FISHING – Ferry County businesses are putting a punishing wildfire season behind them by repeating what may be the closest thing to a complete fishing tournament weekend:

The second annual Bass/Bands/BBQ & Brews! event is set for Sept. 25-27 at Curlew Lake based out of Black Beach Resort 8 miles north of Republic Washington.

"We've decided to go through with it because we've had to cancel everything else," said co-organizer Mary Masingale, noting that smoke and evacuations rocked the Republic area as wildfires ranged around the area in August. "The fires aren't too close to Curlew Lake and if the wind treats us right, it won't be too smokey.

"We're doing it no matter what."

New to the event this year is a half-marathon for participants who need a diversion from fishing and good music, and a thirst for the hand-crafted beer. That's the only event that might be cancelled should the smoke pile into the valley again.

Bass fishing in the Ferry County lake can range from good to shockingly good if a tiger musky attacks your lure.

Music from bands will be free. The local brew pub is involved and the resort is offering discounts on cabins and camping, Masingale said.

Entry fees are $100 bass teams of two anglers, $65 for the half marathon and $10 for the big fish contest.

These and other anglers also can compete for prizes in contests for tiger musky and pike minnow starting Saturday.

Kids will be encouraged to join the lake associations “perch purge” to reduce numbers of the illegally introduced species. A perch tournament is set for Sunday, Sept 27.

Info: (509) 263-1525.

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