The Fishin' Magician: More triploids in Rufus Woods

If you recall the Trippin' with the Triploids Derby in Bridgeport this past spring was a huge success. Many anglers participated and the organizers did a great job taking care of everyone. They decided that the best use of the proceeds from the event be used to put more triploids back into Rufus Woods Reservoir. On Friday, Sept. 7 they did just that.

Derby organizers Dave and Nancine Lorz, Colville Hatchery Manager Jill Phillips, Tribal Fisheries Manager Ed Shallenbergrer and the owner and staff of Chief Joseph Fish Farms gathered at the lower net location and went to work. They tagged over 700 triploids weighing from 2 to 5 pounds and released them from the Chief Joseph Fish Farm, which is most downstream net pen on Rufus Woods. It was a hoot watching them wrestle with these big fish on the work table, quickly attach a tag and slid them into the reservoir.

Each tag has an inscription, too. It reads Trippin' with the Triploids 2012, just so anglers know that they helped put these fish in Rufus. Organizers are already working on next year's derby, which will be held on Mother's Day weekend.