In brief: CdA Casino’s Last Catch Pike Tourney approaches
September into October has long been known as a great month to go fishing for northern pike in the Idaho Panhandle, and the season is getting an added attraction.
The debut of the Coeur d’Alene Casino’s Last Catch Pike Tourney is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, on Lake Coeur d’Alene and the chain lakes.
Boats will launch from Harrison in two waves:
•7 a.m., ending at 3 p.m.
•7:30 a.m., ending at 3:30 p.m.
Entry is $100 per two-angler (18 and older) team if purchased in advance through TicketsWest or $10 additional fee to sign up at launch site. Prize money will be paid out to 15 slots for the heaviest total of five fish plus a prize for largest fish of the day.
The event is sponsored by Cabela’s and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which would like to encourage more anglers to enjoy the fun of catching lunker pike while also harvesting a few more of the abundant non-native species.
Anglers must use artificial lures. No live bait is allowed. Fishing is allowed from land or boat with a two-pole limit.
Info: Tim Williams (208) 582-0701.
Rock climber tragically dies
A 28-year-old Everett man was killed Saturday after falling while rappelling off Liberty Bell Mountain west of Mazama, Washington.
Eric P. Anderson was climbing with his wife when one of his ropes came free and he fell between 50 and 60 feet, Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers said.
Rogers said authorities checked his equipment and nothing had failed.
“He had done something wrong rappelling,” the sheriff said. “He got to the end of the rope and he hadn’t tied it correctly, and he just dropped.”
Illia Dunes closed indefinitely
Illia Dunes on the Snake River was closed Sunday until further notice after about 1,800 visitors on Saturday left trash on the beach, broken bottles and beer cans in the water and human waste on the beach.
The crowd on The Dunes downstream from Lower Granite Dam caused “enormous damage,” according to a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“We had to shut down the Dunes; it’s a visitor-safety issue,” said Chris Lorz, park ranger at Lower Granite Lock and Dam. “Our first objective is to clear the area of dangerous broken glass and debris, and clean up the health risk caused by visitors not using the restrooms.”
The area was closed in late August 2012 when about 3,000 visitors left behind thousands of pounds of trash, broken glass, foam coolers and other litter on the beach and along 3 miles of road ditch.
“We do not have the resources to repeatedly clean up after thousands of party-goers who refuse to use the trash bins and bags,” said Darren Opp, park manager. ”
“The area is a habitat management unit being managed for recreation and wildlife purposes.” said Opp. “It truly is a unique land resource, and it’s unfortunate some visitors don’t fully appreciate that value.”
Ski trail volunteers needed
Spokane Nordic is recruiting volunteers for a Saturday work party at Mount Spokane State Park to prepare the cross-country ski trails for the upcoming winter ski season.
Following this weekend, the club will be working on the trails on Sept. 21, Oct. 11 and Oct. 26 Info: Brian Hawkins at brianthawkins@hotmail.com.
Update on gray wolves
Wayne Wakkinen, Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional wildlife manager, will give an update on gray wolves in North Idaho during the agency’s monthly Sportsmen’s Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at Lake City Senior Center, 1916 N. Lakewood Dr. Breakfast costs $7.50.