Outdoor News: March 11, 2009

Chopper Derby 2009: Kutzkey & Ballin repeat history

Friends of Cal-Ore Fish sponsored two steelhead derbies last month, the Chopper Derby on the last week-end and the Willie Derby, a week before that. In the case of the Chopper Derby, history repeated itself by exactly 20 years.

Chopper Results: Cal-Ore 's Val Early sent out an email that summed it up: "In 1989, the team from Eugene, Ore., put together by Bob Ballin, won the derby sponsored by Friends of Cal-Ore Fish parent organization Cal-Ore Fish Enhancement, Inc. In 1989, Bob was paired with a youngster guide who was a third generation Kutzkey fishing guide. Albert and Bob may have aged slightly but their winning tradition continued in 2009. While both have a few other wins under their fishing belts they put it all together again this year. Reminiscing about the derbies they have won and friends they made during the annual events provided many derby alumni with great memories of traditions. "

Former 49er and four-time Super Bowl winner, Eric Wright, was in attendance with his dad, Carl. Eric was generous with his time and recruiting to raise money on behalf of the fish of the north coast. The weekend event raised $24,000 for grant distribution in the spring to projects such as the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery, Elk River Hatchery Chetco brood stock fish food, Chetco Gauging station, Murchison Family Scholarship Fund and education of students on fisheries projects and anatomy.

Derby notes; 15 teams competing, 4 fishermen, 2 guides; 38 fish caught and released!

Chetco: 29 fish; Smith-9 fish; Biggest Fish: 36" steelhead-Chetco River by angler Phil Petrie with guide Albert Kutzkey

Willie Results: The Willie Derby raised approximately $16,000 with 10 teams in attendance. Total Fish caught - 42; 30 on the Chetco; 12 on the Smith- 100% were released. The winning team was composed of Mike Coopman, Alan Grossman, Dave Grooms, Perry O'Laughlin, Mark Crumley, Mark Wakeman. Bob Schieberl with Guide Willie Plunkett and Wayne with guide Ken Cunningham took top angler awards. The biggest fish was 36 inches, caught on the Chetco on February 21 by angler Dave Grooms with Guide Mike Coopman.

Rogue and Umpqua Rivers were also producing some nice steelies for "Fish-On Jon" Geyer of Jon Geyer's Guide Service last week. "We have finally got some rain and the fishing has picked up a lot on the Rogue and South Umpqua. We've been averaging 4-6 fish a day, Geyer said. "Some days, side-drifting has been the best bet. On others, fishing a jig under a float has been very productive. Not a lot of really big fish lately, not like it was in January, but there are some big ones. There was a 20-pounder caught on the Rogue last week, too bad it wasn't me. I did get a 15 pounder on Thursday on the Rogue. The fishing will be great all the way through March on the Rogue and Umpqua." Geyer charges $300 for two on the Rogue and $350 for the Umpqua.

Muddy water and storms put a lid on fishing for much of the first week of March. One bright spot was Topaz Lake where according to the general store at least five fish in the 18-inch or better class were checked from around the lake by anglers night crawlers, Rapala's and PowerBait.

Birders...don't miss next AltaCal Audubon field trip!

The Sacramento River Preservation Trust passed out news last week about two AltaCal Audubon river-related events for birdwatchers. Unfortunately, the Trust's release about the first event, held Sunday, March 8 came in too late but the next outing is March 15. This is a half day trip (8:a.m. to 1 p.m.) sure to be fun and educational for novice and veteran birders alike. And it's a chance to see part of the new Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge's Pine Creek Unit and the Bidwell - Sacramento River State Park, Indian Fishery Day Use Area call Mike Fisher 530.624.4777 or email fisherml@pacbell.net for more info.