November 25, 2025 3:20 a.m.  

The 34th annual Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby – supporting restoration, enhancement, and education projects in the Umpqua Basin – will be held January 28th through 31st.

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is the Platinum Presenting Sponsor.

The event schedule will include:

*Wednesday, January 28th is Student Day. Local high school students take part in hands-on natural resource education in the Rock Creek watershed, exploring habitat preservation, forestry, fish species, law enforcement and career pathways.

*Thursday, January 29th is Kid’s Day. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., 75 fifth-grade students from Eastwood Elementary School in Roseburg will fish with professional guides at Cooper Creek Reservoir and enjoy a jet boat ride. Students receive a life jacket from North River Boats and a fishing pole provided by Rogue Credit Union.

*Friday & Saturday, January 30th and 31st is the Catch-and-Release Derby. Forty teams and forty-two guides fish the North, South, and mainstem Umpqua River in a two-day steelhead tournament showcasing local guides and sponsors.

*Friday January 30th is the Derby Dinner and Auction. It is held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 5:00 p.m. with over 700 attendees each year. Auction items will include a Willie Boat, guided trips, firearms, four-wheeler, African safari, Diamond Lake family package, golf packages and more. There will also be a raffle and a silent auction with dozens of items to bid on.

Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase them by contacting Tina Roy at 672-0757, or register online at: https://ufed.ejoinme.ord/2026

Since its founding, the derby has contributed $2.1 million to Umpqua Basin fishery enhancement, watershed restoration, and education projects. These are funds that stay in Douglas County and serve as key matching dollars for additional grants and improvements.