As a rule I agree with you Reiber … derbies tend to bring out the worst in people.
But this one is so different; first it’s hatchery fish that are targeted and we all know they are there for harvesting. Second, as Rodney stated, at least 50% of the money goes right back into the Chilliwack River for steelhead (and as a byproduct, other salmonids) restoration projects.
For example, this past summer a major gravel restoration project was undertaken at the outlet of Chilliwack Lake, an area I and buck (the only 2 people who monitor these spawners …
) consider the most important spawning habitat for early run steelhead in the entire upper river. 20k for this project came from this derby.
Another site augmented with gravel, the Middle Creek bridge project, again paid in part from this derby, had several pairs of steelhead using it last spring.
Like Rodney, I will be buying my entry fee and I haven’t fished steelhead for 4 years.
I encourage all anglers who care for wild steelhead to get on board with this derby, even if you don’t fish for them. Your $20 will be well spent.