Salmon derby again scheduled for Labor Day weekend

The annual Gardiner-Reedsport-Winchester Bay STEP salmon derby and fundraiser is again scheduled for Labor Day Weekend.

This is the 31st year the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program has held the popular event, which awards numerous cash prizes.

This year’s event is Aug. 31-Sept. 2. It runs from first daylight to 6 p.m. on both Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1. On Labor Day, the hours are 6 a.m. to noon.

Tickets are $20 per angler or $50 per boat (three or more anglers).

Cash prizes include $500 for the largest salmon caught during the event, $150 for the largest salmon each day, $100 for the smallest legal salmon of the derby and $100 for the largest coho salmon of the derby.

All the prizes will be awarded at the closing ceremony, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, at the Blue Box Fish Company in Winchester Bay. Anglers do not need to be present at the awards ceremony to win their prizes.

Tickets can be purchased at Ace Hardware or Snowy River Mercantile in Reedsport and the Stockade Market or Salmon Harbor Tackle in Winchester Bay. Tickets also can be purchased from STEP members or at the STEP office at 1877 Winchester Ave. in Reedsport. During the derby, tickets also can be purchased at the East and West boat ramps in Winchester Bay and the Rainbow Plaza boat launch in Old Town Reedsport.

For more information, call 541-602-5505 or visit www.umpquastephatchery.org .