*Student Day on Wednesday: High school students 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 careers in the natural resources field
*Kid’s Day on Thursday: 80 fifth-graders from Eastwood Elementary School in Roseburg head to Cooper Creek Reservoir near Sutherlin for a morning of fishing with professional guides, followed by a jet boat ride on the lake. Students are presented with a life jacket to take home, donated by North River Boats.
*Catch-and-release steelhead derby begins Friday: Approximately 40 teams with over 80 anglers in drift boats, enjoy 2 days of fishing on the North, South and Mainstem of the Umpqua River. It continues on Saturday.
Over the years, the Derby has contributed to more than $1.9 million towards fishery enhancement, watershed restoration, and outdoor education projects. All money raised stays in Douglas County and provides matching funds for several projects annually.
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is the presenting sponsor for the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby.
Event Chair Cam Lawler went in-depth regarding the event on Inside Douglas County Thursday on News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN. That interview is a KQEN Podcast at www.541radio.com.