Out & About: Group working to translate fishing rules into Russian

OUTDO – A group of anglers is trying to get Spokane River anglers speaking the same language on fishing restrictions to protect struggling native redband trout.

The group has worked with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department to translate important rules into Russian for signs to be posted on the river.

The issue is about fish conservation, but raising money for the signs is about art and wine.

The event, set for Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Arbor Crest, gives participants a chance to work on a painting alongside a professional artist. Participants keep their painting and everybody enjoys sipping wine and bidding on fly-fishing trips, casino packages and other items.

For years, concerns have simmered about illegal fishing among Eastern European-Russian immigrants, said Tyler Comeau, an Eastern Washington University student. Comeau has been working on the project with the Spokane Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Fish and Wildlife police confirm that language barriers often are cited in poaching activity on the river.

Cost: $45 or $10 for non-painting spectators (includes tasting fee).

Limited tickets available online only: tinyurl.com/TUart.

Grizzlies sighted In Stevens County

WILDLIFE – At least four different grizzly bears were documented last week in “the wedge” between the Kettle and Columbia rivers in Stevens County.

Washington Fish and Wildlife Department trail cameras said a sow and two cubs and another grizzly were seen in Unit 105.

Record pending for tiger trout

OUTSIZED – The 13.75-pound, state-record tiger trout caught in Spokane County’s Fish Lake on May 27, 2008, by local angler Evan Roda has met its match.

A 15.04-pounder caught in Roses Lake in Chelan County is being vetted as a new record.

Kirk Herrin of Manson landed the big brook trout/brown trout hybrid last month while fishing for bass.

The only tiger on the books, from anywhere, larger than Herrin’s fish is the IGFA all-tackle world record of 20 pounds, 13 ounces, caught in Lake Michigan 34 years ago.

Clinic teaches canoeing basics

OUTPADDLE – The annual Flatwater Canoeing Clinic by the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club is set for May 20 at Medical Lake.

The clinic, for solo and tandem canoeists, covers strokes, equipment, safety and rescue, hypothermia and much more.

Cost: $55 per person, plus club membership.

Sign up: Diane Adams, 448-9214, email dianecadams@asisna.com