Out & About: Idaho angler lands record walleye

OUTCATCH – Damon Rush of Pocatello caught the Idaho state record walleye Sept. 10 at Oakley Reservoir, the Idaho Fish and Game Department announced confirmed this week. 

The fish weighted 17 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 34.5 inches long and 21.875 inches in girth.

The fish reportedly hit a Rapala fished on 14-pound test line in the reservoir southeast of Twin Falls. In outweighed the previous record – also caught in Oakley – by 2 ounces.

Conservationist discusses Idaho forest plan revision

OUTPLAN – As the Idaho Panhandle National Forests gear up to revise their forest management plans for the next 15-20 years, conservationists are sizing up the potential impacts on recreation and wilderness.

Brad Smith of the Idaho Conservation League will be in Spokane this week for a presentation about the Panhandle plan revision and possible impacts on the Selkirk Mountains.

The program is set for Monday, 7 p.m., at Mountain Gear’s corporate headquarters, 6021 E. Mansfield.

Chimney Rock, Harrison Peak, the Lion’s Head, Long Canyon and the Idaho side of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness are among recreation sites included in the planning area.

Silver Bow offers steelheading clinic

OUTCAST – Learn fly-fishing tactics and techniques for catching steelhead on our region’s steelhead waters in the annual two-hour clinic offered by Silver Bow Fly Shop, 210 E Indiana in Spokane Valley.

When: Monday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Instructor: Sean Visintainer, shop owner.

Cost: $20. Prepay to register and reserve spot.

Contact: (509) 924-9998.

Idaho pike anglers set October derbies

OUTFISH – Two tournaments in October will close the eight-contest 2011 schedule for The North Idaho Pike Association.

The group will hold its 10th annual tourney at Hayden Lake on Oct 1-2 based out of Honeysuckle Boat Launch.

Their season is set to close with the Fall Classic, Oct. 29, at the south end of Lake Coeur d’Alene based from Rocky Point launch.

Last weekend, the group competed at Noxon Reservoir.

Info: northidahopikeassn.com/

Backpacking Washington

author to speak at REI

OUTHIKE – Craig Romano, author of Washington Backpacking (Mountaineers Books) and several other hiking guidebooks, will present a free slide program on overnight and multiday backpacking routes across the state on Thursday, 7 p.m., at REI, 1125 N. Monroe.

Meet local paddlers at feast and films night

OUTGROUP – Get a flavor for the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club as members gather for the annual potluck, awards and gear swap plus a film fest of videos from recent club trips.

The free event (bring a potluck dish) is Friday, 6:30 p.m. at the Corbin Community Center, 827 W. Cleveland.

Info: Ken Stallman, 991-8494, goldcreekbuilding

@comcast.net.