Out & About: Curlew Lake Bass, Bands Brews event appeals to everyone

OUTCAST – 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.

“We’ve decided to go through with it because we’ve had to cancel everything else this summer,” said co-organizer Mary Masingale, noting that smoke and evacuations rocked the Republic area as wildfires began ranging around the Colville National Forest in August.

“The fires aren’t too close to Curlew Lake and if the wind treats us right, it won’t be too smoky.

“We’re doing it no matter what.”

New to the event this year is a half-marathon for participants who might for some reason need a diversion from fishing and good music, and a thirst for the handcrafted beer. The run is the only event that might be canceled should the smoke pile into the valley again, Masingale said.

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 for 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 Sept. 26.

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

Drought rules being lifted

OUTFISH – Drought-related fishing restrictions imposed in July will be lifted or changed on Wednesday for many Eastern Washington streams including the Spokane and Kettle rivers, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

The “hoot owl” restrictions that have prevented fishing on the Spokane, Methow and other rivers and streams from 2 p.m. to midnight will be lifted.

The fishing closure on the Kettle River and three other East Side streams also are being rescinded.

Details of the rule changes are being posted on the agency’s website.