December 26, 2023 3:10 a.m.
The annual Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby will include a series of events that benefit fish restoration, enhancement and education projects in the Umpqua Basin.
It will take place January 31st through February 3rd. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is the Presenting Sponsor.
Events include:
*Wednesday, January 31st is Student Day. Local 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 career opportunities in natural resources
*Thursday, February 1st is Kid’s Day. Starting at around 10:00 a.m., 80 fifth grade students from Eastwood Elementary School 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. The event recognizes the students for their outdoor learning program and their fish-rearing facility on Deer Creek at Eastwood that enhances fisheries in the Umpqua basin.
*Friday and Saturday February 2nd and 3rd, the popular catch-and-release steelhead derby begins with approximately 40 teams of over 80 plus anglers and 40 guides in drift boats, enjoying two days fishing the North, South and mainstem Umpqua River, trying to hook the most fish at the catch-and-release tournament. The event showcases the many outstanding professional fishing guides and numerous community sponsors that make this event a success every year.
*Friday evening February 3rd is the derby dinner and auction at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. It begins at 5:00 p.m. and draws around 700 people every year. Auction items include: a Willie Boat, guided fishing trips, African hunting safari, four-wheeler, guns, day trips and many other items. All funds raised during the dinner and auction go to toward projects benefitting the Umpqua Basin.
Tickets are $75 per person. They can be purchased by calling 672-0757 or by going to: https://ufed.ejoinme.org/2024FishDerby
In the past 31 years, the event has contributed $2 million towards fishery enhancement, watershed restoration, and education projects. All money raised from the event stays in the county and provides matching funds for several projects annually.