Salmon derby to help raise money for S.T.E.P.

The 31st Annual Gardiner, Reedsport, Winchester Bay Salmon Derby will be held Labor Day weekend beginning August 31st through September 2nd. The event raises money for the Gardiner Reedsport Winchester Bay STEP Program.

STEP stands for salmon, trout enhancement program and is the Fall Chinook Salmon and Rainbow Trout Hatchery program. The hatchery is located on Hwy 101 between Gardiner and the Smith River Bridge, north of Reedsport. The program supports numerous activities including collecting brood stock spawning, hatching salmon and rainbow trout eggs, raising fry, fin clipping, keeping precise records, hatchery maintenance and habitat restoration.

The salmon derby will offer cash prizes including $500 for the largest salmon of the derby, $150 for the largest salmon each day and $100 for the smallest legal salmon of the derby. All cash prizes will be awarded during the closing ceremonies at 1:30 pm, Monday, September 2nd at the Blue Box Fish Company, Winchester Bay. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Derby tickets can be purchased for $20 individual or $50 boat (three or more anglers) at many locations including Ace Hardware (Reedsport), Snowy River Mercantile (Reedsport), Stockade Market (Winchester Bay), Salmon Harbor Tackle (Winchester Bay) or S.T.E.P. Members, at the GRWB STEP office at 1877 Winchester, Reedsport. Tickets can also be purchased on derby days at the East and West boat ramps in Winchester Bay, and the Rainbow Plaza.

For more information participants can call 541-662-5505, email us at grwbstep@gmail.com or visit www.umpquastephatchery.org.