Derby fishers far and wide to chase rainbow, mackinaw

Some folks have already winterized their boats and either taken them out of the water, or stowed them in covered slips, but not all.

September and October are recognized on Lake Pend Oreille as prime fishing conditions. Coming up Oct. 2-3 is Oktoberfish, a Lake Pend Oreille Southenders Derby. Now in its sixth year, this derby with 100 percent payout has become quite popular in Bayview. It’s not just Bayviewites, though; fishers come from many surrounding areas including many from Spokane.

Idaho Fish and Game is still paying a bounty on rainbow trout and mackinaw. Either of these are worth $15 if they are a minimum 12 inches. In addition, there is no catch limit. Just be careful about confusing bull trout, which are protected, and macs, which are very similar in appearance.

Here’s the way it works: Entry fee is $25 per person and you must hold a valid Idaho fishing license. The 100 percent payout is based on proceeds from entry fees and funds from the auction which will take place Oct. 1 at Rusty’s Buttonhook Restaurant at 6 p.m. The derby is being sponsored by the following Bayview businesses: Ralph’s Coffee House, The Floating Patio, Bayview Mercantile, Rusty’s Buttonhook Inn, Brad’s List and Tobler Marine.

Organizer Ralph Jones said donated items include fishing gear and other valuable stuff. A 50/50 raffle will take place with tickets available at the auction. Derby tickets are available now at Ralph’s Coffee House, or you can purchase them at the auction.

The division of prizes are as follows:

First place wins 50 percent for the largest rainbow trout. Second prize is worth 30 percent of proceeds and 20 percent for the third largest rainbow.

Mackinaw prize money is $350 for first and $150 for second in a two-day weight Mackinaw total. In addition, a $100 prize will be awarded for the first rainbow weighing in larger than last year’s winner which was 15 pounds, 7 ounces. There will be floating buoy prizes as well, with up to $50 values. Come on down without having dinner first, because a free German-theme feed will be available for ticket holders. T-shirts, hats and hoodies will be available for sale.

Last year, 102 entrants participated in the derby with some real nice fish caught. Oh, and of course many stories about the ones that got away.