Annual derby attracts 434 anglers
<p>Bob Willey, left, of Idaho, caught the largest fish, at 9.4 pounds. Other finishers in order, from left, include John Johansen of Libby, Paul Chubb, Steve Kalb of Troy, Judy Hill and Jody Friemel.</p>
Koocanusa Resort and Marina on Lake Koocanusa held its 10th Annual Trout and Salmon Derby recently, and with the water level 52 feet from full pool, much higher than last year, contestants came from five states and Canada.
“We had a great turnout of 434 contestants and 165 boats,” said owner Randie Burch. “This included 17 contestants younger than 14 who fished against everyone.”
The first kids fish was brought in by Lathe Moran of Idaho weighing in at 5.7 pounds. He stayed in the money for a few hours but was later, out of the running.
The winning fish of the Derby was caught north of the marina, weighing in at 9.4 pounds, by Bob Willey of Idaho.
Second place was won by John Johansen of Libby, weighing in at 9.3 pounds.
Third was Paul Chubb of Idaho weighing in at 9.2 pounds, and fourth was Steve Kalb of Troy — a winners in 2010 — weighing in at 8.8 pounds.
Judy Hill of Sandpoint, Idaho, was fifth weighing in at 7.11 pounds, and sixth was Jody Friemel of Spokane, Wash., weighing in at 7.9 pounds.
The kokanee class for the derby was good news for many of the fisherman, who commented many times about how much healthier and bigger they were than last year.
First place went to Jason Hardison Priest River, Idaho, with the combined weight of 20 kokanee at 5.4 pounds. Second place went to Jon Olson of Montana with his combined weight of 5.4 pounds. Third was Steve Croston of Idaho with 5.3 pounds combined weight of 20 kokanee.
“This was a great turn out. We want to thank everyone who donated the door prizes for the contestants,” Burch said.
“You made this a wonderful derby.”
and we all appreciate the consideration. The Mentorship Award went to Lathe Moran and his Grand Parents, Sandy and Ron Moran, of Clark Fork, ID. This award is given out each year by Steven and Gerorge Earle in memory of their dad George Sr. We would like to thank you to all the people and business that donated door prizes and really help make this Derby a success. Jim Jorgensen, Spokane State Fair , Car Quest, Lindsey Family, Mt Power Sports, King Fisher, Anhauser Bush, Flathead Beverage, Sears, Marshall Family, Thick and Thin Meats, Masuda Family, Nelli-O’s, Al Lansguard, Moore oil, Sportsman Ski Haus, Snappy’s Sports, WBC, Pepco, Napa, Fun Beverage, Northern Energy, George and Steve Earle, IRS of Spokane, Handyman To The Rescue, Tungsten Holdings, Dream Marine, Timberline Auto, NW Motor Sports, Young Guns Pizza, Ala Vista Meats, Smitty and Dahlia Smith, The Liquor Store, Nanny’s Cookies and Candies, Mc Gregor Lake Lodge. Thank you, times are tough but you really make a difference and we appreciate you